Reserves recruiting IRR troops?

SPC Sven Pacot — Mon, 13 Jan 2014 20:02:21 -0500

I am enrolled in the VA and already applied for my P&C. I am still awaiting to hear anything back from that. Anyways, back to the point; I ETSed due to lack of knowledge. I was told by one of my PA's colleagues, a fellow CPT, that I met all the medical requirements for a MEB. Despite this fact, they decided against pursuing that and told me I can only ETS with two months remaining on my contract. I had been out of touch with a SSG who medically retired from my unit with 20+ years of service in the Uniform. He has been my adviser and guide but even this issue stumps him.
So what exactly is the issue besides missed opportunity? Well, since I enlisted for three years on an initial enlistment contract I am stuck in the IRR program and a recipient of a Service Dog for my Combat PTSD. Since I obviously fail 75% of the IRR standards a Reserve recruiter is trying to get me to join his medical reserve unit with the promise to get me my Army MEB. Instead of for my Lumbar Disc Disease he is going for my PTSD. Is this something I can do or is this just a tactic in attempt to fill slots in case they are tasked to Iraq? Any and all help on this topic will be very much appreciated. I would love to receive my MEB but not dishonorably. If anyone knows how I can correct my mistake from AD I would love to hear those option(s) as well.
Thank you.

Response by SFC James Baber made Jan 13 at 2014 8:33 PM

SFC James Baber — Mon, 13 Jan 2014 20:33:21 -0500

1st question I would have is how are you going to pass the physical to go into the reserves, if you have already been rated by VA and issued a service dog for it, how are cleared to enlist in reserves.

2nd, if you are cleared to enlist, once you get to the unit, you could go to sick call and most likely would be issued a P3, which again would call into question the physical that got you into the reserve unit to begin with, it almost sounds like someone is trying to fudge and juggle the numbers (recruiter), if it was me, I would go to another recruiting station, don't tell them what you already know or have done and see what they say.

Good luck.

Response by SFC Stephen P. made Jan 13 at 2014 11:54 PM

SFC Stephen P. — Mon, 13 Jan 2014 23:54:15 -0500

We have done this from time to time, but it often annoys the gaining unit.

While the course of action is certainly possible, I try not to make a habit of promising things I can't deliver myself. In this case, your 'recruiter' (in all actuality a career counselor; slight difference) cannot initiate the MEB himself.

Obvious failure is irrelevant. Career counselors evaluate qualifications rather than determine them. I will not administer you an APFT; I take your last record test approved by your commander as gospel. I do not look at your VA rating, I look at your PULHES. I don't look up your criminal history, I check your SFPARS and PRSACT codes. If your service record says you meet the standards, it would be highly inappropriate for me to arbitrarily deny your request for transfer.

Since you ETSed, you will be eligible for a 24 month mobilization deferment upon assignment and possibly MSO reduction. In most cases, in conjunction with OPORD 09-128 (no stop-loss), this means you do not deploy unless you really want to.

I think you could theoretically get an MEB while in the IRR, but HRC (your command) has a propensity to neglect the control groups. TPU assignment is a much more practical option.

If you want to play with HRC, I'll be happy to give you some POCs.

I am quite biased, but I don't see anything dishonorable about it. It will be quite an imposition on the gaining command, so you may wish to consider what they are getting from you in return.