Can the military kick you out for having too much money?

2021-05-25T11:50:17-04:00

Saw this on a reddit and thought I would see what kind of answers/discussions we could get here on Rallypoint.

EDIT: Lets add a question
Would you stay in the Military if you came into a substantial amount of wealth or money?

Response by LTC Eugene Chu made May 25 at 2021 11:58 AM

2021-05-25T11:58:38-04:00

Military does not directly kick personnel out for having "too much money". If you become a lottery jackpot winner, you might be able to request early discharge (special circumstances, but not an absolute guarantee)

https://www.military.com/military-life/what-happens-when-military-member-hits-jackpot.html

What Happens When a Military Member Hits a Jackpot?

The prevailing wisdom says a military member has to leave the military when they win the lottery - but that's not necessarily true.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2021 1:26 PM

2021-05-25T13:26:07-04:00

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member - I currently make a very good living and there is zero financial benefit to being in the Guard. However, I serve because I really enjoy it. I would think if my financial situation was made even better, I would still continue to show up until they stopped letting me in the Armory... LOL. However, I will say without the military I may have never had the discipline to stay at it long enough to be where I am in life. I would hope most people serving are in the same boat.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2021 2:40 PM

2021-05-25T14:40:41-04:00

As far as the NG/USAR goes, those are the only ones actually able to do all the things being required without any pay.

Response by MSG Stan Hutchison made May 25 at 2021 2:41 PM

2021-05-25T14:41:14-04:00

Not sure of current Regs, but back in the mid-70's there was a Sp/5 from Oklahoma that worked for me. He inherited about $65 million in oil. He was out in less than a week. The Army called it a "windfall inheritance" discharge. Never did find out if he requested it or not.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2021 3:12 PM

2021-05-25T15:12:20-04:00

https://www.military.com/military-life/what-happens-when-military-member-hits-jackpot.html

I did find this link. It does bring up another question tho. Why would the military feel its in the best interest of the service and the service member to be separated because of these circumstances?

What Happens When a Military Member Hits a Jackpot?

The prevailing wisdom says a military member has to leave the military when they win the lottery - but that's not necessarily true.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made May 25 at 2021 4:40 PM

2021-05-25T16:40:12-04:00

No, urban legend. You can REQUEST a discharge on those grounds, but it's completely optional and they can always say no.

https://www.stripes.com/blogs-archive/the-rumor-doctor/the-rumor-doctor-1.104348/can-winning-the-lottery-get-you-out-of-the-service-1.111633

Response by SFC Kelly Fuerhoff made May 25 at 2021 5:44 PM

2021-05-25T17:44:48-04:00

If someone comes into a substantial amount of money, they can get out yes. But the military won't force them out.

Military. com has an article about it: https://www.military.com/military-life/what-happens-when-military-member-hits-jackpot.html

"No matter how one comes across a large sum of money, be it lottery winnings, inheritance or buried treasure, they can request a voluntary separation. In the Navy, this would be under "Separation by Reason of Best Interest of the Service." The Air Force has any number of provisions for leaving the service early; most of them include "the best interest of the Air Force." For the Army, it's a matter of "unusual situations" -- and, of course, the "best interests of the Army.""

Honestly I'd have to win the Mega Millions to get out. If I won $1 million, after taxes that's like $700,000. I'm not getting out with that. But at least I know I'd have enough to buy a house and be a bit comfortable when I did. My daughter has had lots of medical issues and, as a transplant recipient, always has to be on certain medication. So unless I'm hitting some big bucks I wouldn't get out.

However, if you have a security clearance and you come into money like that, you have to report it.

What Happens When a Military Member Hits a Jackpot?

The prevailing wisdom says a military member has to leave the military when they win the lottery - but that's not necessarily true.

Response by MSG Brent Voelker made May 25 at 2021 6:00 PM

2021-05-25T18:00:24-04:00

funny question short version, yes. but would have to be a lot millions. review separations reg aahhh 600-200 600-100 remembering. you become an authority risk. Specific regulation for those who win the lottery . Just like peeps with debt issues. those in gross wealth are security risks and will normally lose third clearance then be subject to separation / discharge. Been out far s bit so will would normally be reviewed every 5-10 years based on clearance OR should advise via 4187 if come into great wealth , inheritance , lottery etc...

Response by CPT Edward Baker made May 25 at 2021 9:20 PM

2021-05-25T21:20:03-04:00

I think it was back in 96 or 97. A newly arriving PFC to Fort Campbell spent $1, won $96 mil on lotto and was out in less than a week. I think the limit is around $6 mil. and they boot you out.

Response by MAJ Ron Peery made May 25 at 2021 10:27 PM

2021-05-25T22:27:37-04:00

I've had two millionaire soldiers work for me during my career. One won the lottery, and the other inherited his wealth. Both were very effective at their jobs. Throw them out? Hell, no. Now, if you got your wealth selling drugs or other such criminal nonsense, sure, you can be court-martialed and ultimately expelled from the service.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made May 26 at 2021 6:50 AM

2021-05-26T06:50:45-04:00

It depends. If your wealth is honestly obtained then it’s not a problem for the military. If your wealth is from an illegal source or used for illegal purposes t

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made May 26 at 2021 7:38 AM

2021-05-26T07:38:37-04:00

Not if you gained the money legally and you meet your financial obligations. The primary concerns during my active duty was supporting your dependents and not becoming an administrative burden by having creditors contacting your command. Failure to meet your financial obligations could be cited in your fitness reports and other records. You may be subject to questions when you apply for a clearance or an update of your background check to substantiate the source was legal.
Interestingly, when I was first commissioned, a bounced check was the kiss of death since it was considered an indication of a lack of responsibility in handling your personal affairs and conduct unbecoming an officer.
Personal wealth would not have impacted my decision to make a career of my service. I served with several persons with substantial assets, mostly from inheritance or wise investments, but they continued their military service due to love of country and Corps,

Response by MSG Brent Voelker made May 26 at 2021 9:17 AM

2021-05-26T09:17:54-04:00

Depends on your motives and where you are in your career.

If already in I would stay as long as possible but I have unusual circumstances for joining in the first place where i owe another family a life debt ( long story not important)

.BUT If I were to advise one of my soldiers or a family member here's what it would be ... Stay in as long as necessary to secure a benefit or ensure eligibility of a benefit to meet service requirements for:
- Veterans status (if no combat tours must be six CONSECUTIVE years)
- 6-10 year for a Severance package
- hit 18 years to attain sanctuary for retirement
- stay on long enough to acquire time service requirements to complete a military school that has civilian either training educational or other benefits for example:
- cyber stuff
- Medical training
- Computers (but you're well aware of)
- Intelligence
- Sergeants Major Academy (believe masters program now)
- Military police or firefighter training

You get the drift

dragging out your service for other leadership courses ranger special forces airborne air assault other crap like that that do not have civilian transfer ability is a waste of your time and taxpayer money.

hope meets your Intent of your question

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made May 26 at 2021 9:51 AM

2021-05-26T09:51:47-04:00

I would like to have this problem and find out.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made May 26 at 2021 7:52 PM

2021-05-26T19:52:32-04:00

We had a Warrant Officer hit the lottery. We never saw him again

Response by SMSgt Bob W. made May 27 at 2021 1:46 AM

2021-05-27T01:46:25-04:00

???? Why would you want to stay in the military if you are "financially well off"? Enjoy life.