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I've read a lot about military downsizing because of the budget cuts. From what I can see it seems to affect mainly officers. Can enlisted soldiers be downsized as well? If yes do they still get GI bill benefits if they are downsized?
Downsizing doesn't necessarily mean that people are being fired. It just means that more people are being barred from reenlistment and we're taking in fewer new soldiers each year. It doesn't really affect most military members on the individual level. As for your other question, downsizing does not affect anyone's GI bill benefits.
Military personnel also gets "downsized" based on technological changes and shifts in priorities. Most often, these "downsizing" comes about because of an end to a conflict where bodies are no longer just needed so they are reduced. Budget cuts do occur, but they are far from the main reason we see Force Reductions.
Yes, enlisted Soldiers can be downsized as well. There is eSerb-enhanced selective early retirement boards.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Taiko
Generally the reenlistment requirement are made tougher and the GI is let go at the end of his fixed term enlistment
This is another method. Denial of reenlistment can be suggested at the platoon and company level. Typically, the CSM will go with what the PSG and 1SG recommend. As an officer, I have never been asked for an opinion on if a Soldier should be allowed to reenlist or not and I've never offered an opinion, either.
There is also up or out. You have so many years to make the next rank, if you don't, you're discharged.
My experience over the past 2-3 years has seen that Soldiers are more likely to have the book thrown at them now. It used to be that a lot of height/weight failures were overlooked but not anymore. It seems like it's a contest between commanders to see who can cut costs for the government the most.
I've read a lot about military downsizing because of the budget cuts. From what I can see it seems to affect mainly officers. Can enlisted soldiers be downsized as well? If yes do they still get GI bill benefits if they are downsized?
Yes there has been a lot of downsizing. Both with not signing people to reenlist and some reductions in force.
GI Bill benefits is dependent on the particular benefit and it's eligibility criteria. Generally a RIF would not bar someone from some benefits, but it can be dependent on how long they did serve, type of service, etc etc... too many criteria for a cut and dry answer.
During the Clinton Administration there was 'down-sizing'. Enlistedmen were being offered cash incentives to walk away.
However most force reduction methods are like those already discussed here. Less open billet for recruiters to fill, and less re-enlistments.
I remember that.
Worked with a few people that had taken ($25,000??) the incentive and gotten out.
There was a co-worker of mine that had taken a "reduced" retirement with 15 years of active duty...receiving something like 45% for 15, as opposed to 50% with 20 years.
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