Quick question regarding MMRB/remaining time in service.

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dashfan9

PEB Forum Regular Member
PEB Forum Veteran
Thanks for taking the time to read this post. I have a question and nobody in my Company seems to be able to answer this question. I have severe back problems resulting from my deployment. The Orthopedic surgeon ruled out surgery, and I am going to pain management. The profiling PA asked me whether I wanted a MMRB and I told him no, that I wanted to stay at my current location and didn't want to go through a MMRB/MEB; therefore he issued me a P2 instead of a P3 so we wouldn't trigger an MMRB. I was certain my chain of command would work with me on not having to wear an IBA and what not. However, my back isn't getting any better.

My main question is, I only have 16 months left in service. If I were to be "upgraded" (or downgraded) to a P3, what happens if they find that I should be reclassed? Would I have to attend re-training in another MOS, regardless of the time I have remaining in the Army? Any wisdom anyone could pass along would be greatly appreciated.
 
dashfan9,

Welcome! If you reclass, you have to qualify for the MOS. If that means additional schooling, then that is what is required. That is the "book" approach. I tend to think that if you are very short time frame to ETS (and you are not re-enlisting), then they may take a practical approach and either give you trial of duty until you ETS or refer you to an MEB.

If you are re-enlisting (or interested in doing so), can I ask why you don't want an MEB with the possibility of getting a retirement benefit?

Best of luck!
 
Jason -

Thanks for the quick reply. I typed a long few paragraphs earlier and lost it when I clicked post, so I'm going to keep this short.

I have had back pain for 2+ years stemming from my deployment. MRI revealed a herniated disc impinging on my S1 nerve, 2 bulging and degenerating discs, and degenerative disc disease. 4 months of physical therapy didn't do anything, and I was referred to orthopedics. Ortho said they wouldn't do surgery because, and I quote, my spine is "too jacked up to operate on." Currently waiting on my first pain management appointment.

The doc gave me a choice - a 2 profile, or a 3 which would trigger an MMRB/MEB. I am a 19K, and I know the PULHES code for my MOS is a 111121. As I stated earlier, I have about 16 months left in the Army and I intend to ETS. I PCS'd to Fort Polk about 6 months ago, and the idea of having to attend retraining for a different MOS and possibly PCS AGAIN didn't appeal to me, so I asked for the 2.

My chain of command said they would work with me on the profile - i.e. not requiring me to wear an IBA and what not, even though technically according to my current profile I can. However, my unit is quite new and in a constant state of change...and as we all know, there is no guarantee that this willingness to work with me will hold out.

What it all boils down to is doing whats best for my family and not making my back any worse. Moving again, especially with such a short amount of time before I'm out, would be less than ideal. Best case scenario, I could get a 3, stay where I'm at, not make my back worse, and ETS in 16 months.

Thanks again for the quick reply and look forward to hearing from you again.
 
dashfan9,

Okay, tracking with all of that and given the left and right limits of what you said, I understand. But, I am curious, why you would prefer to ETS rather than potentially receive a retirement benefit for yourself and your family? I am not suggesting or pushing you to do so, but it seems to me that if you are entitled to such a benefit, absent some reason that you have not stated, it is a better outcome to be retired. If you prefer not to answer, no problem. I would just hate for you to not consider something that may be a great benefit to you.
 
Thanks again for the reply. In regards to the retirement benefits, I never really considered that an option. Given my limited knowledge of the MMRB/MRB process, what I saw happening with a 3 profile was one of three things:

1. Found unable to stay in my current MOS, being assigned to re-training in a different MOS which would require me to attend a MOS school for a few months - and after that being PCS'd AGAIN, regardless of the time I have remaining in service.

2. Found unable to stay in my current MOS, but staying assigned to the unit I am in and riding a desk, because my time remaining in service was too short for retraining/PCS/etc.

3. Beign medically separated with a VA disability %'age (which may be the same thing as you are talking about, being separated with retirement benefits).

I never really considered number 3 being an option...as I said, I have no experience with the MMRB/MEB process. I'm sure there is a very goood guide on this site that I need to read through. Thank you again for the guidance.
 
Quick question regarding MMRB/reclassing and PCSing

I have a few questions for you, I went through a MMRB and was told I could reclass. I have now been waiting 8 months for my clearance to go throught and after that it could be a year before I get the school I want, am I able to PCS to another unit why awaiting all this to take place? Thank you for all your help
 
Quick question regarding MMRB/reclassing and PCSing

No, if you are going through a MEB, MMRB then your reenlistment code should have change, meaning that you are locked into your current unit until you either change MOS or get medically discharged. And this is if your paperwork got turned in for this to happen, if not you will be PCS'ing and starting the whole process with your new unit.
 
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