Expert: Eric Ernst - 11/29/2009

Question
I have a soldier USAR stationed in Europe that is schedule to ETS 1-2 weeks after we redeploy; he will still have about 2 weeks leave. What should I do to ensure he can participate in all post deployment activities, that is to ensure he's not just shoved out the door without ensuring he gets and is informed about all of his benefits.

Answer
Hello Willie,
So he's a reserve soldier I'm going to assume? Normally they are pretty good sticklers about making sure they go through the whole redeployment process. One question I have is did he ever spend time in Iraq? When I came back from Iraq in 06 I was pretty much pushed out the door since I ETS'd, since then though they have had all the concerns of PTSD and began literally cracking the proverbial whip since troops were coming back with all sorts of problems. Just make sure that he attends all of the briefings and if he has any questions make sure that he asks them. If you have any other questions please let me know.
Thanks,
Eric