What bearing does being a sole survivor have in the Army today?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Feb 2014 08:20:09 -0500

I am a sole survivor. Only living relative in my family lineage with my name. My father was a Marine and passed away with me being the only son. I have been told this will get me thrown out of the Army. Is this true? To date, my commands have lied on paperwork to protect me from getting released. Do I really have anything to worry about as long as I voice that I WANT to stay in?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2014 8:25 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Feb 2014 08:25:16 -0500

I've never heard of any special bearing coming with being a sole survivor, but this is interesting. I look forward to the info and postings

Response by LT Jessica Kellogg made Feb 2 at 2014 8:30 AM

LT Jessica Kellogg — Sun, 02 Feb 2014 08:30:16 -0500

It's been a while since I looked into it, but my understanding is that they won't kick you out, but you can use sole survivor status to request early separation.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2014 8:54 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Feb 2014 08:54:15 -0500

SPC Sidener, I'm terribly sorry for your loss. However, I seriously doubt you have anything to worry about. I know this was a huge issue back in WWII but not so much now. Anyway, I have provided a link below with the DoD directive and from what I ascertained from this document, you have to apply for separation. They don't just kick you out. So have a look at it and if I'm completely wrong, hopefully someone will correct me.

http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/131515p.pdf

Response by SSG Oliver Mathews made Feb 2 at 2014 8:55 AM

SSG Oliver Mathews — Sun, 02 Feb 2014 08:55:34 -0500

If I remember rigt ....you can waive sole survivor... I know I signed something before my first deployment.... I think sole survivor was a bigger deal when entire communities where being decimated by the draft.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Feb 2 at 2014 10:18 AM

LTC Jason Mackay — Sun, 02 Feb 2014 10:18:32 -0500

Strongly recommend you go to legal assistance and figure this out. I do not know if this MILPER Message is still in effect but it has all the references you would need. http://www.armyg1.army.mil/MilitaryPersonnel/Hyperlinks/Adobe%20Files/MILPER%2005%20154.pdf<div><br></div><div class="pta-link-card"><div class="pta-link-card-content"><div class="pta-link-card-title"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.armyg1.army.mil/MilitaryPersonnel/Hyperlinks/Adobe Files/MILPER 05 154.pdf"></a></div><div class="pta-link-card-description">I¿þúq|M=6=bê]}a÷>Î{Wó¹IÍ×=Ý4LÓôi¾$¹Òügieòß¿ðß}
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