How would you manage situation with a subordinate who asks for a voluntary separation?

SPC Christopher Smith — Sat, 24 May 2014 18:11:09 -0400

Your subordinate approaches you, at any rank, states that they are tired of this lifestyle. They have located a position on the civilian private sector and they would like to volunteer separate. This subordinate does not have many issues outside of the norm, and as of late you have seen they are not motivated as they once were.

The SM request to be separated under AR 635-200 , 16-7- Early season due to reduction in force, strength limitations, or budgetary constraints.

What do you do as a leader to either help motivate this SM to stay in, or what do you attempt to do as a leader to help this SM separate?

Remember this is a scenario, remain professional and do not attack anyone for their leadership styles or methods.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2014 8:19 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 May 2014 08:19:44 -0400

Is seems to me that this SM has made up his mind to get out. As you mentioned they have researched their options and they are not motivated.

We are a volunteer Army and only those who want to be here deserve the privilege to be here. You shouldn't have to convince someone to stay in. The only ones who need to be convinced are the civilians who are expressing interest in signing up.

I'm not bashing this guy but if he really doesn't want to stay in, he should be given every opportunity to succeed in civilian life. i.e. VA, ACAP and other transition benefits

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2014 9:22 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 May 2014 09:22:15 -0400

My general course of action when anyone is looking to ETS is ask them to do a pro and con list of being military and of being a civilian. After they do that we compare the lists just to see if the grass is greener on the other side. If they still want to leave, I make sure they are counseled by their COC and retention and file the paperwork.

The military is not for everyone nor is it long term for everyone. As long as they have truly thought out what they are doing I'll support them. Even if I disagree with what they want and their reasoning it is still their career and their choice.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made May 29 at 2014 12:39 PM

MSG Wade Huffman — Thu, 29 May 2014 12:39:02 -0400

Two issues at play here, first of all 16-7 is not generally a soldier initiated separation, it's a departmentally initiated separation (although DA can and has opened 'windows' for voluntary separation under this provision). Secondly is a little thing known as a contract. I'm not sure I can support the idea of service members deciding they want to leave on their own terms prior to the end of their contractually obligated period.

Response by SPC Stephanie Oanes made Jan 4 at 2015 1:32 PM

SPC Stephanie Oanes — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 13:32:25 -0500

Now for sure does this SM have this position locked in if they were to separate? It could take awhile before the SM is finally out and as a leader you'd want to ensure this soldier still has this job lined up and ready when they're finally released from duty, otherwise the whole process was a waste and the SM is jobless.
I'd sit down with this person and ask them to write where they see themselves in 5, and 10 years and their goals along with pros and cons of leaving the service. If they are firm on leaving the military, I would help this SM prepare for the ACAP process and begin the process to start separation. I would support their decision on what's best for them and their family.