When HRC discharges me at my RCP after being reduced in rank, will it be honorable?

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Mar 2021 20:06:16 -0500

I am facing reduction in rank from SPC(P) to E-1. I am on an RCP waiver contract. I have until March 2022 to pick up SGT or else I will be put out on RCP regulations. Being reduced speeds up the process. The question is, when HRC discharges me will it be honorable? I have 13.5yrs total service with prior service Active time and Reserves and now more Active time. Will I be put into the Reserves to finish the balance of my Active contract obligation? Also, DFAS says in order to take full ISP you have to sign into Ready Reserves. Anyone have any information on how this works? I have a total of 7.6yrs Active Federal Service, please help?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2021 9:03 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Mar 2021 21:03:53 -0500

I gotcha. Check it out-

When you're reduced and you exceed the RCP for your rank, your new ETS date is 180 days after the effective date of separation. If your ETS date hasn't been changed, you need to hurry and see your Career Counselor with your reduction paperwork so you can start your transition now.

You will ETS with an honorable discharge, you aren't being separated, you're just not being allowed to continue to serve.

You will be allowed to join the Reserve Component if you choose. Once your ETS is updated you can go that very day to talk with your Reserve Component Career Counselor and lock in a slot.

You won't be eligible for any separation pay because you are reaching your RCP due to reduction. You'll be given an IMRPR code of 8G which tells finance you are not eligible for separation pay.

If you don't end up reduced, you don't have to make SGT by March 2022, your RCP for SPC P is 10 years Active Federal Service and you can extend to that date.

If you have a chance to appeal your reduction, explain that with a reduction you will be required to ETS in six months. Some Commanders want this, but most aren't aware of the second order effects of their choice to reduce. You could ask to have the reduction suspended. Of course, if your command wants you gone this is the easiest way for them to get rid of you

Response by SSG Robert Perrotto made Mar 5 at 2021 6:24 AM

SSG Robert Perrotto — Fri, 05 Mar 2021 06:24:16 -0500

This sounds like you are being Court Martialed - a Field grade can only reduce 2 grades, so to be reduced 3 grades or more, it requires a Court Martial. If you ARE being Court Martialed, part of the sentencing will be what your discharge condition will be, and reflect on your DD-214.

well - I stand corrected, a Field Grade CAN reduce E-4 and below 1 or more grades. Apologies.

Response by SGT John Ball made Jul 27 at 2021 4:46 PM

SGT John Ball — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 16:46:24 -0400

Being discharged due to RCP is fully honorable. But, you will get your SGT stripes. Take things one day at a time, earn more promotion points via correspondence courses, college classes and the like.