I am currently going through the Army IDES/MEB process and I am trying to understand how a possible Bar to Continued Service could affect the process.
I am an active-duty SSG with a little over nine years of service. My MEB was initiated because of a chronic left ankle condition involving ligament tears, tendon damage, instability, swelling, and difficulty walking or standing for extended periods. Orthopedics determined that I did not meet retention standards under AR 40-501, and I received a permanent P3 profile.
My PEBLO has already been assigned, my VA claims have been submitted, and I have completed most of my C&P examinations. As of right now, I have not received my NARSUM or reached the informal PEB stage.
The separate issue involves Army spousal support during an ongoing divorce. I have been paying approximately $1,496 per month since separating from my spouse, but my financial situation has deteriorated significantly due to legal fees, debt, living expenses, and other obligations. I am currently operating at a monthly deficit and can no longer sustain the payment amount.
My command has given me a deadline of August 15 to make the payment and has stated that a Bar to Continued Service will likely be initiated if I cannot comply. At this point, I fully expect the Bar to happen because I do not have the money available. I have documented my financial hardship, applied for additional employment, attempted gig work, sold personal property, applied for an AER loan, and explored selling my vehicle. The AER loan was denied because of my existing monthly deficit, and selling the vehicle is not realistic because I owe significantly more than its current value.
I am not currently under an Article 15 or other UCMJ action, and to my knowledge I am not flagged. The command has specifically discussed a Bar to Continued Service.
My questions are:
Any firsthand experience, regulatory references, or advice on questions I should ask my PEBLO, legal assistance, or defense counsel would be greatly appreciated.
I am an active-duty SSG with a little over nine years of service. My MEB was initiated because of a chronic left ankle condition involving ligament tears, tendon damage, instability, swelling, and difficulty walking or standing for extended periods. Orthopedics determined that I did not meet retention standards under AR 40-501, and I received a permanent P3 profile.
My PEBLO has already been assigned, my VA claims have been submitted, and I have completed most of my C&P examinations. As of right now, I have not received my NARSUM or reached the informal PEB stage.
The separate issue involves Army spousal support during an ongoing divorce. I have been paying approximately $1,496 per month since separating from my spouse, but my financial situation has deteriorated significantly due to legal fees, debt, living expenses, and other obligations. I am currently operating at a monthly deficit and can no longer sustain the payment amount.
My command has given me a deadline of August 15 to make the payment and has stated that a Bar to Continued Service will likely be initiated if I cannot comply. At this point, I fully expect the Bar to happen because I do not have the money available. I have documented my financial hardship, applied for additional employment, attempted gig work, sold personal property, applied for an AER loan, and explored selling my vehicle. The AER loan was denied because of my existing monthly deficit, and selling the vehicle is not realistic because I owe significantly more than its current value.
I am not currently under an Article 15 or other UCMJ action, and to my knowledge I am not flagged. The command has specifically discussed a Bar to Continued Service.
My questions are:
- Can a Bar to Continued Service delay, suspend, or stop an active MEB or IDES case?
- Does a Bar automatically generate a flag, or would there need to be separate adverse action?
- If the Bar is approved while I am in IDES, could the Army attempt to administratively separate me before the PEB process is completed?
- Would the fact that the Bar is related to alleged financial nonsupport be treated as misconduct for MEB or PEB purposes?
- Could this affect whether I receive medical retirement, medical separation, severance pay, or VA compensation?
- If the Bar prevents reenlistment, but my ETS date is still several years away, does it have any immediate effect other than preventing continued service?
- Has anyone personally gone through an MEB while barred from reenlistment or while facing a nonsupport complaint?
Any firsthand experience, regulatory references, or advice on questions I should ask my PEBLO, legal assistance, or defense counsel would be greatly appreciated.