Deploy or Get Out?

2018-10-02T21:52:15-04:00

I don't understand this new Deploy or Get Out policy for people who are non-deployable. I cannot deploy because of medical reasons. I also don't have the time or points to get a honorable discharge. Also my medical situation was obtained when I wasn't on active orders. SO what kind of discharge would I get being in the reserves?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 2 at 2018 10:23 PM

2018-10-02T22:23:04-04:00

You get medically separated because you're not physically capable of being in the Army. Your medical separation will be an honorable discharge.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 2 at 2018 10:27 PM

2018-10-02T22:27:19-04:00

Everyone who is considered medically non-deployable will eventually go through a medical evaluation board. Even if the review board finds you unfit for military service, and begins the process to discharge you, you will walk away with an Honorable (even as a Reservist).........unless you really screw the pooch. Now, as for your medical condition obtained while not on active orders....was it obtained while on Army Reserve time (Battle Training Assembly)? Or Annual Training? Or was it incurred while not on Army time at all?

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 2 at 2018 11:10 PM

2018-10-02T23:10:42-04:00

This new department-wide retention policy is based on the underlying premise that in order to build and maintain a ready, lethal force, all military members must be deployable," said Pentagon press secretary Dana White.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Oct 3 at 2018 12:10 AM

2018-10-03T00:10:48-04:00

It's fairly simple. The Army wants a force that no matter the MOS is capable of being deployed. It does not mean that everyone will be deployed, just that they can be. If a soldier has a medical condition say Diabetes that prevents them from deploying due to the constant need for injections, monitoring and pills then that soldier will get chaptered out. Others may be temporarily non-deployable ie with treatment and time they can re-integrate inside of a year.

If you go before a medical review board which all non-deployables will, then if you are deemed not fit and subject to be removed from service by chapter you will receive and honorable discharge providing you have not done anything UCMJ wise to alter that.

Response by CSM Danny S. made Oct 3 at 2018 2:23 AM

2018-10-03T02:23:21-04:00

I have seen this both ways. We had a SGT that had a medical condition that lead to him getting med boarded, and then with my last deployment we had a guy that didn't get his medical condition corrected so he could deploy. The last one is more common than you think and that is the reason for the policy. If the medical condition is a dis-qualifier then you should expect a med board and the outcome from that will drive your discharge.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Oct 3 at 2018 10:39 AM

2018-10-03T10:39:16-04:00

The deploy or go home policy has appeared several times over the years and this is just the most recent iteration of it. We exist solely to deploy and engage the enemies of the constitution and the republic, all the humanitarian work is icing on the cake and in the end provides valuable training in deploying and sustaining the force. Non-Deployable Soldiers are a drag on the unit because they count against your end strength and ability to operate 24 /7 as combat conditions frequently require. That isn't a statement on their value as people, friends or counterparts nor the value of their service but an unfortunate and true representation of fact.

So think of it this way your unit is only authorized X number of Soldiers; in that number you have low density MOS Troops like mechanics or admin folks. For Engineers mechanics are extremely important but 2 of your 5 track mechs are non deployable, you can't get 2 new ones because the 2 non-deployable folks are on your books, so now 3 have to do the load of 5 during 24 hour ops in a deployed environment. Not a good deal.

For the folks who are non-deployable and get discharged they; unless also non-deployable for adverse action get discharged under honorable conditions and keep many of the benefits available to honorably discharged veterans. If injured or disabled in the line of duty they are also eligible for consideration for VA benefits.

Look at these regs to get a better understanding: AR 600-20, At 600-8-2, They will list a group of supporting regs that will help also. You can google them and download PDF copies to read.

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Oct 6 at 2018 8:29 PM

2018-10-06T20:29:04-04:00

My sons been on profile for asthma since his Afghanastan rotation at least 3-4 years ago. I guess every FOB or every base camp in any war suffers from the shit then burn or whatever else they fire up. He said you can smell Afghanastan before you see it. So this week he's off profile, he's been to 10 docs doing different tests, different meds and they finally this week reversed the diagnosis. He's been fighting like crazy and volunteering for every deployment possible. He's AF Combat Weather he's an E6, and they're desperately short staffed, he's also doing Army support, first with the 10th Mountain, new he's attached to a Stryker Brigade. I was always afraid the budget cuts might be a problem, but he's thriving.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2018 1:07 PM

2018-10-07T13:07:49-04:00

Ok, couple of ‘what if’ questions on this policy: First, some assignments (namely school house and recruiting) are generally non-deploying assignments. Will the ‘non-deployables’ there be cut leading to a strain on manning and mission or will they be allowed to finish their tours prior to a pink slip? Second, for those over 18 years (i.e. sunset), will they be authorized to complete their 20 or will they be cut as well?