Hardship Discharge for Unreasonable Traveling Distance for Pay Grade

2015-03-09T15:39:20-04:00

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2015 3:47 PM

2015-03-09T15:47:06-04:00

I am an a E-3 out of NC. I moved to Florida to go to school in January. I tried for a Interstate Transfer but was dined and put a packet together for a hardship discharge. I sent it up to my company commander while my unit was getting ready for a deployment. I did not hear if my commander signed it or not? I turned in all the gear I was issued by the unit back in and even handed in a copy of my lease. I addressed the issue to my Platoon Sargent and said that the acting commander would not sign on it because I haven't passed a pt test yet. The reason why I didn't get the transfer was because of Pt. I didn't think they would not grant a hardship discharge due to Pt. I need help figuring out how to go about this.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2015 4:08 PM

2015-03-09T16:08:50-04:00

Poor planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on your command's part... I'm sure you had plenty of time to get everything in motion before you moved to Florida. You could have figured out that you needed a AFPT and other paperwork.

Giving your unit a heads up about moving before the actual move is always a good idea so they will be more willing to work with you...

As a Marine Reservist in Kentucky I know Marines who have driven from as far as Alabama to come to drill every month. My CO use to come from Cali (I'm pretty sure her flights were paid for though). But I had a 1stSgt from Iowa make the trip and 2 Marines from Chicago and just past Chicago every month.

You should have taken into account your obligation to your unit before moving to Florida...

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Mar 9 at 2015 4:52 PM

2015-03-09T16:52:17-04:00

I believe you've gotten yourself in a legal quandary PFC Private RallyPoint Member, what did your contract specify?

Understand this, when a unit is about to deploy they will want to maintain accountability of not only their equipment but also of their Soldiers. I suggest you find a way to contact your Commander or 1SG, if you can't contact them then make your way back to your unit so you are not labeled as a an AWOL Soldier or even a deserter. I don't know of any unit where you can change your mind (as the unit is preparing to deploy) and just walk away from military service.