Should Military Implement 'Voluntary' Separation?
What is its your own peers, just curious of your thoughts then? Especially the ones you know.
Voluntary Separation Boards? Very interesting. I remember, as I am sure you do also MSG(P) Quick, back in the early to mid-90s when the Army basically opened up the flood gates to get people out. Early retirements, early outs, etc. If you wanted out, you could basically get out. The "powers that be" did not take into consideration rank, MOS, recruitment trends, STAR MOSs, etc. We lost a lot as an overall force at that time.
Fast forward to now. I think that the lesson was learned and this time, to me, seems to be a more phased and planned "drawdown" or "reduction in force." Big Army is tossing out an execution of a means of separation, looking at the amount that is cut, and is then tossing out the next execution. I believe that it is very phased and deliberate.
I am interested in how a Voluntary Separation Board would fit into Big Army's equation. While I think that it is a great idea to send home those who do not want to be here, it is important to maintain strength levels across the board with regards to MOS and ranks.
Wouldn't it be better to let the ones in MOSs with out-calls voluntarily separate, rather than potentially booting a Soldier that wants to stay (despite a minor blemish or two on their record.)