Who do I need to talk to get the answers that I need??

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 01:54:39 -0400

I was commissioned last year in August 2013, and I was told that I was going to get an incentive called the BSN strap. On all of the paperwork that came back from the National Guard Bureau states that I was to be getting this incentive. But the recruiter didn't put in the paperwork on time and they eliminated the program on 1 October 2013. I was told due to the government shutdown and fact that the recruiter didn't have the paperwork ready on the day that I commissioned. I was SOL and the recruiter states that they don't want to be audited and that they wont redo the paperwork to reflect that. I feel that this is a breech of contract but I don't want out of the military. I just want the National Guard to make this issue right and pay me the incentive that I was promised. I feel that I am being given the run around. So my question to everyone is who do I need to call or email or talk to so I can get this taken care of.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2014 2:21 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 02:21:49 -0400

Go to your IG (Inspector General). They will look into it and tell you whether you are really SOL or not.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Mar 18 at 2014 3:21 AM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 03:21:26 -0400

While the IG is a valuable resource and would look into this for you, let me suggest a couple other courses of action, you should be able to solve this yourself - going straight to the IG will make you look weak and look like you lack confidence to solve problems.

I suggest going to the recruiting station and engage once more with you recruiter. (Do your homework and know who the station 1SG/NCOIC and station commander are) Be prepared to ask the same recruiter to assist you getting an appointment with the 1SG &/or commander (they will normally have an open door policy).

Bottom line, this is a command issue, you bring it up to the station commander directly and the with the assistance of your PMS or your commander. If all fails, by all means involve the IG but the IG will want to know what steps you've taken and who is involved this far.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2014 10:54 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 22:54:46 -0400

Taking a look at the incentive it seems it incurs a service obligation between 1-4 years. Is this service obligation reflected anywhere in your contract?