Is anyone familiar with rehabilitative transfers? How do I determine if a soldier will qualify?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 30 Nov 2018 17:18:32 -0500

Is anyone familiar with rehabilitative transfers? I have a Soldier requesting one. I looked in AR 600-35 and this seems to only be referenced for initiating separations. I’m not sure this Soldier will qualify due to his poor performance here but he seems to believe that moving is the only way he can thrive. I just want more information so I can decide how to proceed. Thanks!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2018 5:25 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 30 Nov 2018 17:25:10 -0500

You might want to look for the root of the cause. Send the soldier to behavior health for a checkup. You cant just send a soldier away because you or they want to go. Also check with legal to see what can be done.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Dec 1 at 2018 12:41 AM

LTC Jason Mackay — Sat, 01 Dec 2018 00:41:53 -0500

CPT Private RallyPoint Member AR635-200 Para 1-16, a rehabilitative transfer for at least two months (waivable) should be employed before chaptering the soldier. The intent behind it was better explained in the now superseded FM 27-1 Legal Guide for Commanders:

"Rehabilitative transfer. When a soldier does not respond to counseling or has shown that he cannot get along with others in the unit, you should transfer him to another unit. Often a change of supervisors, associates, or living and working areas will solve the problem. If possible, the transfer should be between battalion-sized units with duty in both the gaining and losing units for at least two months. This does not preclude reassignment between brigade or larger units when local commanders consider it neces- sary. Only as a last resort will you recommend a permanent change of station."

635-200 only authorizes PCS rehab transfers in extreme circumstances based on merit and leaves this to the GCMCA.

The idea was that give junior the change of scenery and if he remains a poor performer after counseling and a fresh start, he can be off ramped. The implied task is that another unit needs to take your problem child. I remember this in the early 1990s as pretty common place. We transferred a few out and in return, took on someone else's rehab transfers. It was intentionally not advertised, new leaf and all. First Sergeant and the Commander knew. This was almost always First Sergeant business back then in concert with the CSM. Usually CSMs do this amongst Battalions, which is the regulatory intent of the rehab transfer.

Although this is a TDS product it has been screened legally. http://sill-http://www.army.mil/usag/jag/_docs/Chapter%2013%20-%20Unsatisfactory%20Performance.pdf

I guess the point here is whether your command team thinks a rehab transfer will help this soldier straighten out and soldier. If it doesn't, The gaining unit can separate him.

Chapter%252013%2520-%2520Unsatisfactory%2520Performance.pdf

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2018 11:56 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Dec 2018 11:56:46 -0500

It was more towards a discipline aspect. I don’t think he’s necessarily a bad Soldier which is why the regulation was confusing because it only mentioned this type of transfer in regards to chaptering a Soldier. You are probably right, he must know something if he brought it up in the first place.