Posted on Oct 28, 2016
Under Secretary of the Army Patrick Murphy here - What questions do you have for me?
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*This Q&A has concluded*
Hello RallyPoint!
I'm really excited to be here and answer some of your questions. Whether you served 3 years or 30 years, veterans are leaders of character, for a lifetime of service. Veterans are civic assets and leaders in communities across America. I'm proud to be a Soldier for Life.
Mr. Patrick Murphy has served as the Under Secretary of the Army since January 2016, assuming duties as acting Secretary until May 2016. As an Army veteran, Mr. Murphy deployed twice - Tuzla, Bosnia in 2002 and Baghdad, Iraq in 2003-04. While serving as a JAG officer in Iraq with the 82nd Airborne Division, he led a Brigade Operational Law Team (BOLT) and earned a Bronze Star for his service. After leaving the Army he was the first Iraq War veteran elected to congress representing the Eighth Congressional District of Pennsylvania from 2007-2011.
The Under Secretary is excited to discuss his past experiences and his priorities for the Army:
- Promoting the Soldier for Life Program and helping our soldiers successfully transition
- Incorporating Better Business Practices and making the best use of tax dollars by ensuring the Army is run as a successful company in 2016
- Telling the Army Story and connecting with Americans through social media, public affairs and promoting the accomplishments of our soldiers
Note: The Under Secretary of the Army is unable to comment on politics or the upcoming election during this Q&A. Please be respectful of this requirement and keep all comments and responses on topic.
Hello RallyPoint!
I'm really excited to be here and answer some of your questions. Whether you served 3 years or 30 years, veterans are leaders of character, for a lifetime of service. Veterans are civic assets and leaders in communities across America. I'm proud to be a Soldier for Life.
Mr. Patrick Murphy has served as the Under Secretary of the Army since January 2016, assuming duties as acting Secretary until May 2016. As an Army veteran, Mr. Murphy deployed twice - Tuzla, Bosnia in 2002 and Baghdad, Iraq in 2003-04. While serving as a JAG officer in Iraq with the 82nd Airborne Division, he led a Brigade Operational Law Team (BOLT) and earned a Bronze Star for his service. After leaving the Army he was the first Iraq War veteran elected to congress representing the Eighth Congressional District of Pennsylvania from 2007-2011.
The Under Secretary is excited to discuss his past experiences and his priorities for the Army:
- Promoting the Soldier for Life Program and helping our soldiers successfully transition
- Incorporating Better Business Practices and making the best use of tax dollars by ensuring the Army is run as a successful company in 2016
- Telling the Army Story and connecting with Americans through social media, public affairs and promoting the accomplishments of our soldiers
Note: The Under Secretary of the Army is unable to comment on politics or the upcoming election during this Q&A. Please be respectful of this requirement and keep all comments and responses on topic.
Readiness
Transition
Q&A
Edited 9 y ago
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 89
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Thank you for hosting Twilight Tattoo last Wednesday! Our family had a great time!
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Hello again...I asked a question about my PDRMA pay and never got a response...What do I have to do to get through the "RED TAPE" at the Pentagon to get my money that has been owed to me since 2012? The response I got from the desk jockeys was disrespectful.
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Do you foresee the cost of the Retired Reserve Tricare going down or inkeeping with keeping your children on until age 26 without having to pay for a separate policy?
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Sir as a nationally accredited County Veterans Service Officer, Grey-area Army/USAR Retiree, please tell me what is being done to educate Reserve units on what is supposed to happen when a Reserve member is damaged/injured/operated on or otherwise messed up while in a duty status?
Most CVSO's know about the bad "personality/adjustment disorder" discharge and low disability rating special boards so we can easily assist veterans with these. What I am talking about are the cases where I have had to beg for assistance from some awesome folks at OCAR to keep a still recovering AGR from being transferred to the Retired Reserve when he clearly had over 7200 points and serious medical issues. Or when a Reservist with LOD injuries isn't even counseled on MEB, just told "you only have a few months left so just show up for drill and sit here until your contract ends".
I am ashamed that my military family is either so ignorant or so lazy that they can't do the right thing for their fellow service members!
P. Jane Babcock, CVSO
Kewaunee County, WI
SFC (Ret), US Army/Army Reserve
Most CVSO's know about the bad "personality/adjustment disorder" discharge and low disability rating special boards so we can easily assist veterans with these. What I am talking about are the cases where I have had to beg for assistance from some awesome folks at OCAR to keep a still recovering AGR from being transferred to the Retired Reserve when he clearly had over 7200 points and serious medical issues. Or when a Reservist with LOD injuries isn't even counseled on MEB, just told "you only have a few months left so just show up for drill and sit here until your contract ends".
I am ashamed that my military family is either so ignorant or so lazy that they can't do the right thing for their fellow service members!
P. Jane Babcock, CVSO
Kewaunee County, WI
SFC (Ret), US Army/Army Reserve
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Why doesn't the Reserves get a DD-214, when they military commitment is done? They're expected to fill in the ranks of active duty personal, keep up the same standards as their active duty counterparts, while training only 1 weekend a month & 2 weeks of the year?
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MAJ Michele Bretz
I agree, it would demonstrate the time in service issue as well and also correct anything that was not caught on active duty orders.
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Sir, in my current profession, I've seen issues with Title 10, 18 year lock in/ Sanctuary for active duty and I understand that the term Sanctuary at one time only applied to Reserve and National Guard. I believe that issues concerning separation through the Physical Disability Agency, (PDA), and there are potential disciplinary cases that aren't being forwarded to your office for consideration. Is this something I can speak to someone about for clarification and to have a review on several cases I've worked? The detriment I've found is that Service Members who are now Veterans weren't afforded the opportunity for consideration to complete 20 years after serving over 18.5 years when Title 10 stated their entitlement is automatic and they weren't considered for early retirement in cases of disability. The Temporary Early Retirement Authority, (TERA) seems to exclude Service Members separated in the PDA, but at that point, they are no longer being medically evaluated. Disability has been assigned at that point and evaluation has ended. I appreciate the opportunity to communicate with someone who can make a difference for the Service Members currently facing this situation and for those who are now Veterans with severance or Retirees with lower percentages than what they've earned with over 18.5 years of Service.
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What's the Army waiting,to get rid of the velcro on the soldiers uniform ?
How about changing the position of the officers ranks on the ABU,from the chest to the collar with branch insignias,like they used to be years back,and the enlisted with a two inches rank,on the sleves.This last item is a must,with today's Army, with so much equipment to carry
How about changing the position of the officers ranks on the ABU,from the chest to the collar with branch insignias,like they used to be years back,and the enlisted with a two inches rank,on the sleves.This last item is a must,with today's Army, with so much equipment to carry
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Captain Murphy, Welcome to the Rally Point Team, I will be straight forward as we do in the service,
What do you think of the outcome of the Middle East? I believe we should prepare for a defensive strategies and a warm diplomacy. Veteran Sergio
What do you think of the outcome of the Middle East? I believe we should prepare for a defensive strategies and a warm diplomacy. Veteran Sergio
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