Expert: Rod Powers - 4/1/2007

Question
QUESTION: I am currently in the Navy, And have 2 PRT failures. The first I failed both the BCA and the actual events. The second I had a waiver from doing the events but still had to do the BCA, And failed. My command is basically harassing me that if I fail the next one they are going to kick me out. So basically I was wondering what happens then? Am I still going to keep my benefits, (i.e. G.I. Bill, VA home loan guarantee, etc.)? No one here will tell me. Also will I be able to request that the ADSEP be changed to an Honorable Discharge and how long would I have to wait before am able to do so? Don't get me wrong I am trying to lose the weight, But am also covering all my bases. I have to look out for number one, because my command is not helping. Thanks.
ANSWER: Hi Rodney,

First of all, with the exception of punitive discharges imposed by court-martials, *all* discharges from the Military ad "ADSEPS" (Admininstrative Discharges). Even if you get out after your original enlistment period, it's an "ADSEP."

Administrative Discharges can be characterized in several ways: (1) Honorable, (2) General (under honorable conditions), (3) Under Other than Honorable, or (4) Entry Level (which is not really a characterization, and can only be imposed for someone with less than 180 days of service). For details, see my article about Administrative Separations at: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/justicelawlegislation/l/aadischarge1.htm.

You haven't said how long you were in the Navy?

The vast majority of PRT or weight program failure administrative discharges are characterized as "honorable." That's the good news. The bad news is that whether or not you qualify for VA benefits often depends on, not only the characterization, but how long you served.

For example, in order to maintain eligibility for the Active Duty MGIB, you must have an "honorable" discharge, and -- in most cases -- you must have served at least three years of a four year (or more) enlistment contract. For details, see my ADMGIB Article at: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/justicelawlegislation/l/aadischarge1.htm.

Whether or not you are eligible for a particular VA program depends on the service characterization and the number of years you served on active duty. For details about each program, see the VA's website at: http://www.va.gov.

Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Rod,
Thanks, That answered a lot of my questions. I have been in for just under 6 years. My next questions is about my SRB for my reenlistment. Do I have to pay that back? I have also heard of a severance pay, Can you tell my about that? My contact is suppose to be up January 2009.  

Answer
Hi Rodney,

Generally, if you've received an SRB (Selective Re-enlistment Bonus) and are discharged before your entire re-enlistment contract is up, you have to repay any "unearned" portion of the SRB.

For example, let's say you receive an SRB of $8,000 for a 4-year reenlistment. That comes out to $2,000 per year. So, if you receive the entire SRB, then only serve two years, you would have to re-pay $4,000.

To qualify for involuntary separation pay, you would need six or more years of service, at the time of your discharge. See my article at: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/2007paycharts/a/seppay.htm for rates and details.

For a weight program or PRT discharge (assuming you have six or more years of service at the time of discharge), you would likely be eligigle for 1/2 rate (because a person who fails the PRT or is not within weight standards is not eligible for reenlistment).

Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com