Is it true that if you win the lottery the military has grounds to put you out?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 May 2015 12:26:42 -0400

Or does it have to be a certain amount?

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made May 7 at 2015 12:27 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Thu, 07 May 2015 12:27:57 -0400

I'd like to see that in writing LOL! If I won the lottery, I'd have grounds for putting myself out.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2015 12:30 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 May 2015 12:30:49 -0400

I think there would have to be some other grounds. They cannot put you out of the military for gaining wealth, unless you are using said gained wealth in shady ways.

Response by MAJ Bryan Zeski made May 7 at 2015 12:54 PM

MAJ Bryan Zeski — Thu, 07 May 2015 12:54:07 -0400

I think there is a way to request getting out. But if it was just for any amount, I'd be out buying scratch tickets today!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2015 12:56 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 May 2015 12:56:19 -0400

From what I remember it is either winning $150,000 or 250,000, they have a thing called a Once in a lifetime chapter, that will allow you to get out.

Response by SFC Joseph James made May 7 at 2015 12:59 PM

SFC Joseph James — Thu, 07 May 2015 12:59:04 -0400

Funny thing is I think every Soldier had said or thought this. I thought i would make some big speech to all those I didn't like on the way out "Forget you... Forget you... You're cool! I'm rich beoch!"

Response by SPC Nate Lamphier made May 7 at 2015 1:03 PM

SPC Nate Lamphier — Thu, 07 May 2015 13:03:38 -0400

I remember having this discussion when I was in with my 1SG and another platoon sergeant. We didn't know for sure if it existed but the biggest thing we could think of that would make us believe there would be some loophole would be the fact that one of the biggest ways to discipline someone is by an Article 15 and taking of their money. Obviously if someone won the Power Ball and had millions stacked upon millions in the bank.....the Army would lose that leverage.

Response by Capt Ron Sherlock made May 7 at 2015 1:06 PM

Capt Ron Sherlock — Thu, 07 May 2015 13:06:10 -0400

I've heard someone told me that. I don't know the specific rules or if it is true. Supposedly if you suddenly acquire great wealth, you don't have the financial incentive to do well/get promoted. If your in the military and there's a belief or potential you won't do your best, you are shown the door.

Response by MAJ Jim Steven made May 7 at 2015 1:43 PM

MAJ Jim Steven — Thu, 07 May 2015 13:43:31 -0400

If memory serves me correctly, I had this discussion with my superior about 10 years ago...
I think he said he had a soldier who did when a healthy amount, and the problem becomes that they have the means to buy their way out of certain problems...not so much bribery, but llike being able to buy their CIF issue.
I dont have any facts, and that convo was a long time ago....

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2015 2:23 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 May 2015 14:23:06 -0400

SSG Private RallyPoint Member Maybe this can give you a little more info, I tried finding any regulation but I didn't find anything related. http://www.stripes.com/blogs/the-rumor-doctor/the-rumor-doctor-1.104348/can-winning-the-lottery-get-you-out-of-the-service-1.111633

Can winning the lottery get you out of the service?

The Rumor Doctor looks into reports that troops who hit the jackpot also win a ticket out of their service commitment. Is there a "reduction in force" when you get too rich?

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2015 3:44 PM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 May 2015 15:44:15 -0400

That's my plan!! How'd you crack the code? :)

I have always said that I would stay in "IF" I won the lottery. However, I would have a car service and bespoke (but authorized) uniforms. :)

Response by Capt Richard I P. made May 7 at 2015 3:49 PM

Capt Richard I P. — Thu, 07 May 2015 15:49:05 -0400

I wouldn't worry too hard.

http://www.reviewjournal.com/business/money/20-things-more-likely-happen-you-winning-lottery

20 things more likely to happen to you than winning the lottery

It’s true: You’re far more likely to be struck by lightning in your lifetime than win the lottery. But let’s take lightning strikes off the table. Here are 20 things that will almost certainly happen to you before you win the lottery.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made May 7 at 2015 4:02 PM

SrA Edward Vong — Thu, 07 May 2015 16:02:19 -0400

From what some told me, you have the option to get out or finish your enlistment. I couldn't find the reference to that.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made May 7 at 2015 8:31 PM

Capt Mark Strobl — Thu, 07 May 2015 20:31:11 -0400

I've heard this as well. Similarly, I have never known anyone (military or civilian) to actually have won the lottery. If you're really concerned about this, all I can say is "Congratulations!"

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2015 9:59 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 May 2015 21:59:48 -0400

Technically anyone can be put out for the good of the service, but it's not likely if the SM is doing their job and keeping their military bearing.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2015 12:25 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 May 2015 00:25:09 -0400

It is a voluntary separation. The "Once in a Life Time" chapter is just that. If you have an opportunity such as a starring role in a movie, the military will let you go, it was part of a legal brief I received a while ago.

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made May 8 at 2015 8:29 AM

COL Vincent Stoneking — Fri, 08 May 2015 08:29:55 -0400

As several others have stated, it is decent grounds for the Soldier to request a voluntary separation. It is not, however, grounds for an involuntary separation.

Being an ass of having a broken "damn-o-meter" after winning, might be an entirely different matter. But that would be based off of conduct/performance, not just having a lot of money.

Response by Cadet CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2018 6:09 PM

Cadet CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 31 Mar 2018 18:09:42 -0400

Yes

Response by Cadet CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2018 6:10 PM

Cadet CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 31 Mar 2018 18:10:14 -0400

Yes

Response by Cadet CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2018 6:11 PM

Cadet CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 31 Mar 2018 18:11:06 -0400

Great