What is the quickest way to start the MEB process?

MSG Dan Castaneda — Fri, 08 Jun 2018 12:23:20 -0400

Is it quicker for a commander to request it, or for a service member to be on a permanent profile?

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2018 1:08 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Jun 2018 13:08:38 -0400

All MEBs start with a recommendation from your PCM. However, because you prefer to have an MEB does not mean that you actually need one. Honestly, this question sounds like something I'd overhear from a bunch of junior enlisted. I understand you're ready to retire, but I would have phrased the question differently.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jun 8 at 2018 1:55 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Fri, 08 Jun 2018 13:55:37 -0400

Without a PCMs support you will not get to an MEB. Frankly, Social Media platforms have eyes and ears. You may want to seek a different mechanism to find your solution if you haven’t already muddied the water, so to speak? Thank you for your service.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2018 2:02 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Jun 2018 14:02:27 -0400

I worked with the WTU and all MEB's were initiated by medical, not the soldier. I know in the reserves usually if you get profiled to like a P3 you automatically get sent to medical, but that does not mean they will get medically retired. I know once 1st SGT who got medically retired and wasn't looking to retire and another SFC who tried to get medically retired and they just processed him out.

Response by SFC Marc W. made Jun 8 at 2018 3:16 PM

SFC Marc W. — Fri, 08 Jun 2018 15:16:35 -0400

Two people can start an MEB, your primary care and your CO. Your CO can refer you to MEB on the grounds that you can no longer do your job. It's how I got one of my former soldiers on MEB.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 8 at 2018 3:20 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 08 Jun 2018 15:20:20 -0400

I think getting a permanent profile is the first step.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Jun 8 at 2018 3:55 PM

SSG Warren Swan — Fri, 08 Jun 2018 15:55:44 -0400

Non deployable P2, or aP3 period would get the ball rolling, but in IDES, your retirement is only temporary depending on circumstances. In the time it could take, you could end up giving Uncle Sam those years anyways. I've heard IDES has been streamlined since I went through it in 12 to make it shorter, but it's still averaging 12 months.

Response by MSgt Steve Sweeney made Jun 8 at 2018 6:43 PM

MSgt Steve Sweeney — Fri, 08 Jun 2018 18:43:02 -0400

Two more years.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Jun 8 at 2018 6:55 PM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Fri, 08 Jun 2018 18:55:11 -0400

From my understanding, you cannot ask for an MEB. If you happen to suffer from a condition or injury that requires an MEB, it is identified and the process started. I have never actually heard of someone requesting an MEB. I know that when I was medically retired, I was told about the process starting from my psychiatrist who had informed my CoC that I could no longer serve; I had no say in those events. That being said, I am definitely no expert in these matters. If you believe that you have an injury or condition that warrants an MEB at this time, I would advise speaking to your PCM or, if is is a BH deal, your BH provider. MEB can only be initiated by a medical provider.

Response by TSgt David Holman made Jun 8 at 2018 11:33 PM

TSgt David Holman — Fri, 08 Jun 2018 23:33:45 -0400

I can speak to the Air Force side, first your condition is reviewed by the DAWG (Deployment Availability Working Group) and then recommended for either monitoring or a board. If it is presented for a board, you go through the NARSUM (Narative Summary) process where your PCM writes about your condition, its effect, and the prognosis for improvement. Once that is completed, it is presented to a board to decide if the member is returned to full duty, returned with limitations, or processed for medical discharge/retirement. If it is a retirement/discharge, then there are additional processes to decide what level of retirement/amount of disability from the branch of service/vs. the VA. In all honesty, even with an MEB, you are looking at a year/year and a half just to get the push to retire, then there is the lag at the end. Your results, of course, may vary.

Response by MSgt Stephen Council made Jun 12 at 2018 2:23 PM

MSgt Stephen Council — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 14:23:04 -0400

MSG Dan Castaneda In my experience, nothing good ever comes out of the MEB process. I have seen young troops who were convinced they would be rich if they could just get boarded. Any check you do get ends up getting eaten by the tax bug and your bills. The board will always recommend the lowest category for the separation and the troop NEVER gets the settlement they made it look like they would...