Should Military Implement 'Voluntary' Separation?
Drawdown
Transition
What is its your own peers, just curious of your thoughts then? Especially the ones you know.
Voluntary Separation Boards? Very interesting. I remember, as I am sure you do also MSG(P) Quick, back in the early to mid-90s when the Army basically opened up the flood gates to get people out. Early retirements, early outs, etc. If you wanted out, you could basically get out. The "powers that be" did not take into consideration rank, MOS, recruitment trends, STAR MOSs, etc. We lost a lot as an overall force at that time.
Fast forward to now. I think that the lesson was learned and this time, to me, seems to be a more phased and planned "drawdown" or "reduction in force." Big Army is tossing out an execution of a means of separation, looking at the amount that is cut, and is then tossing out the next execution. I believe that it is very phased and deliberate.
I am interested in how a Voluntary Separation Board would fit into Big Army's equation. While I think that it is a great idea to send home those who do not want to be here, it is important to maintain strength levels across the board with regards to MOS and ranks.
Wouldn't it be better to let the ones in MOSs with out-calls voluntarily separate, rather than potentially booting a Soldier that wants to stay (despite a minor blemish or two on their record.)
Although currently suspended, the Navy has used two programs in past years such as the Early Career Transition Program and the Early Enlisted Transition Program which allowed members with up to 24 months left on their enlistment to apply (and be reviewed by board) to either separate early or transition into a reserve unit for the remainder of their contract. The programs were so successful in helping the Navy wean down their numbers that they have since been suspended.
http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=72713
http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=70883
The only voluntary outs the Army is taking right now is people who are identified as being in the zone of consideration for QSP (up-or-out) separation for longevity without recent rank progression. This does save some money on boards and appeals. It cuts people who want to get out and who are considered for elimination already.
However, it keeps in everyone whom we plan to use. Low density MOS, mid-career leaders who will be the senior/strategic leaders of the next war, and everyone whom we paid good money to reenlist.
When you give people the option to get out at reduced benefits, you lose all the experienced people who can make money on the outside. All you're left with is people who either love it too much to quit or are just smart enough to realize that they need the Army more than the Army needs them.
hmmmmm, Ok, I think I could get onboard with the voluntary out if they have an outcall if they sign a DCCS and then we adjust their ETS to 6 months later in order to allow us to recruit/train someone to take their place.
Additionally, since they are not fulfilling their contract, I think they have to take some hit on benefits - we did invest considerable sums in their training.
I imagine that would be reasonable... take part of their GI bill, or maybe even a rank? If someone wants out, you never know what they'd be willing to give up to get out...
AR 635-200 Chapter 19, Section 4, Page 111-Voluntary Seperation
http://www.apd.army.mil/pdffiles/r635_200.pdf
I found this in Korea when I had a soldier who wanted out, almost by any means. Good kid, and I didn't want him to burn bridges that would burn for life. I did the leg work, but the C.o.C did not want to recognize his ability to use this chapter.
Latest ALARACT on the subject is ALARACT 340/2013
http://www.ncosupport.com/files/Early_Separation_Program.pdf
Gives a decent outline on who can absolutely be let out, but AR 635-200 is pretty clear about your options as well.
You have to love straight out the book regulations.
I can definitely see how that could happen, but one might argue that they're going to pay for it, regardless of how it's done.
There will be another conflict. It's not a matter of whether or not, just a matter of when and where. When it breaks out, we're going to be stuck hurriedly trying to bolster our numbers and prepare for war again.
In my (however limited) estimation, the US has been managing the strength of its forces like a drunk driver stays on the road - over-correcting back and forth - for decades. Would it be that difficult to find a level where we can meet mission requirements in war OR peace and maintain it?
Yes, we should initiate voluntary separation. I have spoken to many Soldiers, asked them about their expected futures in the Army and most of them just want to do their initial term. Some if not all when the find out what they are really doing would entertain the prospect of voluntary separation. At this time of budgetary constraint holding QMP/QSP boards for senior Soldiers is counter productive. If the goal is to drawdown the force to save money. The draw down should be geared towards first term to mid career Soldiers. The Army would benefit from weeding out Soldiers that they hadn't invested so much time and money in, we would be better prepared for the next war and not have to dish out all those bonuses to attract new Soldiers when or if we lost to many.
With all the turmoil going on around the world and all the troops that we have abroad presently, taking away people in leadership positions can and will not bring about the desired result. If the QMP board were geared at SHARP, GOMAR, DWI and other serious offenses then it would be understandable but most of the people that I have spoken to are having their careers put on hold for going on 6 months for minor offenses that could have been resolved in house. Let the Soldiers that want to get out get out and let those that who live to serve continue to do so.
I would be a bad idea. If anyone who wanted to separate could then the Army as a whole would suffer drastically.
MOS's would become under-strength at an alarming rate and the Army would lose valuable leaders and other technically proficient soldiers.
Cut off scores would plummet and EVERYBODY pick up. Now I'm sure a lot of these soldiers would truly deserve the promotion and excel as leaders. But not everyone would be truly ready to hit the ground running.
Let alone all the soldiers who will be selected for OCS, WOCS, Drill Sergeant etc.
It would be utter chaos. Think of the trees!!!!
Below are the links for the Milper and the Alaract messages that apply.
http://www.armyreenlistment.com/Messages/MILPER/Enlisted_Voluntary_Early_Separation_Program_14_002_20140102.pdf
http://www.ncosupport.com/files/Early_Separation_Program.pdf
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