I decided to not reenlist in the military. So I submitted a separation package that was approved a month or two ago. I just found out yesterday that I have two PFA failures so now there’s a debate of whether or not I would fall into admin separation or not. But I already have orders to separate in 4 days!! Does anybody have any information on this? I won’t be allowed to re-do the PRT. I have orders to detach from my command for voluntary separation in 4 days. Can somebody let me know. Since I was already approved for voluntary separation; admin separation shouldn’t be on the table right? Or am I wrong? I need resources and links!! I’m trying to fight this!
You have a JAG whose exact job in life is to hold your hand through these kind of questions. Asking a random internet message board is not the best avenue for exploring these questions.
What does your actual regulation say? You have the ability to read your own regulations and review your own service’s MILPERSMAN documents. I’m not in the Navy, but the most recent document I found on the subject was MILPERSMAN 1910-170, dated 2013. Maybe you should start there. Have there been any subsequent changes to the regulation since 1910-170 was published?
As long as your discharge is characterized as “Honorable,” what difference does it really make? I get that it might be a point of pride for you, but the characterization of service on your DD214 is pretty much the ONLY thing that most employers care about.
What the hell is a separation packet? What service are you talking about? If you decide to reenlist, there shouldn’t be a “packet” to submit. The packet would be needed to reenlist, not the other way around. If you don’t renew your enlistment, your separation is automatic.
Essentially, yes. OP is almost out the door (as a voluntary separation), but has a history of failed physical fitness tests. OP believes they will be involuntarily separated for this failure, under conditions which are disadvantageous. (For example, Block 23 of the DD214 might specify an Admin Separation and a future employer might ask about it.)
It is difficult to interpret, because of the lack of clarity and detail in the post. We barely have enough information to guess which service OP is in, much less offer a solution to the problem.
Is the OP ETSing? For non-military types that means coming to the end of your enlistment. As Bear says when you hit that date and you haven’t reenlisted you are out. No packet needed. Now there are things you need to do to clear a post but that doesn’t have anything to do with the question here.
Is the OP attempting to voluntarily separate before his ETS date? It’s not easy but it is possible and there are various hoops to jump through.
If the OP is just done with his time I don’t see anyone bothering to change his status just for a PT test. If the OP is attempting to leave before he’s run out of town it’s possible. Or they could just throw a bar to reenlist on his record and give him a regular discharge. That would just make it difficult but not impossible to come back in if he changes his mind.
Honestly, it seems to me like it wouldn’t be worth the extra work to do the paperwork to downgrade his discharge at the last second, but some people can be remarkably petty.
Always good advice when military legal issues come up. Your taxpayer dollars pay those lawyers’ salaries, might as well get something for it.
That was pretty much my take. Based on my experience, the commander will always choose the path of least resistance when it comes to getting rid or a soldier. If OP is already on their way out the door, there is no reason to go through the extra work of seeking a less favorable discharge (especially if changing the type of discharge does not actually change the characterization of service).