During this time of probable drawdown, what are you doing for your troops that are at risk?

Maj Chris Nelson — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 12:08:25 -0500

There are LOTS of programs out there right now for branch specific drawdown. Air Force has many programs, I suspect Army, Navy, and Marine Corps has some programs also. Some programs are voluntary, others are not voluntary. What are you doing for your troops that are eligible for any of these programs? Are you doing career counseling? Discussions about what is available for employment or education if/when they leave the service? How are you addressing the stress that these members have during this time of uncertainty?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2014 12:24 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 12:24:45 -0500

Sir, I'll address this as a servicemember who may/may not fall under this category. The level of stress is pretty high when everything is uncertain. The Army does have a program (ACAP), that is required. It involves VA workshops, preseparation counseling, and preparation classes for transition. The issue comes with the workload for your current position balanced with the attempt to prepare for transition. Since we don't "know" if we'll be separated or not, so we don't have any orders or anything, our chain of command keeps us on the grind as if we're not separating. It sort of makes sense, but on the other hand, I would prefer not to be in reactive mode.