Posted on May 14, 2021
Is the reason for denial of my early separation for education packet (no replacement) justified? Is there anything I can do at this point?
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I would just like some opinion on my situation. I had turn my early separation packet for education in December 2020. My command teams has been tracking this since I’ve spoken to them in November. My command team as well as my PSG were very supporting. Since then I’ve corrected the mistakes needed for my packet and continued SFL-TAP. My ETS is 02Jan2022. I’m packet would have put my new ETS at oct 10 and with my terminal aug 10 which I would have made it just in time for school. Just yesterday I got news that my packet was denied for manning. They couldn’t find a solider to replace me. Since my packet has been “ turned in “ we have gotten new soldiers that were then taken to another battalion. We have another solider that my company was willing to release to garrison. My packet never left my 1SG desk and i would like to know if there’s is anything I can for this point ?
Posted >1 y ago
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SPC (Join to see) You are asking for something "extra." Your Command needs no more reason than "I don't feel like it." This is not a right, entitlement, or guarantee in any way. You are not being DENIED anything. You simply aren't being GRANTED what you want.
Does it suck? Sure. Is it "right?" Possibly not. Is it wrong for you to feel pissed off or shafted? Nope. But did you ACTUALLY get screwed over? Not really. You are simply being required to fulfill the commitment of your contract - which you willingly signed.
Probably not the answer you wanted to hear, I know, but it is the truth.
Now, all of that being said, you can STILL do things to set yourself up for success. As SFC Stephen H. has said, you can still go to college, just one semester later. Start working now to ensure a successful transition.
***SFL-TAP has a lot of resources to get you set up for a successful college career. Enroll in every single relevant course you can (and your mission allows - remember, you are STILL a Soldier and STILL have a committment to your unit and the Army).
***Check your Joint Service Transcript NOW to make sure it is accurate, and that everything you have done is on there. This includes things like duty positions - you would be surprised what colleges will give you credit for - it ain't just schools.
*** See if there are any Army schools that fill an educational niche that your unit would be willing to send you to.
***Research colleges!!! One of the biggest mistakes I see Soldiers make when they get out and go to college is not taking the time to figure out which college to go to.
********What is their tuition Policy? Will it be "in-state" tuition? If no, do they have a yellow ribbon program? Does it cover the difference? How much will your out of pocket expenses be?
********What is their housing policy? Are all first-year students required to live in dorms, even non-traditional students? Do you WANT to live in the dorms?
********How many credits *will* they give you? More importantly, how many of those credits will apply toward a degree? How many credits are you going to need to get to the degree?
********What is the reputation of the school? Are they accredited (if not, you probably won't be able to use GI Bill)? What is their reputation in the field you are going into? (i.e. Harvard law degree is more valuable than a Upper Northeast Cincinatti College law degree.)
********Extra-curriculars: What do they have, and what do you want? Are you interested in Greek Life? Intramural sports? Are you enough of an athlete to pursue intercollegiate sports? What about reading clubs, knitting circles, sci-fi fan clubs, etc.? The "college experience" is about more than just classes.
***Research your living arrangement. What is the cost of living where you intend to go? How will you supplement GI Bill to meet your day-to-day needs?
Just a few things, off the top of my head. But if you start NOW, you may find that those extra few months may be a hidden blessing to ensure you move into your academic life prepared to not only succeed, but to THRIVE.
Does it suck? Sure. Is it "right?" Possibly not. Is it wrong for you to feel pissed off or shafted? Nope. But did you ACTUALLY get screwed over? Not really. You are simply being required to fulfill the commitment of your contract - which you willingly signed.
Probably not the answer you wanted to hear, I know, but it is the truth.
Now, all of that being said, you can STILL do things to set yourself up for success. As SFC Stephen H. has said, you can still go to college, just one semester later. Start working now to ensure a successful transition.
***SFL-TAP has a lot of resources to get you set up for a successful college career. Enroll in every single relevant course you can (and your mission allows - remember, you are STILL a Soldier and STILL have a committment to your unit and the Army).
***Check your Joint Service Transcript NOW to make sure it is accurate, and that everything you have done is on there. This includes things like duty positions - you would be surprised what colleges will give you credit for - it ain't just schools.
*** See if there are any Army schools that fill an educational niche that your unit would be willing to send you to.
***Research colleges!!! One of the biggest mistakes I see Soldiers make when they get out and go to college is not taking the time to figure out which college to go to.
********What is their tuition Policy? Will it be "in-state" tuition? If no, do they have a yellow ribbon program? Does it cover the difference? How much will your out of pocket expenses be?
********What is their housing policy? Are all first-year students required to live in dorms, even non-traditional students? Do you WANT to live in the dorms?
********How many credits *will* they give you? More importantly, how many of those credits will apply toward a degree? How many credits are you going to need to get to the degree?
********What is the reputation of the school? Are they accredited (if not, you probably won't be able to use GI Bill)? What is their reputation in the field you are going into? (i.e. Harvard law degree is more valuable than a Upper Northeast Cincinatti College law degree.)
********Extra-curriculars: What do they have, and what do you want? Are you interested in Greek Life? Intramural sports? Are you enough of an athlete to pursue intercollegiate sports? What about reading clubs, knitting circles, sci-fi fan clubs, etc.? The "college experience" is about more than just classes.
***Research your living arrangement. What is the cost of living where you intend to go? How will you supplement GI Bill to meet your day-to-day needs?
Just a few things, off the top of my head. But if you start NOW, you may find that those extra few months may be a hidden blessing to ensure you move into your academic life prepared to not only succeed, but to THRIVE.
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AR 635-200 requires that:
1. You are not considered mission essential as determined by the Commander
2. Your class start date is within 90 days of your ETS.
Unless you can change those two factors you are not eligible to to request early separation for education
1. You are not considered mission essential as determined by the Commander
2. Your class start date is within 90 days of your ETS.
Unless you can change those two factors you are not eligible to to request early separation for education
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You could run your question up the chain and your 1st Sgt most likely has an open door policy in place. If you want to push it that is your call but early out for education isn't a guarantee for anyone. Command leadership has the discretion to approve or deny. But Command also has discretion to approve/deny terminal leave. I would just plan on your original ETS instead of causing a dustup with the Chain of Command. With terminal leave there isn't a reason you wouldn't be able to start in the Spring Semester.
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