My son is facing administrative separation from the Coast Guard, and he really wants to stay in. He’s in his first year and having a tough time. Apparently, he didn’t pass the PT run in boot camp, but they let him graduate anyway. Now he’s been retested a few times and hasn’t met the required time. He also hasn’t qualified for boat crew, and his CO won’t let him apply for A School, even though we’ve read the regs and it seems like he should be allowed. He’s also had issues with his knee and can’t seem to get any medical help. We’re trying to figure out how to save his career. Has anyone been through something like this or have any advice?
That sounds rough. Has he tried talking to anyone in his chain of command about what’s going on?
Dakota said:
That sounds rough. Has he tried talking to anyone in his chain of command about what’s going on?
He’s tried, but it seems like his CO is already set on letting him go. He’s not sure where else to turn.
Dakota said:
That sounds rough. Has he tried talking to anyone in his chain of command about what’s going on?
Maybe he could file an Article 138 complaint? It’s supposed to bring issues up to higher command levels.
Dakota said:
That sounds rough. Has he tried talking to anyone in his chain of command about what’s going on?
I’ve heard about that, but IDK if it would work in his case. Isn’t it risky to go over the CO’s head?
Wasn’t the PT test supposed to be a requirement for boot camp graduation? Sounds like a bigger issue if they let him slide through.
Ira said:
Wasn’t the PT test supposed to be a requirement for boot camp graduation? Sounds like a bigger issue if they let him slide through.
Exactly. They shouldn’t have passed him in the first place if he couldn’t meet the standard. Now it’s all on him.
Ira said:
Wasn’t the PT test supposed to be a requirement for boot camp graduation? Sounds like a bigger issue if they let him slide through.
Wait, what’s the required time for the run? Maybe he just needs better training.
Ira said:
Wasn’t the PT test supposed to be a requirement for boot camp graduation? Sounds like a bigger issue if they let him slide through.
It’s 12:51 for 1.5 miles. He’s been trying, but his knee is messed up and no one’s helping him with it.
If his knee is causing issues, he should push for a medical eval. Has he seen a doctor about it?
Noor said:
If his knee is causing issues, he should push for a medical eval. Has he seen a doctor about it?
He saw a Navy doctor who said it was a pre-existing condition and won’t treat it. Now he’s stuck.
Noor said:
If his knee is causing issues, he should push for a medical eval. Has he seen a doctor about it?
That’s frustrating. Can he request a second opinion? Sounds like he’s not getting fair treatment.
Noor said:
If his knee is causing issues, he should push for a medical eval. Has he seen a doctor about it?
IDK if he can. He said the doctor won’t return calls and he can’t get another appointment. Feels like a dead end.
If he gets separated, what kind of discharge would it be? Would it hurt him for future jobs?
Micah said:
If he gets separated, what kind of discharge would it be? Would it hurt him for future jobs?
We were told it would be general under honorable conditions, so not a ‘bad’ discharge, but still not great.
Micah said:
If he gets separated, what kind of discharge would it be? Would it hurt him for future jobs?
General under honorable isn’t terrible. He should still qualify for VA benefits, right?
Micah said:
If he gets separated, what kind of discharge would it be? Would it hurt him for future jobs?
Yeah, that’s what we’re hoping, but it’s still not the outcome he wants. He really wants to stay in.
This must be so hard on him. Is there any support system at his station? Mentors or someone he can talk to?
Keir said:
This must be so hard on him. Is there any support system at his station? Mentors or someone he can talk to?
Unfortunately, no. They’re short-staffed, and he’s basically on his own. He lost a friend recently too, so it’s been tough.
Keir said:
This must be so hard on him. Is there any support system at his station? Mentors or someone he can talk to?
That’s heartbreaking. Maybe he could reach out to a chaplain or someone outside his immediate chain of command?