I wanted to share my experience with the Army Officer Elimination process (misconduct-related). When I was going through it, I searched extensively online for information on timelines and procedures, but much of what I found was outdated, which made the process even more frustrating. Hopefully sharing my experience can provide a more current perspective for anyone else navigating this process. Here's my complete timeline.
From the time my packet was officially filed to ARBA, it took about two and a half months to receive a decision. It's worth noting that in my case, my Chain of Command recommended approval of my Discharge in Lieu of Elimination request and the Ad Hoc Review Board also approved it. The timeline could have been very different if I had requested a Board of Inquiry (BOI) or if the Review Board had denied my DILO. It’s also important to note that the timeline can vary the most while your case is with the SJA office, as it heavily depends on individuals correctly routing and filing the necessary documentation. In my situation, the process took longer than the timeline I shared below because the SJA mishandled the filing of my elimination notice the first time. It was kicked back by HRC and they had to refile everything through the GOSCA for signature and then formally re-notify me. I hope this helps and remember that your self-worth isn't defined by the Army. Best of luck!
Day 1: Notification of permeant filing of GOMOR and Officer Elimination (30 days to respond).
Day 20: Submitted conditional (Honorable or GEN) Discharge in Lieu of Elimination (DILO) packet including complete physical/mental exams and election memorandum.
Day 21- Day 55: Packet routed through CoC (Company, BN, BDE, GOSCA) for recommendations. This period was over the holidays so the timeline was probably prolonged because of that.
Day 56: Packet officially accepted by HRC and filed with ARBA.
Day 57 - Day 127: Packet at ARBA. I am not 100% sure of the different "stages" of the routing process through ARBA but I do know that by at least Day 99 my packet was officially in the queue, ready to be boarded.
Day 127 - Army Ad Hoc Review Board accepted DILO.
Day 130 - Notified of ARBA decision.
Day 145 - Discharged with General under honorable conditions discharge.
From the time my packet was officially filed to ARBA, it took about two and a half months to receive a decision. It's worth noting that in my case, my Chain of Command recommended approval of my Discharge in Lieu of Elimination request and the Ad Hoc Review Board also approved it. The timeline could have been very different if I had requested a Board of Inquiry (BOI) or if the Review Board had denied my DILO. It’s also important to note that the timeline can vary the most while your case is with the SJA office, as it heavily depends on individuals correctly routing and filing the necessary documentation. In my situation, the process took longer than the timeline I shared below because the SJA mishandled the filing of my elimination notice the first time. It was kicked back by HRC and they had to refile everything through the GOSCA for signature and then formally re-notify me. I hope this helps and remember that your self-worth isn't defined by the Army. Best of luck!
Day 1: Notification of permeant filing of GOMOR and Officer Elimination (30 days to respond).
Day 20: Submitted conditional (Honorable or GEN) Discharge in Lieu of Elimination (DILO) packet including complete physical/mental exams and election memorandum.
Day 21- Day 55: Packet routed through CoC (Company, BN, BDE, GOSCA) for recommendations. This period was over the holidays so the timeline was probably prolonged because of that.
Day 56: Packet officially accepted by HRC and filed with ARBA.
Day 57 - Day 127: Packet at ARBA. I am not 100% sure of the different "stages" of the routing process through ARBA but I do know that by at least Day 99 my packet was officially in the queue, ready to be boarded.
Day 127 - Army Ad Hoc Review Board accepted DILO.
Day 130 - Notified of ARBA decision.
Day 145 - Discharged with General under honorable conditions discharge.