Posted on Jan 21, 2025
How long should the Chapter process take for someone who tested positive on a urinalysis test?
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I know a USAR Soldier that tested positive for THC in the summer of 2022. The packet for separation was initiated at that time. The Soldier performed a medical and mental evaluation (I was his escort). However, the last time the SM in question heard any update, was that the packet was at BN level in 2023. No one, apparently, can provide an update. According to the SM, his Command Team keeps asking him the status instead of asking BN.
How long should this process take? Where in AR 135-178 can I find that process outline?
How long should this process take? Where in AR 135-178 can I find that process outline?
Posted 28 d ago
Responses: 8
You're not going to find an answer in the regulations other than they should be processed in a timely manner.
However, the USARC standard for processing involuntary separations, which don't include a separation board, is 145 from the date of notice to the Soldier* (270 days if a board is required).
I can understand missing that standard by weeks or even months if there are issues that would delay it, but as it's probably ~700 or so days beyond the standard, it's obvious that someone isn't doing what they are required to do.
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USARC Policy letter (Processing of Involuntary Separation Actions) - https://www.usar.army.mil/Portals/98/Documents/Publications/memos/Processing%20of%20Enlisted%20Involuntary%20Separations%20-%20Rescind%2020%20May%2008%20memo%20-%2020%20Jun%2017.pdf
However, the USARC standard for processing involuntary separations, which don't include a separation board, is 145 from the date of notice to the Soldier* (270 days if a board is required).
I can understand missing that standard by weeks or even months if there are issues that would delay it, but as it's probably ~700 or so days beyond the standard, it's obvious that someone isn't doing what they are required to do.
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USARC Policy letter (Processing of Involuntary Separation Actions) - https://www.usar.army.mil/Portals/98/Documents/Publications/memos/Processing%20of%20Enlisted%20Involuntary%20Separations%20-%20Rescind%2020%20May%2008%20memo%20-%2020%20Jun%2017.pdf
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MSG (Join to see)
thank you, Sir. I'll have to find the updated memo for that since LTG Luckey has long since retired.
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COL Randall C.
MSG (Join to see) - That's the latest one that is posted on the USARC website* under "U.S. Army Reserve Policy Memorandums". As LTG Harter hasn't rescinded that policy letter, it is still in effect (if he has, I couldn't find a rescission of it).
Specifically, the current policy is laid out in the 19 DEC 14 memorandum, "Army Reserve Troop Program Unit (TPU) Enlisted involuntary Separations Procedures" (part of the documents in the link above) which replaced the 20 MAY 08 policy, "Processing of Involuntary Separation Actions".
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* USAR/USARC Publications - https://www.usar.army.mil/Publications/
Specifically, the current policy is laid out in the 19 DEC 14 memorandum, "Army Reserve Troop Program Unit (TPU) Enlisted involuntary Separations Procedures" (part of the documents in the link above) which replaced the 20 MAY 08 policy, "Processing of Involuntary Separation Actions".
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* USAR/USARC Publications - https://www.usar.army.mil/Publications/
Official site of the U.S. Army Reserve, the federal military reserve forces of the United States.
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Do not forget to find out if the command has referred the Soldier to a Substance Abuse program. Is he/she has failed that program then it will be Ch 11. Otherwise it will be under Ch 12, Misconduct or Ch 15.
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LTC James McElreath
It can also be possible that the person being separated has friends in higher position than the one pushing for the separation.
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Whoops, I missed the part about USAR, so yes, AR 135-178, Ch 12 or Ch 15 will give you the answers you may be seeking. I apologize for the misdirection...
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