Posted on Oct 1, 2020
SSG Optometry Ncoic
2.73K
14
9
2
2
0
Is there an early out options to join reserves? Is the employment 180 day early voluntary release still an option?
Posted in these groups: Reserves logo Reserves
Avatar feed
Responses: 4
CPT Staff Officer
2
2
0
Edited >1 y ago
Based on your motivations I suggest a simple TPU-TPU transfer. The grass isn't always greener, but the OPTEMP's can certainly be tamer. Just find a unit with a billet you can slot into that is more in line with your current life situation.

Not so un-similar, I was just getting run into the ground with my last assignment. That's a totally different conversation, but at the end of the day I was just looking for a unit close to home to transfer after my time in a position 400 miles away from home. Fast forward, even now in absence of CV-19 I would just be punching the battle assembly clock. Now, technically I can get to my IRR window by simply doing virtual battle assemblies for several months (not that I want IRR, but it's there).

What you are trying to do is get out of your situation, and easiest path to changing situations is a simple TPU-TPU transfer. If you have sufficient time in your current position a simple transfer is going to have the least resistance to deny you, and the strongest position to push back to IG if denied.

Now, the part of the game I can't help you with is finding said "ideal" unit, but here's how I'd start.
1) Look up the vacancies via https://www.milsuite.mil/book/docs/DOC-375787
2a) You are not going to know a unit's OPTEMO from the above link
3) If you can go onto FMSWEB knowing the unit UIC and you can look them up. You will want a UIC that is only in the TDA section and not in the MTOE section. That's a good place to start.
3a) You can also "read between the lines" the METL of the unit via FMSWEB. It might say in the narrative if a unit is non deployable, and will spell out if they have equipment on hand. In absence of those two things chances are they will have a very tame training schedule.
4) Ideally, you'd visit the unit in person during their BA. So your mileage may vary depending on the CV19 situation.

You can literally find yourself in a unit that does nothing more than the advertised 48 MUTAs and 14 days of AT.

The BEST PART is you'd still straight up be TPU, and as far as any "drama" is concerned with your future career decisions you would have always just been a run of the mill TPU status. You'd still probably be getting 70 or so points a year, and an annual NCOER.
(2)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SSG Steven Borders
2
2
0
No, your are other options you can do try though. Speak with your ARA at your unit. You can try to do a hardship release to IRR. I am not saying they will work or not work though. In my time as a MIL TECH I have had one hardship packet go through.
(2)
Comment
(0)
SSG Steven Borders
SSG Steven Borders
>1 y
LTC (Join to see) - Very true Sir. Guess it all depends on how badly the SM wants out.
(2)
Reply
(0)
SSG Optometry Ncoic
SSG (Join to see)
>1 y
SSG Steven Borders sir, i like the army, but i do not enjoy my job and my career path doesn't look enjoyable. When you stop enjoying what you do it's time to find something that i will enjoy, give a level of stability, and improve my morale. I plan to finish my 20 years in the reserves or national guard.
(1)
Reply
(0)
SFC Retention Operations Nco
SFC (Join to see)
>1 y
SSG (Join to see) Then just switch your job. The Army is the biggest meritocracy, if you’re a value adding asset to the organization there will always be opportunities for you. Whether it’s a different MOS, broadening assignment, or special assignment.

If you’re an E6 early in your career it’s easy to find something else to do. If you’re in the latter half and you’re thinking of going RC that is a big mistake for most people. You can make that 20 year mark but it’s going to be another 20 years till you can draw your retirement. Being ten years away from a solid pension is a lot to throw away. Sometimes you have to have that very adult conversation with yourself that not everyone loves their job all the time. But if another 5-10 years of work guarantees you a pension of several thousand plus any disability; you can use that as a stepping stone to a career that you will really enjoy. Yeah, it’s time to stop doing what you do and find something you enjoy, but don’t shoot your self in the foot trying to jump off the boat as fast as possible
(1)
Reply
(0)
SSG Optometry Ncoic
SSG (Join to see)
>1 y
SFC (Join to see) thanks for the input. I'm a sfc class and at 11. There is very little reclass options. I love my skill set for my mos, but in my position and career path are management of clinics and civilians. I do need a broadening assignment and want to teach my mos. However, long term considerations I don't see job satisfaction in my path. Money was never a factor in my decision processes and neither was that ever asked. I do understand the values of staying and i will have to weigh that ultimately with my own morale, mental health, and satisfaction. Thanks!
(0)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
MSG Intermediate Care Technician
2
2
0
I do not believe that is an option anymore.
(2)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small

Join nearly 2 million former and current members of the US military, just like you.

close