Chapter 18

[missinghome]

I am a soldier currently stationed in Germany. I have been in the army for two years so far. Unfortunitly I have always had a weight issue. Three months after I arrived in Germany I got flagged due to being 1% over my max BMI. I was flagged for 13 months. I finally got off of it but my chain of command keeps telling me that if I get back on it they will chapter me out for being overweight. There used to be a guy in my unit that was overweight and a PT failure. He was here for 54 months and they did nothing to him. Theres a guy in my platoon that has been in four alcohol related incidents ranging from drunk on duty to DUI but has only received a letter of reprimand for all incidents. I've been told by NCO's in my unit that I am a good soldier. I pass my P.T tests but I battle with passing weight and tape. My chain of command has done nothing but try to cover their asses in an attempt to set me up to chapter me out for being overweight. What would happen if I were chaptered out? Would I still have my full G.I benefits? What kind of discharge would it be? Would I lose my security clearance? I'm an MP and I want to become a civilian police officer when I get out. Would a chapter make me lose that dream?

[ERAUPIKE]

Originally Posted by missinghome

I am a soldier currently stationed in Germany. I have been in the army for two years so far. Unfortunitly I have always had a weight issue. Three months after I arrived in Germany I got flagged due to being 1% over my max BMI. I was flagged for 13 months. I finally got off of it but my chain of command keeps telling me that if I get back on it they will chapter me out for being overweight. There used to be a guy in my unit that was overweight and a PT failure. He was here for 54 months and they did nothing to him. Theres a guy in my platoon that has been in four alcohol related incidents ranging from drunk on duty to DUI but has only received a letter of reprimand for all incidents. I've been told by NCO's in my unit that I am a good soldier. I pass my P.T tests but I battle with passing weight and tape. My chain of command has done nothing but try to cover their asses in an attempt to set me up to chapter me out for being overweight. What would happen if I were chaptered out? Would I still have my full G.I benefits? What kind of discharge would it be? Would I lose my security clearance? I'm an MP and I want to become a civilian police officer when I get out. Would a chapter make me lose that dream?

The AR 635-200 Clearly states that whether you are separated by Chapter 13 or 18 you will be given an honorable discharge. You will be eligible for the same benefits as the other members that completed their obligated service.

[DRTDEVL]

You are young, Soldier. You never experienced the Army prior to 9/11.

It's time to stop worrying about what everyone else has done and what consequences they faced.

The Army is now at 113% authorized end strength. The new BCTs are now fully staffed and the expansion is complete. Couple this with the facts that Iraq is winding down and the Democrats are in control, and the Army can now return to "the 90's".

As of 1 APR 2009, the 90's are back. Chapters for weight are now approved. Misconduct? Approved. APFT? Approved. Drugs/alcohol issues? Approved.

None of these were approved during the period of time starting with OIF... But now everyone must conform to the standards set forth in the regulations that bind us. There is no more leeway, no more "weight issues", nothing. Be prepared to be chaptered out if you cannot conform to the standards. Those enlisting off the street can kiss those waivers goodbye. GEDs can forget enlisting, too. "Quality Contracts" only from here on out.

Now, on a personal note, it took you 13 months to lose 1%??? You weren't trying hard enough. Of course you weren't, there was no real incentive for you to put forth the effort. The precedent had been set before you that you could stay in the Army being overweight (you even gave the example to us), so you had no reason to work on the weight until you wanted your next rank. Guess what? You now have the incentive. With the knowledge I have just given you, you have the reason to remain compliant with the standards set forth in AR 600-9. Should you not comply, I would fully expect the coming Chapter.

Good Luck!