Retain or Release

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 26 Apr 2014 14:53:08 -0400

What are everyones opinion on soldiers who are non mission capable? Should we retain them in with the unit or release them for discharge?

I was doing a staff assistance visit to a unit that had about 200 soldiers in. Going over the roster with the admin nco, a few of the soldiers could not participate in battle drills or transportation because they are unable to wear a kevlar and a few others can not be around weapons. A unit that large with maybe about 10% of the soldiers NMC for that reason. What are everyone's opinion on what to do?

Response by MAJ Steve Sheridan made Apr 26 at 2014 3:08 PM

MAJ Steve Sheridan — Sat, 26 Apr 2014 15:08:56 -0400

When you say release, do you mean leave the Army? I would think if things are that bad, then they would be going through a medical board.

Response by SFC Christopher Perry made Apr 26 at 2014 3:14 PM

SFC Christopher Perry — Sat, 26 Apr 2014 15:14:44 -0400

Personally, in today's environment I am a bit shocked to hear that anyone who is NMC is not already set for either discharge or reclass. When you consider the number of folks that are being involuntarily separated when the boards convene this year, it simply makes sense.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2014 12:23 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 12:23:05 -0400

SGT Roney,

There are plenty of jobs in the Army that Soldiers who are Non Deployable may be able to fill. This is going to be primarily in TDA units, or in my field, some strategic assignments. We can still get the best out of those service members without losing their knowledge and experience as a result of injuries usually sustained as a result of that service.

As an example, I know a combat medic, E5, who knows their job and is competent all around as a Soldier and especially as an NCO. However, they sustained injuries to their neck that prevent them from deploying. While that NCO may not be best utilized in say, an Infantry BCT, he would be useful in a TDA assignment at a post hospital, where he won't deploy, but can continue to offer their wealth of knowledge and experience.