I'm facing separation due to failing my 2nd record APFT within a year. Can I take terminal leave or DO I have to sell them?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Jan 2016 00:32:14 -0500

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2016 12:44 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Jan 2016 00:44:00 -0500

You should have a choice of either or, but push that question to your S1 through your Chain

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2016 12:45 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Jan 2016 00:45:21 -0500

You should be allowed terminal leave, which is by far the batter choice in nearly every circumstance.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Jan 22 at 2016 4:18 AM

SGM Erik Marquez — Fri, 22 Jan 2016 04:18:22 -0500

Leave is always a request, and while it is normally approved.. nobody here can say for sure,, that is a question for your chain of command>
From the other side of the street..... you are still on the books for the unit even on terminal leave.. yes different category but still there.. Known loss, and all that... For reasons only you and the command know, you are being involuntarily separated … While you have stated the separation being used,,,, I would have to assume there is more to it… and that more will likely impact the approval of your leave request. If there is no “other side” of the story, I’d think your leave request will be approved.. but again, only your commander knows
Good luck, now go ask.

Response by CPT Mark Gonzalez made Jan 22 at 2016 7:59 AM

CPT Mark Gonzalez — Fri, 22 Jan 2016 07:59:04 -0500

Some generalities.
What do your orders say? Usually the date of your discharge will be about 30 days from when the packet comes back. However, sometimes that can be shortened. You normally get 10 business days to clear and the rest can be ordinary leave. They will not extend you though for the sole purpose of using more leave and you'll have to sell it in that case.
What type of discharge did you get and are you a pain? It is possible to have you gone in ten days with no leave based on how motivated your command team is and how well connected they are to personnel division. Or if you are low risk they can just let it ride for 30 days. You can always apply for leave though and you will need a leave form to get your orders.
If your discharge is for APFT you'll probably get some ordinary leave. If your discharge is for misconduct you can be down to five days to clear and shown the door. The commander will make the decision though regarding your leave.

Response by COL John Hudson made Jan 22 at 2016 10:25 AM

COL John Hudson — Fri, 22 Jan 2016 10:25:19 -0500

The best place to get an answer to that question is your local I.G. He/She will have ready access to all applicable regulations and can properly advise you on applicability and how to apply. They will also be subject matter experts on military separation, regardless of reason, if you wish to appeal an involuntary discharge. The final authority for any decision concerning that action rests at the Two-star level of your command. You have the right to appeal such separation action if you have not already done so. Not every "body" fits the nice, neat, parameters of the military's physical fitness program. There are exceptions to every rule. That Two-star has the authority to overrule separation "IF" the service member displays an acceptable military appearance, demonstrates satisfactory job performance, and desires to continue their service. I do not have the facts of your particular issue before me, so can't comment further, but if any doubt exists in your mind and you wish to stay in the military, then I strongly recommend you seek assistance from your local I.G. If you still face separation, at least your mind will be settled that you have utilized all applicable avenues available to you for resolution.

Response by SFC Pete Kain made Jan 22 at 2016 2:35 PM

SFC Pete Kain — Fri, 22 Jan 2016 14:35:30 -0500

Why did you fail? Inquiring minds and all that...

Response by SGM Earl Richburg made Jan 22 at 2016 2:49 PM

SGM Earl Richburg — Fri, 22 Jan 2016 14:49:20 -0500

Are you in your first term, under 8 year MSO? If so, I believe you will have to sell your leave and that depends what your separation orders say. Check with transition if you do not have your orders yet as the reg may have changed.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2016 3:35 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Jan 2016 15:35:16 -0500

I know this has absolutely nothing to do with your question regarding terminal leave but I have to ask:
What led up to this Chapter? It bothers me that you are being separated for something like this. SFC Peter Kain asked a similar question. Our job as NCO's is to mentor our Soldiers and make them successful. I am wondering where the break down occurred? Something in the system failed......

Response by MAJ Raúl Rovira made Jan 22 at 2016 4:43 PM

MAJ Raúl Rovira — Fri, 22 Jan 2016 16:43:34 -0500

It is financial beneficial to use your terminal leave as you receive BAH, COLA (if applicable), medical benefits and so on versus cashing in and paying taxes. In the end it is your decision. As many have mentioned, it has to go through the approval process. Be the subject matter expert of your own transition so no one give you BS. Good Luck.

Response by SSG(P) Claudett P Hillotero made Jan 23 at 2016 12:51 AM

SSG(P) Claudett P Hillotero — Sat, 23 Jan 2016 00:51:00 -0500

SPC Joshua Thurston, For future reference, If any one gives you any crazy answers that you don't understand. Please do me a favor and tell them roger. Then after go do your research. Please read up more on your rights and regulation's.

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Jan 23 at 2016 2:20 PM

SPC(P) Jay Heenan — Sat, 23 Jan 2016 14:20:26 -0500

Sounds like you have 80 days to bust your ass and pass your APFT. Get with your first line, he/she should be all over your ass making sure you are training to pass...if not, go to your leadership above him/her and request assistance. You show some initiative about wanting to pass and wanting to stay in, that would go a long way in showing your Commander that you really want to stay in. The ball is in your court, bust your ass, pass your APFT and all of this goes away.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 23 at 2016 6:26 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 23 Jan 2016 18:26:47 -0500

You need to worry about the type of discharge. Fight it tooth and nail if their is injustice at play.