What is keeping commands from taking advantage of the Bar to Reenlistment?

2018-02-15T21:35:20-05:00

The Bar to Reenlistment is an excellent rehabilitative tool when used correctly. I see it as a useful way to separate those who are willing to put in the work from those who just hope to skate by until the next PCS. I am sure every one of us has encountered a Soldier that has gotten by doing less than the minimum for so long they don't even know what right looks like anymore. In my experience, I haven't had a single Commander willing to go through with a bar even in cases where it was required by regulation. Is it a familiarity issue, or just too much work?

Response by LTC Orlando Illi made Feb 15 at 2018 9:41 PM

2018-02-15T21:41:00-05:00

The Army has changed. I used the Bar to Reenlistment when I was a Company Commander. It either got someone's attention or it didn't. Their Choice - not mine.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2018 9:46 PM

2018-02-15T21:46:41-05:00

That's how I see it. I had conversations with commanders that revolved around them feeling responsible for the Soldier's future or family if they failed, and I don't get it. I take care of mine, and my Soldiers need to do the same.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2018 9:46 PM

2018-02-15T21:46:44-05:00

SSG Stockemer- it may be just where you are. I know in III Corps at Forts Hood and Carson that we used them routinely.

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Feb 15 at 2018 9:54 PM

2018-02-15T21:54:07-05:00

If you "haven't had a single Commander willing to go through with a bar", then it leads me to believe that you might be seeking a bar for Soldiers quite often. Maybe it's just a trick of language, but it just makes me think you are looking for ways to use a certain tool more than you are concentrating on mentoring your Soldiers so the tool is not needed.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2018 1:59 AM

2018-02-16T01:59:24-05:00

A BAR is no longer a rehabilitative action, it is a punitive action. The biggest issues I see when it comes to BARs is commanders are ignorant when it comes to what a bar actually is, and they have no idea how to process one. If your commander has an issue with the soldier and feel that they should no longer continue service, said commander should immediately contact the Career counselor of said battalion. A bar of continued service is a great way to weed out soldiers that are no longer fit for service.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Feb 16 at 2018 11:41 AM

2018-02-16T11:41:10-05:00

Like everything a Commander has a lot on their plate. Bar's are a resource drain on everyone involved. I would rather see it as a streamlined process. Commanders get tied down in so many things that commitment to using that tool becomes one of never ending paperwork.