Posted on Oct 17, 2018
Do you know of someone actually removed from the military after they had won the lottery?
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I’ve heard that Uncle Sam asks you to leave the military if you win a multi-million dollar lottery. I can see why they would do that. But does anyone know of someone who was actually asked to leave because they won a big lottery? How does that work? How long does it take to move them out? (NOT that I won the lottery or even play it, but just wondering.)
Lottery
Enlisted
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Posted 7 y ago
Responses: 23
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You will not be forced out. The military will allow you to end your contract (unless you are essential personnel) and grant you an honorable discharge. There's no reason to force anyone out who wants to stay just because they are suddenly rich.
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Maj Kevin "Mac" McLaughlin
Could they use this? Sure but the AR is not written specifically to Lottery winners or those who come into money. The examples stated don't even go there. So again while it is conceivable a Commander could go that route, the reasons for it have other administrative avenues for the Military to take. If the individual does not want to follow orders because they don't care, UCMJ will tell them otherwise and it will require lower level authority than the Secretary of the given service.
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SGT Javier Silva
Maj Kevin "Mac" McLaughlin, I haven't seen it done in the Army but I did see it done in the Navy.
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SSG (Join to see)
Maj Kevin "Mac" McLaughlin yes, this is what would be used. Not so much for the lack of discipline part. More so that the SM becomes a liability. Liability of the threat of kidnapping. Liability of the lack prudent caution with military equipment. And a few other things, but those being the most egregious.
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1LT (Join to see)
why do people always assume these things without doing proper research? half of these comments do not even make sense. I know some rich people that join the military. it has nothing to do with you being rich or winning the lottery. The chances of winning the lottery is very slim.
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I had one soldier an E6 get released due to his father passing and him inheriting a very very large sum of money. Cant remember the process but have seen it done.
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SSG (Join to see)
We had a SGT who's wife'aunt left them a bunch of money and they were going to release him but being a reservist he asked to stay for the completion of the orders and they let him.
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SSG Lyle O'Rorke
SrA John Monette got released voluntarily due to the dramatic change in his financial situation.
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SSG Lyle O'Rorke
SrA John Monette it was several million. He had over 10 years in and only had a couple years on his contract. Requested the release because he was burned out with deployments and wanted to start a business
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Back in the mid 90'S, I was stationed at Camp Pendleton and a Marine I knew one a few million dollars. He was given a choice to finish his contract or be discharged. He decided to finish his contract and he ETS's out as a millionaire.
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Had a dude in one of my old units win big, was asked if he wanted to separate or not. Elected not to, was told if his performance changed, they would do the paperwork to see him out the door and it may not be an honorable. Dude retired years later from the AF. If you didnt know he was completely loaded, you would have never guessed it.
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My Mortuary Affairs NCO hit the NC lottery while deployed in Afghanistan. Gone in a week
https://www.stripes.com/blogs-archive/the-rumor-doctor/the-rumor-doctor-1.104348/can-winning-the-lottery-get-you-out-of-the-service-1.111633#.W8eZwNFMGhA
Based on what was discussed in the Stars and Stripes link, I think the Army would use AR635-200 Para 5-3.
https://www.stripes.com/blogs-archive/the-rumor-doctor/the-rumor-doctor-1.104348/can-winning-the-lottery-get-you-out-of-the-service-1.111633#.W8eZwNFMGhA
Based on what was discussed in the Stars and Stripes link, I think the Army would use AR635-200 Para 5-3.
Maybe the page was or deleted, or perhaps the address is mistyyped. No worries, we are here to help...Try one of the options below.
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My battle buddy in basic won $750K from the lottery shortly after we graduated. he voluntarily got out, wasn't forced out. Sorry bastard didn't even share any of it. I guess "buddy" is only half of the word.
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1LT (Join to see)
well I wouldn't share any money if I only won 750 thousand because than everyone would be expecting money. after buying a house and a car, he probably will have about 400 thousand left. he probably has just enough money to last him his lifetime.
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A WLD ? Won Lottery Discharge? Many years ago I used to dream about winning the lottery and dream about pushing buttons on those who always preached follow the regulation but did not know the regulation!
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SGM (Join to see)
In 22 years, I have never seen or heard that someone was forced out the Army for this reason. It is possible ...CH (MAJ) William Beaver
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Maj Robert Thornton
CH (MAJ) William Beaver I guess my question would be why would they force someone out. It's not illegal to be rich in the military.
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I've never heard of this, but then again, winning the lottery is so rare to begin with. I guess it's possible the Army could ask them to separate.
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