Army will order thousands in IRR to muster

[astcell]

For those of us who have worked side by side with the Air Force we see the humor. Those guys have it made in the shade with their relaxed lifestyle, when compared to the other forces. Or so we like to think.

[ALPHA101]

For those of us who have worked side by side with the Air Force we see the humor. Those guys have it made in the shade with their relaxed lifestyle, when compared to the other forces. Or so we like to think.

oh i know what you mean. when i deployed to turkey they had barracks that were like ritzzy hotels and we were living in tent city! their dining facility is a decked out restaurant. yeah they live a relaxed lifestyle for sure. there PT was for wimps! we beat the crap out of them playing football i hope that E7 is still not mad at me for blitzing off of the corner and slamming him. it was beautiful!

[big sarge]

But actually, you're NOT playing devil's advocate. You're talking about matters of which you have no business talking of. haha, individuals who have no self-worth or pride? To let the Army ship me off to Iraq for a 2nd time and rob the precious civilian industry of my talents would be a TRAVESTY, thus, in turn, would be no better example of stripping me of my pride. In the military, my skills and intelligence are WASTED. Go sign your nephews and grandkids up.

Precious civilian industry? I bet your one of those contractors in Iraq making six figures. I can't stand people like you that point the finger at us still in the military.

Big Sarge

[big sarge]

no i left the military because i am smart. i am not part of the leadership problem you are. you are the one with the worthless rank. you probably got in the military with 25 waivers because even back then they dropped the standards. i won't even reply to a letter from HRC like many others and as far as you joes protecting my "sorry ass" well if you don't like it get out if you can't hack it loser. oh and by the way it is appreciate not apprecate. see how a college education helps ?!

I know 5 IRR Soldierswho just received their involuntary mobilization orders. Since I'm still in the military, I would like to see you called to duty again, and then I can lead you to APPRECIATE your leaders. Love to be the guy who delivers that mob order to your front door.

Big Sarge

[big sarge]

Right, so here we go.......all the closet psychos coming out of the wood works. Bring it on.


Bringing it soon with the help of FEDEX or UPS.

Big Sarge

[big sarge]

Working for the POST OFFICE? hahaha. Who ARE you?? This HAS GOT to be a baby boomer. HAS TO BE.

Not a baby boomer, just telling the facts of what I see when Soldiers ETS from AC and start their crying at the VA, unemployment offices, and asking for their 5-point bonus on postal exams.

Who am I? I'm the Big Sarge, passing out 24-month stabilizations, $4,500 Tuition Assistance, and $75 in medical care to IRR Soldiers.

Big Sarge

[big sarge]

i see you did not show up you stupid recruiter

Sorry I'm not a recruiter in the DC area. Bring it!!!

Big Sarge, bringing a IRR muster to your town soon.

[astcell]

Fedex and UPS can require signatures that are legal. In fact you can seven see the signatures online, unlike the USPS. But that's beside the point.

You know, anyone can make an account here and say whatever they want to make up about themselves. This can be a heaven for wannabees where they get to strut their stuff, and they end up scaring the pants off of the guys who really need to know this information. A few folks here have started signature lines stating that they have been called up, or listing their MOS, and so on. Not a bad idea.

[ALPHA101]

Fedex and UPS can require signatures that are legal. In fact you can seven see the signatures online, unlike the USPS. But that's beside the point.

You know, anyone can make an account here and say whatever they want to make up about themselves. This can be a heaven for wannabees where they get to strut their stuff, and they end up scaring the pants off of the guys who really need to know this information. A few folks here have started signature lines stating that they have been called up, or listing their MOS, and so on. Not a bad idea.

blah, blah, blah if you want to be political go run for office.

[astcell]

1234, see we have no idea who he is. That's why I thought folks ought to back up their statements here.

[ALPHA101]

1234, see we have no idea who he is. That's why I thought folks ought to back up their statements here.

well if he would be a better person, like you, maybe he would make something of himself instead of joining a board just to cause trouble. alot of the info here is solid stuff and eased things for alot of people attending these muster. people are always willing to help in some way shape or form.

[1234]

1234, see we have no idea who he is. That's why I thought folks ought to back up their statements here.

Wow my post got deleted?? I love this "open" post. Big Sarge probably reported it, because it was true.

[ALPHA101]

Wow my post got deleted?? I love this "open" post. Big Sarge probably reported it, because it was true.

yeah big girl probably complained. i guess there is no such thing as freedom of speech anymore in the country or at least not on this board.

[astcell]

If a post gets deleted maybe the administrators can just leave a spot saying "This post violated the Terms of Service and has been deleted in accordance with site standards" or something. Sometimes I see an obvious commo gap and this would let me kow I am not going batty.

I think the biggest fright to a troop getting mobed is not knowing what will happen. Our recruiters held our hand and showed us movies about basic training. When we got to a duty station we had sponsors. Getting a telegram from STL is scary enough, but add to that the fact that all mine concluded with "Failure to report will result in...." and the fine print goes on. So basically you are called a traitorous coward before even being given the chance to report.

I have a great idea to improve the system. When an IRR troop calls STL (St Louis) to see what the deal is, the entire help desk ought to be staffed by troops who have already been mobilized. Not by folks who think a brush with death means no coffee in the cafeteria. How about it St Louis? I promise you will get less anxious calls than you do now. I'll even head up the team.

[ALPHA101]

If a post gets deleted maybe the administrators can just leave a spot saying "This post violated the Terms of Service and has been deleted in accordance with site standards" or something. Sometimes I see an obvious commo gap and this would let me kow I am not going batty.

I think the biggest fright to a troop getting mobed is not knowing what will happen. Our recruiters held our hand and showed us movies about basic training. When we got to a duty station we had sponsors. Getting a telegram from STL is scary enough, but add to that the fact that all mine concluded with "Failure to report will result in...." and the fine print goes on. So basically you are called a traitorous coward before even being given the chance to report.

I have a great idea to improve the system. When an IRR troop calls STL (St Louis) to see what the deal is, the entire help desk ought to be staffed by troops who have already been mobilized. Not by folks who think a brush with death means no coffee in the cafeteria. How about it St Louis? I promise you will get less anxious calls than you do now. I'll even head up the team.

what most people should do is log onto the hrc website with their AKO login and check for orders. i did this and found out about my muster orders well in advanced before i received it in the mail. anyways the letter i got was just that a letter outlying everything. it was not an actual order but i called and then showed up on the day i said i would. the thing that ticked me off was it seemed they had in mind who they were gonna call in then sent out extra orders just to see who they get. my name was not on the list when i went but i stayed and just signed in whether they liked it or not. as far as your idea i really don't see that working on there end because having smart people such as you working there is not in there best interest. but it would be nice.

[1234]

what most people should do is log onto the hrc website with their AKO login and check for orders. i did this and found out about my muster orders well in advanced before i received it in the mail. anyways the letter i got was just that a letter outlying everything. it was not an actual order but i called and then showed up on the day i said i would. the thing that ticked me off was it seemed they had in mind who they were gonna call in then sent out extra orders just to see who they get. my name was not on the list when i went but i stayed and just signed in whether they liked it or not. as far as your idea i really don't see that working on there end because having smart people such as you working there is not in there best interest. but it would be nice.

I also see my muster orders on AKO. I only see that they were sent but not the actual orders, is there a way to see the actual orders through AKO?

Thanks!

[ALPHA101]

I also see my muster orders on AKO. I only see that they were sent but not the actual orders, is there a way to see the actual orders through AKO?

Thanks!

are they new orders or old? always check the dates just in case, just an opinion. i am not sure about the AKO thing but if you find out please post how to look at them.

[1234]

are they new orders or old? always check the dates just in case, just an opinion. i am not sure about the AKO thing but if you find out please post how to look at them.

They are the old ones from the July/August muster that I was exempt from...Nothing new under the orders section for me. I was just seeing if I can look at the old muster orders on AKO but it doesnt look like it.

[ALPHA101]

They are the old ones from the July/August muster that I was exempt from...Nothing new under the orders section for me. I was just seeing if I can look at the old muster orders on AKO but it doesnt look like it.

I went to the august one last year. it was 6+ hours long? be thankful you were exempt. i should have said i was not attending when the NCO asked me but oh well. no they just give you the basic info on HRC but it always eases somebodies mind to not get surprised. by the way why were you exempt? if you don't mind me asking.

[1234]

I went to the august one last year. it was 6+ hours long? be thankful you were exempt. i should have said i was not attending when the NCO asked me but oh well. no they just give you the basic info on HRC but it always eases somebodies mind to not get surprised. by the way why were you exempt? if you don't mind me asking.

I was exempt because I live overseas. I was all about going to my home town to attend the muster because it said that travel expenses were going to be paid. I called the HRC and they said that only $25 or $50 was covered for travel expenses. I explained that I was overseas and if they were not going to pay for my plane ticket then I wasn't going to go. The rep at the HRC said I was exempt and that I should just update my contact info on AKO (which was already current).

[ALPHA101]

I was exempt because I live overseas. I was all about going to my home town to attend the muster because it said that travel expenses were going to be paid. I called the HRC and they said that only $25 or $50 was covered for travel expenses. I explained that I was overseas and if they were not going to pay for my plane ticket then I wasn't going to go. The rep at the HRC said I was exempt and that I should just update my contact info on AKO (which was already current).

oh i see. i guess it is a good thing you live overseas. when i called HRC they asked me if i was going to attend and I should have made up a excuse but oh well. anyways you can look at HRC's website from AKO just not at orders unless it is in the documents section of your record. i looked and saw my dd214, ETS orders, awards etc. so if anyone want to see the hrc website form AKO alll you have to do is login to AKO, go to self service and a drop box will show and select my personnel. when you open it up where it says HRC links on the left click on Gateway to HRC online resources and you are already logged in and then go to reserve record and your record will be there. just some info...have a good weekend everyone!

[astcell]

A few things I wish I knew:

For those of you who have civilian doctors you can visit, take in your shot records. There was one vaccination I got that involved 16 pin pricks in a small circle. Then they covered the spot and told you that the resulting lesion would be malignant and no one can touch you on your arm and it is best that you always keep a shirt on to not risk moving the bandage. You also have to change the bandage, examine the sore (it got gross) and rebandage it daily. Then we went on leave.

I tell you, it is no fun spending the last days before deployment having to keep a spouse 3 feet away from you if you know what I mean. I do not recall what vaccine it is but I am sure your doc will know.

If you can get this NOW on your own, do it, and have it recorded in your shot records so you can avoid this again. Of course if you have a religious preference that forbids such innoculations then you have an out. Check your dog tags to see.

And if you are subject to callup, for thenext 30 days save all your credit card bills that come in and stuff the paperwork in an envelope (after you pay the bill of course). This will give you all the addresses and card numbers so that you can get a reduced interest rate once deployed. once you get your orders you will run around like crazy trying to find all that info so get it now. Good to have regardless in case a card gets lost, etc.

Active Duty folks get paid 2x a month, reserves can get paid like 2x a week. So if your pay gets horked up they can fix it before the next 15-day check. That's very nice.

If I think of anything else I'll post it here. I just thought I'd poke in with ideas when I had them to soften the blow for those called.

[1234]

A few things I wish I knew:

For those of you who have civilian doctors you can visit, take in your shot records. There was one vaccination I got that involved 16 pin pricks in a small circle. Then they covered the spot and told you that the resulting lesion would be malignant and no one can touch you on your arm and it is best that you always keep a shirt on to not risk moving the bandage. You also have to change the bandage, examine the sore (it got gross) and rebandage it daily. Then we went on leave.

I tell you, it is no fun spending the last days before deployment having to keep a spouse 3 feet away from you if you know what I mean. I do not recall what vaccine it is but I am sure your doc will know.

If you can get this NOW on your own, do it, and have it recorded in your shot records so you can avoid this again. Of course if you have a religious preference that forbids such innoculations then you have an out. Check your dog tags to see.

And if you are subject to callup, for thenext 30 days save all your credit card bills that come in and stuff the paperwork in an envelope (after you pay the bill of course). This will give you all the addresses and card numbers so that you can get a reduced interest rate once deployed. once you get your orders you will run around like crazy trying to find all that info so get it now. Good to have regardless in case a card gets lost, etc.

Active Duty folks get paid 2x a month, reserves can get paid like 2x a week. So if your pay gets horked up they can fix it before the next 15-day check. That's very nice.

If I think of anything else I'll post it here. I just thought I'd poke in with ideas when I had them to soften the blow for those called.

That is the smallpox vaccine...they wont give it to you again because you should have a scar (like I do) where they gave you the 15 "shots".

[astcell]

I had the scar. But I did not have it in my shot record.

Apparently you can get a shot, 3 pin pricks, or 15 pin pricks, depending on various stuff. Most everyone I knew got the 15.

They also offered anthrax, voluntarily. You have to take a series of shots, in the NECK.

[ALPHA101]

I had the scar. But I did not have it in my shot record.

Apparently you can get a shot, 3 pin pricks, or 15 pin pricks, depending on various stuff. Most everyone I knew got the 15.

They also offered anthrax, voluntarily. You have to take a series of shots, in the NECK.

in the neck....astcell say WHAT??????????????

[astcell]

My error, but I admit that is what I was told when they were handing them out. It seems people who have reactions see it in their neck. Nice. And after you compelete the series you are only protected for a short time before you need more shots. Fun. A LTC here got them in his arm.

[med]

Anthrax is a series, given in the ARM, it's a long series, the first three doses are given at two-week intervals. Three additional doses are given, at 6, 12, and 18 months after the first dose.
Annual booster doses are needed for ongoing protection. The other vaccine is Smallpox, if you have never been innoculated or exposed to the disease you get three pricks, providing protection for 3-5years, if you have had the vaccine before, then you get 15 pricks, protection after revaccination last for 10 years.... good fun for everyone!

[astcell]

Thanks for the clarification med!

[1234]

Does anyone have the number for the HRC in St. Louis?

Thanks!

[astcell]

1-800-325-4361. At least that is what I call to talk to my rep. There may be numbers on their websites too.

[mosaic17]

Just wondering if anyone else who is waiting for their exemption/delay case to be decided keeps getting Amendment to Amendment for their original orders?

[HEALTHNUT10]

I am taking a poll to find out if any IRR Soldiers were mislead going into an Army Reserve unit and what tactics were used. I am hearing Retention NCOs may have someone sign a blank 4187 requesting for a job look up then find out they are in the Army Reserve. If you have examples I am curious to hear from IRR Soldiers.

[1234]

I am taking a poll to find out if any IRR Soldiers were mislead going into an Army Reserve unit and what tactics were used. I am hearing Retention NCOs may have someone sign a blank 4187 requesting for a job look up then find out they are in the Army Reserve. If you have examples I am curious to hear from IRR Soldiers.

That seems shady...Anyone with half a brain would never sign a blank form and trust the NCO to do the right thing. It would be like signing a blank check and telling a stranger to only cash it for $5.

Anyway, I only have 7 days left in the IRR. Woo Woo! FYI...I called the HRC yesterday to make sure that I didnt need to do anything to officially withdraw from the IRR and the rep told me that everything is automatic. He told me I should receive my discharge orders a few weeks after my ETS date and to call back approx a week after my ETS to make sure they sent out the orders. He also verified my address and that I had my original DD214. If you dont have your DD214 you need to print one off of AKO since you will not have access to AKO after your ETS date.

I just wanted to let everyone know what I was told, incase you were curious.

[astcell]

Just wondering if anyone else who is waiting for their exemption/delay case to be decided keeps getting Amendment to Amendment for their original orders?

My original orders were to show in April. I appealed and they amended them to July. They did not decide by July so they amended them to September. They they decided and messed up again and got me in December. When I filed travel vouchers I faxed 27 pages each time.

The bad part is that while I was told to wait, they listed me as a deserter on the website for not reporting as ordered. They admitted it was their fault.


I am taking a poll to find out if any IRR Soldiers were mislead going into an Army Reserve unit and what tactics were used. I am hearing Retention NCOs may have someone sign a blank 4187 requesting for a job look up then find out they are in the Army Reserve. If you have examples I am curious to hear from IRR Soldiers.

Yes, a postal unit assured me they could get me out of the mobilization as long as I met height/weight requirements. Oddly enough the IRR callup does not care about such technicalities.

[astcell]

...Anyway, I only have 7 days left in the IRR. Woo Woo!.

I think if you re-up in the IRR you get a hat and a tote bag.

[1234]

I think if you re-up in the IRR you get a hat and a tote bag.

Hahaha...Classic. The bag and hat will probably have the "Army of One" slogan instead of "Army Strong." They have to get rid of all that old marketing stuff....

[astcell]

"Army of One" never made sense to me. I was always taught that you have to be a team to get anything done. (I joined under "Be all you can be")

[2YearsOrBust]

That seems shady...Anyone with half a brain would never sign a blank form and trust the NCO to do the right thing. It would be like signing a blank check and telling a stranger to only cash it for $5.

Anyway, I only have 7 days left in the IRR. Woo Woo! FYI...I called the HRC yesterday to make sure that I didnt need to do anything to officially withdraw from the IRR and the rep told me that everything is automatic. He told me I should receive my discharge orders a few weeks after my ETS date and to call back approx a week after my ETS to make sure they sent out the orders. He also verified my address and that I had my original DD214. If you dont have your DD214 you need to print one off of AKO since you will not have access to AKO after your ETS date.

I just wanted to let everyone know what I was told, incase you were curious.

Good stuff, thanks.

[1234]

That seems shady...Anyone with half a brain would never sign a blank form and trust the NCO to do the right thing. It would be like signing a blank check and telling a stranger to only cash it for $5.

Anyway, I only have 7 days left in the IRR. Woo Woo! FYI...I called the HRC yesterday to make sure that I didnt need to do anything to officially withdraw from the IRR and the rep told me that everything is automatic. He told me I should receive my discharge orders a few weeks after my ETS date and to call back approx a week after my ETS to make sure they sent out the orders. He also verified my address and that I had my original DD214. If you dont have your DD214 you need to print one off of AKO since you will not have access to AKO after your ETS date.

I just wanted to let everyone know what I was told, incase you were curious.

Also wanted to add that I was enlisted. If you are an officer you need to officially resign your commision after your ETS date to avoid be called up in the IRR. Have a nice weekend everyone!

[astcell]

So 1234, what rank, MOS, how many years, ribbons and awards, etc? And what made you decided to get out, or not stay in?

[HEALTHNUT10]

I was relieved of my duties for bringing forward fraudulent tranfers where IRR Soldiers never signed or were mislead. Its all about numbers and I will continue to stand for what's right. Army Values are a part of me and believe they should be upheld. Sooner or later it will all come out in the wash. I recommend that IRR Soldiers contact IG with a sworn statement or DA 1559 if they were mislead or were transfered fraudulently to an Army Reserve unit. IG 1-800-752-9747. Have a great day.

[1234]

1234567890

[astcell]

Healthnut10,
When I was at Ft Bragg there was a female there who had gotten out of the IRR but someone re-upped her. It was not her signature but she had to show up. The hard part was wondering if they had to pay her while they awaited revocation of the paperwork. Of course they still wanted to keep her. She said no, emphatically. She hung out with me and another IRR callup, Merideth Howard. SFC Howard was KIA months later.

1234,
I was active duty and active reserve since 1980. Then I met a girl to settle down with and a month later got orders for Bosnia. Got back January 1998.

When I got back I went IRR since she said she would leave if I deployed again. We married, got a house, dogs, life was good. but with 18 years towards retirement I needed to get my 20. The only option was to reup for the duration: until 2022.

Got called for the war in March 2005. I had been out of uniform for 7 years! Delayed the call-up until December 2005. Went back in. Wife kept her word and left me in April 2006. After my 545 days there was no reason to get out as I have no life to go back to. So I stayed another year. That time will be over this coming July. May stay yet one more.

I am simply another example of a family torn apart.

[1234]

Healthnut10,
When I was at Ft Bragg there was a female there who had gotten out of the IRR but someone re-upped her. It was not her signature but she had to show up. The hard part was wondering if they had to pay her while they awaited revocation of the paperwork. Of course they still wanted to keep her. She said no, emphatically. She hung out with me and another IRR callup, Merideth Howard. SFC Howard was KIA months later.

1234,
I was active duty and active reserve since 1980. Then I met a girl to settle down with and a month later got orders for Bosnia. Got back January 1998.

When I got back I went IRR since she said she would leave if I deployed again. We married, got a house, dogs, life was good. but with 18 years towards retirement I needed to get my 20. The only option was to reup for the duration: until 2022.

Got called for the war in March 2005. I had been out of uniform for 7 years! Delayed the call-up until December 2005. Went back in. Wife kept her word and left me in April 2006. After my 545 days there was no reason to get out as I have no life to go back to. So I stayed another year. That time will be over this coming July. May stay yet one more.

I am simply another example of a family torn apart.


2022! You really need to find out how to get out of future deployments becuase it looks like there is no end in sight. Unfortunately, I have heard the same story too many times. Half the people in my old unit came back from Iraq to divorce papers instead of their family. I wish you all the best of luck and hope that you make it to 2022 without another deployment.


On another note there were some people talking about a movie called "stop loss." I found the following trailer and it was all too familiar to me. www.apple.com/trailers/paramount/stoploss/

[astcell]

Well I can actually put in retirement papers anytime I want to, AFTER ORDERS EXPIRE, and enter the retired reserves. I have my time in. Of course how long until they start yanking us from there though?

I am lucky in that I have no bills here. I am tax free, I do not buy gasoline, insurance, clothing, rent, electric, cable TV, phone, and I get per diem for food, so it all adds up and quite fast. If I stay one more year (for a total of 3.5 years mobilized) I can go home to a savings account that was a few hundred dollars when I was called up to one that is six figures. So it has a good side.

[rpj]

I'm USNR in the IRR and just my notification of an On-Site Muster in June at Great Lakes. They said it'll be around 2.5 hours and I'm sure I'll get the hard sell to drill again.

[2YearsOrBust]

Wow, that movie trailer looks great! Can't wait.



O..........K, so still with the musters. HOWEVER, that is the US Naval Reserves, right? bah. no worries. :cool:

[astcell]

When I was moblizing at Ft Bragg our ranks were filled with Navy folks. They are being retrained into Civil Affairs and sent to Kabul and Baghdad. We used to joke that Navy dude got to sit 20 miles offshore and lob in shells the size of Volkswagons. No more. They are learning the meaning of 11 Bunny.

[ALPHA101]

2022! You really need to find out how to get out of future deployments becuase it looks like there is no end in sight. Unfortunately, I have heard the same story too many times. Half the people in my old unit came back from Iraq to divorce papers instead of their family. I wish you all the best of luck and hope that you make it to 2022 without another deployment.


On another note there were some people talking about a movie called "stop loss." I found the following trailer and it was all too familiar to me. www.apple.com/trailers/paramount/stoploss/

interesting movie trailer. how bad do you think it will affect recruiting? you know the recruiter are not gonna be happy about answering questions about it.

[2YearsOrBust]

oh no, just got a note from the USPS for certified letter from the Army!!! However, I think it may be my unexcused absence notice for ditching drill on Sunday.:D Anyone familiar with unexcused absences? Because I have some questions about my predicament.

I think that movie is a great tool for educating most of Americans who don't know or understand what Stop-Loss exactly is.

[2YearsOrBust]

Also, I've spoke to a couple friends in the IRR right now and they've said since they've been in they receive phone calls, emails, and letters from recruiters constantly. Is this the case with anyone else? I dont want to get hassled. Maybe there is a DONT CALL list.

[astcell]

oh no, just got a note from the USPS for certified letter from the Army!!! However, I think it may be my unexcused absence notice for ditching drill on Sunday.:D Anyone familiar with unexcused absences? Because I have some questions about my predicament.

I think that movie is a great tool for educating most of Americans who don't know or understand what Stop-Loss exactly is.

if you get a UA it goes in your files. Miss 4 drills in a row and they kick you out. It sits there for a year in your record and may hose you up when it comes time for promotions or awards.


Also, I've spoke to a couple friends in the IRR right now and they've said since they've been in they receive phone calls, emails, and letters from recruiters constantly. Is this the case with anyone else? I dont want to get hassled. Maybe there is a DONT CALL list.

That would be nice.

[2YearsOrBust]

No no, i think i've said this, I'm in the Reserves. And I don't intend on retiring, so points, awards, or promotions are irrelevant to me. I want to GET OUT.

It's actually receiving 9 U's in a 12 month period. But what i DIDNT know was that 1 missed MUTA=1 U. That's HUGE. So for example, we're having a 3 day drill next month to the range. That's 5 MUTAs! I'm having my UA start the paperwork to go in the IRR in a few weeks.

[1234]

Yipee! I am out of the IRR. I called St. Louis again today to make sure everything was fine. They verified my ETS/MSO date and told me it would take 3 MONTHS (?) to get my discharge orders. It is funny how that changed because last week they said it would take 2 - 3 weeks to get my discharge orders. I asked them why so long and they said they are really busy...I don't know what that means but hopefully it does not mean another call up or muster :confused: . The rep also asked if would like to stay in the IRR and I just laughed...

I wish the best to all of you and I will let everyone know when I actually get my discharge orders so it will give you some sort of time frame.

[astcell]

No no, i think i've said this, I'm in the Reserves. And I don't intend on retiring, so points, awards, or promotions are irrelevant to me. I want to GET OUT.

It's actually receiving 9 U's in a 12 month period. But what i DIDNT know was that 1 missed MUTA=1 U. That's HUGE. So for example, we're having a 3 day drill next month to the range. That's 5 MUTAs! I'm having my UA start the paperwork to go in the IRR in a few weeks.

To go into the IRR? I never went to the middle east until I was in the IRR. Are you sure you will be better off?

[ALPHA101]

Yipee! I am out of the IRR. I called St. Louis again today to make sure everything was fine. They verified my ETS/MSO date and told me it would take 3 MONTHS (?) to get my discharge orders. It is funny how that changed because last week they said it would take 2 - 3 weeks to get my discharge orders. I asked them why so long and they said they are really busy...I don't know what that means but hopefully it does not mean another call up or muster :confused: . The rep also asked if would like to stay in the IRR and I just laughed...

I wish the best to all of you and I will let everyone know when I actually get my discharge orders so it will give you some sort of time frame.

it is a constant process for them. people going into the IRR, people getting out of the IRR and then there are the wonderful musters and all of the information they have to update as well as a HUGE move to Fort Knox which is not suppose to happen or be finished by 2010. I know some have already begun to transfer to kentucky.

[2YearsOrBust]

To go into the IRR? I never went to the middle east until I was in the IRR. Are you sure you will be better off?

Dude, your stigma of the IRR is from 04-05. i'm telling you, they arent pulling from the IRR so much anymore. I mean those could be famous last words, but.....

[srspa77]

You're wrong. I just got orders yesterday. I did 5 years 8 months active duty. I have just over a year left in the IRR. They want me to go to Fort Jackson for 2 weeks then in support of iraqi freedom for no more than 400 days!! It says utah on the orders but i've been told i am almost certain to go overseas. Can someone tell me what is going on? What happens if i don't show up? Do i get a dishonorable? where am i going? what is going to happen in the next 12 months?

[ALPHA101]

You're wrong. I just got orders yesterday. I did 5 years 8 months active duty. I have just over a year left in the IRR. They want me to go to Fort Jackson for 2 weeks then in support of iraqi freedom for no more than 400 days!! It says utah on the orders but i've been told i am almost certain to go overseas. Can someone tell me what is going on? What happens if i don't show up? Do i get a dishonorable? where am i going? what is going to happen in the next 12 months?

what is your MOS? I honestly do not know why your orders would say utah on them? that is strange. As far as not showing up you would probably get an dishonorable but do you want to do that? it will surely go on your record. I think most will tell you that the sandbox is where most will go to but as far as the next 12 months.....i think a democrat will get elected into office and nothing will change.

[2YearsOrBust]

eh.

yeah good question, what's your MOS?

[big sarge]

IRR Musters kicking off on 1-17 March in a town near you. I'm already receiving calls from muster attendees for their appointments.

Big Sarge

[big sarge]

I was relieved of my duties for bringing forward fraudulent tranfers where IRR Soldiers never signed or were mislead. Its all about numbers and I will continue to stand for what's right. Army Values are a part of me and believe they should be upheld. Sooner or later it will all come out in the wash. I recommend that IRR Soldiers contact IG with a sworn statement or DA 1559 if they were mislead or were transfered fraudulently to an Army Reserve unit. IG 1-800-752-9747. Have a great day.

Where is the location of these fraudlent transfers supposedly taking place? I agree with you on the Army Values, and I always hold my Soldiers accountable for unethical behavior.

[ALPHA101]

Where is the location of these fraudlent transfers supposedly taking place? I agree with you on the Army Values, and I always hold my Soldiers accountable for unethical behavior.

maybe you should hold yourself accountable for your own unethical behavior big girl!

[ALPHA101]

IRR Musters kicking off on 1-17 March in a town near you. I'm already receiving calls from muster attendees for their appointments.

Big Sarge

sure they are big girl. as usual you still have no proof to back up anyhting you say.

[ambergarcia79]

I just received muster orders in the mail yesterday and have to report to a local reserve station between March 1 and March 17. Does anyone have any information about this? Does this mean I am likely to get called back? I have been out for 5 years and only have 1 year left in the IRR. My MOS was 14T, and I tried to see if they have a stop loss but couldn't find any information.
Also, can I request release from the IRR, and if so what do I have to do? Thanks.

[ALPHA101]

I just received muster orders in the mail yesterday and have to report to a local reserve station between March 1 and March 17. Does anyone have any information about this? Does this mean I am likely to get called back? I have been out for 5 years and only have 1 year left in the IRR. My MOS was 14T, and I tried to see if they have a stop loss but couldn't find any information.
Also, can I request release from the IRR, and if so what do I have to do? Thanks.

were you mustered last year by any chance? if you have to report to a local reserve station between those dates then it may just be an acountability muster. i had a friend that wento the readiness muster and it was on a weekend and it took 6+ hours so you need to really look at the orders. as far as a call back i have no clue. what is a 14T ? my suggestion is that you read through alot of the posts on this message board and you will find alot of useful information.

[1234]

If you receive muster orders just call the HRC to get an exemption. You can tell them a list of reasons for not going...school, work, personal problems, traveling, etc. They will most likely give you an exemption and send you additional orders stating you are exempt from muster. If you didn't know, they has a muster June/July in 2007 and some people (number unknown) were called back to active duty in December/January. I don't know if this will be the same situation but I wish you all the best. Still no discharge orders for me :tongue: but it has only been 4 days...

[1234]

sure they are big girl. as usual you still have no proof to back up anyhting you say.

Looks like Big Sarge might be right according to recent posts...unless Big Sarge created a dummy account and wrote the post about receiving the muster orders...hmmmm :rolleyes:

[IRRGUY]

Alright I just received muster orders yesterday too. I'm also a 14T and my 8 year obligation is supposed to be over at the end of March. The muster says to call and make an appointment for between March 1 and 17. I've been out of the army for 4 years. Should I just call for an exemption and hope my discharge goes through? Has anyone seen any consequences of blowing this off? It would truly suck to go in and update my info only to have them stop loss me a week or two before I'm supposed to get out.

[ambergarcia79]

It looks like it says physical muster. I have ot bring a copy of my va disability. According to a recruiter I talked to, even though I am 20%, I am still deployable. How is that when before I got out I couldn't even wear battle gear??? And I have to take some virtual warior class, bank account info as well. I am afraid if I don't go, I will get a dishonorable. My husband ( who was 13U) says what are they gonna do, send MP's to get you? But we live so close to Fort Dix and McGuire you just never know. 14T is patriot missle operation maintainer and i have no idea if they are stop lossed or anything. I guess I will call tomorrow and find out. I have been in the IRR for 5 years and have never done the 2 week training so I wonder if now i will have to........little worried as i have 2 kids now and I do not want anything to do with military life. When your career starts out with a sh**** captain and platoon sgt., it ended before I even got out.

[IRRGUY]

Mine says Personnel Accountability muster. What's the difference? Did people who went to either of these types of musters get called back to active duty later? And really, what happens if I just don't respond?

[ambergarcia79]

I was wrong....I just pulled them out of my purse and it is Personal Accountability. I just took the IWS and it seemed a little fishy with all their questions. Husband says I should try to get dishcarged from the IRR for injuries but I don't want to have to report to HRC as we all know how long the army process takes..........I am still worried.!

[IRRGUY]

AmberGarcia79,
If you do make any calls or find any solid info, please post it here. I'm getting a bit worried too, after reading some of these posts.

[ambergarcia79]

I will be calling tomorrow and let you know.
i am worried because 14T never has enough people......

[2YearsOrBust]

ummmmmmm guys:

http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=22170&archive=true

[2YearsOrBust]

"However, Army officials could not guarantee that none of the augmentees have served in either theater post-Sept. 11, 2001, although Army officials tried to avoid calling such members again, said Cook, who spoke during the Pentagon news conference.

"The records [of the IRR soldiers considered for the call-up] have been reviewed on a case-by-case basis," Cook said."

What does that meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeean???

[med]

Uhh, isn't that article from 2004...

[2YearsOrBust]

haha, what the HELL am i smoking? I swear to you entered IRR callups 2008. Well, this just shows you how much attention to detail i have. :confused:

[astcell]

Dude, your stigma of the IRR is from 04-05. i'm telling you, they arent pulling from the IRR so much anymore. I mean those could be famous last words, but.....

Yes and I heard IRR is now IW, it would be nice if they did get their act in gear. I hope I am a dinosaur and folks do not go though what I did on the callup end.


You're wrong. I just got orders yesterday. I did 5 years 8 months active duty. I have just over a year left in the IRR. They want me to go to Fort Jackson for 2 weeks then in support of iraqi freedom for no more than 400 days!! It says utah on the orders but i've been told i am almost certain to go overseas. Can someone tell me what is going on? What happens if i don't show up? Do i get a dishonorable? where am i going? what is going to happen in the next 12 months?

Yup you will go to SC, get shots and uniforms, learn how to jump out of trucks, hide behind trees, return fire, end try to remember the days when crawling in cold mud was fun. Then you will go to another post for further training. My guess is Fort Bragg for Civil Affairs where you will get MOS 38B. Then you can go anywhere. Iraq. Afghanistan. Hey come and be my replacement if you are at least an E-6.


I just received muster orders in the mail yesterday and have to report to a local reserve station between March 1 and March 17. Does anyone have any information about this? Does this mean I am likely to get called back? I have been out for 5 years and only have 1 year left in the IRR. My MOS was 14T, and I tried to see if they have a stop loss but couldn't find any information.
Also, can I request release from the IRR, and if so what do I have to do? Thanks.

Read this thread going way back. Lots of info that would be a pain to repeat over and over. I would guess that they will try to get you to extend in the IRR.



Looks like Big Sarge might be right according to recent posts...unless Big Sarge created a dummy account and wrote the post about receiving the muster orders...hmmmm :rolleyes:

If he made fake accounts he ought to be deleted.



Alright I just received muster orders yesterday too. I'm also a 14T and my 8 year obligation is supposed to be over at the end of March. The muster says to call and make an appointment for between March 1 and 17. I've been out of the army for 4 years. Should I just call for an exemption and hope my discharge goes through? Has anyone seen any consequences of blowing this off? It would truly suck to go in and update my info only to have them stop loss me a week or two before I'm supposed to get out.

You get out at the end of March? Make an appointment for March 17th then.



It looks like it says physical muster. I have ot bring a copy of my va disability. According to a recruiter I talked to, even though I am 20%, I am still deployable. How is that when before I got out I couldn't even wear battle gear??? And I have to take some virtual warior class, bank account info as well. I am afraid if I don't go, I will get a dishonorable. My husband ( who was 13U) says what are they gonna do, send MP's to get you? But we live so close to Fort Dix and McGuire you just never know. 14T is patriot missle operation maintainer and i have no idea if they are stop lossed or anything. I guess I will call tomorrow and find out. I have been in the IRR for 5 years and have never done the 2 week training so I wonder if now i will have to........little worried as i have 2 kids now and I do not want anything to do with military life. When your career starts out with a sh**** captain and platoon sgt., it ended before I even got out.

Don't worry about battle rattle, I saw XXXXXL sizes for people that could drape over a tank. There are posts about mustering here. I am sure of you go you will get more information than there from here.

Also if you do NOT muster that only means that when they do mobilize you, you will be less prepared. And you won;t be able to point a finger at the IRR.

[TaKiKiMaN]

I have a question, Im currently A reservest drilling. I talked to my Team leader and told him that i keep getting turned down for jobs, im about to lose my car and Apt and told him i need to go active. My commander informed me that you have to be with the unit for a year before he'll release me. Im not going to be able to make it to drills anymore. Now the question or questions are, How can i either A find a way to go active or b get into the IRR.. Cause i really dont want a Dishonable. can anyone help me out with this please.

[astcell]

To get out of that unit and go AD, see a normal every day recruiter. They will take it from there.

Also ask your unit if they have any 179 day tours available. If not, ask the parent unit. Once on for 179, ask around.

The hard part is getting out, not getting in.

[2YearsOrBust]

haha, battle rattle that fits over tanks. Well thats reassuring.

Dude whoever told you that you had to drill with a unit for a year before you got out is TRIPPING. That's not correct at all. Ast is right, the hard part is getting OUT, not in. If you want to go active and get deployed, there's even a button on the HRC page to "volunteer for deployment" or something of that nature. Don't let people give you the run around, go over them if you have to.

[1234]

Alright I just received muster orders yesterday too. I'm also a 14T and my 8 year obligation is supposed to be over at the end of March. The muster says to call and make an appointment for between March 1 and 17. I've been out of the army for 4 years. Should I just call for an exemption and hope my discharge goes through? Has anyone seen any consequences of blowing this off? It would truly suck to go in and update my info only to have them stop loss me a week or two before I'm supposed to get out.

I would either call them for an exemption or go to the muster at the lastest possible date. If you decide to go to muster make sure to complete the paperwork BEFORE you go or you will be waiting for 5+ hours. If your paperwork is complete it should be in and out in less than an hour. If it were me, I would just call to get an exemption since your IRR time is up at the end of March but if you need the money it will be a good way to earn an extra $176. Since your IRR time is up at the end of the month, the chances are slim to none that you are going to get called back to active duty. Even if you got orders to active duty you can always apply for exemption stating you only have x amount of days left in the IRR.

Good Luck!

[TaKiKiMaN]

i talked to a active recruiter like 4 months ago and now were on the mobilazation list and "No one is allowed to go anywere" What happens if i just stop going to drill?

[IRRGUY]

1234, that sounds like really solid advice. I have a really hard time trusting my luck to hold out, though. I was already on a stop loss once in 2003 to stay on active duty and go to Iraq. About a month before I was supposed to start clearing I end up getting orders to Camp Virginia. The wife of my old motor sgt. was out for like six years and a month or so before she was supposed to get her final irr discharge she was put on a stop loss and ended up going to Iraq for a year as an 88m. What I'd really like to know is, who blew this off back in June- July and were there any consequences?

[IRRGUY]

Also, if I call for an exemption, what should I say? I don't really have a good reason. Should I just say "personal reasons"? Or maybe just tell them because my irr time is up at the end of March?

[ambergarcia79]

Well, I called to schedule my appointment today and even over the phone the recruiter tried some threatening tactics. He said if i didn't pick a reserve unit, since i never deployed to the sandbox, there is a "high" likely hood that I will. Tried to talk me into changing my MOS and going rserve for a year etc. I talked to HRC today as well and she said that just because I have a muster doesn't mean I will get MOB orders.....Should I just hope and wait or do something about it???? My husband says to ignore them. But when I was in the Army I saw how they screwed people and i want no parts of that again.

[IRRGUY]

Thanks for the info Ambergarcia79. I feel like an idiot now. I just checked my DD214 and in block six my reserve obligation termination date is Feb. 21, 2008. I don't know why I thought it was the end of March. I'm pretty sure I saw someone post that your termination from irr was automatic and didn't require you to do anything. I hope that's right. Now the only question is, do I blow it off completely or make an appointment for March 17th?:tongue:

[Bigmoe]

I hate to burst everyones bubble. If you got called up from the IRR and your EOS (End of obligated Service) is the end of March then you are in for a suprise. The reason the report date is between Mar 1-17 so that the Army can most likely involunarily extend your contract. It has happened in the past and it appears as though it is going to happen again. Or you could look on the positive side and specualte that this is the Army's last chance to see if you want to re-enlist.

[1234]

Thanks for the info Ambergarcia79. I feel like an idiot now. I just checked my DD214 and in block six my reserve obligation termination date is Feb. 21, 2008. I don't know why I thought it was the end of March. I'm pretty sure I saw someone post that your termination from irr was automatic and didn't require you to do anything. I hope that's right. Now the only question is, do I blow it off completely or make an appointment for March 17th?:tongue:

That was me who just got out of the IRR. If you were enlisted then everything is automatic but I would call the HRC on the 22nd of Feb to make sure that everything is done correctly and to make sure that they have their records correct. In this case, I would ignore the muster orders all together since it is after your MSO/ETS date. I would just call on the 22nd to ask about your discharge orders and mention that you received muster orders. They will tell you just to ignore the muster orders. This happened to a few people in June/July with the last muster.

If you need an excuse to get out of the muster just say that you will be out of the country during that time. Spring Break is around that time so it is a perfect excuse to say you are going to be out of the country for most of March. That is what I would use.

[astcell]

Takikiman,

Stop going to drill and they send you to the IRR. So now rather than go with your unit and hang with your buddies you are a lone wolf and can go anywhere at anytime.

If your unit is has receive a FRAGO that it will move out, most likely you are locked down for now. moving you requires more paperwork, but hey, what's paperwork to the Army!

IRRguy,

Call for an exemption and that is all you have to say. "I want an exemption." They will ask you to fill out forms with your claim, send it to them by a set date, etc. The person who answers the phone just clicks the "Exemption Requested" button, they do not make decisions. Don't waste your air on them.

If your term ended 2/21/08 I hope you have it in writing. And not a DD214. You didn't extend because they offered you a free hat did you? As long as you are sure you are out!


Ambergarcia79,

So the guy told you there is a high liklihood if you don't join a unit that you deploy? Ask for that in writing. I was stationed at Fort Ord for six months and never had the condo that was promised to me. They will use all sorts of "hard sell" tactics. If it is not in writing, it's worthless.

Bigmoe,

If the Army is going to extend your contract they had better have you on active duty as of the last day of your commitment.

All,

If someone tells you to ignore muster orders and they will not give it to you in writing, get their name, POC, and supervisor's name. Any time you are told to do or not do something verbally, write down the circumstances. Then later on when someone wants to know what you have been smoking, you can bring up the person you were listening to.

ARE WE HAVING FUN YET?

[1234]

I hate to burst everyones bubble. If you got called up from the IRR and your EOS (End of obligated Service) is the end of March then you are in for a suprise. The reason the report date is between Mar 1-17 so that the Army can most likely involunarily extend your contract. It has happened in the past and it appears as though it is going to happen again. Or you could look on the positive side and specualte that this is the Army's last chance to see if you want to re-enlist.

You couldn't be more wrong. They can't just extend your IRR time during the muster. They are to update your information and do a physical. The only way they extend your IRR time is with your permission or orders calling you back to active duty. Lets try to get the facts straight.

[srspa77]

I'm a 46Romeo broadcast journalist. Does anyone now what the protocol is if you are working for the army as a civilian?

[2YearsOrBust]

Protocol for WHAT?

I couldnt have said it better myself 1234. Also, to takiman, ditto on what 1234 said: get yourself U'd out and put into the IRR, that of course assumes that your unit doesnt moblize and put you on stop-loss to deploy. But either way, you're getting what you want: active duty. HOOAH.

[Bigmoe]

You couldn't be more wrong. They can't just extend your IRR time during the muster. They are to update your information and do a physical. The only way they extend your IRR time is with your permission or orders calling you back to active duty. Lets try to get the facts straight.

Ignorance is bliss. The US Army can and does involuntarily extend your time in service. When you show up for muster your are just going through the formailites. When you muster and you are part of the IRR their are orders with your name on it ordering your to active duty for one year. You do not have to sign anything. The physical is a joke, the physician asks how you feel and if there is anything wrong, then simply signs off on your record book that you are fit for duty. Their is no blood work down or anything. Even if you are drawing 30% dissability you are still fit for service. If you think the Army will not involuntarily extend your time in service then you must be living in a utopia.

[IRRGUY]

Okay for anyone who cares or may be going through a similar situation, the plot thickens. I called today to get an exemption. The lady answers the phone, takes my ssn, and I say I want an exemption. She says whoa, your not in compliance with something or other and I'm showing you as flagged. I need your updated info to put you back in compliance ( I haven't updated my info in 3 to 4 years- oops). So I give her my info. At one point she asked for my work phone number. I say I'd rather not give that out. She says "please hold a moment". She comes back on and asks if I'm aware I'm obligated by law to give her all this info. I say "whatever" and give her the info. She even wants my supervisors name and phone number, address of where I work and everything. I finally get through all that and she says "now how can I help you?". I tell her about the muster orders and that I want an exemption since my irr is done 02/21/2008. She says she can see that on her screen and that my orders have been revoked. They were apparently revoked the same day they were mailed out to me. I say "fine" I just want to make sure I'm actually out on the 22nd and not about to be stop-lossed. She says she doesn't know anything about that, she's just a call center and will have to transfer me to my career manager, but just because people are getting muster orders doesn't mean they are getting mobilized. Yeah , sure... didn't you just say you were just a call center? The career manager isn't there so I leave a message. Hello, this is so and so, my ssn is xxx, my irr time is done on the 21st and I'm taking the discharge.
So I come home from work today and sure enough, there's a letter from the Army. " HRC has reviewed your records and determined you are not required to muster due to the proximity of your expiration term of service to the muster date... blah, blah, blah. And here's the important part, "DO NOT REPORT, YOU ARE NOT AUTHORIZED PAY". No problem. Then there's a message from the career counselor. "I understand you want to be discharged from the military, well I'll need your DA 71 and get you an Unqualified Resignation Letter (whatever that is) and we'll get the process started. I don't think I'm calling that guy back. I think I'll just call on the 22nd to make sure I'm actually out. Resignation letter? Pffffft. So that's my deal.

To astcell- Why wouldn't the termination date on my DD214 be the right date?

To 1234- I think you're right, calling the day after is probably the best bet.

Lastly, where's that Big Sarge guy? He seemed to actually be a part of this whole muster deal. If you guys are watching this thread, why not drop some knowledge here and set some joe's straight?

[astcell]

Irrguy - The date on your 214 is when you got off active duty. I have three of them and will get a 4th when I leave this assignement. It only covers a period of active duty up to that point. Think of it like a phone bill. Just because you oaid $40 in January does not mean you do not owe for February. A 214 does not mean you are out, it means you have AD time behind you.

As for the resignation letter, are you an officer? Officers must resign their commission. If it is anything else, read it closely. Post it here too!

[1234]

Irrguy - The date on your 214 is when you got off active duty. I have three of them and will get a 4th when I leave this assignement. It only covers a period of active duty up to that point. Think of it like a phone bill. Just because you oaid $40 in January does not mean you do not owe for February. A 214 does not mean you are out, it means you have AD time behind you.

As for the resignation letter, are you an officer? Officers must resign their commission. If it is anything else, read it closely. Post it here too!

Wow...Wrong again! Take it from someone who has seen their DD214...your IRR ETS date is on your DD214. It is at the top right (below your ss#), it says Reserve Oblig. Term. Date. This is your ETS date for the IRR. You can also check this date on AKO. Go to www.us.army.mil and log in. Once logged in look on the bottom right of the screen under "Army Links." There should be a link called OMPF reserve. Click on that and it should bring up all of your current contact info, date of last physical, etc. You can also see your ETS date at this link.

Also don't believe that whole "they are going to extend your IRR time at the muster" post. It is not true.

Why is everyone just posting random information without double checking?

[ambergarcia79]

Ignorance is bliss. The US Army can and does involuntarily extend your time in service. When you show up for muster your are just going through the formailites. When you muster and you are part of the IRR their are orders with your name on it ordering your to active duty for one year. You do not have to sign anything. The physical is a joke, the physician asks how you feel and if there is anything wrong, then simply signs off on your record book that you are fit for duty. Their is no blood work down or anything. Even if you are drawing 30% dissability you are still fit for service. If you think the Army will not involuntarily extend your time in service then you must be living in a utopia.


How do you know there are orders if you show up at the muster. I was told that this is just a new requirement for the Army to get a handle on their IRR soldiers. Did anyone that reported to a muster actually recieve orders in the mail after the muster? I don't want a barracks lawyer, but an actual situation. I was told by HRC that this is now the normal thing and not to worry, however the Army is not the most reliable.....

[ALPHA101]

Ignorance is bliss. The US Army can and does involuntarily extend your time in service. When you show up for muster your are just going through the formailites. When you muster and you are part of the IRR their are orders with your name on it ordering your to active duty for one year. You do not have to sign anything. The physical is a joke, the physician asks how you feel and if there is anything wrong, then simply signs off on your record book that you are fit for duty. Their is no blood work down or anything. Even if you are drawing 30% dissability you are still fit for service. If you think the Army will not involuntarily extend your time in service then you must be living in a utopia.

gee, that is funny i went to a muster last year and i am still here and have not gone anywhere as far as active duty is concerned so get your facts straight big ho. oh, and by the way, they did draw blood at the readiness muster and the full bird just does not sign off on your record book as fit for duty so you really need to watch what you say here because you are giving crappy advice. i don't know what rank you are but you are not a person a soldier should look up to. oh and 30% or higher as far as disability is a major issue when finding fit for duty personnel so go live in the utopia you call your pathetic life and quit giving lousy advice.

[ALPHA101]

How do you know there are orders if you show up at the muster. I was told that this is just a new requirement for the Army to get a handle on their IRR soldiers. Did anyone that reported to a muster actually recieve orders in the mail after the muster? I don't want a barracks lawyer, but an actual situation. I was told by HRC that this is now the normal thing and not to worry, however the Army is not the most reliable.....

i received my muster orders in the regular mail last year. i almost threw them out i thought it was junk mail! last year was a test run as far as the musters go. but what happened to me was i got the letter in the mail and called HRC and picked the day i was going to attend and when i showed up i was not on the list. it seems that they probably sent out double the amount to get the 5000 they needed. any extras were a bonus. the muster took 6+ hours and to me was harmless. i even talked to the colonel that runs HRC and he seemed like a good guy. anywyas you can log onto HRC's website and view your orders there. in fact that is how my friend found out he had orders. he looked them up on his reserve record and they were posted 2 months prior to his report date in august.

[1234]

Bigmoe = uninformed

Do not listen to him. No orders will be "handed out" at the muster. Everyone in the IRR is supposed to muster at least once a year but thanks to all the money the army is throwing down the toilet (Iraq), they did not have enough funds to support musters. It wasn't until they tried calling up 5,000+ people in 2004 they noticed that they had a major problem with the IRR. They are now trying to fix all the communication problems with these musters. I am sure there will be some call ups in the future but call ups have been happening since 2003. All I can say is if you get orders and you do not want to go back to Iraq you should fill out all of the required paperwork for an exemption/delay as soon as possible. Again I wish you all the best. Also I still have not received my discharge orders. :cool:

I wish you all the best and don't worry too much about all the uninformed people posting some random "facts" about musters and orders. Until next time.

[1234]

Order Date--------------OrderType---------------------------------------------Effective Date
2008/02/12-----------HONR[Honorable Discharge Orders]-------------2008/02/12

MPA Type and Reason
LD-DISCHARGE - INVOLUNTARY / BF-EXPIRATION OF ARNG OR USAR SERVICE OBLIGATION

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

I just checked my AKO and my discharge orders are on it!!!! I copied and pasted the above information for you so you know what to look for when your time is up. I will let you know when I receive the actual orders in the mail.

I also wanted to see who everyone will be voting for in the next election? I know it might start some "debates" but I personally like political debates :) Let me know.

[ALPHA101]

Order Date--------------OrderType---------------------------------------------Effective Date
2008/02/12-----------HONR[Honorable Discharge Orders]-------------2008/02/12

MPA Type and Reason
LD-DISCHARGE - INVOLUNTARY / BF-EXPIRATION OF ARNG OR USAR SERVICE OBLIGATION

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

I just checked my AKO and my discharge orders are on it!!!! I copied and pasted the above information for you so you know what to look for when your time is up. I will let you know when I receive the actual orders in the mail.

I also wanted to see who everyone will be voting for in the next election? I know it might start some "debates" but I personally like political debates :) Let me know.

congrats to you my friend! anyways i am voting for any democrat (which will be obama) to hell with the republicans....there party is in disarray and they don't stand for what they use to. mccain is the worst person they could have for a candidate.

[Bigmoe]

Gentleman it appears as though you are not very involved in the schematics of things. I was in the IRR and was called to active duty for 12 months. I went to the designated area for muster and upon arrival they sat us all down for our mandatory brief. Lots of paperwork and so on. They asked if anyone had any objections to going to Iraq, and of course hands went up left and right. After that we were informed that we were being called to active duty for a minimum of 12 months. We were all desiganted as combat casultie replacements regardless of our MOS. There were even indiviudals that were on 30% disability who were given the green light to deploy. The looked over our medical records and made sure we were up to date on our shots and thats it. No blood work, no turn to the left and caugh, nothing. Now does this mean this is whats going to happen when you go to muster. I have no idea, however it is a possibility. The military is a huge machine that does what it wants when it wants no questions asked.

[1234]

Gentleman it appears as though you are not very involved in the schematics of things. I was in the IRR and was called to active duty for 12 months. I went to the designated area for muster and upon arrival they sat us all down for our mandatory brief. Lots of paperwork and so on. They asked if anyone had any objections to going to Iraq, and of course hands went up left and right. After that we were informed that we were being called to active duty for a minimum of 12 months. We were all desiganted as combat casultie replacements regardless of our MOS. There were even indiviudals that were on 30% disability who were given the green light to deploy. The looked over our medical records and made sure we were up to date on our shots and thats it. No blood work, no turn to the left and caugh, nothing. Now does this mean this is whats going to happen when you go to muster. I have no idea, however it is a possibility. The military is a huge machine that does what it wants when it wants no questions asked.

Sounds like you had orders to deploy not orders to go to a muster? When exactly did you go to this muster? I am sorry but I don't believe a single word you say. Please back it up with some facts. When was the muster? When did you get deployed? Your MOS? How long were you out before you got called back?

Thanks!

[Bigmoe]

Sounds like you had orders to deploy not orders to go to a muster? When exactly did you go to this muster? I am sorry but I don't believe a single word you say. Please back it up with some facts. When was the muster? When did you get deployed? Your MOS? How long were you out before you got called back?

Thanks!

I have no problem with you questioning and doubting what happend. March 02, 2003 we all had to show up to our designated muster point. We were deployed on March 28, 2003. We flew into the Ali Al Saleem Air Base and were transported over to Camp Doha. We joined up with other units and from there made our way into Iraq. My MOS was 55B then got changed to 89B. I seperated from active duty on September 08, 2001 and became part of the IRR. Then in March 2003 I was ordered to active duty. Hopefully that clears things up for you.

[astcell]

Wow...Wrong again! Take it from someone who has seen their DD214...your IRR ETS date is on your DD214. It is at the top right (below your ss#), it says Reserve Oblig. Term. Date. This is your ETS date for the IRR. ...

Sorry I think I am simply not explaining myself too well. My apologies. My DD214 says I enlisted in 1980 and IRR commitment was over in 1986. But guess what -- I re-upped in the IRR! So that is what I mean when I say that your DD214 shows the events up until the point in time that it was issued. take your DD214 to a recruiter and he may sign you right back up.

What I am trying to say is that showing you a DD214 does not tell me what my status is NOW, it shows my sttaus as of the date the D214 was issued. That is all. But yes, the web page will show what is current for you. You may also have an ID card or orders that iwll tell more about you as well. Pink ID card? ETS date on it? Likely you are IRR. CAC card? Likely you are active or active reserves. That's all I meant.



Order Date--------------OrderType---------------------------------------------Effective Date
2008/02/12-----------HONR[Honorable Discharge Orders]-------------2008/02/12

MPA Type and Reason
LD-DISCHARGE - INVOLUNTARY / BF-EXPIRATION OF ARNG OR USAR SERVICE OBLIGATION

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

I just checked my AKO and my discharge orders are on it!!!! I copied and pasted the above information for you so you know what to look for when your time is up. I will let you know when I receive the actual orders in the mail.

I also wanted to see who everyone will be voting for in the next election? I know it might start some "debates" but I personally like political debates :) Let me know.

1234, Congratulations! Since you called them a lot about it I wonder what they listed your separation code as. care to share? Hope it is RE-1A.



I have no problem with you questioning and doubting what happend. March 02, 2003 we all had to show up to our designated muster point. We were deployed on March 28, 2003. We flew into the Ali Al Saleem Air Base and were transported over to Camp Doha. We joined up with other units and from there made our way into Iraq. My MOS was 55B then got changed to 89B. I seperated from active duty on September 08, 2001 and became part of the IRR. Then in March 2003 I was ordered to active duty. Hopefully that clears things up for you.

Bigmoe,
Sorry but that was not a muster, at least not in the term that the IRR is using a muster now. A muster today is a relatively new thing that they invented because of the boondoggle of calling back folks who were completely unable to serve. What you got was what I got. Orders to appear for a period of 12 days or so for a physical, and then in that 12 days they determine your eligibility for orders lasting longer. In my case it was 545 days. And yes the physical is indeed a joke as well as all the other hoops you must jump through.

[mosaic17]

How do you know there are orders if you show up at the muster. I was told that this is just a new requirement for the Army to get a handle on their IRR soldiers. Did anyone that reported to a muster actually recieve orders in the mail after the muster? I don't want a barracks lawyer, but an actual situation. I was told by HRC that this is now the normal thing and not to worry, however the Army is not the most reliable.....

I went to a muster in July 2007 and got moblization orders to active duty in December 2007. Coincidence? I guess we'll never really know. Some people get mobilized and others don't. Like many other people have mentioned, it could just be a totally random thing done by the computers. I haven't met anyone yet that really knows. When I went to the muster, no one else was there. I finally tracked some one down, and he called the SFC I was supposed to meet with who told him to take my paperwork and that he'd get back to me. He never did. I was there for a total of about 5 minutes. So that was that.

I think you're right though...that it's just a new requirment by HRC as they transform to the Individual Warrior (IW) instead of IRR. Makes sense to me. This way when they do call people to active duty, soldiers are ready and the ones who have issues and can't report, have already been identified and/or discharged from the IRR.

FYI: I'm still waiting on a decision about my delay/exemption. It's been about a month and a half since I filed my packet and they said it would take 4 to 6 weeks.

[mosaic17]

Order Date--------------OrderType---------------------------------------------Effective Date
2008/02/12-----------HONR[Honorable Discharge Orders]-------------2008/02/12

MPA Type and Reason
LD-DISCHARGE - INVOLUNTARY / BF-EXPIRATION OF ARNG OR USAR SERVICE OBLIGATION

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

I just checked my AKO and my discharge orders are on it!!!! I copied and pasted the above information for you so you know what to look for when your time is up. I will let you know when I receive the actual orders in the mail.

I also wanted to see who everyone will be voting for in the next election? I know it might start some "debates" but I personally like political debates :) Let me know.

Congratulations!! I've gone back and forth between Clinton and Obama but I've decided that I'll be voting for Obama. He's extremely intelligent, charismatic, inspriring, and does represent change. He also has a plan for the withdrawal of troops, healthcare, and immigration, among many other issues, in which I fully support. I think he's just what this country needs. You don't have to like the man but you have to respect him. He's come a long way in his life and is an example of the American Dream in a very positive manner. I just hope that everyone uses their voice and freedom to vote in the coming election. It's an important one and the person that we elect to the office can change the direction of the country.

[astcell]

I gotta wonder about a guy who does not put his hand on his heart for the national anthem....

[ALPHA101]

I went to a muster in July 2007 and got moblization orders to active duty in December 2007. Coincidence? I guess we'll never really know. Some people get mobilized and others don't. Like many other people have mentioned, it could just be a totally random thing done by the computers. I haven't met anyone yet that really knows. When I went to the muster, no one else was there. I finally tracked some one down, and he called the SFC I was supposed to meet with who told him to take my paperwork and that he'd get back to me. He never did. I was there for a total of about 5 minutes. So that was that.

I think you're right though...that it's just a new requirment by HRC as they transform to the Individual Warrior (IW) instead of IRR. Makes sense to me. This way when they do call people to active duty, soldiers are ready and the ones who have issues and can't report, have already been identified and/or discharged from the IRR.

FYI: I'm still waiting on a decision about my delay/exemption. It's been about a month and a half since I filed my packet and they said it would take 4 to 6 weeks.

i think the army was suppose to be doing musters for some time now but they were not and the system got screwed up so a clean up is being done. it looks like you went to an accountability muster. i went to a readiness muster and went through the motions for 6+ hours. anyways i hope you get your exemption and i hope you will post any info you can here.

[1234]

I gotta wonder about a guy who does not put his hand on his heart for the national anthem....

Again do some research before you make your decision because this statement is completely false. Don't believe everything your friend sends you in an email. I am sure you are referring to a random email showing Barack Obama standing next to a flag and a caption saying that he doesn't put his hand on his heart. Barack Obama probably more patriotic than you. Do you say the Pledge of Allegiance everyday? I doubt it. Don't judge a person by one email...get your own opinion...do some research. The Barack Obama smear email was even addressed in the Army Times as false and they even tracked it back to some civilians in Texas. As you see I have done my research.

[1234]

1234, Congratulations! Since you called them a lot about it I wonder what they listed your separation code as. care to share? Hope it is RE-1A.


I didn't see anything on my orders referring to a separation code? Is there somewhere else I should look?

[2YearsOrBust]

Ok what is this "IW" transition you guys are speaking about? I googled it but i havent found any information about how the IRR is changing with this new status.

[wolf9848]

Hey, I reported to a MEPs station back in September 2007 for a muster, where a recruiter tried to get me to enlist in the Army Reserve. Now I have orders to report to a reserve base for a physical in March 2008, the orders claim its not for mobilization, but is that true? Did any of you guys who got called up out of the IRR go through this process before getting orders to Mobilize? I'm an 11B E-4 with 2 combat tours in Iraq.

[mosaic17]

Ok what is this "IW" transition you guys are speaking about? I googled it but i havent found any information about how the IRR is changing with this new status.

When I speak of the IW, this is what I was referring to. They were supposed to take a pool of about 5000 soldiers and try out their new plan (including readiness musters, etc.). Supposedly, it's supposed to be completely implemented by 2017. Unfortunately, I can't find the information about the numbers and exact date but I do remember reading about it somewhere. Below are some more articles on the subject and I just posted the summary of what they all said. Hope this helps.

I also just wanted to say that the muster that I attended was an accountability muster (stated in my orders).

"On March 22, 2006, the Army announced that the Secretary of the Army had endorsed an integrated and systemic approach to reset and reinvigorate the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR). The Army’s strategy focuses on transforming the IRR into the Army’s leading ‘prior service talent bank’ through several programmed initiatives as it builds the future force.

The Army plan called for immediately developping an identity with increased esprit de corps for members of the IRR by creating a special category within the IRR for its ready and qualified IRR Soldiers. This special category was to be called the Individual Warrior (IW) Category. Soldiers in the IW Category would be required to maintain a higher state of readiness by participating in virtual musters, attending annual readiness processing and, through managed training opportunities, maintaining proficiency in their military occupational specialty. The IW Category would focus on elevating individual expectation management, proactive career management, unique training opportunities, and promote continuum of service towards a military retirement. "

Full article:
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/army/usar-irr.htm

http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,91948,00.html

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/congress/2006_hr/060301-hagenbeck.pdf

[former31B]

I remember reading those same articles. My understanding of them was that the IW would provide incentives to those who are willing to go along with the program and possibly be recalled. Those of us not willing to do so would be moved to a separate category of the likes the IRR used to be about...the group of last resort. Does anyone know if that is the Army's intention?

By the way, I'm a long-time reader of this forum but newly registered. As my username suggests, I'm a former 31B (MP) and have about 25 months of IRR time left.

[Retention NCO]

There will be several different type of musters coming up in the next several months. Some will be at Reserve Centers and others at active duty post. It all depends where you live.

As long as you are assigned to the IRR, you will be receiving orders to attend the muster.

Now, if you have 24 months or less left on your "obligation",you can avoid involuntary mobilization call-up.

How? The Army Reserve has a 24 Month Mobilization Deferment Agreement for any soldeier who transfers from the IRR to a Reserve unit.

That means you can ride out your time in the Reserve without any chance of mobilization. You WILL be exempt from any overseas duty.

I know, I work as a Army Reserve Career Counselor.

Questions? Contact me....

[ALPHA101]

There will be several different type of musters coming up in the next several months. Some will be at Reserve Centers and others at active duty post. It all depends where you live.

As long as you are assigned to the IRR, you will be receiving orders to attend the muster.

Now, if you have 24 months or less left on your "obligation",you can avoid involuntary mobilization call-up.

How? The Army Reserve has a 24 Month Mobilization Deferment Agreement for any soldeier who transfers from the IRR to a Reserve unit.

That means you can ride out your time in the Reserve without any chance of mobilization. You WILL be exempt from any overseas duty.

I know, I work as a Army Reserve Career Counselor.

Questions? Contact me....

blah, blah, blah....just like the musters last year. nice try at a hard sell there loser, go find stupid people somewhere else....better yet take bigmoe with ya!

[med]

Hey, I reported to a MEPs station back in September 2007 for a muster, where a recruiter tried to get me to enlist in the Army Reserve. Now I have orders to report to a reserve base for a physical in March 2008, the orders claim its not for mobilization, but is that true? Did any of you guys who got called up out of the IRR go through this process before getting orders to Mobilize? I'm an 11B E-4 with 2 combat tours in Iraq.


Hey I'm not sure if we are in the same situation but I received orders last summer saying that I had to go get a physical too. My orders also claimed it was not for mobilization. I went, got my physical, and have not been bothered since. The Army requires you have a physical every 5 years, even if you are no longer on active duty. They do not count your separation physical (the one you get before getting off active duty) as an every 5 year physical. It was not big deal, just annoying. I'm a 68W, combat medic, E-5, with 1 combat tour in iraq.

[srspa77]

I am in the IRR. Served active duty for 5 years 8 months - all overseas (except training). My IRR reserve obligation date is
April 4, 2009. I got orders for iraqi freedom with a report date for March 16, 2008. I hope to get offered a job as a Civil Servant at Fort Riley - a GS-9 by next week. Can I request a delay in my orders for 90 days, or more, so I can get into the system and they can hold my job when I get back? How long does a request for a delay take? What happens if I get the delay? Do they reissue different orders? Is it possible they will exempt me since my irr obligation date is nearing an end?

[ALPHA101]

I am in the IRR. Served active duty for 5 years 8 months - all overseas (except training). My IRR reserve obligation date is
April 4, 2009. I got orders for iraqi freedom with a report date for March 16, 2008. I hope to get offered a job as a Civil Servant at Fort Riley - a GS-9 by next week. Can I request a delay in my orders for 90 days, or more, so I can get into the system and they can hold my job when I get back? How long does a request for a delay take? What happens if I get the delay? Do they reissue different orders? Is it possible they will exempt me since my irr obligation date is nearing an end?

the only thing you can do is try. i really don't know how long a delay takes but if you get a delay they probably will just cut you new orders. if you get exemption i guess they may just cancel the orders. by the way what is your MOS? i find it kind of odd you got called back when technically you are on your last fiscal year? did you attend a muster last year?

[ALPHA101]

Hey I'm not sure if we are in the same situation but I received orders last summer saying that I had to go get a physical too. My orders also claimed it was not for mobilization. I went, got my physical, and have not been bothered since. The Army requires you have a physical every 5 years, even if you are no longer on active duty. They do not count your separation physical (the one you get before getting off active duty) as an every 5 year physical. It was not big deal, just annoying. I'm a 68W, combat medic, E-5, with 1 combat tour in iraq.

if they consider that a physical at the readiness muster i attended last year then they don't really care about it because my physical is still listed as expired on AKO. the only thing they updated was my hear test and they even screwed up my immunizations. great stuff huh?!

[med]

if they consider that a physical at the readiness muster i attended last year then they don't really care about it because my physical is still listed as expired on AKO. the only thing they updated was my hear test and they even screwed up my immunizations. great stuff huh?!

No, that crap they do at the "readiness" muster is not a physical. I got the letter saying I needed a physical early last summer, when I contacted them, I tried to tell em' I'd just had a physical when I got off active duty but they said in the end it would just be easier to just go get another one. The physical was an actual physical, blood, urine, head to toe exam, ears, eyes, etc. Once they received my physical paper work my AKO was updated.

[srspa77]

Alpha101 - I am a 46Romeo. A Broadcast Journalist. Not exactly a "critical MOS". I fear they will reclass me. I also got rated for a disability by the VA. A minor one (I am appealing) but one nonetheless. If I can get a delay will they keep cutting orders even though my IRR obligation date is only about a year away? Plus Obama would likely rescind it come Jan 2009. I am on the verge of getting the job i've been waiting for for years but now it looks like my chance is going away. Does anyone now how many irr soldiers got orders for March? Is this rare?

[med]

Alpha101 - I am a 46Romeo. A Broadcast Journalist. Not exactly a "critical MOS". I fear they will reclass me. I also got rated for a disability by the VA. A minor one (I am appealing) but one nonetheless. If I can get a delay will they keep cutting orders even though my IRR obligation date is only about a year away? Plus Obama would likely rescind it come Jan 2009. I am on the verge of getting the job i've been waiting for for years but now it looks like my chance is going away. Does anyone now how many irr soldiers got orders for March? Is this rare?

Hey, did you deploy to either Iraq of Afghanistan while on Active Duty?

[1234]

Alpha101 - I am a 46Romeo. A Broadcast Journalist. Not exactly a "critical MOS". I fear they will reclass me. I also got rated for a disability by the VA. A minor one (I am appealing) but one nonetheless. If I can get a delay will they keep cutting orders even though my IRR obligation date is only about a year away? Plus Obama would likely rescind it come Jan 2009. I am on the verge of getting the job i've been waiting for for years but now it looks like my chance is going away. Does anyone now how many irr soldiers got orders for March? Is this rare?

A few people have been getting called up since December. I don't know the exact number but it looks like the army is calling up a people every month instead of 5000 people at one time. They are probably trying to avoid all of the publicity by using this method instead of the call up method used in 2004.

As far as the GS system holding onto your position until you return from Iraq might be tricky. I am a GS10 in Germany and they said they could replace me with someone else but not to worry because I am in the GS system and it is easier to find a job once you are in. Also the rules might be different for me since I am in Germany.

[2YearsOrBust]

Srspa77,

I'm in a Public Affairs unit now(46Q) and the reason I'm going IN the IRR is because there's talk we're getting mobed in fiscal 09. Even when/if a Dem takes office, i don't see that change effecting the ranks for fiscal 09. Bush puts policy in place even in late 08 and it will be there for us. I know, my nightmare too, as I get out mid-09.

Further, I am a GS-11 at a federal agency and if you are not appointed to this position yet (ie, the orientation has not happened) by the time you potentially get deployed, gooood luck. I don't have to tell you about government bureaucracy and the chances they will "hold" you a specific position is rare. However, the government is the government, so chances are they dont have anyone knocking down their door for that same position.

PM me if you have further questions and keep us posted.

Good luck.

[billybones]

I just recieved orders for a muster 2/10/2008. I have been out for fifteen years now, I spent 7 years in the active Army. I thought that my time as served a long time ago, but looks like I was sadly mistaken. I am now 40 years old with a stay home mother taking care of my 3 young childs. Now if I did not have childs I would probably just go but.. If they send me my family will lose everything because they will not pay me anywhere close to what I make a month and they will lose it all. If you ask me I think they should be making some of our convicts in prison support us for a change. May be lighten their sentences for time honerally served. (non violent crimes of course). Any way is there any thing that I can do to protect my family and property?

[2YearsOrBust]

File an exemption dude. That should be easy.

[srspa77]

2 yearsorbust, med:

I wasn't deplyed to iraq or afghan. But I don't see why that matters since they seem to have no protocol or reasoning as to who they are calling up. i hope to get a delay/exemption so I get in the "gs system"and have a better chance for a job should I go. Does anyone know if they can/should mobilize people who's IRR obligation is nearing an end? They are mobilizing me past my IRR termination date. Can they theoretically call someone up who is weeks or days away from they're IRR termination and mobilize them for a year or two? I guess this is just like the stop loss crap they've been doing to folks in iraq. I have many reasons to ask for an exemption/delay but don't know what's best or if I should use them all. Health reasons, financial reasons, my parents health and financial well being is on the line, mobilizing me past my irr date. What is best? Also do you have 2 weeks to ask for an exemption from the time they cut the orders or from the time you receive them???? When do you have to have all the paperwork in?

[2YearsOrBust]

Can they theoretically call someone up who is weeks/days from their ETS? You bet your ass. There's a movie coming out next month ABOUT Stop-Loss.

Right, I have much of those same questions. I get a lot of different responses from people on here about how much time you have to file an exemption, how long it takes, the reasons for exemptions, etc. No one seems to know. BUT I will say this much: I have a few close friends in the IRR and they came back on the tours around the same time i did (04-05) and they have safely been in for a couple years now with no probs. So I don't know dude. From what I was told once, (like a LONG time ago) when you go in the IRR your name enters an arbitrary system and if you just came back from a tour, your name starts at the bottom of the list, slowly working its way up. But with that logic, if I came back in early 05, hypothetically, my time will be coming early 09, which scares the shit out of me.

So my opinion is its not based on MOS so much as tour of duty, but don't ask me, ask all these other cats on here who may know.

[2YearsOrBust]

Oh, and as for exemption reasons, it sounds like as of late, HRC is being pretty rigid about what they will accept. Apparently it used to be for anything (i remember a girl from my unit getting exempt because she claimed the "hardship" that she would be stressed out. join the world) but it sounds like not so much anymore, so i would say go with the most tangible excuse you have (ie, financial reasons). Medical things are relative and often not exacting enough to get you out of deployment. Family stuff....EH, they dont care about that. But financial....depending on the severity, i would think that would hold up quite well. But again, ask someone who has actually had an exemption approved.

[med]

srspa77 - The fact that you never deployed to Iraq of Afghanistan may play a role in your recall... HRC told me (although, I'm not sure how reliable that info is) that if you have already deployed you are less likely to get called up. As for a timeline for an exemption, have you tried calling HRC?


Anyone-
I'd like to know if anyone here has been recalled and actually deployed to Iraq of Afghanistan before, and if so, what is your MOS?

[astcell]

Again do some research before you make your decision because this statement is completely false. Don't believe everything your friend sends you in an email. I am sure you are referring to a random email showing Barack Obama standing next to a flag and a caption saying that he doesn't put his hand on his heart. Barack Obama probably more patriotic than you. Do you say the Pledge of Allegiance everyday? I doubt it. Don't judge a person by one email...get your own opinion...do some research. The Barack Obama smear email was even addressed in the Army Times as false and they even tracked it back to some civilians in Texas. As you see I have done my research.

I did research. The ENTIRE video is on Snopes. He just stands there during the anthem. it is a video and he had every chance to recover form his fuax pas.

[astcell]

I didn't see anything on my orders referring to a separation code? Is there somewhere else I should look?

It wil be on your DD-214 at the bottom.\

[astcell]

Hey I'm not sure if we are in the same situation but I received orders last summer saying that I had to go get a physical too. My orders also claimed it was not for mobilization. I went, got my physical, and have not been bothered since. The Army requires you have a physical every 5 years, even if you are no longer on active duty. They do not count your separation physical (the one you get before getting off active duty) as an every 5 year physical. It was not big deal, just annoying. I'm a 68W, combat medic, E-5, with 1 combat tour in iraq.

My physical expired last month so I scheduled a physical while I am CONUS in two weeks. While making the appointment I am told that as of November 2007 the Army does not do 5-year physicals any more. They do PHA, or Preventative Health Analysis. I have no idea what that is but can let folks know if it is very different.

[astcell]

I just recieved orders for a muster 2/10/2008. I have been out for fifteen years now, I spent 7 years in the active Army. I thought that my time as served a long time ago, but looks like I was sadly mistaken. I am now 40 years old with a stay home mother taking care of my 3 young childs. Now if I did not have childs I would probably just go but.. If they send me my family will lose everything because they will not pay me anywhere close to what I make a month and they will lose it all. If you ask me I think they should be making some of our convicts in prison support us for a change. May be lighten their sentences for time honerally served. (non violent crimes of course). Any way is there any thing that I can do to protect my family and property?

When I processed for mob in December 2005 there was a guy there who got out in 1971 and was IRR ever since. I thought I was old at 43. He was OLD! I myself had not worn a uniform since getting back form Bosnia in Janaury 1998. I am sure you will find many others in your same position.

Don't underestimate the pay. I did. I thought I was going to lose everything. Instead I am in the best financial shape I have ever been. You may be able to get a financial exemption but be prepared to show your pay stubs and all.

[astcell]

2 yearsorbust, med:

I wasn't deplyed to iraq or afghan. But I don't see why that matters since they seem to have no protocol or reasoning as to who they are calling up. i hope to get a delay/exemption so I get in the "gs system"and have a better chance for a job should I go. Does anyone know if they can/should mobilize people who's IRR obligation is nearing an end? They are mobilizing me past my IRR termination date. Can they theoretically call someone up who is weeks or days away from they're IRR termination and mobilize them for a year or two? I guess this is just like the stop loss crap they've been doing to folks in iraq. I have many reasons to ask for an exemption/delay but don't know what's best or if I should use them all. Health reasons, financial reasons, my parents health and financial well being is on the line, mobilizing me past my irr date. What is best? Also do you have 2 weeks to ask for an exemption from the time they cut the orders or from the time you receive them???? When do you have to have all the paperwork in?

If you were never deployed then there is a litlte check box by your name that is not checked. And the deployment has to be for 30 days or more. Make it 32 days for travel. Get that box checked then you go to the end of the line. They do try to share the burden. Other things come into play such as rank. Not so much MOS. Also if you have a clearance or not. if you do not have one they will process you for one. The good news is that this can lead to an outside job later on.

And yes, you can have one day left in the IRR and get mobilized.

[astcell]

Anyone-
I'd like to know if anyone here has been recalled and actually deployed to Iraq of Afghanistan before, and if so, what is your MOS?

I received mob orders in March 2005 to report in April. I filed an exemption which was denied. They had technical issued getting me my orders and it was not until December 2005 that I left for duty.

While at Ft Bragg they asked us where we wanted to go: Afghanistan or Iraq. EVERYONE was reclassified to Civil Affairs, except me, since that was already my MOS. We had every MOS you can imagine. No one is excepted. We were all E-5 and up however. The mobilized E-4 and below went 11B and trained separate from us.

All my in-processing buddies went to Iraq and Afghanistan. Four of them that I knew personally have been KIA.

http://www.militarycity.com/valor/1807283.html
http://www.militarycity.com/valor/2099559.html
http://www.militarycity.com/valor/2099561.html
http://www.militarycity.com/valor/2313878.html

Many folks I knew came home and wished they were back in the box where common sense was common. They see the civilian world as full of idiots after dealing with the military structure again.

So you see, this IS a war. You MAY get injured or killed. This is NOT a drill. But you can shoot back, kill them, and come home to tell great stories. Or you may drive a desk for your entire time on active duty.

I have to wonder though, at the folks afraid to deploy, but you joined voluntarily at one point and would have deployed then. Or would you suddenly decide you were only here for the college benefits and beg to get out? Curious.

I do feel for folks who just landed a great job or just found out they are having a kid. On the flip side there are bound to be those who are jobless or wandering and this came up at the perfect time.

So summarily, I was called up 3/05, deployed 12/05, extended 6/07 and plan to extend again. And because of my extension, that is one less IRR person called up!

[med]

So you see, this IS a war. You MAY get injured or killed. This is NOT a drill. But you can shoot back, kill them, and come home to tell great stories. Or you may drive a desk for your entire time on active duty.

I have to wonder though, at the folks afraid to deploy, but you joined voluntarily at one point and would have deployed then. Or would you suddenly decide you were only here for the college benefits and beg to get out? Curious.

I do feel for folks who just landed a great job or just found out they are having a kid. On the flip side there are bound to be those who are jobless or wandering and this came up at the perfect time.

So summarily, I was called up 3/05, deployed 12/05, extended 6/07 and plan to extend again. And because of my extension, that is one less IRR person called up!

I feel for your loss man, but I'm not sure why, or if you are ranting at me, I have deployed, I was a combat medic with the infantry and saw enough people killed and injured to know what war is. If I am called upon to deploy tomorrow I will go, I will not ask for an exemption, no matter how badly it would screw up my life, if I don't go someone will go in my place and I will not let that happen, I feel guilty as hell for not being there right now.

[astcell]

Sorry, no rant intended. If I wanted to rant I could get quite colorful. Really, it was just information is all.

[HEALTHNUT10]

I am a Senior Career Advisor. If you want a 24 month stabilization you may qualify if you came off active duty or national guard. If you want more info, email me at Dale.Myers1@us.army.mil. I can look into your situation to see if I can assist.

MSG Myers

[astcell]

MSG Myers, with all due respect, MAY can also mean MAY NOT. But I am sure your assistance is appreciated. Just remember a lot of folks here have been played by other .mil types and now look at anything very closely, no matter how great a deal it is.

[HEALTHNUT10]

MSG Myers, with all due respect, MAY can also mean MAY NOT. But I am sure your assistance is appreciated. Just remember a lot of folks here have been played by other .mil types and now look at anythign very closely, no matter how great a deal it is.
The reason I say MAY, I need more information. I am not liked in my MOS. I stand up for the troops. I have gone to the IG and was able to get 13 Reserve Soldiers out of their mobilization since they signed the 24 month deferment statement. Its a DA policy. NO command has the right to refuse a Soldier of the 24 month stabilization if they have it in writing. There is an written agreement and 4187 that has to have the statement on it. The policy was signed by Gen Stultz on 15 May 07. I retire in 22 months and believe me, I am tired of weak leadership not looking out for these Soldiers. The Soldiers put their life on the line. We can at least uphold the Army Values and take care of these Soldiers. I would also recommend if ANY IRR Soldier feels they were mislead, lied to or misreprested when they returned to the Army Reserve, I would like to know about it or it needs to be addressed with the DA IG. I am high on integrity and Soldiers deserve the respect and shouldn't be mislead into the Army Reserve. Its a numbers game to some but its a human being thats more important. I could go on all day....believe me, I am here for the Soldier.
MSG Myers
Dale.Myers1@us.army.mil
702-300-7166

[astcell]

Well the fact that you list your email and phone number means a lot. We get barracks lawyers here who pop in and out, leaving a mess, and there is no way to verify the scare tactic thrust upon us. I have seen buddies get out and then 5 months later get orders again. That's tough for IRR types. My plan is to stay here until the Army is tired of me, then stay more. :-)

[ALPHA101]

Well the fact that you list your email and phone number means a lot. We get barracks lawyers here who pop in and out, leaving a mess, and there is no way to verify the scare tactic thrust upon us. I have seen buddies get out and then 5 months later get orders again. That's tough for IRR types. My plan is to stay here until the Army is tired of me, then stay more. :-)

it does not mean that much. if this recruiter wants to prove he is all for helping IRR soldier then post some useful info like what the army is doing with musters for the rest of the year. i found nothing useful except for the fact he is trying to promote the reserve programs and feed his numbers.

[astcell]

Alpha101, I bet he will answer specific questions if he knows the answer. With the length of this thread he would be typing for days to answer all the queries. Then again you can ask him and he may say "I'm just here to feed my numbers" and that's fine too. At least he is front about who he is. That's a nice change.

[ALPHA101]

Alpha101, I bet he will answer specific questions if he knows the answer. With the length of this thread he would be typing for days to answer all the queries. Then again you can ask him and he may say "I'm just here to feed my numbers" and that's fine too. At least he is front about who he is. That's a nice change.

yeah you're right. i just find it really strange they are doing musters this early. and if the physical, if that is what they call it, was done at the musters then how come no update on AKO? it is all just so confusing and frustrating.

[astcell]

I think they do musters if and when they have the time. No time like the present! Get it out of the way. The physicals done at my mob were only for deployment. They do not show up online at all. If you can walk and carry a rifle and not shoot the first officer you see, they got ya. I think the muster physical is a type to see if you have 2 arms, 2 legs, etc. Some folks showed up at my mob with pacemakers and worse. Just find those guys early and don't trouble them with a callup.

Recruiters need to change the line about "4 active 4 inactive." It ought to be "8 years, we got you for 4, then we let you out a little bit to adjust to civilian life 50/50," That would be more like it.

[ALPHA101]

I think they do musters if and when they have the time. No time like the present! Get it out of the way. The physicals done at my mob were only for deployment. They do not show up online at all. If you can walk and carry a rifle and not shoot the first officer you see, they got ya. I think the muster physical is a type to see if you have 2 arms, 2 legs, etc. Some folks showed up at my mob with pacemakers and worse. Just find those guys early and don't trouble them with a callup.

Recruiters need to change the line about "4 active 4 inactive." It ought to be "8 years, we got you for 4, then we let you out a little bit to adjust to civilian life 50/50," That would be more like it.

yeah i can see that, but it is kind of stupid seeing the list of IRR soldiers changes minute by minute. i went to a readiness muster and only my hearing, dental, and shot records were taken care of on AKO. They even messed those up, go figure. anyways i wonder why the full bird that was there seeing certain soldiers about there disabilities if you have 2 arms, 2 legs and are sort of good to go. i mean he changed my profile there in front of me. he wrote it down in the medical paperwork they were using at the musters and said nothing else. it was weird. anyways, they will never change the 4 active, 4 inactive thing. that is not in the scheme of things for them.

[billybones]

Has any one gone to an accountability muster and not recieved orders to be activated? I have been IRR for 15 years and have never had to do this before, and last year they made me get a phyical done. That was also a first. Just currious about this and wondering what my chances are of being called for duty.

[ALPHA101]

Has any one gone to an accountability muster and not recieved orders to be activated? I have been IRR for 15 years and have never had to do this before, and last year they made me get a phyical done. That was also a first. Just currious about this and wondering what my chances are of being called for duty.

i went to a readiness muster last year and have not been activated. as far as your chances about activation your guess is as good as everyones! it may be just something random as far as accountability muster and physical. have you been updating your records or anything over the years?

[ALPHA101]

The reason I say MAY, I need more information. I am not liked in my MOS. I stand up for the troops. I have gone to the IG and was able to get 13 Reserve Soldiers out of their mobilization since they signed the 24 month deferment statement. Its a DA policy. NO command has the right to refuse a Soldier of the 24 month stabilization if they have it in writing. There is an written agreement and 4187 that has to have the statement on it. The policy was signed by Gen Stultz on 15 May 07. I retire in 22 months and believe me, I am tired of weak leadership not looking out for these Soldiers. The Soldiers put their life on the line. We can at least uphold the Army Values and take care of these Soldiers. I would also recommend if ANY IRR Soldier feels they were mislead, lied to or misreprested when they returned to the Army Reserve, I would like to know about it or it needs to be addressed with the DA IG. I am high on integrity and Soldiers deserve the respect and shouldn't be mislead into the Army Reserve. Its a numbers game to some but its a human being thats more important. I could go on all day....believe me, I am here for the Soldier.
MSG Myers
Dale.Myers1@us.army.mil
702-300-7166

MSG Myers, so what is the story this year with the musters? any info you can pass on?

[billybones]

Yes they call several times a years but, the last couple of years its been alot more often. Thats why I am a little concerned about this muster thing I have never had to do that or the physical in 15 years.

[astcell]

They need to call it 4 very-active and 4 pretty-active. INactive is absolete.

[2YearsOrBust]

A note on the clearance: they wont just GIVE you a clearance if it is determined you will be reclassed. For the most part, you will probably receive an interim clearance, and that, my friend, is not transferable to the civilian side. Believe me, I know.

[med]

Yes they call several times a years but, the last couple of years its been alot more often. Thats why I am a little concerned about this muster thing I have never had to do that or the physical in 15 years.

Hey, I was just wondering are you an officer or something? I didn't know you could be in the IRR for 15 years, how did that happen?

[astcell]

2YearsOrBust,
An intermin clearance is basically the commander putting his neck out for you after a cursory glance of your clearance application. You can expect adjudication in about a year if it is your first clearance. And if you are going to be mobilized for 545 days, then you walk out of the military with a clearance that is truly only 6 months old. You have 90 days to "use it or lose it" so go apply for a defense contractor or other secret squirrel job so that it stays active. Note that sometimes your clearance will be downgraded when you leave a certain position, but the fact that you even held it means it is mearly a sheet of paper to get you where you were.


med,
You can keep re-enlisting in the IRR all you want. They used to send you the re-up forms and say that when you returned them they would send you a hat or a tote bag. I kid you not. In my mob group we had a guy drafted in 1968 who got out in 1971 and stayed IRR, only to come back in 2005 as an E-5. nowadays if you are E-6 or have ten years in they re-up you for the duration (until you turn 60). I re-upped in 2003 and it was until 2022.

[med]

med,
You can keep re-enlisting in the IRR all you want. They used to send you the re-up forms and say that when you returned them they would send you a hat or a tote bag. I kid you not. In my mob group we had a guy drafted in 1968 who got out in 1971 and stayed IRR, only to come back in 2005 as an E-5. nowadays if you are E-6 or have ten years in they re-up you for the duration (until you turn 60). I re-upped in 2003 and it was until 2022.

Wow, a hat or tote bag... sounds tempting!

[1234]

Hey, I was just wondering are you an officer or something? I didn't know you could be in the IRR for 15 years, how did that happen?

What is the benefit of staying in the IRR that long? It doesn't seem worth it.

[astcell]

Well if you get at lest 50 points a year (used to be 60) then it counts towards retirement. You get 15 points for breathing. Now you only need 35 points. If you take correspondence courses you get 1 point for every 3 school points. So sign up for classes worth 105 points ayear and there you go, a good year.

You max out though. You can only get 90 points a year through all sources not counting active duty.

Not to mention that if you sign up for classes like Special Forces, Missile repairman, and other neat stuff, you get these awesome training manuals that you get to keep. All yours.

You may or may not get an active duty tour, you do not get paid for taking these courses, and promotions are done differently.

But have three years active duty, then do 15 years in the IRR earning points, then get mobilized for 1.5 years, then when you get out you only need to have six months time pass and there you go, RETIREMENT AT 60.

[2YearsOrBust]

WOW, where do i sign up??

Oh wait....

[srspa77]

Does anyone know if you get a new dd214 once you get out of the irr? What if you get an exemption from mob orders and then your 8 year commitment expires right after that? Also, what if you apply for an exemption and your 8 years expires during that process?

I got just over a year left in my Military service obligation and am being mobilized for "no more than 400 days." 400 days puts me past my MSO. I am applying for an exemption(I have until March 4) and by the time they make a decision on that it will probably be April/May and they will have to cut new orders. 400 days sounds fishy to me because it usually takes 90 days to get processed and into your unit. Then I'd deploy for a year. Sounds like 545 days to me.

[astcell]

You only get a DD214 after completing a tour of active duty. I thought it was 180 day but it may be as little as 30 days.

As to your 8-year question, sounds like you are safe if you are not on active duty for even one day. Make sure you really are out.

545 is what I came in under, They are pushing for 730 now.

[billybones]

:confused: Anyone know what the chances are that the accountability muster will turn in to activation? I called and set up a day and time for this muster the person that took my info and set up the time and day said that the last muster back ing July, all that where able to go were activated and are now over seas. Now I called St. Lou. and talked to HR and they said oh no this is nothing to worry about you will not be getting deployed. So who is right and who is wrong???:eek:

[srspa77]

Astcell - Thanks for your help. But why do you think I am safe? I am scared as hell that they will deny my exemption/delay. Do you think they will stop this IRR call up if Obama gets in? I'm wondering if they deny me can i appeal. I have 13 months left on my MSO. Can I string it out that long?

[ALPHA101]

:confused: Anyone know what the chances are that the accountability muster will turn in to activation? I called and set up a day and time for this muster the person that took my info and set up the time and day said that the last muster back ing July, all that where able to go were activated and are now over seas. Now I called St. Lou. and talked to HR and they said oh no this is nothing to worry about you will not be getting deployed. So who is right and who is wrong???:eek:

any muster can turn into an activation down the road. here is my theory, when you called to set up your time to attend you probably talked to someone at a recruiting office so they are probably just trying to scare you into getting the mindset of signing up for something. and anyways, no one actually knows if all people that attended back in july got activated and are overseas, so this person is full of S#!@. furthermore, HRC will not tell you the truth about getting deployed. so to answer your question they are both in the wrong.

[ALPHA101]

Astcell - Thanks for your help. But why do you think I am safe? I am scared as hell that they will deny my exemption/delay. Do you think they will stop this IRR call up if Obama gets in? I'm wondering if they deny me can i appeal. I have 13 months left on my MSO. Can I string it out that long?

it will not matter if obama get in or not. it will take him at least a year to get some progress done. any politician who says they will bring the troops home is just saying crap to get your vote. the troops will come home sometime but not in a flurry like everyone wants. you are looking at years. and as far as the IRR call ups that will have alot to due with draw downs. the less troops that are over there the less need to pad the numbers.

[srspa77]

It would destroy obama's credibility if the IRR callup continues into his administration - beauracracy and all. He should cut through it.

[ringjamesa]

Does anyone know if you get a new dd214 once you get out of the irr? What if you get an exemption from mob orders and then your 8 year commitment expires right after that? Also, what if you apply for an exemption and your 8 years expires during that process?

I got just over a year left in my Military service obligation and am being mobilized for "no more than 400 days." 400 days puts me past my MSO. I am applying for an exemption(I have until March 4) and by the time they make a decision on that it will probably be April/May and they will have to cut new orders. 400 days sounds fishy to me because it usually takes 90 days to get processed and into your unit. Then I'd deploy for a year. Sounds like 545 days to me.

No, you do not get a new 214. You should however get a discharge order. It won't look like much but it does say that you are done. If you get mobilized, you will get a 214 upon completion of your tour. If your tour ends after your MSO expires, you will get a 214 that says discharge instead of release.

[srspa77]

ringjamesa - if you get discharged based on PTSD will that affect me applying for civil servant jobs? ie. secret clearance.

[1234]

WOW, where do i sign up??

Oh wait....

:D hahaha...best post ever! Even earning points doesn't seem worth it. You will have to do 25+ years in the IRR while taking classes. I would rather save $20 a week for the next 40 years and be better off then waiting for army retirement to kick in after I am 62 or 65. I don't think my E-5/E-6 retirement would even be worth all the worry of getting deployed and going to random musters. Just my thoughts...

[ringjamesa]

ringjamesa - if you get discharged based on PTSD will that affect me applying for civil servant jobs? ie. secret clearance.

That is one heck of a question. Most civil service jobs should still be open to you. The SF 86 does mention mental health in the last 7 years (Module 19). It would depend on what OPM says. They do the security clearances. I would venture to guess that they cannot discriminate against you due to it but......when security issues are concerned. I would be more concerned if the job you were applying for required a TS. When you say "discharged based on PTSD," do you mean MEB'd, medically retired, or kicked out because of an action resulting from PTSD? Those factors will affect your Re and SPD codes. Shouldn't be a huge factor if you got the all important "HONORABLE" but like is aid before...it might. Sorry I don't have a better answer for you.

[2YearsOrBust]

it will not matter if obama get in or not. it will take him at least a year to get some progress done. any politician who says they will bring the troops home is just saying crap to get your vote. the troops will come home sometime but not in a flurry like everyone wants. you are looking at years. and as far as the IRR call ups that will have alot to due with draw downs. the less troops that are over there the less need to pad the numbers.


Couldn't have said it better myself. Obama's not going to just "cut through" the tape. That's not how the government works. He's a great diplomat, mind you, but he's not a miracle worker. He'll be the new guy in town. There's no way we'll realize his effect on the troops until at least fiscal 10.

[2YearsOrBust]

:D hahaha...best post ever! Even earning points doesn't seem worth it. You will have to do 25+ years in the IRR while taking classes. I would rather save $20 a week for the next 40 years and be better off then waiting for army retirement to kick in after I am 62 or 65. I don't think my E-5/E-6 retirement would even be worth all the worry of getting deployed and going to random musters. Just my thoughts...

Hell no its not worth it. I'll PAY the Army at this point.

[1234]

Someone asked me to share my separation code. Here is what is said on my DD214:

Separation Authority: AR 635-200, Chap 4 Separation Code: MBK Reentry Code: 1

Don't know if this is exactly what you are looking for...you mentioned something like RE-1A??

[astcell]

:confused: Anyone know what the chances are that the accountability muster will turn in to activation? I called and set up a day and time for this muster the person that took my info and set up the time and day said that the last muster back ing July, all that where able to go were activated and are now over seas. Now I called St. Lou. and talked to HR and they said oh no this is nothing to worry about you will not be getting deployed. So who is right and who is wrong???:eek:


You make it sound like you will show up and they will put you on a bus, like you are being arrested or something. That would be as bad as kidnaping folks to get them to be in the Army. (By the way, that is how they recruited for the civil war in tajikistan, they stole boys on the way home from school).

You muster and provide info. if you get orders for active duty it will say something like "orders for 12 days medical processing with duty NTE 545 days"....etc. Read the papers you are handed and you sign.

[astcell]

Astcell - Thanks for your help. But why do you think I am safe? I am scared as hell that they will deny my exemption/delay. Do you think they will stop this IRR call up if Obama gets in? I'm wondering if they deny me can i appeal. I have 13 months left on my MSO. Can I string it out that long?

I think you are safe if your ETS is close. I would bet that they deny your exemption but when they deny you, THAT is the time that they cut you mob orders. And they can't do that if you are out of the IRR. You have 13 months left? I only dragged mine for nine months. It was painful. I wish I just went and got it over with the first time I got the orders.

I don't think Obama will get in. Even if he does, big deal. I have served under Presidents since Jimmy Carter. Clinton tossed me around more than Bush ever could. If we stop sending the IRR then you better plan for draft or buy a prayer rug. We don't have many options.

[astcell]

any muster can turn into an activation down the road. here is my theory, when you called to set up your time to attend you probably talked to someone at a recruiting office so they are probably just trying to scare you into getting the mindset of signing up for something. and anyways, no one actually knows if all people that attended back in july got activated and are overseas, so this person is full of S#!@. furthermore, HRC will not tell you the truth about getting deployed. so to answer your question they are both in the wrong.


Alpha101, I sure wish HRC was lying to us on purpose. That would mean that they have a plan they are following and are using logic and order. Sadly I think they are as misinformed as many others. You can talk to ten people and get ten answers.

Yes, I heard recruiters saying "Sign up with my unit or else it's the sandbox for you!" They are used car salesmen. (My apologies to used car salesmen).

As far as statistics, once you are at the mob site I'd guess 5% would be medically disqualified, 1% would have issues (on parole, restraining order, outstanding court issue, etc), and maybe another 1% for other stuff like can't shoot straight, getting busted for shoplifting at the PX, etc. In my bay I knew 3 who did not go out of 36. Your mileage may vary.

[astcell]

it will not matter if obama get in or not. it will take him at least a year to get some progress done. any politician who says they will bring the troops home is just saying crap to get your vote. the troops will come home sometime but not in a flurry like everyone wants. you are looking at years. and as far as the IRR call ups that will have alot to due with draw downs. the less troops that are over there the less need to pad the numbers.


And remember the IRAQ SURVEY GROUP from a year ago. This was the big solution to our deployments. Dems were crying that the troops come home. So a bi=artisan group got together to "solve" this. Know what happened? They recommended that we up the stregth from 128,000 to 158,000. So much for a draw down.

[astcell]

ringjamesa - if you get discharged based on PTSD will that affect me applying for civil servant jobs? ie. secret clearance.

There is a movement out there to deny firearms to those with PTSD.

[astcell]

:D hahaha...best post ever! Even earning points doesn't seem worth it. You will have to do 25+ years in the IRR while taking classes. I would rather save $20 a week for the next 40 years and be better off then waiting for army retirement to kick in after I am 62 or 65. I don't think my E-5/E-6 retirement would even be worth all the worry of getting deployed and going to random musters. Just my thoughts...

Where do you get 25+ years? Only 20 years, and add your active duty time to that math. So if you have 5 years active, you need 15 in the IRR. Yuo can also take languge courses online for free. Rosetta Stone software is usally expensive. And you can shop at the PX.

I knew a retired E-9 and he says he would do it again even if he was an E-1, just for the medical benefits. Prescription costs are up there and using tri-care saves a bunch.

But that's him. He likes the medical. I like the fiel manuals and the free hat. :D

Before 9/11 everyone thought the IRR was a gravy train. The train has stopped.

[astcell]

Someone asked me to share my separation code. Here is what is said on my DD214:

Separation Authority: AR 635-200, Chap 4 Separation Code: MBK Reentry Code: 1

Don't know if this is exactly what you are looking for...you mentioned something like RE-1A??

Yes, 1 is the same as 1A, I think it has to do with the component you were discharged from. but the 1 means you can go back at any time. 2 or 3 means you need a waiver, and 4 means you are staying out. That's in a nutshell, there are more codes of course.

So if you ever want back in, you can go to the front of the line.

:thumbup:

[2YearsOrBust]

I have a question from anyone on the Reserves front:

Are my SLRP (Student Loan Repayment Program) benefits denied while I am IRR status? I know in TPU status you have them but i think i remember hearing once you go IRR you can't use SLRP. Can someone confirm or deny this?

[ringjamesa]

Someone asked me to share my separation code. Here is what is said on my DD214:

Separation Authority: AR 635-200, Chap 4 Separation Code: MBK Reentry Code: 1

Don't know if this is exactly what you are looking for...you mentioned something like RE-1A??

Not really relavant but MBK means; Voluntary separation; completion of required Active Service (KBK would be if you completed your entire MSO) transferred to Army Reserve (IRR)
The 1 with or without suffix means that you were qualified and eligible to remain in the Army and are qualified to enlist again if all other criteria is met. Basically it means you did well.

[astcell]

I have a question from anyone on the Reserves front:

Are my SLRP (Student Loan Repayment Program) benefits denied while I am IRR status? I know in TPU status you have them but i think i remember hearing once you go IRR you can't use SLRP. Can someone confirm or deny this?

I suppose it depends on the contract for benefits you agreed to. i think it only is good while you are drilling but I do not know how your contract is written.

On a side note, I had a buddy who was denied repayment one year because he had flunked a PT test. I don't know if it was just held up or completely denied but he was not happy. For my SLRP I simply waited until the end of my six years, had all my ducks in a row and then put in the paperwork all at once for the whole time. The Army paid back $12,000 of a $13,500 loan. :D

[neurorad21]

I have only been able to read through a hundred or so of the last posts here (not all 1400+) so fogrive me if this is a repeat question.

What happens if you don't show up for one of these "virtual musters"

What exactly is a virtual muster anyways?

[srspa77]

astcell - Can you describe your situation again? specifically what was your reason for an exemption and if u can describe the appeals process. How many appeals do u get? Can you bring up new issues during the appeals process.

I am going to try to get an exemption based on depression and anxiety. My question is: I had these issues before i joined the army but failed to inform them on my initial enlistment contract; is it wise to bring these up since they can get me on a fraud. enlistment? Should I wait to bring these up until the appeals process should it go that far?

[1234]

I got my discharge orders today. So from the day of my ETS (Feb 7th), it took about 3 weeks for my orders to arrive in the mail. Along with the orders I received a nice little certificate showing my honorable discharge. :)

So you can expect to get your orders in roughly 2 - 3 weeks from your ETS date. When I called the HRC they gave me a few timelines. One rep said it would take a few weeks and the other rep told me 3 months.

Also did anyone see that the army is finding out who have not deployed (roughly 37,000 soldiers) and they are trying to get those "first timers" assigned to deploying units! I wonder if they are doing that with the IRR also.

I wish you all the best.

[kojack]

I think with the IRR, the concern is the immediate need, ie which rank and MOS is needed and how quickly they need to get the soldier into place

Im glad they're sifting the AD rosters for REMFs and getting them into theater where they can be all they can be. I use to get angry when I saw fellow soldiers openly avoid tactical assignments within their MOS because "they had a family that always came first" or "didnt do the field..." and get promoted right along with the soldiers that took the tough assignments and were deployed for years.

They also need to look closely at what constitutes a combat zone or "sub-zone". I dont know if i agree with giving a soldier who sits inside the Green Zone for a year and never left the wire that combat patch

[mosaic17]

I think with the IRR, the concern is the immediate need, ie which rank and MOS is needed and how quickly they need to get the soldier into place

Im glad they're sifting the AD rosters for REMFs and getting them into theater where they can be all they can be. I use to get angry when I saw fellow soldiers openly avoid tactical assignments within their MOS because "they had a family that always came first" or "didnt do the field..." and get promoted right along with the soldiers that took the tough assignments and were deployed for years.

They also need to look closely at what constitutes a combat zone or "sub-zone". I dont know if i agree with giving a soldier who sits inside the Green Zone for a year and never left the wire that combat patch

After reading this quote, I decided to forward it to my husband who is currently serving in Iraq on his second tour. Here's what he said in response to the above statement. I totally agree.

"I partly agree partly do not. The first part of the statement about people who avoid deployments, and still get promoted is more or less on the money. If you have been in the army for four years and have not deployed you hould not be promoted until you do. I don't realy agree with the second statement because, even though we are not in the streets taking it to the fight, there is or was at least, a real danger of rockets and mortars. That has subsided a bunch this last year, but the danger still exists. Plus without us, 'Fobbits' they would not have the food, ammo, helos, and any other support they need to carry on operations.
IT sounds as a typical 11 bang bang really. Pretty common discussion. I mean am I critical to the effort, well, if I had not been here doing what I do, I know there would have been several missions aborted or troops would not have blackhawk support and would be walking or riding a HMV which would put them in greater danger and more in harms way, so did I earn my combat patch by keeping them safe?

[ALPHA101]

I got my discharge orders today. So from the day of my ETS (Feb 7th), it took about 3 weeks for my orders to arrive in the mail. Along with the orders I received a nice little certificate showing my honorable discharge. :)

So you can expect to get your orders in roughly 2 - 3 weeks from your ETS date. When I called the HRC they gave me a few timelines. One rep said it would take a few weeks and the other rep told me 3 months.

Also did anyone see that the army is finding out who have not deployed (roughly 37,000 soldiers) and they are trying to get those "first timers" assigned to deploying units! I wonder if they are doing that with the IRR also.

I wish you all the best.

congrats on your discharge! i saw the article on what the army is doing. all i can say is that there are more than 37,000 soldiers that are first timers. that number is light and everyone knows it. and it is about time that the army looked at the AD rosters, hell i remember when an e-2 would go to the range in germany and disqualify because he did not want to be put on guard duty. they fixed that and guess what he was doing friday night!

[astcell]

astcell - Can you describe your situation again? specifically what was your reason for an exemption and if u can describe the appeals process. How many appeals do u get? Can you bring up new issues during the appeals process.

I am going to try to get an exemption based on depression and anxiety. My question is: I had these issues before i joined the army but failed to inform them on my initial enlistment contract; is it wise to bring these up since they can get me on a fraud. enlistment? Should I wait to bring these up until the appeals process should it go that far?

My reason for exemption was my employer. My civilian occupation was considered a "critical infrastructure skill" where they could not lose me. I also played the "I will go broke" card which I thought was true but turned out I assumed I would get base pay only.

Well I got the orders and called, asking for an appeal. They said ignore the orders and watch for new paperwork. They told me how to file an appeal. They also changed my report date to 90 days later and said in that 90 days they would decide my appear request.

94 days later, no word. I called, they said they are still working on it and extended my report date out another 60 days. About a week after the 94th day they said appeal denied.

I was then told I can appeal again and would need to send in more paperwork. Well if what I had sent before was not good enough for them, nothing was! I realized it was a losing cause. I sucked it up and accepted the deployment.

Oh, they do say that is your exemption is granted that they may discharge you from the IRR. For some that may be just what you want. So consider your move wisely.

If you want to claim anxiety, got a doctor's note and I hope you are on heavy duty meds. Crapping your pants when you get mob orders just means you are normal.

[HEALTHNUT10]

Thats correct. As an IRR Soldier you dont get to use the incentive of the SLRP. You have to be an active member of the Selective Reserve. Meaning in a TPU unit.

MSG Myers
Dale.Myers1@us.army.mil

[ALPHA101]

Thats correct. As an IRR Soldier you dont get to use the incentive of the SLRP. You have to be an active member of the Selective Reserve. Meaning in a TPU unit.

MSG Myers
Dale.Myers1@us.army.mil

you stll have not answred the question i posted earlier MSG MYers. Let me ask you again : So what is the story this year with the musters? any info you can pass on?

Oh and you are on the clock as far as answering goes because i think you are just someone fishing for recruits for the reserves.

[big sarge]

you stll have not answred the question i posted earlier MSG MYers. Let me ask you again : So what is the story this year with the musters? any info you can pass on?

Oh and you are on the clock as far as answering goes because i think you are just someone fishing for recruits for the reserves.

Alpha 101,

Read between the lines and stop asking BS questions. You know the deal.

Question: Am I more likely to get mobilized if I show up for the muster?

Answer: No, everyone has an equal chance of being mobilized.

Question: Why did I receive a muster order if I was discharged?

Answer: You may have received a muster order because you were released from Active Duty (REFRAD) but still had time on your Military Service Obligation (MSO) to fulfill. If you were discharged, then your status will need to be changed in our system and supporting documentation will probably need to be provided.

Question: What will happen at the Readiness Muster?

Answer: Readiness Musters will be conducted at Reserve Centers and will focus on completing a modified DA Form 7425, updating personal records, performing medical screenings and dental exams, and receiving briefings regarding IRR participation and reserve training opportunities. Informational videos are posted under the Readiness Muster Outline for IRR Soldiers to view. YOU WILL NOT BE MOBILIZED AT THIS MUSTER .

[big sarge]

ASTCELL, ALPHA 101,

Question: What happens if I don't show up to a IRR muster?

Answer: Title 10 U.S.C 12319 authorizes members of the IRR to be ordered to Muster WITHOUT the Soldier's consent, one time each year. If you do not show, you may not be considered an Individual Warrior and satisfactory participant. If you do not show up it could affect your benefits at separation by receiving an Other Than Honorable Separation. Not showing up will not keep you from being mobilized in the future.

Big Sarge

[big sarge]

I have a question from anyone on the Reserves front:

Are my SLRP (Student Loan Repayment Program) benefits denied while I am IRR status? I know in TPU status you have them but i think i remember hearing once you go IRR you can't use SLRP. Can someone confirm or deny this?

Your SLRP is terimnated because you're no longer a drilling member. Its in your contract, DA 5261-4-R.

Big Sarge

[big sarge]

Well if you get at lest 50 points a year (used to be 60) then it counts towards retirement. You get 15 points for breathing. Now you only need 35 points. If you take correspondence courses you get 1 point for every 3 school points. So sign up for classes worth 105 points ayear and there you go, a good year.

You max out though. You can only get 90 points a year through all sources not counting active duty.

Not to mention that if you sign up for classes like Special Forces, Missile repairman, and other neat stuff, you get these awesome training manuals that you get to keep. All yours.

You may or may not get an active duty tour, you do not get paid for taking these courses, and promotions are done differently.

But have three years active duty, then do 15 years in the IRR earning points, then get mobilized for 1.5 years, then when you get out you only need to have six months time pass and there you go, RETIREMENT AT 60.

Astcell, that is incorrect information in the last paragraph. 2008 defense authorization bill would allow National Guard and reserve members, who now must wait until age 60 to receive a military retirement check, to receive their retired pay earlier if they have extended mobilization. For every 90 days of continuous mobilization in support of a contingency operation, they could receive retired pay 90 days earlier.

In your example, the Soldier would retire at age 58.5

Big Sarge

[big sarge]

Question: How much do I get paid for Muster duty and how will I get paid?

Answer: You will receive a $190.90 stipend for a minimum of two hours at the Muster site which includes a travel and per diem allowance minus taxes. Total will be approximately between $130 and $145 after taxes. Additional travel entitlements are not authorized. The stipend will not affect your VA disability benefits. All Soldiers are required to submit a Direct Deposit form with electronic fund transfer (EFT) information from their bank. HRC-STL will process all pay within 30-days.

Big Sarge

[billybones]

What % of people get called to duty out of these musters? Does any one know? I know one thing for sure and thats every thing that they have on my oders is in correct like rank, marrage that has not changed . The only thing that was correct was my ssn. There is more to this than getting peoples correct info because they call at least twice a year to update this crap and they made me get a phy. last year.
They are going to ruin alot of families. I know that they don't care if we all lose everything. I make more in a week than I will make in a month. If they had to pay me what I make now I wouldn't have a problem with it but, I know they won't.

[ALPHA101]

What % of people get called to duty out of these musters? Does any one know? I know one thing for sure and thats every thing that they have on my oders is in correct like rank, marrage that has not changed . The only thing that was correct was my ssn. There is more to this than getting peoples correct info because they call at least twice a year to update this crap and they made me get a phy. last year.
They are going to ruin alot of families. I know that they don't care if we all lose everything. I make more in a week than I will make in a month. If they had to pay me what I make now I wouldn't have a problem with it but, I know they won't.

i don't know what the percentage is. the list at HRC is always changing so i think it might be random or it might be MOS specific. what did you get orders for and where did they make you get a physical?

[billybones]

I have a few MOS's but they are more than likely looking at the 63E and H8 more than my other MOS's I had to go for a phy. In Rockford IL. They said at the medical place that this was a First to them and there were a few that they had to do.
The orders are for Personnel Accountability Muster. The person I spoke to so that I could set up a date said that most of the people from the July Muster where called back to Active Duty already. I think they are trying the old scare tactics to see if you will sign the dotted line.

[ALPHA101]

I have a few MOS's but they are more than likely looking at the 63E and H8 more than my other MOS's I had to go for a phy. In Rockford IL. They said at the medical place that this was a First to them and there were a few that they had to do.
The orders are for Personnel Accountability Muster. The person I spoke to so that I could set up a date said that most of the people from the July Muster where called back to Active Duty already. I think they are trying the old scare tactics to see if you will sign the dotted line.

well that person lied to you. i know quite a few people that went to the july muster and they have not gotten orders at all and yes they do try to scare you into signing up for something. accountability muster should be nothing more then showing up, verifiying your information and getting a hard sell. i went to a readiness muster last year and it was a 6+ hour joke. did you see a civilian for your physical and how did it go? just the usual?

[billybones]

Yes it was a civilian doctor. It was a complete work up blood, eyes and all.

[ALPHA101]

Yes it was a civilian doctor. It was a complete work up blood, eyes and all.

that is odd. i figured it would be a military doctor. that way they can lie about your health. "yeah sure he lost an arm but he is fit for duty". i got blood, eyes, hearing and paperwork done at the muster. it just took a while especially seeing the full bird during the process. it sounds like when you got your physical it was there first time dealing with the army crap.

[astcell]

Astcell, that is incorrect information in the last paragraph. 2008 defense authorization bill would allow National Guard and reserve members, who now must wait until age 60 to receive a military retirement check, to receive their retired pay earlier if they have extended mobilization. For every 90 days of continuous mobilization in support of a contingency operation, they could receive retired pay 90 days earlier.

In your example, the Soldier would retire at age 58.5

Big Sarge

That is brand new...and from what I saw the count is effective when the bill was signed. There is an effort to backdate it to 9/11/01 though. So anyone mobilized on 9/12/01 could retire at 54 now.

[astcell]

What % of people get called to duty out of these musters? Does any one know? I know one thing for sure and thats every thing that they have on my oders is in correct like rank, marrage that has not changed . The only thing that was correct was my ssn. There is more to this than getting peoples correct info because they call at least twice a year to update this crap and they made me get a phy. last year.
They are going to ruin alot of families. I know that they don't care if we all lose everything. I make more in a week than I will make in a month. If they had to pay me what I make now I wouldn't have a problem with it but, I know they won't.

Billy, I believe 9/11 ruined a lot of families too, don't you think? Our job now is to ruin THEIR families so ours can live on in the good ol' USA!

[astcell]

Just had my physical today. It is not a physical now but a PHA and is very different. I was not comfortable with the process so they dug out the old paperwork for us army pukes and did me that way. There is no way I am going to have St Louis balk at what I traveled 12,000 miles to complete for them!

I am in Tampa now, geez the USA is awesome.

[ALPHA101]

Just had my physical today. It is not a physical now but a PHA and is very different. I was not comfortable with the process so they dug out the old paperwork for us army pukes and did me that way. There is no way I am going to have St Louis balk at what I traveled 12,000 miles to complete for them!

I am in Tampa now, geez the USA is awesome.

different how and why not comfortable with it? were they that bad at giving a measley physical?

[1234]

Just wanted to share what was in the army times today. I guess there are going to be 3 different kinds of "musters"

http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/03/army_IRRmuster_030308w/

[ALPHA101]

Just wanted to share what was in the army times today. I guess there are going to be 3 different kinds of "musters"

http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/03/army_IRRmuster_030308w/

wow they doubled the number. more to screw up down the road like they always do.

[1234]

wow they doubled the number. more to screw up down the road like they always do.

The muster in July/August was only supposed to be for 5,000 people but I heard they called up 30,000. The muster was also supposed to be held at four bases but I got mine and was to report to my local reserve station in Wisconsin:

"The first 5,000 will receive orders to report to one of four reserve centers — in Tacoma, Wash.; Fort Totten, N.Y.; Fort Meade, Md.; or Los Alamitos, Calif."

I wouldn't be suprised if more than 10,000 people get orders for the next muster.

[ALPHA101]

The muster in July/August was only supposed to be for 5,000 people but I heard they called up 30,000. The muster was also supposed to be held at four bases but I got mine and was to report to my local reserve station in Wisconsin:

"The first 5,000 will receive orders to report to one of four reserve centers — in Tacoma, Wash.; Fort Totten, N.Y.; Fort Meade, Md.; or Los Alamitos, Calif."

I wouldn't be suprised if more than 10,000 people get orders for the next muster.

hell, i called when i got my orders last year and picked my date at which i would attend....i was never on the list. i had to sign in at every station because i was one of the suckers who attended. not this time, i am calling and telling them i am not attending. besides nothing has changed much from last year.

[billybones]

Yes, I would have to agree with you about that but, I do not see why they would enlist someone that has been out for 15 years and with bill a wife and three kids at home plus I am the only one that works. I make more in one week then they are going to pay me in a month. If you ask me they should be looking for some one that is younger than 40years old, I did serve 7 years active duty. I think that my time is served. :cool:

[ALPHA101]

Yes, I would have to agree with you about that but, I do not see why they would enlist someone that has been out for 15 years and with bill a wife and three kids at home plus I am the only one that works. I make more in one week then they are going to pay me in a month. If you ask me they should be looking for some one that is younger than 40years old, I did serve 7 years active duty. I think that my time is served. :cool:

it is all about numbers my friend and that is it. the list of people will always forever change by the second. as you know, as one leaves one joins. i am not sure if age has anything to do with any call ups or not because some people here on this board may be "older" and have gotten called up. so i guess anything goes.

[CSMLARSEN]

As the Major says, "It's a shame that so many soldiers have not lived up to their contractual obligations. It's more a shame that our Army leaders have not held more of these soldiers feet to the fire on this issue. " I agree to a certain extent, but what has been so conveniently forgotten in this statement is the Army's obligation to insure the Soldiers know about their remaining responsibility. We have mandatory training on every kind of social issue imaginable, but very little to none on the soldier's total obligation.

[1234]

IMPORTANT!!!

So I was reading the European Stars and Stripes (as I do every day) and there was an article saying that roughly 1,800 IRR soldiers will be called back to active duty on or before September 28th. It took me a while to find the weblink for the story but here it is:

http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=53068

If you get orders back to active duty do not delay when putting in for delay/exemption. I will keep you updated if I read anything else about IRR call ups.

[billybones]

CSMLARSEN CSMLARSEN

CSMLARSEN will become famous soon enough
Default Re: Army will order thousands in IRR to muster
As the Major says, "It's a shame that so many soldiers have not lived up to their contractual obligations. It's more a shame that our Army leaders have not held more of these soldiers feet to the fire on this issue. " I agree to a certain extent, but what has been so conveniently forgotten in this statement is the Army's obligation to insure the Soldiers know about their remaining responsibility. We have mandatory training on every kind of social issue imaginable, but very little to none on the soldier's total obligation.
Reply With Quote

A SHAME is that I and I know there are others that feel the same is that people like you that think people like me owe this country more I did my eight years 7years active and have been out for 15 years. When there there millions that have never served at all. You want to preach to some one do it to them or start using convicts to serve. UNTILL then you and people that think like you can KISS MY HAIRY A_ _ !!!!!! I have a family that counts on the money I make now... If the Army will pay as good as my job I might consider it. I make more in one week than they will pay me in a month. SO if I get orders ya I'll go but my family will LOSE EVERYTHING!!!!!!

[1234]

A SHAME is that I and I know there are others that feel the same is that people like you that think people like me owe this country more I did my eight years 7years active and have been out for 15 years. When there there millions that have never served at all. You want to preach to some one do it to them or start using convicts to serve. UNTILL then you and people that think like you can KISS MY HAIRY A_ _ !!!!!! I have a family that counts on the money I make now... If the Army will pay as good as my job I might consider it. I make more in one week than they will pay me in a month. SO if I get orders ya I'll go but my family will LOSE EVERYTHING!!!!!!


I am sorry but I have tried to read your last 3 or 4 posts and they are really hard to follow. Please read over your post before you hit submit. Your grammar and punctuation are horrible and it is hard to tell what you are trying to say. Also why are you still in the IRR if you completed your 8 years? If you stayed in the IRR longer than the 8 years it is your fault that you are getting called back. You could have gotten out of the IRR at the 8 year mark but you decided to stay in. It would be like me reenlisting for 6 years active duty and complaining about going back to Iraq. If you stay in the army (active, reserve, or IRR) long enough you will eventually go to Iraq. Also if this would be your first deployment to Iraq (not including Gulf War) you are most likely at the top of list of people getting activated.

[2YearsOrBust]

Okay people, let's NOT resort to name calling. That's just what Big Sarge or whoever the hell want to see; a bunch of chaos amongst the ranks. You only encourage people not to return here because of bad attitudes. We're better than that. We're all working professionals who are here to seek knowledge about a process that is so poorly touched on in the Army. When someone says something you don't agree with, IGNORE THEM. As much as I heard bitching about the Military Times censoring our posts, you're essentially doing the same thing by censoring other's opinions. Remember, we don't ALL have to think the same exact way or have the same exact opinions, we just have to coexist with each other. So let's just get it together.

1234, thanks for providing those articles. I keep reading a lot of different numbers here though. Am I correct that 10,000 IRR soliders will muster and approx 1,800 IRR soliders will receive orders? As several pointed out, it's clear this is a numbers game. To Billy Bones and whoever else wants to know why they want you after so long or why they would pinpoint you when you're the sole breadmaker, the answer is there IS no rhyme and reason. It's the Army. They see you in a sheet. They see you have not deployed. They see you have a speciality MOS.

What we CAN provide here is valuable information to others about the process of filing for a delay and/or exemption. It would also be helpful for those who have actually attended any of these musters to report back on the whole thing.

Anyway, I'm sure we all hate the Army but we can't change it or wonder why WE got popped, we can only plan our reaction for if the time comes. I want to see more proactive replies from now on. Thanks :)

[Flipzen6]

I wish you guys wouldn't waste posts on this. I come here to find out info on the I.R.R., not to hear squabbling. I'm waiting for my exemption to hopefully go through. I was out for 5 months and I got orders to go back to Iraq. I'm in school and trying to use it to my advantage. They delayed it til I finish the semester. I joined for the college money, not to get shafted into the reserves and shipped off to Iraq against my will. Been there, screw that. I missed stop loss by 9 days before my E.T.S. so I'm kissing my good luck charm. Part of me wants to go back, but I hate that part.

[Flipzen6]

I never received any muster orders, mine were report to training and get shipped to Iraq 2 months later.

[ALPHA101]

So much anger...I think you should release some of that anger in Iraq. I didn't mean to sound harsh when saying I couldn't read the persons post. His post was a big run on sentance and I can't help him unless I understand what he is saying.

It does look like they are mustering 10,000 or more IRR soldiers in the next months. According to the recent article, they will be activating around 1,800 on or before September 28th. I don't know if the 1,800 will be a random selection of the IRR or will be a selection of those mustered in the next months. Common sense tells me that if you go to the muster and everything is fine you will be put on a list of deployable soldiers.

Just my thoughts.

been there done that twice and i will not waste my time on the phony GWOT. they can send me orders all they want i just won't show up so putting foot to ass for this country is not worth it when no one really cares about it.

[1234]

been there done that twice and i will not waste my time on the phony GWOT. they can send me orders all they want i just won't show up so putting foot to ass for this country is not worth it when no one really cares about it.

Only twice? I think you are ready for another rotation. :D Just kidding. If you ignore your orders you will not get off like everyone did back in 2004. Why do you think the army is making sure everyones information is up to date? I hope you didn't use any VA benefits (GI Bill) because they can recoup those funds if you get an other than honorable discharge.

[ALPHA101]

Only twice? I think you are ready for another rotation. :D Just kidding. If you ignore your orders you will not get off like everyone did back in 2004. Why do you think the army is making sure everyones information is up to date? I hope you didn't use any VA benefits (GI Bill) because they can recoup those funds if you get an other than honorable discharge.

i am not too concerned about it. i moved 1 week after last years muster and never updated the stuff and i am sort of off the grid anyways even though no one actually does live off of the grid. i just made it more difficult for them to find me that is all. i have no issue with them recouping money...i make 72,000 working as a civilian so it is peanuts.

[IRRtiej]

Only twice? I think you are ready for another rotation. :D Just kidding. If you ignore your orders you will not get off like everyone did back in 2004. Why do you think the army is making sure everyones information is up to date? I hope you didn't use any VA benefits (GI Bill) because they can recoup those funds if you get an other than honorable discharge.

I've never seen a single example of someone even getting an OTH (or jail time, or whatever else some recruiters might say) for failing to mobilize, much less for failing to show up at a muster, and I've been keeping an eye out for almost a year now. I'm not saying I know it doesn't happen, but if they are out there, I'd love to see some evidence.

I'm not posting to try and get people to ignore; I just want to try and draw a line here between facts and speculation.

[ALPHA101]

i look over both shoulders as well. better to limit the surprises ya know? anyways here is a good article from last year. i thought i would just pass this on seeing i forgot i had it:

The Army's IRR System is a Cluster
by: Brandon Friedman
Thu Nov 15, 2007 at 17:43:30 PM EST

I want some answers on how the Army's Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) runs its mobilizations. As it stands, it seems to me that the system is run in a very reactive, non-standard, and, dare I say, unprofessional manner. To be honest, all I really want is for someone to explain to me in layman's terms how the Army selects soldiers for involuntary recalls. I want to know the standard.
This all started when one of my infantry officer peers was involuntarily mobilized in 2006. We'll call him "Captain Joe."

When Captain Joe was recalled, he was not happy about it. Nevertheless, he accepted the fact that he was contractually bound to report back on active duty. The problem, as Captain Joe saw it, was that throughout his process of being mobilized, he realized that the Army and the Defense Department had no discernible standard for handling involuntary mobilizations. And being the squared away officer that he was, this pissed Captain Joe off. From what he could glean, the system wasn't being run fairly or efficiently. And when he learned that he was headed back to Iraq--for his third combat deployment in five years--his anger over the Army's confusing IRR mobilization process was compounded.
In fact, this is the way Captain Joe explained his entire experience to me in an email a few weeks ago (after returning from his third deployment):

After four years on active duty ending in May 2005, I was reassigned to the IRR. As directed, I kept my address up to date with the Army's Human Resources Command. My updated address was used for a variety of correspondence, including numerous letters from recruiters encouraging me to join an active reserve unit. Maybe all of those were just warnings for the Army's ultimate trump card--in XXXXXXXXX 2006, I received mobilization orders by FedEx. The orders directed me to report on October 1st for a period of up to 18 months.
• I fully understood that my Army contract was for a period of eight years, and that after my four years on active duty, recall from the IRR was a possibility. I thought that the IRR was a strategic asset to be used judiciously in the event of a national emergency.

• IRR recalls are one of the many symptoms of the failing personnel system within the Army. (Other obvious signs include stop losses, long tours, minimal dwell time, the ever increasing bonuses offered to both officers and enlisted, and the extensive use of civilian contractors.)

• The IRR recalls seem to me to be an intentionally secretive and mysterious process. There is almost no public information on the subject, although members recalled after serving the mandatory 8 years seem to have gained some media sympathy. In contrast, a quick internet search on the Vietnam era draft shows a photo of a Congressman drawing the first random draft number from a glass jar in 1969.

• Reservists who have received mobilization orders use blogs to point out the weaknesses of the systems in place at HRC. HRC is apparently easily confused by previously undocumented physical and mental ailments. Constant appeals and congressional inquiries also appear to have helped produce exemptions.
As you can see, Captain Joe is not a shirker or a malingerer. He's a thoughtful, highly-trained, competent combat veteran of three tours. But since his call-up, Captain Joe feels like the Army has taken advantage of his patriotism and sense of duty.

The problems started when Captain Joe tried to find out why he had been selected for recall when others had not. He wasn't trying to get out of doing his job, he just wanted to know how the system worked. Unfortunately, no one he talked to in the Army could tell him. No one seemed to know. All they knew was that Captain Joe had somehow "come down on the list." No one he talked to seemed to know the rules regarding IRR mobilizations.

So Captain Joe started doing his own research. And what he found was startling: A bunch of vague regulations that set absolutely zero standards for recalling soldiers from the IRR onto active duty. It seemed that all the rules he came across were open to interpretation. As you can imagine, this didn't sit well with Captain Joe.

Nevertheless, Captain Joe went back to Iraq. When he came back, he called me. Because he'd never been able to corral any substantive answers on IRR mobilizations, Captain Joe was very, very concerned that he might get mobilized yet again--for a fourth tour. And after having gone through the process once, he wasn't very enthusiastic about the prospect.

Together, we came up with some pointed questions regarding the IRR that we wanted answered. These are the questions:

1. Is a soldier who has already been mobilized from the IRR once eligible to be recalled a second time?
2. If so, what is the Defense Department standard for multiple mobilizations?
3. What is the Defense Department process for deciding which soldiers are recalled and which aren't? Where is this in writing?
3. Who is in charge of this process at the Defense Department?
4. And finally, are we sure that the current system of mobilizations is fair and equitable? (I.e., can one person be recalled twice, while another is never recalled once?)

Because I work fairly closely with several members of Congress, we decided (along with my co-worker Peter Granato) that we would take these questions to a member of the House Armed Services Committee. We thought his office might be able to help us get the answers we wanted.
Now this is where the story gets interesting.

The Congressman was very receptive to the idea of getting to the bottom of this, so he assigned his Legislative Assistant for Defense affairs to find answers. We'll call him "Bob." After a meeting between the four of us, we left Bob with our questions.

After a week or so, Bob got back to us. And as it turns out, there is no DoD-wide policy for IRR mobilizations. Each service devises its own policies. Therefore, he had contacted the Department of the Army.

While I sincerely appreciate the Congressman's office going to bat for us on this, I can't begin to tell you how irritating I find DA's response--especially considering the specificity of the questions above that we had given them. Here is the email Peter received from the Congressman's office with the Army's answers:

Peter,
I have spoken at length with Army personnel in the Pentagon concerning the IRR issue. This is what I have learned:
In response to the question of whether an individual in the IRR may be called up twice, the answer is yes. However, there are several inhibiting factors that would prevent this from occurring.

Really? Like what? Please explain.

The email continued:
The initial request for a member of the IRR comes at the behest of a combatant commander, however, he or she is not specifically requesting a member of the IRR. Instead, he or she is trying to fill a slot.
In the Army, the request is sent down to the HQ of the IRR member, then to USAR Command, then to FORCECOM, then to the G3, and finally to the G1. The guidelines for making the decision are located (within the Army's Personnel Policy Guidance). This document should answer all of your questions.
We have also received assurances from the Army that they are initiating a significant overhaul of enlistee expectations. In other words, the new enlistment contracts will state the process for IRR much more clearly.
Please let me know if you need anything else.
Thanks,
XXXXXXXXXX
Military Legislative Assistant
Congressman XXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXX XXXXXXXXXX House Office Building
(202) 225-XXXX

Now, I haven't read the PPG cover to cover, but I think they've just fed this Member of the House Armed Services Committee a vague answer to avoid having to come up with answers to the pointed questions we asked.

So I did a little research outside of my usual Army bubble. In about five minutes, I discovered this document online: The Marine Corps' Policy and Procedures for the Involuntary (INVOL) Activation of up to 2,500 Marine Individual Ready Reservists (IRR) ISO Global War on Terrorism (GWOT).
In Section A, Paragraph (2), of the document dated August 2006, we find this passage:
(2) Marine IRRs will be selected only once for INVOL orders. However, Marine IRRs selected for INVOL orders can volunteer for subsequent duty once they have completed their INVOL orders.
Now, this really struck me--especially because it physically pains me to give the Marines credit for doing anything better than the Army. But why doesn't the Army have a rule like that? Why can the Marine Corps guarantee a Marine won't be involuntarily recalled more than once, but the Army can't do the same for its soldiers? This is especially troubling considering that the Army has a much larger pool from which to select soldiers.

And what about the other questions? Why is there no Department-wide policy governing how these mobilizations take place? What determines the selection process? Why is there no transparency on this topic within the Army? What is the name of the person actually in charge of this?
I don't profess to be an expert on these matters--and the Army's PPG is not a short or easy document to get through. I am neither a field grade officer, nor have I ever served in the Pentagon. But I think those of us in the IRR are entitled to some straightforward answers from the Army--if not from the Defense Department itself. With most of us in the IRR having served multiple combat deployments, I'd say we're entitled to some answers.

[11C]

I got IRR acountability muster orders about a month a month ago; Februraty 7th or 8th. I called and made the apointment like the orders said. The orders said to make it for March 01- March 17. I have it tomorrowat 2PM. The orders say it takes only a few hours, and they are going to pay me $190, so i did it. I am using the GI Bill, so they have my address; I cant hide or anything. Ill post tomorrow and tell you exactly what goes down.

Also, I live in Michigan. When I got the orders, I called 5 guys from my platoon (we all got out of the army in 2004 and 2005. I got out in December of 2003) One of my buddies, who lives in Idaho, reciently got the same orders.

[kojack]

The Army Reserve operations is a total mess at St L. There is no managment, just reaction. They dont have a clue of reserve Soldiers skills, their experiences, etc. I dont even think they are aware if an IRR Soldier has been deployed previously to a combat zone. I also believe that many of the mobilizations are made by low level people with no experience or background.

[Retired Paratrooper]

There is an incredible amount of whining from people who obviosuly have no clue what their contracts stated. I did my 20 plus years and have my combat injury I am receiving VA disability for. You all made me so mad, I volunteered to come off Retirement status to take the place of a younger person who wants to whine and cry out of muster. I missed more of my kids growing up than any of you can imagine. I was a senior NCO; I have been through all the ups and downs of being in the Army. I was a Paratrooper most of my career. Here it is that I did my time and then some, but I am willing to go in the place of some younger person who won't abide by his or her contract. Thank goodness my TBI will only prevent me from jumping from planes but not keep me from serving again. By the way, I will be giving up a good paying career in the Corporate world for this. I hope the Army wakes up and starts to take action on the Muster no shows.

Sign me,
Been there, done that and have the collection of T Shirts to show it

[11C]

I went to the IRR accountability muster today. I just updated my contact info on some virtual warrior web site, and the SFC asked me if I had any intrest in the army reserves. I said no. He said 'Im not a recruiter and thats all i have for you." I want home. $190 for 15 minutes. Not bad.

[1234]

I went to the IRR accountability muster today. I just updated my contact info on some virtual warrior web site, and the SFC asked me if I had any intrest in the army reserves. I said no. He said 'Im not a recruiter and thats all i have for you." I want home. $190 for 15 minutes. Not bad.

$190 for 15 minutes doesn't seem bad now, but wait until you get those deployment orders in a few months. I personally would have asked for an exemption or just ignored the muster completely. Also that $190 will be around $140-$150 thanks to taxes.

[kojack]

I think the only way you'd get mobilized by St Louis would be by per chance. It certainly wouldnt be by design. The organization at St Louis is bass ackwards, clueless, and powerless. The right hand doesnt know what the left is doing. They dont know where their soldiers are let alone how to manage them(you would have to teach the commanding general how to manage...).

I wouldnt be overly concerned about being mobilized. St Louis is lost in the deep woods and they dont know how to use their compass....

[2YearsOrBust]

There is an incredible amount of whining from people who obviosuly have no clue what their contracts stated. I did my 20 plus years and have my combat injury I am receiving VA disability for. You all made me so mad, I volunteered to come off Retirement status to take the place of a younger person who wants to whine and cry out of muster. I missed more of my kids growing up than any of you can imagine. I was a senior NCO; I have been through all the ups and downs of being in the Army. I was a Paratrooper most of my career. Here it is that I did my time and then some, but I am willing to go in the place of some younger person who won't abide by his or her contract. Thank goodness my TBI will only prevent me from jumping from planes but not keep me from serving again. By the way, I will be giving up a good paying career in the Corporate world for this. I hope the Army wakes up and starts to take action on the Muster no shows.

Sign me,
Been there, done that and have the collection of T Shirts to show it

How wonderful that you came out of your flourishing retirement to "replace" the younger soldiers. One thing you may have overlooked, however, is that for many of the young bucks on here, becoming absent for long periods of time at the inception of a career is alarmingly damaging. For baby boomers and veterans, such as yourself, doing a stint back in the ranks is the stuff of good water cooler stories and impressing your old fart buddies and wife. Of course you came out of retirement, I don't blame you; your job has you complacent and predicitable, so shaking it up some may actually behoove you.

But to take a 20-something at the inception of their fresh career path and pull them out to do a job (they may not even PRACTICE in the civilian world) for a year or two, completely represses their advancement. You think doing ANOTHER tour in the middle east means anything to any civilian employers? Pshah. Your perspective is very dated. At this point, who HASN'T been to the middle east? We're a dime a dozen. Sure, there are laws saying an employer must hold our job for us when we return, but we're so green to the workforce that such a change in our career path is horribly damaging to our promotion momentum and post graduate education, not to mention destructive to our newly-formed family and relationships. I understand you, as a retiree, have a family and stable job as well, but what you completely trivialized was that YOUNG soldiers are at a handicap because we're just starting out and don't have that security that 20 years at a job affords us. We havent been married for 30 years and we don't have successful adult children that we have to worry about anymore. We're at the CUSP of our budding careers and relationships, have done our tour (or two) for our country, and just want to move on with our lives in the IRR. Something like an additional 15 month deployment shatters our world. You don't get it, you're set already. Don't you see?

Further, what part of our contract are we not "abiding" by? Are you talking about muster no-shows? Clarify. I don't think anyone on this board has ever mentioned blatantly negating something in their contract. Your statements are coming off as sweeping generalizations and illogical.

And not for nothin, but maybe you should proofread your posts more accurately. With such a "good paying career", I'd think the delivery of a well-read message would be less erroneous and more astute. Good luck to you.

[CommunityEditor]

A considerable number of posts have been removed today. Posts that attack/degrade other members as well as those that reveal personal information, accurate or otherwise, are not permitted in the military communities.

Please take a moment to review our posted Guidelines (http://www.militarytimes.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1559004) before posting continuing.

The purpose of this thread is to discuss the IRR musters, trainings, active duty calls and other related topics.

Carry on.


Respectfully,

Alice Mask
Community Editor
Army Times | Air Force Times | Marine Corps Times | Navy Times
www.militarytimes.com

[1234]

How wonderful that you came out of your flourishing retirement to "replace" the younger soldiers. One thing you may have overlooked, however, is that for many of the young bucks on here, becoming absent for long periods of time at the inception of a career is alarmingly damaging. For baby boomers and veterans, such as yourself, doing a stint back in the ranks is the stuff of good water cooler stories and impressing your old fart buddies and wife. Of course you came out of retirement, I don't blame you; your job has you complacent and predicitable, so shaking it up some may actually behoove you.

But to take a 20-something at the inception of their fresh career path and pull them out to do a job (they may not even PRACTICE in the civilian world) for a year or two, completely represses their advancement. You think doing ANOTHER tour in the middle east means anything to any civilian employers? Pshah. Your perspective is very dated. At this point, who HASN'T been to the middle east? We're a dime a dozen. Sure, there are laws saying an employer must hold our job for us when we return, but we're so green to the workforce that such a change in our career path is horribly damaging to our promotion momentum and post graduate education, not to mention destructive to our newly-formed family and relationships. I understand you, as a retiree, have a family and stable job as well, but what you completely trivialized was that YOUNG soldiers are at a handicap because we're just starting out and don't have that security that 20 years at a job affords us. We havent been married for 30 years and we don't have successful adult children that we have to worry about anymore. We're at the CUSP of our budding careers and relationships, have done our tour (or two) for our country, and just want to move on with our lives in the IRR. Something like an additional 15 month deployment shatters our world. You don't get it, you're set already. Don't you see?

Further, what part of our contract are we not "abiding" by? Are you talking about muster no-shows? Clarify. I don't think anyone on this board has ever mentioned blatantly negating something in their contract. Your statements are coming off as sweeping generalizations and illogical.

And not for nothin, but maybe you should proofread your posts more accurately. With such a "good paying career", I'd think the delivery of a well-read message would be less erroneous and more astute. Good luck to you.


I couldn't have said it better myself. The young soldiers get out of the army thinking they can finally start a normal life. The start school, family, etc, but then out of the blue are told to go back to Iraq for 15 months and expected to drop everything.

Its just not right.

[Howie T.]

The reason I say MAY, I need more information. I am not liked in my MOS. I stand up for the troops. I have gone to the IG and was able to get 13 Reserve Soldiers out of their mobilization since they signed the 24 month deferment statement. Its a DA policy. NO command has the right to refuse a Soldier of the 24 month stabilization if they have it in writing. There is an written agreement and 4187 that has to have the statement on it. The policy was signed by Gen Stultz on 15 May 07. I retire in 22 months and believe me, I am tired of weak leadership not looking out for these Soldiers. The Soldiers put their life on the line. We can at least uphold the Army Values and take care of these Soldiers. I would also recommend if ANY IRR Soldier feels they were mislead, lied to or misreprested when they returned to the Army Reserve, I would like to know about it or it needs to be addressed with the DA IG. I am high on integrity and Soldiers deserve the respect and shouldn't be mislead into the Army Reserve. Its a numbers game to some but its a human being thats more important. I could go on all day....believe me, I am here for the Soldier.
MSG Myers
Dale.Myers1@us.army.mil
702-300-7166

I went to the "accountability" muster on Saturday and the SFC told me the exact same thing. He also told me this when I set up the appointment. There were two guys there besides me in a very large city (Houston). One of the dudes was still all Army-hooah and stuff, standing at parade rest, calling him a sergeant, etc. I respect all those still in, but inactive buddy. Anyway, I smelled BS at what this guy was trying to sell me. He tried all the recruiter tricks (he told me several times he was NOT a recruiter, but he was retention - what's the difference???) like trying to rush me that there were only a few slots open, we talked to the trans sgt and he said he could put me in his platoon to "hide me away" till my obligation ends (10 months). He even tried to get me to fill out the 4187 form. I had none of that crap. I told him I wasn't gonna sign anything anytime soon. He kept blinking his eyes and stuttering while trying to convince me.

I had a bad vibe and didn't trust me. So this MSG Myers says the exact same stuff. I feel that he's trying to feed everyone what the Army wants to get soldiers back into the reserves. My question is is this legit? He really didn't explain it very well, and I'm sceptic, but would just like some advice. I'm a 92F (fueler with truck driving qual, so I might be screwed) who never went to Iraq or Afghan. He kept saying "they gonna get ya." Which I saw as scare tactics. I still want to know if this could be a good path though. What's with the 24 month overseas deferrement. Seems like they will still be able to control you if you join the Active Reserves. He kept talking about the TPU, but I took this as the ACTIVE Reserves, which means signing another contract.

[IRRtiej]

What's with the 24 month overseas deferrement. Seems like they will still be able to control you if you join the Active Reserves. He kept talking about the TPU, but I took this as the ACTIVE Reserves, which means signing another contract.

I got out last summer, and the way I understood this pitch was that it was for active reserves (the one weekend a month, 2 weeks in the summer deal) or natl guard. I've heard from several people saying that it works, and that when the unit deploys, commanders are abiding by the "hands-off" rule for soldiers under stabilization. My concerns, which no recruiter was able to address, were:

1. Stabilization comes from a memo, not law, not even official regs. Somebody at the pentagon could wipe it out with a strike of a pen just as quickly as they created it, especially if retention becomes a problem in the guard/reserves, and HRC discovers again that IRR soldiers don't want to play anymore.

2. What about stop-loss? You could be stop-lossed before your stabilization expires, then end up deploying after it does, which not only means you deploy, but that you are stuck beyond your MSO.

Since you only have 10 months, if you want to take the deal, the best advice I've heard is to shop around for a unit that has either just redeployed or is still deployed. That means there's less chance of another deployment (with possible stop-loss) before your time is up. On the other hand, if you stay in the IRR and do get called up, there's probably a good chance you can play the D&E game until the clock runs out. However, I have no experience dealing with that, so someone else who has might be better able to address that option.

[ALPHA101]

I got out last summer, and the way I understood this pitch was that it was for active reserves (the one weekend a month, 2 weeks in the summer deal) or natl guard. I've heard from several people saying that it works, and that when the unit deploys, commanders are abiding by the "hands-off" rule for soldiers under stabilization. My concerns, which no recruiter was able to address, were:

1. Stabilization comes from a memo, not law, not even official regs. Somebody at the pentagon could wipe it out with a strike of a pen just as quickly as they created it, especially if retention becomes a problem in the guard/reserves, and HRC discovers again that IRR soldiers don't want to play anymore.

2. What about stop-loss? You could be stop-lossed before your stabilization expires, then end up deploying after it does, which not only means you deploy, but that you are stuck beyond your MSO.

Since you only have 10 months, if you want to take the deal, the best advice I've heard is to shop around for a unit that has either just redeployed or is still deployed. That means there's less chance of another deployment (with possible stop-loss) before your time is up. On the other hand, if you stay in the IRR and do get called up, there's probably a good chance you can play the D&E game until the clock runs out. However, I have no experience dealing with that, so someone else who has might be better able to address that option.

i guess one will have to take there chances, personally i don't trust them and there stabilization stuff.

[DAG48]

I believe if you sign a contract you should honor it. But that goes both ways. If you are 100% permanent and totaly disabled by the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) due to a service connected disability you incurred during Active Duty Reserve Service, the military should follow it's disability regulations and retire you from service, irregardless of your current IRR or Standby Reserve Status. I got news for you folks, the Military will not honor it's end of the contract. You will show up for your IRR physical evaluation, be declared unfit for military duty for a non-service related medical condition that the DVA deemed service connected. The military does not care if you served over eight years of active duty and that the DVA has directly connected your medical condition to your Active Duty Reserve military service, they will deny that you were in the Reserve at the time, or that your medical condition does not exist, ect, well you get the picture. The Board for Correction of Military Records will not help you, in the end you will have to sue in Federal Court. The Military will argue the Federal Government cannot be sued under any circumstance. However, if you google Fisher vs. the United States, you will find a case from 2005 where a Federal Appeals Court ruled the United States Military is liable and can be sued for statuatory disability payments. It's a pity our Government expects our young men and women to give thier lives and health for the cause, then decline to hold up it's end of the contract, even defing military disability regulations, when it comes to taking care of those injured in the line of duty.

[ALPHA101]

I believe if you sign a contract you should honor it. But that goes both ways. If you are 100% permanent and totaly disabled by the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) due to a service connected disability you incurred during Active Duty Reserve Service, the military should follow it's disability regulations and retire you from service, irregardless of your current IRR or Standby Reserve Status. I got news for you folks, the Military will not honor it's end of the contract. You will show up for your IRR physical evaluation, be declared unfit for military duty for a non-service related medical condition that the DVA deemed service connected. The military does not care if you served over eight years of active duty and that the DVA has directly connected your medical condition to your Active Duty Reserve military service, they will deny that you were in the Reserve at the time, or that your medical condition does not exist, ect, well you get the picture. The Board for Correction of Military Records will not help you, in the end you will have to sue in Federal Court. The Military will argue the Federal Government cannot be sued under any circumstance. However, if you google Fisher vs. the United States, you will find a case from 2005 where a Federal Appeals Court ruled the United States Military is liable and can be sued for statuatory disability payments. It's a pity our Government expects our young men and women to give thier lives and health for the cause, then decline to hold up it's end of the contract, even defing military disability regulations, when it comes to taking care of those injured in the line of duty.

is the physical evalution for the musters the portion where you have to see the colonel, which they called the surgeon at fort meade?:confused:

[dmor1979]

This brings up a good point. Is this a recruiting event in addition to a way for the ARMY to gather additional information for future mobilizations? How else would a recruiter know who to contact if this info is not shared.

Also, this 24 month stabilization thing is a pipe dream. It can be taken away by the Sec Def with the stroke of a pen. Im amazed at the soldiers that are jumping on that and think they are not going to be mobilized before 24 months. You are much better off in the IRR. There are no appeal rights in the Selecte reserve.

Not as high as Sec Def, commanding general of the particular Reserve Command you are in. I took up the offer for my IRR time as I would rather deploy with my unit than another. I'm not impressed with the reserve and wasn't impressed with active duty when I was active. Join the AF.

[2YearsOrBust]

I remember someone posted this once, but I can't seem to find it. Are members of the IRR eligible to retain their ch.1607 benefits (MGIB)?

[2YearsOrBust]

This is the response i got from MGIB:

Dear Ma'm:

There are some pending legislative changes to the Reserve Component Education Programs (both 1606 & 1607) and the implementing instructions have yet to reach the field. Until further information and clarificatiion is received your question cannot be addressed. Please watch our web site.

JR/ECM

[slntax]

hey i just got one of those irr letter saying i was in control group reinforcement. what does that exactly mean? i just got out in feb 08 and a month later they send me this? they should have stop lossed me at my last duty station.

[IRRtiej]

hey i just got one of those irr letter saying i was in control group reinforcement. what does that exactly mean? i just got out in feb 08 and a month later they send me this? they should have stop lossed me at my last duty station.

Don't stress about that control group. My paperwork said the same thing when I got out, as did the paperwork for a couple other guys that were getting out at the same time. I think it's just a blanket classification for IRR soldiers that aren't really affiliated with anyone. I never got a letter about it, though. What else does it say?

[slntax]

well it first says this is a "final notice" which is curious because this is the first letter i got since i got out of AD. also they sent it to my parents house in NJ and not my place at NC. thirdly it says that " if you haven't received mobilization orders in the mail i should contact the SFC in the letter to find out about my opitions. it also says if you have received mobilization orders i should disregard this letter. also it says to contact the SFC for a irr briefing on friday 21 mar 2008 bldg 2101 room 108 fort dix new jersey.

thats pretty much it. anybody else get the same letter? im not going to jersey because im in college now and $190 is not worth the time and gas money to drive up there.