I have a soldier who would like to leave the Reserves before his MSO is fulfilled. Does anyone have any ideas?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 12:28:36 -0500

He has a girlfriend that has severe depression that she takes medicine for. But he says that even with the medicine, if he's not there at least once a day, she will have excruciating migraines. I don't agree with him deciding to leave because of this. But I decided to watch out for my battle buddy and do some research and ask some questions anyways.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Mar 7 at 2018 12:35 PM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 12:35:04 -0500

SPC Private RallyPoint Member: Private First Class- I would think it would be highly unfair if your Soldier can't leave. I mean, for goodness sake, his girlfriend is depressed.

Response by SFC Stephen Atchley made Mar 7 at 2018 12:44 PM

SFC Stephen Atchley — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 12:44:40 -0500

If he wants out there are established channels he can pursue to that end. He may be discharged for compassionate reasons. Won't know unless he tries.

I do not think I would mention the migraines unless she sees him at least once per day. Makes him sound like a comfort animal...

Response by SPC David Willis made Mar 7 at 2018 12:44 PM

SPC David Willis — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 12:44:50 -0500

The army will almost never lift a finger for a girlfriend. Him being there may prevent migraines but there is a larger issue she needs to get fixed herself. Also rarely is leaving the military a good idea. Its a stable check and stable career, if they ever break up he will regret leaving because of her. Now if they ever get married it could be an entirely different conversation.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2018 1:32 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 13:32:21 -0500

The military isn't going to care about a significant other unless you're married to them, and even then it's a difficult reason to use. As far as the migraines go, she's going to get them whether he's there or not. There are triggers but there's not much in the way of cures or prevention. A presence isn't going to keep a migraine away.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Mar 7 at 2018 1:52 PM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 13:52:54 -0500

Very unlikely! There is no relation to him - is his girlfriend - and his obligation supersede his personal issues; at least for the time been. Another thing is that he’s in the reserves which the issue has minimal impact on his obligations; weekend a month and 2 weeks a year. Don’t get me wrong, I feel empathy for him but I ought to be realistic on the matter.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Mar 7 at 2018 2:16 PM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 14:16:15 -0500

This sounds stupid. I doubt that your friend is a doctor seeing as how you are a PFC; there is nothing special about his presence with his girlfriend. I would tell him that he should break up with his girlfriend instead of trying to weasel out of his service obligation. In regards to if there is something that he can do to get out of his service that won't screw him over in some way, shape, or form, the answer is no. The military is not going to just let him go because his girlfriend as some weird codependence going on. Give me a break.

Response by SP5 Peter Keane made Mar 7 at 2018 2:31 PM

SP5 Peter Keane — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 14:31:54 -0500

come on, 2 days a month. 2 weeks a year. He needs to find another girlfriend. sounds a little clingy to me.

Response by MAJ Bryan Zeski made Mar 7 at 2018 2:33 PM

MAJ Bryan Zeski — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 14:33:04 -0500

I'm not sure trying to get out of his obligation is a good idea. Perhaps he could find a good friend to stay with his wife while he's out for the weekends.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2018 3:45 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 15:45:23 -0500

When drowning, sometimes you have to leave them on a rock and swim for shore.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2018 7:36 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 19:36:29 -0500

Tell him suck it up buttercup.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Mar 7 at 2018 7:45 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 19:45:39 -0500

Sounds like someone looking for an off ramp, any off ramp