Is it possible to get an early discharge if you make enough money outside the military?

2018-07-07T22:05:00-04:00

A young Sailor of mine just found out that his grandfather who recently passed away had put $100,000 in stocks/bonds such as Apple, Google, etc. more than 25 years ago. These are in the Sailor's name. The interest he is making is more than $200,000 annually. Oddly enough, he doesn't want to get out (or get kicked out) which is why he brought the concern to me in the first place. I directed him to the Command Master Chief. Has anyone heard of anything like this? Is there an income that you can make where you can voluntarily / involuntarily leave the service?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2018 10:40 PM

2018-07-07T22:40:40-04:00

Yes, at least in the Army, anyway. I’d guess the Navy has a similar regulation.

In the Army, it’s AR 635-200, c5-3. Secretarial plenary authority
“a. Separation under this paragraph is the prerogative of the Secretary of the Army. Secretarial plenary authority is exercised sparingly and seldom delegated. Ordinarily, it is used when no other provision of this regulation applies, and early separation is clearly in the best interest of the Army. Separations under this paragraph are effective only if approved in writing by the Secretary of the Army or the Secretary’s approved designee as announced in updated memorandums.”
Additionally:
“d. Separation under this paragraph may be voluntary or involuntary. When involuntary separation proceedings are initiated, the notification procedure (see chap 2, sec I) will be used; however, the provision for requesting an administrative board (see para 2–2d) is not applicable. Medical examinations are required for Soldiers being processed for involuntary separation. (See para 1–32a.)”

It continues, but that’s the gist. It’s the blanket chapter for the AR the covers chapters. A Commander is going to have a hard time ordering a millionaire to scrape seagull sh*t of the deck of the boat. Save everyone the headache, and if either the commander or sailor or both think it’s in the best to separate, they can request it and the Secretary can approve it.

Again, I’m sure the Navy has a similar regulation, but you’d have to dig it up. Best of luck

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2018 10:56 PM

2018-07-07T22:56:01-04:00

How many millionaires have served an we never even knew? Sons of Congressmen have served, etc. sometimes it is best to keep your personal business your own?

Response by CA Delete D. made Jul 8 at 2018 12:21 AM

2018-07-08T00:21:37-04:00

I think it would be characterized under MILPERSMAN 1910-164 (best interest of the service). The concern is morale (i.e. your guy begins flaunting or making ostenatiois displays of wealth) and accountability (e.g. your guy decides to take weekend flights out of the country and may not be within appropriate range of command for recall muster or may miss movement). If he wants to stay in, then it may just be routing a memo up the CoC, at which point I suspect they'd check out his evals and conduct personal interviews with him, you and ancillary personnel. I gather they will also want to determine how many know of his wealth....it could create personal safety and/or ethics issues.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jul 9 at 2018 9:32 AM

2018-07-09T09:32:08-04:00

NO,NO,NO not for money period. No if he inherited a business that was vital to the Govt, or elected to Congress, they might let him out. He could request separation, but the money isn't important to the Service.