How would you handle a Soldier (one automatically promoted to E-5) with a serious learning disability?

When Project 100,000 (also known as McNamara's 100,000) was promulgated in 1966 we had to deal with much the same situation. By late 1967 it became a problem in my unit. We focused on the mission of the unit not rehabilitating the EM. The days of the Army being the dumping ground for citizens with problems should be over.

At this point, after their self-admission, I HAVE to report what could turn into a future training incident or combat mission failure to my superiors for the member's immedite medical or mental assessment. Find out what's wrong and what are the limiting factors of their impairment... If all previous negative events are supported by a life-long, untreatable disability, then reassignment to a non-critical mission support role or return to civilian life might be warranted.

Sounds like this is an individual that should not be in the military. The military is one place even though it may sound discriminatory is not a place for someone with these problems. It would be for his own safety and the safety of others especially in a combat zone. In a combat zone you have to be alert and be able to move and react in a sec without hesitation. If you hesitate and lose your equipment you will endanger yourself along with others. This is not discriminatory but safety.

As a Ssgt in the corp i have a LD as i was growing up my DI tools me to work harder and don't give up now and in your rest of your life and today i live by what he said and im a better person for it

This soldier has decided to serve his country. if he's giving 100% and is trying, its a failure of leadership to cut sling load on him because he has a a disability. We have to balance that with whats in the best interest of the soldiers he has to work with and support. Are we holding the rest of the team back? Is he dangerous to the other soldiers? Can we spend a little more time with him and get beyond the social issues and have them become a productive member of the team? Sometimes military isn't for everyone, but its the leader's job to make due with the group of soldiers he (she's) assigned.

Have you counseled the SM on his failure to meet standards? If you have and there is a long history of the Soldier not meeting standards then the solution seems simple. Talk to your COC and once the Soldier pins E5 have him admin reduced back to E4. Show the Soldier the counseling statements to show him the history of not meeting standards. He may be a great guy and do fine as an E4 but if he has problems meeting basic standards then he does not need to be an NCO. You would not be doing anyone any favors by allowing him to advance in his career and get himself in a position where he gets into serious trouble or causes a major incident with a subordinate.

CW2 (Join to see) A little bit off topic, but nobody in the Army gets automatically promoted to SGT or SSG; Soldiers only get added to the promotion standing list without getting boarded if they meet certain criteria and get recommended by their CO; after that they still need to make points in their respective MOS.

Who the f-ck gets automatically promoted as an NCO?! How is that even possible???

Send that cat to Medical and get him evaluated. Under certain conditions, homeboy will get discharged. That being said, if the disability was never disclosed while initially enlisting, that's punishable under the UCMJ.

Have him go to the Education center, nearest Active duty base and speak to a counselor (reservist yes?) May have to wait for a drill weekend while he is "on orders". I admit, I do not know the buisness rules for a reservist using AD resources like the Ed center.
If he can get into the ed center and see a counselor, they may be able to suggest a plan. If AD resources are not an option.. look up local adult learning centers in the area... likley there will be one that offers adult education evaluation, and learning. As other's have already said.. the FIRST step is this SM wanting to improve his position,, your wants do not come into play yet.. THEN the issue has to be identified, before a plan to move forward can be conceived.

Lots to do before the first classroom assignment and homework session takes place.