Recurit needing help!!

[roomi42]

Recruit needing help!!

What is the name of your state?What is the name of your state? MD

I applied for Army OCS right out of college and got accepted. I was supposed to be shipped out on Oct, 2004. However, my father got into a car accident and hurt his back before my ship date. Due to nature of his work which is construction, he couldn't work. Therefore, I had stay around the house and provide for my family. I postponed the ship date to late this month. My father however completely blew out his back while trying to work too soon. This happened in early this year. Ever since then I've been trying to tell my recruiter that I don't think I will be able to go. However, all the response I get from him is either I have to go for at least a week where upon I can get out while they are processing me at basic training or since I am OCS I can't get out of my contract. Recently he had told me that he would set up a meeting with his commanding officer who will decide my fate. I had signed my contract and sworn in under oath back when I was accepted to OCS. The question I have is I've heard different things from different people. I was told by my friend who is a recruiter at Navy and by my other friend who is a captain in the Army that what my recruiter is saying is a complete lie. I was told that there is nothing in the law that says I have to go since I am not officially in the army. Its not that I don't want to join the Army. I've always wanted to be an officer and I even applied to West Point after high school. I can't leave my father here without any support and since being the eldest, I believe I have to take care of my family before serving this country.
Please advise me in any way you can. Thank you very much for your help!

 

[Davidzill]

The OSO is obviously trying to pull one with you, becaue once you ship to OCS you belong to the Army, and if you try to get out when you're processing, they will maybe make you serve as an enlisted soldier.....in Iraq!!!!!!!!!!And if you some how go through and get commisioned, and bring up the getting out thing in receiving, you will get the worst job you could get, like supply or mess officer. The Army is hurting for people so bad that even if you totally tried to wash out in OCS they will still like you to be a soldier, you'll just work in a chow hall for 6 years.

 

[fozzy2]

You may want to write a letter to the appropriate commander ( probably the commanding officer of the recruiting battalion ) explaining your circumstances, and you can cite AR 135-178 paragraph 4-4. This AR (Army Regulation) is the "catch all" for such requests. Your recruiter may already be arranging for the CO to review you request by arranging a meeting. However, giving the recruiter a written request -- citing the AR -- will ensure that they take the proper actions.

This matter should be resolved before you report for duty. Showing up at your first duty station and *then* requesting an immediate seperation does not sound like a good idea to me. If your reporting date arrives before you have received a written response to your request, then when you show up at the MEPS (military entrance processing station) bring your letter and supporting documents and insist on speaking to an officer about your situation-- explaining that you submitted a letter/request and never got a response. [ A relative of mine was an XO at a MEPS station, and one of their primary duties is sorting such things out. ]

Nothing is ever certain, but for the situation you described it would normally be routine for you to be given the admin sep, and normally you will be eligible to join later if your situation changes. Just be sure to document your problems and all your communications with the military.

 

[chrisdizz22]

i would for sure let that recruiter know that , you know hes full of it.. and tell him when you do decide to go you want a different recruiter..