Hello, I reenlisted in April of 2006 for 4 years and received (before taxes) about a $16,000 bonus. I am married to another active duty soldier and I just gave birth to our first child. My unit is trying to involuntarily separate me because I haven't completed my family care plan, although I have made progress on it, and I am trying to complete it. If I am separated, how much of my bonus will have to be repaid and how is it collected? Citing a regulation would be a big help. Thanks!
AR 601-280, Chapter 5, paragraph 5-13 states: Recoupment from Soldiers who fail to complete obligated service and correction of erroneous selective reenlistment bonus cases. A soldier who voluntarily or because of misconduct fails to complete obligated service for which an EB or SRB was paid will refund a percent of the bonus equal to the percent of obligated service not performed. The servicing FAO will perform recoupment of the portion of the bonus before the soldier's discharge.
INTERESTING INFORMATION Bar to Reenlistment
AR 601-280, Chapter 8, paragraph 8-4c states: Single soldiers/dual-service couples with dependent family members. Commanders will initiate a Bar to Reenlistment against soldiers described below who have been counseled per AR 600-20, chapter 5, and who do not have on file within 2 months after counseling, an approved family member care plan as described in AR 600-20, chapter 5. Soldiers described below who have assignment instructions to an overseas assignment will have Bars to Reenlistment initiated if they are unable to provide names of guardians who will care for their family members in CONUS in the event of evacuation from overseas. The balance of the family care plan is completed after arrival in the overseas command. (1) Single soldiers are soldiers who — (a) are single, (b) are widowed, (c) are divorced, (d) are legally separated, (e) are residing without their spouses, (f) have spouses who are incapable of self-care; and who have custody of one or more minor family members or one or more adult family members unable to care for themselves (who, for example, are handicapped or infirm). (2) Dual service couples include married Army couples and soldiers who have military spouses from another service.
The separation because of inadequate family care plan is considered involuntary and not because of misconduct. They are not trying to initiate bar to reenlistment, they are initiating separation.
AR 600-20 (ARMY COMMAND POLICY), CHAPTER 5, PARAGRAPH 5-5 STATES:
(d) Enlisted Soldiers without adequate Family Care Plans should be considered for separation processing by their unit commanders under the following regulations: (1) AR 635–200 for AA Soldiers.
g. The unit commander— (12) Should consider initiating involuntary separation proceedings against Soldiers who fail to provide and maintain adequate Family Care Plans.
d. Enlisted Soldiers will be counseled on voluntary and involuntary separation whenever parenthood interferes with military responsibilities (see DA Form 5305) under provision of — (1) AR 635–200 for AA Soldiers.
I was just really hoping someone had actual experience with this situation or knew of someone who had. I just need to know if this type of separation requires recoupment since it is not considered voluntary or because of misconduct. I really appreciate ANY help on this.
