When should retiring SMs take a knee?

SPC Benjamin Smith — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 22:56:04 -0500

How long before their transition leave begins should retiring service members cease to function in their duty position? I've seen some start transitioning ( and stop working ) over a year before their actual retirement. They show up for accountability, but contribute little to nothing to the mission. Outside of appropriate Soldier for Life (ACAP) activities, job interviews, etc., should soon-to-be retirees be allowed to just stop functioning as Soldiers/leaders as soon as they have retirement orders?

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Feb 17 at 2015 10:59 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 22:59:22 -0500

'Taking a knee', w/ time to serve s/b only used for training your replacement. When you walk out the gate, then shed the responsibility.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Feb 17 at 2015 10:59 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 22:59:53 -0500

Once you’ve completed your right seat ride with your replacement, feel free to drop ruck. If you are still responsible for certain things though, don’t let your coworkers have to clean up after you. Decades of honorable service shouldn’t be tarnished by a last moment attitude shift… Once you are no longer relied on, feel free to chuck that ruck off a cliff…

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2015 11:06 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 23:06:36 -0500

I have two in my section, 26 in the SPO (Large Platoon) and 50+ in the ESC HQ all "Retiring/ MEBing". Half of them dont even have orders yet the ones that do are a year out...all duds...such fraud waste and abuse..My boss (COL) just completed a Troop to Task for SPO, those not gainfully employed have the choice of unpaid leave, or picking up all of the additional taskers/ duties for the unit. I really like his style.

Response by PO2 David Hagwood made Mar 10 at 2015 9:18 PM

PO2 David Hagwood — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 21:18:12 -0400

Why should a person stop caring about doing their job? They're still on an active duty contract, they should continue to work and train their replacements until they have hung up their uniform for the last time. If they're on terminal leave, it doesn't really matter, obviously.

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Mar 10 at 2015 9:18 PM

SGT Jim Z. — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 21:18:46 -0400

That is a good question SPC Benjamin Smith when do you think they should?

I think it depends on the MOS and type of unit they are in because requirements may be different. For example, at my unit someone retiring can pretty much expect to continue to function until their replacement has been trained, and they go on transitional leave. However, someone in a line unit may need to adjust because of medical and such.

Response by PO2 Pualani Ralph made Mar 10 at 2015 9:46 PM

PO2 Pualani Ralph — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 21:46:16 -0400

I think a year out is a good time. Being forced out and being a key member of the team I felt like I was too worried about my military duties that I neglected on myself. I had a 3 and 1 year old, I didn't prepare myself enough for the next chapter. I think if they know their time is coming to an end and they have a replacement lined up, then go ahead an slowly take a knee. Still be there but be there as a back up. It will give them time to work on their personal affairs as well as be there for their military duties.

I wish I could go back and relive it. I know understand why all those E-7's told me... "The mission will continue, with or without you." (They didn't mean it as I don't mean anything to the mission just a simple reminder that hey sometimes you need to focus on yourself.)

Response by MSgt Jim Pollock made Mar 10 at 2015 10:37 PM

MSgt Jim Pollock — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 22:37:14 -0400

As others have alluded, your command should assign your replacement with sufficient time for you to properly hand over the reigns with good continuity. For me, that was about 60 days before I started terminal leave. It wasn't an abrupt change. As my replacement became more comfortable, he took on more of my duties, and I did more retirement processing (there's a lot). That's what worked for me anyway.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2017 1:17 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 Sep 2017 13:17:40 -0400

This is a very good question something I am currently dealing with I received my orders since February with approved retirement packet with the signatures. My replacement has been in the unit since February I have a retirement date of January 31, 2018, and I start terminal leave on November 13, 2017. They have tried to send me on every FTX this year I had to play the profile card to get out of it my transition/retirement isn't enough. Is there a regulation that is can offer some questions on this issue?

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2021 9:36 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Aug 2021 21:36:11 -0400

When reloading with cover/concealment.