Keddrick Corday Thompson Requests IRR Memorandum Draft -- Intro

IRR Shoulder Sleeve Insignia/IRR Unit Patch for OCP uniform.  (shopmyexchange.com)

Keddrick Corday Thompson contacted me. He wanted me to provide him with a draft of an IRR memorandum. At issue?

His unit was set to activate, mobilize, and then deploy to Texas. He felt that such a deployment was going to upset his "work-life" balance. This disruption was going to negatively impact his responsibilities to his family, service to his community, income from his employment/contracts, etc.

So, he wanted to transfer to the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR). He felt that such a transfer would de-conflict things in his favor.

So, I asked him a series of questions to get more details. The following posts illustrate a key repeating theme when Soldiers request to go into the IRR. Although the Soldiers making this request believe that they have a powerful case to make, the Army may think otherwise.

Keddrick Corday Thompson needed to provide the Army with a compelling reason to approve his IRR request. Based on my questioning, and on his response, I saw that he was not going to have a strong case. I presented to him what the Army would think and consider. Thompson found an explanation as to why the Army's solutions "would not work". However, his explanations were weak and I informed him of what his approval chances were.

The following exchange is something that Soldiers, considering an IRR packet, should seriously consider. The advice that I gave Keddrick Thompson, regarding what his pocket would need to be stronger, is advice that soldiers should consider when submitting a packet.

Keddrick Corday Thompson's comments are as he wrote them. The interaction is listed in order.

Individual Ready Reserve Distinctive Unit Insignia. (militaryclothing.com)

Keddrick Corday Thompson Requests IRR Memorandum Draft -- Part 1

Originally posted by Keddrick Corday Thompson:
Need your writing services for a request to IRR and a fundraising pitch 

Could you give me details on why you want to transfer to the IRR? Thanks.

Originally posted by Keddrick Corday Thompson:
Yes. My unit is mobilizing to [redacted] and I am a single Father with strict obligations to my Son and his well-being and movement. In addition, I have contract obligations with a steady work/life balance that affords me to be able to take care of my Son, my family and maintain upkeep of progress.
This mobilization will damper my Salary and put me in a tense financial situation and position physically with my Son. 

How long is this deployment for? Have you brought this up with your unit, and what have they done to try to help your situation? Have you brought this up with those you contracted with? You'll need their statements as attachments to your IRR transfer request memorandum.

In order to get an IRR transfer, you'll have to prove, through valid statements, that mobilization would aggravate your situation. This includes statements by professionals and by personnel in your unit privy to your situation.

Your unit will ask you some questions. What arrangements have you made for your son in order for you to attend drill, annual training, etc.? They're expecting you to have those arrangements in place when your unit deploys for Fort Hood. If you've managed to attend drill and annual training, they're going to expect you to go with them to Fort Hood.

Contractual obligations? You need to bring this up to your chain of command. Let them decide if you don't warrant mobilization orders. Depending on what your unit knows about your circumstances, they could assign you to rear detachment. They could make other arrangements, depending on your unit's policy.

Also, you may have to notify those, that you have contractual obligations with, of your pending deployment.

In order to convince the chain, via memo and IRR packet, to transfer you to the IRR, you have to provide supporting documentation. The Army is going to say, "Well, you could do this" or "Well, you could do that". You have to validly prove that these other options are not on the table. You also have to prove that losing these contracts would prove irrevocably damaging.

More importantly, you have to prove that you went to your unit. You have to prove that your unit was unable to help you with your situation. Statements from Soldiers in your chain, in a position to help you, would be needed.

I recommend reviewing AR 140-10, Paragraph 4-9. Look at the options that apply to you. You'll find details on what you need to support your transfer request.

Keddrick Corday Thompson Requests IRR Memorandum Draft -- Part 2

Originally posted by Keddrick Corday Thompson:
Yes. I have went to the BC, the CSM, Company Commander, 1SG, my NCOIC, My OIC,
I wrote a detailed description and memo to the command team details of what I can do to provide great rear detachment. But they are not having a rear d. I have pushed this since February 2020. A lot of other NCOs have submitted transfers as well most approved. However, I promoted in and not trying to lose my rank. So,
On weekends I have drill his Mom has him but she is not able to frontload all responsibilities for a year and it will be extremely difficult juggling my son school, new grade, sports, day to day life. She only makes but so much but also need grave assistance with parenting as we continue parent very well and have a great balance
My contract lead can detail a letter of how urgent I am needed and my essential work and akillset to accommodate our customers and contrac. Along with my government lead and coworkers
My NCOIC can write a letter as well along with some unit counterparts
I have tried to push a rear d and how beneficial it would be and I volunteered to lead it. This would still allow me to maintain my salary and take care of important details of life with my Son, my family and the communities I serve 

Are these transfers to another TPU unit, or to the IRR? By IRR, I'm talking about non 6 x 2 Soldiers.

The part of your transferring in and not losing rank. This is one of the things that the Army is going to look at. When this gets to your brigade, they're going to look at all the options that you could take to remain in a TPU status vice going IRR. The brigade career counselors are going to look at it, and so is brigade legal.

Is it crucial that you keep your contracts, work-life balance, and ability to provide for your son and family? Then the Army is going to see that a transfer to another TPU is the applicable solution. You'll have an easier time to request a transfer to another TPU unit.

The Army is going to see this as an effort to avoid losing rank... If not losing your rank was an option, you would transfer to another TPU unit. This is based on what you told me.

The Army is going to see that you're looking for the convenient (to you) option rather than the practical option... Transferring to another TPU, losing rank, and still maintaining your family and nonmilitary obligation while completing your military contract.

Before I transferred to the Retired Reserve, TPU to TPU transfers had priority. Transfers to the IRR, unless they were requested as a result of a 6 x 2 obligation, took a long time to process. Many IRR packets faced disapproval. This may still be the case now.

You would receive mobilization orders if the Army has not decided on your transfer by the time your unit receives its orders. You would subsequently mobilize. Likewise, until you receive your orders to the IRR, you still have to drill with your unit until the IRR transfer date on your orders.

Your argument trying to stand up a rear detachment? This implies that you're willing to be on active orders but on a rear detachment capacity. This would work against your argument about being needed by your contract lead if you're going to be gone for a full workday.

I'm hoping that my commentary is not causing you inconvenience. As retention NCO, I was a part of a team. This team submitted portions of a packet in a way that increased the packet's chances of approval.

If most of the transfer requests being approved are TPU to TPU, and this is an option available to you, this would be your best bet.

Keddrick Corday Thompson Requests IRR Memorandum Draft -- Part 3

Originally posted by Keddrick Corday Thompson:
Yes. Im aware
Not a full day to day but in a stanbdby capacity for rear
However uou think would be best
But I azked about TPU and I would more than likely lose my rank which I worked to hard to attain and lose
So IRR it is. However, I am willing and told them I could move to a unit within the Brigade that's not mobilizing 

With regards to not losing rank, and with your request to go into the IRR instead of TPU? That's going to work against your IRR request.

Originally posted by Keddrick Corday Thompson:
That I'd still be under the overall command and could transfer back in when return
Ok. So take it out 

You have to submit a packet to transfer from one unit to another, and then another packet to transfer back. The commanding officers are going to have to be willing to agree to the "short stay" on your part.

Originally posted by Keddrick Corday Thompson:
Yes aware 

The quickest way for you to get your transfer is to transfer to another TPU. Then, the arguments that you advanced would be applicable and would not work against you.

Originally posted by Keddrick Corday Thompson:
I just need it written up in great detail and assistance with the packet in full completion. The letters, documents I can handle
But I just don't want to transfer to another TPU and I lose my rank 

Based on what you've said above, I don't have the ammunition needed to generate a memo requesting a transfer into the IRR. One of the themes that would need to be addressed is why the IRR would be better than the TPU. Not wanting a rank reduction is not a cogent personal reason for transferring to the IRR. What I mentioned above will work against such approval.

NOTE: Later on, he mentions an obligation to remain at his unit for 12 months. This changed the parameters. He would've lost rank had he transferred into the IRR, Standby Reserve, or another TPU. His keeping his rank was predicated on his remaining with his unit at least 12 months. This period ends in February 2021. 

Keddrick Corday Thompson Requests IRR Memorandum Draft -- Part 4

Originally posted by Keddrick Corday Thompson: 
Ok
So what else. Its a hardship transfer
Financial and contract management hardship
That should work right...
This mob will not cover my expenses or the welfare of my Son and family
Plus. The separation at this time-frame will be damaging to his personality, well-being and mindset
The IRR would allow me to have flexibility with my new urgent contract obligations and better my work life balance with my Son and family
Also, give time to recover my health and increase rest and balance 

If you want to transfer to another TPU unit, you should be able to get approved based on what you told me above. The difference between your current rank and your last one would be a small price to pay. You'd maintain your civilian pay and work-life balance. 

Additionally, when you're in the IRR, you want those years to count towards retirement. You won't be able to do correspondence courses to get points. You still need to accrue at least 50 retirement points each year.

The availability of a TPU to TPU transfer will work against your request to go into the IRR. You'd be able to complete your TPU contract. You'd still meet your work-life balance and continue earning your civilian pay.

The fact that you kept drilling with your current unit supports the practicality of transferring to another TPU. Not to the IRR.

I'm going to run some errands, I'll be back.

NOTE: Keddrick Thompson's argument did not lend to a TPU to IRR transfer. I recommended a TPU to TPU transfer in order for his work-life balance to not be interrupted. My addressing him after this focused on this solution... Or the one where he bears and grins it with activation, mobilization, and deployment. 

Originally posted by Keddrick Corday Thompson:
Thanks 

Back for a few. So here are your options. Bear with me and read to the end.

1. Deploy with your unit. While you're on active duty, your dependents will receive active duty-related benefits like TRICARE Prime. Additionally, your dependents will have access to resources available to active duty personnel and their family members. Your unit will be receiving information related to this as part of their pre-mobilization briefing.

You keep your rank and accrue one retirement point for every day you're mobilized. Those that you work with, on the civilian side of the house, will understand your military obligations.

2. Put in for a TPU to TPU transfer. Even if you lose rank, the difference in pay may not be significant. You'd be able to continue with your contracts. You'd still be able to do other activities outside of the military.

Based on what you told me, the chances of getting an IRR transfer approved are low. You're also gambling with this option. If they disapprove of your request, then the time you have to forward a TPU to TPU transfer is crunched. Or it would be too late. You'll be deploying with your unit.

Your description above appears to be a disruption and inconvenience to your family and you... This is something faced by families of deployed Soldiers. Your situation wouldn't be unique. Others, in your situation, are either on active duty or have deployed.

Another option that you could consider, based on your employer's need for you, is the Standby Reserve. Chapter 8 of AR 140-10 covers the Standby Reserve. I'd recommend that you discuss this option with your servicing career counselor. If this is a viable option, all you'd need to argue for transfer is Paragraph 8-2a, "Key employee".

NOTE: The Standby Reserve, critical employee justification, was a better argument for his situation. He would've still lost rank, but his insinuated civilian pay was high enough to make this a non-issue. 

Keddrick Corday Thompson Requests IRR Memorandum Draft -- Part 5

Originally posted by Keddrick Corday Thompson: 
Ok. We could go with key employee
Coupled with necessity parent

NOTE: I saw this as Keddrick Thompson not having confidence in his "key employee" argument. He was trying to stack the argument. He didn't have a strong argument for the dependency case. He's also protected by law when it comes to employment and reserve mobilization. This was also a control issue. He wanted to make sure that he got what he wanted.


The Standby Reserve, like the IRR, is a gambit with no guarantee for success. The Army considers "IRR" and "TPU" as "ready reserve". Many people mistake the "I" in "IRR" as "inactive", but it isn't. There's no "Inactive Ready Reserve" as this is a contradiction in terms. But, it's under the ready reserve umbrella. You're still liable for being involuntarily mobilized from the IRR.

You could be involuntarily transferred from the IRR to a TPU unit. Then, involuntarily mobilized with that unit.

The Standby Reserve is a different animal. It's lower than the IRR when it comes to readiness for recall. Your chances of getting into the standby reserve would be "better" than getting into the IRR. However, it's still a "gambit" with a big chance of being disapproved. 

The parent justification is going to be hard to argue. This is based on what you provided. You definitely don't have a strong argument for using this to get into the IRR. For either the IRR or Standby Reserve, the Army is going to see that both you guys have families. These extended families may be in a position to back the mother and provide her assistance in your absence.

Adding the parent argument may delay your packet. The risk, as with the IRR packet, is that it would get disapproved. Should that happen, you may not have time to turn around and request a TPU to TPU transfer.

You'll end up going on that deployment. 

If you chose the Standby Reserve route, the memorandum would be short. The first paragraph referencing the applicable AR paragraph. The second paragraph provides a short explanation. This explanation would mention references (employer statement regarding your need for his/her operation).

Your employer needs to prove that he/she would not be able to replace you in time. Your absence would adversely impact the employers' profits, operations, etc.

Talk with your servicing career counselor first. You'll have to see if this is a viable option. Also, run the other information that I'm providing you with your career counselor. He/she has the latest information.

Out of curiosity, which unit are you with, and what outpost are you out of? 

Also, if you're 37 years old or older, and have at least 8 years of active federal service, there's another Army Reserve control group that you could request transfer to.

NOTE: AR 140-10, under transfer to retired reserve, shows how Soldiers could transfer to the Retired Reserve without the 20-year letter. If he was 37 years old and had at least 8 years of active duty, he technically may have been able to request a transfer into the Retired Reserve instead of the IRR. 

Keddrick Corday Thompson Requests IRR Memorandum Draft -- Part 6

Originally posted by Keddrick Corday Thompson:
I'm 34. I'm with [redacted] under [redacted] and [redacted] 
I can go either. Don't matter
They would rather that than a disgruntled soldier [bolded by author]
I can have my employer and many coworkers write statements as needed
Same for my NCOIC and other soldiers
essential employee and critical parent. His mom is up here by herself. Same as me. My nearest family is in SC so that part is not true.
It would be just her and my son with all the burden and movement and appointments and transportation and monies which will burden her situation and break my family down
Not having that period 

The active-duty side of the military has dealt with individuals in this situation. Family Readiness Group (FRG) is one of their solutions. Once you guys go on active duty, FRG becomes a serious activity. So, even if you don't have family nearby, your fellow Soldiers' families may be in a position to help. They could also assist your family.

Is your family near a military base? Major military bases have family resources that your family would be able to leverage. You and your family will get this information prior to your unit deploying.

This common fact would work against you. When they look at your packet, Big Army would not transfer you from TPU to the IRR or to the Standby Reserve.  However, with the Standby Reserve, if you just argue the critical employee aspect, you might have a chance... Although not sufficient enough for this kind of request keeping you from deploying.

Again, there's a good chance that your IRR/Standby Reserve request gets shot down. You'd have no other choice but to deploy with your unit.

The biggest thing, with either family or critical employee, is hard evidence to support your justifications. Based on what you've told me, your "family" based argument would not be strong enough to persuade them to transfer you to the IRR.

As usual, a TPU to TPU transfer is your strongest bet. Your need to keep your contracts, and an overburdened mother, argues for a TPU to TPU transfer. Your justifications above give you a good argument for a TPU to TPU. Your pay cut would be a small price to pay in order to continue to meet family and contractual obligations.

NOTE: "They would rather that than a disgruntled soldier". Keddrick Thompson is hinting that if he does not transfer to the IRR, he would be disgruntled. This implies that he would be a headache to his unit if he goes with them to Texas. Worse, he could stop drilling and be a non-participant, or "NONPAR". Later, when he appears to want to close this interaction, I ask him another question... I reminded him of what I said and then asked for his intention. 

Keddrick Corday Thompson Requests IRR Memorandum Draft -- Part 7

Originally posted by Keddrick Corday Thompson:
Its not about the army pay. Obviously as a civilian I make well. Its the principle of me earning my rank that was long overdue. The family argument not being strong enough...Im not seeing how it is not. I don't trust strangers like that with my child. Too many kids have been bruised and molested in FRG care and even Child Care on military installations... ie fort Bragg. So, that is ridiculous to even bring to the equation IMO.
TPU to TPU would be fine if I am able to keep my rank in which I suggested that within the Brigade so I would still be close and a part of the overall command. Certain higher didnt really even consider it.
However it can be pushed to remain rear detachment or move to a temporary space until the unit return is good enough for me. I am just not able to mobilize at this time period. I responded with that as well 

Your responses are a part of the reason why your argument, related to your family, is weak. They're weak regarding the IRR and Standby Reserve, but good for a TPU to TPU. It's as if you're trying to find an argument against any solution that the Army already has to address situations like yours.

What I'm reading is this:

"I don't want to deploy, they need to transfer me to another TPU in the brigade while letting me keep my rank. If not, they need to stand up a rear detachment for me to man. They have to set things up so that the solution fits my requirements 100%".

This is not a realistic expectation.

If I were your unit commander, I would be seeing that you're trying to have everything go a certain way... You keep your rank while you avoid deployment. Neither helps your unit nor its mission. It appears that you're not willing to make practical sacrifices that you need to make in order to be able to stay with your family and not deploy.

You're dealing with a lot of "whataboutisms". What about running a rear detachment? What about assigning me somewhere within the brigade? What about assigning me to another unit within the brigade? What about...

I'm seeing that you're refusing to see this from the unit's perspective. Your unit commander has to run the "rear detachment" idea to his/her commander. Once that's agreed to, then the manpower shortfall created by those who remain in rear detachment has to be filled from elsewhere in the battalion or brigade. They have to move bodies around and spend a lot of money doing so.

Your unit commander has his/her hands full doing what's needed to get the unit ready to deploy. Your recommendations would be optional for him/her... Especially if those recommendations are beyond what the unit commander needs to do to prepare the unit for deployment.

Your unit is looking at your situation and seeing that you're trying to get out of activation. Is your family situation going to be dire if you go to Texas? You'd gladly take a rank reduction and transfer to another TPU. If you refuse a transfer that results in rank reduction, then your departure for a year is not as dire as you make it. This is how the Army will see it.

You're not willing to make that commitment, to transfer to another TPU and take a pay cut. If I were your commander, I would see your argument as being null and void. I would expect you to go deploy with the unit. This is seeing things from your commander's, the battalion commander's, and brigade commander's perspectives.

The same thing would apply with regards to a request to go into the IRR (work + family excuse) or Standby Reserve (work excuse). Those that review your packet would be looking at resources available to help in your absence. They would also look at your option to transfer to another TPU to resolve your issues.

If you're not putting in an IRR packet as a result of reaching your 6th year of a 6 x 2 contract, they're going to be finding an excuse to not approve your packet. They'll take action to keep you as a TPU Soldier. What you said to me provides justification for the deciders to disapprove of your IRR request.

You have to explore what you really want.

Do you want to be with your family and civilian job without break? Transferring to another TPU with rank reduction is in the cards for you. Yes, working hard to get the rank that you have on makes it hard for you to give that rank up. But, based on what you said, if I were in your situation, I would make the necessary sacrifice needed to transfer to another TPU.

You would remain with your family and civilian commitments. You could always work to regain your rank from within your new TPU. Your arguments support a TPU to TPU transfer request.

Want to go to another TPU within your battalion/brigade? Then you'd have to put in a TPU to TPU transfer. They can't just assign you at the unit level. You have to actually put in a TPU to TPU transfer request. This entails a loss of rank.

Again, your argument that you presented to me would be justification for a TPU to TPU transfer. This same argument would not be sufficient for a transfer to the IRR. You'd have a good argument for transferring to the Standby Reserve with the critical employee argument. Your family situation; however, would not be a good argument for going into the Standby Reserve.

From a practical standpoint, you have to do a TPU to TPU transfer or deploy with your unit. This is what I'm seeing from your replies.

From an NCO standpoint? Your argument of what should be done would not be seen as something an NCO would argue. It'd be something that a Specialist or a Private would come up with. This is how your unit will see you thinking as.

The longer you resist the practical courses of action, the more your chain of command is going to ponder your decision-making process.

NOTE: I checked Keddrick Thompson's rank and found him to be an NCO. However, I did not notify him that I did this check. Prior to my verifying his rank, I assumed that he was either a Specialist or a Private First Class. I made this assumption based on his statements and demeanor above. 

As an NCO, he would've agreed with my arguments. He would've made arrangements for his family, then deploy with his unit. If he wanted to transfer, he would've taken a pay cut to go to another TPU. This is how an NCO would've gone forward. However, he did not have the tone or demeanor of an NCO throughout the duration of our exchange. 

Keddrick Corday Thompson Requests IRR Memorandum Draft -- Part 8

Originally posted by Keddrick Corday Thompson:
I see it, it just doesn't make sense. I understand most units mobilizing make sense but this does not. If you knew of why we mobilizing it would maybe shine light. We have no mission. No coordination of schedule. Just orders to go and assist some units prep for actual deployment. So the basis to not want to sacrifice only making 50 or 60k taxed is absurd. My 12 month obligation would be up in February so if possible I could even mobilize and request to transfer then to another TPU as I would be able to keep my rank and progression. This is not a deployment...smh. its a mobilization CONUS. Which makes no sense for not having a true mission and most of our day to day will be downtime. Smh.
What you suggest for submitting to move back upon my 12 month obligation and leaving the mobilization early? Because even from unit perspective...they have not validated an actual job performed for all personnel. The orders are bleak.
There's even a few soldiers injured themselves on purpose to avoid this meaningless mobilization. However, I am putting my best foot forward in stepping up to accommodate tasks that people, NCOS and OFFICERS are turning down or transferring out of the unit to not do. That should be commendable to some extent and the proactive approach I hace been taking to increase the Unit operations and development
There is different talk in the unit. Some officers saying there will be a rear detachment... some saying not. The numbers are going down and are flexed with no real bodies. 

If you let me know what unit you're with, and where your unit is deploying from, I might be able to shed some light on what you guys are doing.

NOTE: I missed this when he mentioned it earlier. This was a quick-paced exchange that I was engaging in while doing other activities. 

Based on what you already mentioned, they're using a reserve unit to fill the gap for an active-duty unit. This allows for the corresponding active-duty unit to deploy. You guys would be helping out with processing the deployers and those returning from deployment. This may take up your unit's time. Your unit could also be tasked to do other duties on the post that the deployed active-duty unit would do.

The Army reached the point where the active-duty units are being reserved for combat and operational deployments. Reserve units are mobilized to backfill them in the U.S. or in Europe.

When you said that your 12-month obligation is up in February, are you talking about your contract? Does your enlistment contract end in February 2021? If that is the case, you should be within your re-enlistment window. You'd be able to re-enlist into the IRR.

If you're coming to the end of your enlistment contract, then you may want to talk about options, with your unit. You may not have to deploy on the grounds that you would not be enlisting into another TPU contract.

They may still make you deploy in this scenario. Even if you deploy, and you re-enlisted into an IRR contract, you'd leave the deployment early. This would allow you to process out and transition into the IRR when your new contract kicks in.

Or, is this another kind of obligation, a 12-month obligation with your civilian contract?

You also mentioned an opportunity in your third paragraph. Officers and NCOs refusing to do their jobs, and you're willing to step in? This amplifies during a deployment. If during deployment, you fulfill a role that's higher than your current rank, that speaks strongly for your promotion into the next higher pay grade. If you fill an officer's role during a deployment, and you decide to put in for a commission, this would also speak strongly for you.

The things that you accomplish during a deployment weigh higher than the things that you accomplish when you're just doing one weekend a month and two weeks a summer.

As for rumors about a rear detachment, go by what the command team says.

NOTE: Keddrick Thompson is pulling straws with regards to options. He's also finding excuses to make his activation sound pointless. Why go on this deployment when there's no purpose to it? I explained to him how this was an opportunity, not a disaster. As an NCO, he should've seen this the way I'm seeing it.

Keddrick Corday Thompson Requests IRR Memorandum Draft -- Part 9

Originally posted by Keddrick Corday Thompson:

Yes. Members of the command team say rear d...some say no. But the 12 months is when my obligation to the unit ends regarding keeping my rank as well.

My unit is [redacted]. Going to [redacted].

[Redacted]*


I did an Internet search for [redacted]. It looks like your unit is partnered with an active-duty unit that trains other units for deployment. Your unit's deployment is driven by your active duty partner. You guys would be serving as "auxiliary" so to speak.

This explains the big question mark. Your active-duty counterpart knows that they need you guys, but they don't know in what capacity. They may have had a mission placed on their lap at the last minute. So, until they figure out what they're doing, and what they need you guys for, you guys will be in the dark about what exactly you guys will be doing.

If I were to give you advice, retiree to ready reserve, it would be to go on deployment.

If you're looking to go up in promotion, this deployment is your best opportunity. Shine during the deployment. Your promotion packet would look better than the packets of the other Soldiers who only did one weekend a month.

If things are still in chaos when you get there, this would be a good time to show your abilities. You could help "establish stability" by knowing what's expected of your unit. Then seeing how your unit could fit in. I'd recommend getting in on the leadership meetings. See if your NCOIC would bring you in on these meetings... To take notes for him/her or help out in another way. Remain an "observer". The more of these you attend, the more you hear, the better an idea you'll have on how to fit in.

Look to be an asset to your unit's mission. Keep visible with regards to your command team. Have them see you as a problem solver and person of action rather than someone that finds an opportunity to sham out. This deployment is a career enhancer for everybody that deploys, and this is where you would really learn your unit's METL.

When you guys get back from deployment, you'll have leadership and MOS skill advantage over those that didn't deploy. This would give you a better shot at getting coveted positions in your unit.

As for the obligation to stay in your unit to keep your rank. This doesn't just apply to a TPU to TPU transfer. It also applies to any transfer from your unit to a component lower on the readiness scale.

Meaning, if you try to transfer to the IRR or Standby Reserve before your 12 months obligation is up, you'll still lose your rank. The Army is expecting you to remain at your unit at least until February 2021. By accepting orders to your unit in conjunction with your promotion, you accepted those conditions. Transferring out of your unit to another TPU, to the IRR, or to the Standby Reserve, before then would mean losing your rank.

That's something that you'd have to acknowledge in the counseling statement that you would sign as part of your transfer request packet.

While you're deployed, not only will you get Tricare Prime, but family separation allowance and Basic Allowance for Quarters.

Keddrick Corday Thompson Requests IRR Memorandum Draft -- Part 10

Originally posted by Keddrick Corday Thompson:
I'm well aware of the benefits of a deployment; however this is not a deployment...this is a CONUS MOBILIZATION. Taxed money like regular pay but not the increase and higher salary/pay/benefits of an actual OCUNUS DEPLOYMENT.
I'm sure this would get me promoted in addition to my skills etc and already high praise from the command team of my skillet and proactive nature of coordinating and assisting with the Virtual Drills.
However, Just not needed as I make way way more than going to Texas on a whim of a mission and making damn near 50% less of my annual salary
Plus, my duties as a Father at this critical time for my Son and family.
And my KEY ESSENTIAL employee status.
My obligation to 3-312 is to February 2021 yes...and that's when I said I could come back to the rear and leave the unit...that way I keep my rank and I would have mobilized for 3 months with 3-312... satisfying the requirements 

The end of the obligation means that you won't be penalized for transferring out of your unit. It doesn't mean that you could transfer to another unit simply because you reached that point. You won't be able to use it as a "get out of deployment free" card.

You'll more than likely remain on deployment for the duration of the deployment. Even after February 2021.

You're currently assigned to your unit, and you'll need orders transferring you out of your unit. I doubt that the Army is going to issue your orders to leave a mobilized unit... Especially to transfer you to a unit that's just doing one weekend a month.

This would put the added requirement to deploy another Soldier in your place. They won't spend the money, time, or resources doing this simply because you want to cut your deployment short.

Once you return from that deployment, then it's game on. You'd be able to request transfer to another TPU. By then, you guys would be in reset mode. They're much more likely, after your unit demobilizes, to support your transfer to another unit.

But only after you, and your unit, return from deployment.

NOTE: Keddrick Thompson, in his above comment, was putting himself and his interests above his military obligations. He made this "about him" and assumed that the Army would accommodate his desires. I explained his reality to him. My explanation was basic NCO common sense. 

Keddrick Corday Thompson Requests IRR Memorandum Draft -- Part 11

Originally posted by Keddrick Corday Thompson:
Obviously I don't want a transfer then. I'm well aware I can transfer after the mobilizing...which is not my point. I cant afford and dont need to go. Based on my essential Civilian employment and personal life obligations and duties 

I understood your point, you're trying to find a way to where you would not have to do the deployment... Thus be able to remain engaged in your civilian employment and community activities.

My points? That you're most likely going to deploy and to complete the deployment, with all other factors being equal. The justifications that you provided me are not strong enough to justify transferring to the IRR or to the Standby Reserve. Both options, based on your obligation statement, would result in a reduction in rank. So would a transfer to another TPU.

Your only hope is that your unit stands up a rear detachment and assigns you to its battle roster. However, if you're not on the battle roster for the rear detachment, you're going to be mobilized for the duration of the deployment.

You have to make sacrifices either way. Don't want to lose your rank? You're going on that deployment. Are you willing to remain engaged with your employer, community, and family? Then you will sacrifice your current rank to transfer to another TPU in order to remain. If you're not willing to make that sacrifice, then you're deploying.

The justifications that you provided me lend themselves to a TPU to TPU transfer. Not to an IRR transfer. For an IRR or Standby Reserve transfer, you'll need signed, under oath, affidavits. These "under oath affidavits" would have to come from your pastor (family/community), social services (family), employer (civilian employment), community leader (community involvement), etc. The Standby Reserve option would be your best bet, but not guaranteed for approval.

Either way, you're looking at losing rank. Your chances of getting IRR or Standby Reserve are slim based on what you told me. One exception, of course, is what I listed above for the Standby Reserve. Refusing a TPU to TPU transfer, with rank loss? The approval chain all the way to Brigade is not going to see this as a dire situation for you. If it were, you would be willing to receive the rank reduction to transfer to another TPU.

However, as you guys get closer to deployment, they're going to be less likely to transfer you out.

Meaning, unless you're assigned to rear detachment, you're going to be deploying. This should bring in Family Separation Allowance and Basic Allowance for Quarters.

To sum what I said above, your two choices, neither of which are convenient...

1. Deploy (most likely future) ...

2. Transfer to another TPU with rank loss.

Whether you like it or not, this is what you're facing.

I just went through the career history that you listed. Based on what I've seen, you definitely want to go on that deployment and keep your rank. Full details on why...

Assuming that you have 16 or 17 total years, you'd want to receive at least 50 retirement points each ready reserve year in order for those years to count towards retirement. You'll need at least 20 good years for retirement in order for HRC to issue you a notice of eligibility letter. You'll need this letter to transfer to the Retired Reserve as a gray area retiree... Waiting to be paid your retirement check later on.

Do you want your IRR, or Standby Reserve Active Status List years to count for retirement?
You get 15 free points if you're TPU, IMA, or IRR. You get 15 gratuitous points for being in the ready reserve. If you don't get at least 50 points, that year will not count towards retirement.

This means that if you go into the IRR or Standby Reserve, you'd have to apply to be attached to a unit. You'd be able to drill for points, but not for pay, in order to make up for the difference. Keep in mind that you'd be doing this with a reduced rank.

Going to another TPU would make it easier for you to get at least 50 retirement points for a year to count towards retirement.

This deployment would add another 365 retirement points to your credit. Your retirement check is going to be based on a formula that takes your entire retirement point counter... Divided by 360. The more points you accumulate, the bigger your monthly retirement check.

So, it's looking like going on this deployment, and serving the entire deployment, is the best option for you in the long term.

NOTE: His above reply showed that he was starting to see the futility of a transfer. However, he was still looking for an out. He still did not want to give up a lucrative civilian job and family life. This pending activation made that less likely. So, although he was starting to see reality; he still held out hope. My response was designed to drive reality home. 

Keddrick Corday Thompson Requests IRR Memorandum Draft -- Part 12

Originally posted by Keddrick Corday Thompson:

Ok. Thanks for the update and research and sharing your experience 

No problem. Good luck on your deployment. :D

Originally posted by Keddrick Corday Thompson:

Maybe maybe not. But thanks 

What's your intention?

NOTE: Kedrick Thompson insinuated that if he didn't succeed with a transfer before his deployment, he might be disgruntled. My wishing him luck, then asking for his intention, intended to gauge his mindset. His follow-on response indicated that he had not fully accepted that mobilization was in his future. He held out hope that he would avoid going to Texas. The time he wastes on this hope is time he's not using to prepare his family for his absence. I hit him with another reminder of his reality. 

Originally posted by Keddrick Corday Thompson:

Rear d or different setup but definitely get the numbers 

If you could get Rear D, that'd work out for you. But, if not... A recap...

The shortest way to getting a 20-year letter for you would be to go on deployment. You keep your rank. When you return from deployment, you could transfer to another TPU. You'd still be able to work on achieving good years for retirement.

Your transfer options don't look good though.

If you don't mind losing your rank... If your unit supports you going to another TPU for the arguments you made... Then you'd still be able to work on getting enough retirement points to earn a good year.

The least likely option is that you get a transfer to the IRR or Standby Reserve approved. This option presents some problems. You'd lose your rank and your ability to gain more than 15 retirement points a year. You need a minimum of 50 retirement points to have a good year for retirement.

You'll lose time looking for a unit that would let you attach to them for training purposes. This requires HRC to give you orders attaching you to them as an IRR or Standby Reserve Soldier. Then, you'd drill for points only. Your rank loss wouldn't matter in this aspect as you wouldn't be getting paid.

There are "consequences" if you don't get the minimum retirement points each year. You'd still accumulate longevity in the IRR or Standby Reserve. However, any year you get with less than 50 retirement points won't count for retirement eligibility. You need 20 good years to receive a 20-Year Letter.

Your retirement pay would also be affected by the average of your three highest-paid years. Your rank reduction would lower that average if you served less than three years in your current rank.

You could try to put in for a TPU to TPU transfer when your 12-month obligation is up. However, it's unlikely you'll get it approved when you're in the middle of a deployment. They won't want to transfer you from a mobilized unit to one that's just drilling. Once you return from deployment, then your chances of getting a TPU to TPU transfer approved goes up.

The quickest path to the Retired Reserve? Deploy and keep your rank. Your other option is to give up a rank and transfer.

Realistically, you're looking at deploying with your unit if you're not chosen for Rear D... Unless you're willing to sacrifice your rank to transfer to another TPU before your unit deploys.

Keddrick Corday Thompson Requests IRR Memorandum Draft -- Part 13

Meme background: Monty Python and the Holy Grail by Monty Python, Mark Forstater, and Michael White.

Originally posted by Keddrick Corday Thompson:

Yea. Got it. Im good at working around issues plus I'm not pressed to just do 20 years. I'll be here for probably 30plus

Plus the different conversations being talked by certain high leadership is being had. And the unit losing like 7 soldiers because the moves of no rear d talk back when first on notice in December last year...

Thanks though 

Without assignment to Rear D, I don't see how you'd be able to work around this issue. You're looking at deploying with your unit.

Originally posted by Keddrick Corday Thompson:

Yea that's what I'm saying... a rear d is being brought up and worked behind the scenes... and face to face I make things happen. Not my 1st rodeo... did it before...

Plus...not a deployment...its a mobilization. Omg... I hate when people call a CONUS move a deployment. All good. Thanks for your feedback 

If you could make things happen face to face, this wouldn't have happened:

"I wrote a detailed description and memo to the command team details of what I can do to provide great rear detachment. But they are not having a rear d. I have pushed this since February 2020." - Keddrick Corday Thompson

Why write a memo when a face to face would do? Additionally, you wouldn't have needed to try to get into the IRR. This is why we're having this exchange. You changed your story since this thread began.

Even if things are being worked on, you don't have a 100% probability of making the Rear D roster.

If you don't make the roster, exactly how are you going to work around that issue? Other than whataboutisms?

Additionally, you're incorrect regarding what constitutes a deployment and what doesn't. You mobilize, and then you deploy.

To put historic context to it. Mobilization occurs when you bring manpower and resources together to constitute a deploying unit. Once manpower, equipment, materials, etc., are arranged for deployment, and time for movement arrives, the deployment begins.

You don't have to be deployed outside the United States to be considered deployed. A movement away from your home unit's location... To be temporarily assigned outside your home station under the auspices of mobilization... Regardless of whether it's in the US or elsewhere, is a deployment.

Mobilization brings you guys from "one weekend a month" to active duty status. Movement from your home station is the process of deploying. Conducting your unit mission away from your home area is considered "deployed". You remain in a "mobilized status" while deployed. Then there's the term "redeploy". This is the process of returning to the home unit's geographic area. The transition from active duty to "one weekend a month" is demobilization.

You could hate my using deployment to describe your going to another part of the US. I'm going to go by historic context rather than by what you think it means.

"Thanks for your feedback" - Keddrick Corday Thompson

I consider each of your replies as a request for my feedback. I look forward to giving you my next feedback.

NOTE: Keddrick Thompson continued his talk of a rear detachment. Intellectually, he was seeing that he was going to be activated for a year and would not be with his family. Talking about a rear detachment, and his ability to do things face to face, was an attempt to "regain control" of his situation. 

Keddrick Corday Thompson- NCO with Private or Specialist Mindset -- Intro

This series is the part of the interaction, with Keddrick Corday Thompson, that turns into a full debate. Our interaction, prior to this, began when Thompson approached me. He wanted me to do a memorandum for him requesting a transfer into the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR). Thompson wanted to go into the IRR to avoid going on deployment.

During our interaction, Keddrick Thompson realized that the IRR wasn't an option for him. He originally thought that his rank loss was only applicable to transferring to another drilling unit. However, he revealed information that should have stopped him wanting to go into the IRR. For him, transferring out of his unit would've resulted in a rank loss. It didn't matter where he transferred to.

In the following posts, I address his hopes for his unit establishing a rear detachment. During our interaction, he took issue with the word "deployment". His unit received notification that it was going to Texas. Our argument included whether "deployment" described movement to another part of the US or not.

During the debate, I noticed that Keddrick Thompson's argument themes were consistent with what a Private (E1/E2) would argue. His mindset was consistent with that of a Private or Specialist. His argument for a rear detachment showed that he didn't have his unit's interest in mind. He prioritized his own interests, which was convenient for him, above that of his unit.

The time that Keddrick Corday Thompson argued and hoped for the IRR or rear detachment could've been better utilized. He could've used this time to prepare his family and himself for his pending long-term absence.

My consistently rebutting his statement's frustrated him. He "puffed his feathers" via an assumption that my entire Army experience did not include experience in the infantry. His statements are as he wrote them.

Keddrick Corday Thompson- NCO with Private or Specialist Mindset -- Part 1

Keddrick Corday Thompson: Yes. I know the legal definition of a deployment However that doesn't make it so. Still a dumb term. 

You're entitled to your own opinions, but not to your own facts.

The fact, in this case, is defined by the actual definition of deployment. Mobilization is not the correct term to use for your movement to Texas. Mobilization occurs at your unit and continues at the mobilization center. Movement from the mobilization center is a deployment.

When you dismiss it as dumb, you're arguing against a fact... One that you disagree with vice accepting it for what it is.

Keddrick Corday Thompson: You can't deploy to another American state. 

That's a false statement. What you can't do is "mobilize to another state", as you put it earlier in the thread. The mobilization process takes you from a "static" state to a "mobile" state. Mobilization is what's needed before deployment begins.

Again, a deployment, from a historic sense, involves movement from home base to another part of the world. It doesn't matter if it is CONUS or OCONUS. This term was also used in a localized sense.

Keddrick Corday Thompson: Im talking real Army not this new crap that makes no sense. 

My definition is the real military's definition. It has historic precedence. The term "deployment" as I define it, began in the 19th Century. Ditto with "mobilization". Both originated from French terms.

It defined, in words, concepts that the military used for ages. They previously didn't have an all-encompassing definition.

Keddrick Corday Thompson: POGs consider stuff like that a deployment so they can say they been deployed... however you don't earn a deployment patch so.. basically you didn't deploy. 

False.

I deployed to Iraq as an Infantryman. I received a "Shoulder Sleeve Insignia for Former Wartime Service", or SSI-FWS patch, for this deployment. It's not a "deployment patch". Meaning, not all deployments get you a patch.

By your definition, none of the deployments that I did during the 20th Century counted as a deployment... Neither did the deployments that my uncle and brother did during the 20th century. My uncle and I deployed to strategically forward positions against the Soviet Union. This occurred during different points of time in the 20th Century.

Navy SEALs don't get SSI patches for Navy Deployments. The Navy doesn't issue deployment patches for Sailors that deploy to the combat theater. Are you going to tell these SEALs that they didn't deploy?

Keddrick Corday Thompson: My story has not changed however I can see how you may think that. The MEMO was suggested by the S2 and S3 OICs with development. They both reviewed and instructed me to send directly to the BC and CSM. 

Again, what you said:

"I wrote a detailed description and memo to the command team details of what I can do to provide great rear detachment. But they are not having a rear d. I have pushed this since February 2020." - Keddrick Corday Thompson

The BC and CSM are members of the battalion command team. If you sent it directly to them, and they're not having a Rear D, then that's that.

You made this statement less than a week before you argued that they were talking about having a rear detachment. From February to June, you argued for a Rear D. Your unit didn't want to have anything to do with a rear detachment. Your statement is contradictory.

Keddrick Corday Thompson- NCO with Private or Specialist Mindset -- Part 2

Keddrick Corday Thompson: So, the conversation can be out there as I told some officers are pushing for a rear d because its much needed and others don't know or don't care. 

This, again, is a contradiction from what you just said. If they are, indeed, coming up with a Rear D, you wouldn't be presenting a contradiction. There would be no "Some officers are talking about it" or "others don't care". When some people are talking about it, and others don't care, then something is wished for but not being put into action.

From a doctoral mindset:

Null Hypothesis: There will be no Rear D.

Alternate Hypothesis: They are setting up a Rear D.

Some people talking about it + other people not caring about it = Reject the alternative hypothesis.

Keddrick Corday Thompson: You nkt gone get the full picture because you don't know the in depth details like certain people own agendas...and some people in leadership positions not making sense. At all. 

Again, I have a quarter of a century, cumulative, of military service. I've seen human nature play out... On an individual level and on a group level. I've been in these situations where I was in a unit that was going to be geographically relocated. There was talk about people remaining behind.

I've seen the drama play out. Even on a small scale. Our Battalion had all the companies congregate in one geographic location for a four-day drill weekend. I was a part of a group of Soldiers who went to JRTC. Despite a short turnaround time, they were expecting us to go. We had to attend this co-located drill not long after we came back. Our NCOIC tried to stand up a "Rear D" of sort.

What you described with your situation? It sounded similar to the two examples that I brought up. I saw the drama play out.

So yes, when you describe to me a situation that I could relate to, I know precisely what's going on. I could picture it, psychology wise, even if you don't mention it.

Keddrick Corday Thompson: My PL just called yesterday and she doing the same thing I'm doing. She has an insider friend at HRC too so she really not playing because this movement just dont make sense when there is no mission. 

Having an insider friend at HRC is fine and dandy. However, that person can't do things outside of Army Regulations. There's a limit this person could do in getting you guys out of this situation.

Also, I don't buy this "nobody knowing what the mission is" story. Battalion S3, Brigade G3, etc., know why you guys are being deployed. If not, they should be in touch with the unit requesting your unit.

My PSYOP unit was pretty good at establishing liaison with the units that needed detachments from my unit. This was true regarding deployments or rotations like JRTC.

What does this sound like to me? Those that don't really want to do this deployment are not trying to make sense out of it.

Keddrick Corday Thompson: And her situation is way more critical than mine... her Father is on death bed basically and she is primary due to her mom being old and still has to work...and a bunch of other details I am not really gone share. 

Unlike you, she has a valid excuse. I was in that situation before my late wife passed away. I had a couple of dependents that were EFMP. I had triple family dependency issues at one point in time.

She would be able to put in an IRR or Standby Reserve packet. This packet would include signed affidavits. These affidavits would come from her father's and mother's doctors, adult services, social workers, etc. She also would be able to request transfer to another TPU if she wanted to.

Note: Keddrick Thompson may not have passed this information to his platoon leader. Her situation was more serious. Thompson could've given her my PM so that she could get assistance with an IRR memorandum. Given Thompson's conduct in the exchange, he more than likely sat on this information rather than pass it on to her. 

Keddrick Corday Thompson: Trust...its doable. 

Chances are there that a Rear D would not be stood up. The chances that one would be set up are not as good.

Keddrick Corday Thompson: I understand and you coming from general standpoint and their perspective 

I go by historical trends. I've had other people come to me requesting help on an IRR packet or some other packet. I was a part of a team of people that put packets together for HRC review.

Human nature does not change from your experiences to mine. 

Keddrick Corday Thompson- NCO with Private or Specialist Mindset -- Part 3

Keddrick Corday Thompson: but there are many units situations and personnel whom don't make sense. This is the Army as we know it...and a lot they do sometimes don't. Hell, the BC and CSM hasn't even drilled with its unit yet.... So this crap wild.

I do get this a lot from Soldiers that I've talked to, who wanted to go into the IRR. This appears to be a case where the leadership doesn't communicate with the troops.

When I drilled, we kept in contact with each other, in the detachment. We also kept in contact with the command team. We passed information down from the command team to the individual PSYOP teams throughout the month. Additionally, a week and a half before each drill, we had a leadership/training meeting specific to that up-coming drill.

We actually spent our drill time actively engaged in training; whether we were in garrison or out in the field.

Our leadership at the battalion and PSYOP Group (Brigade Equivalent) levels kept us posted about what was going on.

As for your BC and CSM not drilling with their unit. Perhaps both are learning more about the deployment that you guys are going on. They may be performing their drill via RST.

Keddrick Corday Thompson: That's why I say face to face...there is no ignoring emails regarding transfer potentials, and rear d acceptance and coordination among other things. Those hard questions will be addressed, those meetings will happen period.

You claimed that S2 and S3 reviewed your memo and encouraged you to send it to the BC and CSM. This had to occur as a result of a "face to face".

Additionally, you could've made phone calls. You may have gone to your unit between drills to talk about this issue. You could've done this between February and June. They can't ignore a phone call... Followed by an "in-person" visit between drills. 

If they're ignoring your emails, that may be a bad sign for you. Standing up a rear detachment may not even be on their radar. They may have other things to do to prepare for deployment. As such, they may see your "rear detachment" email and dismiss it. Your email would just get ignored. It's not going to be the priority; they have their hands busy doing priority stuff.

Keddrick Corday Thompson: And historic context is fine...still not legitimate. 

The historic context is legitimate. Look both terms up. The Army isn't the only one that defines what constitutes deployments. Not only does the Army define it in the terms I use here... They identify it in phases. This involves a mobilization process that begins with assembling at the unit and ends with the completion of the mobilization process at the mobilization center.

Then there are the Deployment phases that involve movement to the port of embarkation, the movement to the theater, etc.

The word "mobilize" derived from the word that meant to "make movable".

This occurs when you assemble the troops and array them to be able to move. Mobilization is the process of making a unit movable. Deployment is the process of sending them from the point of mobilization to where they're needed. 

Keddrick Corday Thompson: Because any real soldier, especially historic times such as WW2, Cold War, etc...gone laugh at anyone dumbest saying they deployed from US state to another US state 

Again false. I'm also a Cold War Veteran, and have deployed during the Cold War. Granted, I didn't deploy to another location in the US. However; they described deployments back then as I describe them now... Mobilization movement to another location beyond the home unit's location. This was whether that location was in the US or elsewhere.

Additionally, troops deployed to US territories during World War II. A couple of those territories had since become states.

Keddrick Corday Thompson: Dumbbass*

Says the guy, who joined the Army in the 21st Century, pride-splaining to someone whose military service began during the Cold War... What Cold War Veterans would think about my definition of deployment... Which happens to be the same as the definition that I'm using now... Based on my experiences serving in the military during the 20th Century... Beginning during the Cold War.

Keddrick Corday Thompson: A patch from a unit obtained from overseas is a deployment period. 

Wrong. According to AR 670-1, paragraph 21-17, it's called a "Shoulder Sleeve Insignia-Former Wartime Service", or "SSI-FWS" patch. Meaning, if you're a Soldier that deployed to a combat theater, as defined by the US military, and meet the criteria for an SSI patch, you'd get the SSI patch.

It's not a deployment patch.

The Army does deploy people to overseas locations that do not earn the Soldiers an SSI-FWS patch (not deployment patch). So, even when you're deployed overseas, and if it's not at an SSI-FWS qualifying area, then you do not get an SSI patch for that deployment.

I saw a Soldier wearing an SSI-FWS patch for an overseas deployment that didn't qualify for an SSI patch. I informed her about it. She removed it but started wearing it again years later.

By your definition, this Soldier did not deploy because she did not earn an SSI-FWS patch... When in fact she did deploy.

Don't confuse combat deployment with routine deployment (operational or administrative).

Keddrick Corday Thompson- NCO with Private or Specialist Mindset -- Part 4

Keddrick Corday Thompson: Appreciate your perspective though...

No problem, I enjoy schooling you. :D

Keddrick Corday Thompson: You not schooling me...

If you go back and read our transaction, you will notice that I am schooling you. You are making inaccurate statements, and I'm providing you with the facts.

Let's take your "deployment patch" statement. You insist that it is the term that is being used. When I was infantry, we used "combat patch" to describe such a patch. However, according to AR 670-1, it's called a Shoulder Sleeve Insignia - Former Wartime Service" (SSI-FWS) patch. Not a "deployment" or "combat" patch.

There are numerous other examples above where you got things wrong and I corrected you. So, contrary to what you are arguing, I'm schooling you... And I'm enjoying it.

Keddrick Corday Thompson: you justifying. [PROJECTING YOUR TRAITS]

No, I'm not justifying anything. I'm simply telling you what is the case. However, you've been the one that attempted to justify things.

For example, your arguments as to why you should be "IRR"... Or why your unit should stand up a "Rear Detachment".

In both instances, your argument was more for your convenience rather than for supporting your unit's mission. Your unit does not appear to want to stand up a rear detachment. The arguments that you advanced, in favor of such a detachment, constitute a justification.

The energy that you spent justifying either an IRR or rear detachment? It could have been spent preparing yourself for the upcoming deployment. This falls under the "selfless service" category.

The main thrust of your argument was for your personal convenience. You tried to justify that.

Keddrick Corday Thompson: Like I said if you mobilization in states its not a deployment.

Not true. You have to understand that "mobilization" brings you from a "static" point to a "mobile" point. The process of mobilization brings you from the "TPU routine" to "movement capable". Once you complete the mobilization process and then move to where your unit is temporarily assigned, you are deployed.

You could insist that this is "not a deployment". Both the Army and Military Science disagree with your argument.

Keddrick Corday Thompson: I have friends that are like you that I can share textbook definitions and terms but there is no use. You not gone get it.

I have been debating against people online for a long time now. For years, almost 2 decades. I've lost count of how many times I've seen others play your tactics.

What's really happening with your statement? You're expressing frustration that I will stand my ground and continue to prove you wrong.

I can tell, by how you conducted yourself here, that you entered this interaction expecting me to not challenge your argument. You are used to getting your way. I see that with your conduct during this interaction. I see this with the justifications you make for why your unit "should" stand up a rear detachment.

When you said, "...and face to face I make things happen. Not my 1st rodeo... did it before...", One of the things you effectively told me was that you would push for things to go your way... Instead of doing what you are supposed to do. It shows that you're a "shammer".

Keddrick Corday Thompson: Because you a justify. [REPEAT POINT + PROJECTING YOUR TRAITS]

No, I'm not justifying anything. I'm simply telling you what is the case. However, you've been the one that attempted to justify things.

For example, the arguments as to why you should be "IRR", or why your unit should stand up a "Rear Detachment".

In both instances, your argument was more for convenience than it was for supporting your unit's mission. Your unit does not appear to want to stand up a rear detachment. The arguments that you advanced, in favor of such a detachment, constitute a justification.

The energy that you spent, justifying first the IRR, and then the rear detachment? You could've spent that time preparing yourself for the upcoming deployment. This falls under the "selfless service" category.

The main thrust of your desires, as expressed above, was for your personal convenience. Your argument was an attempt to justify that. You don't appear to be concerned about your unit. You're concerned about your own personal interest instead.

Keddrick Corday Thompson- NCO with Private or Specialist Mindset -- Part 5

Keddrick Corday Thompson: Was you combat arms...probably not...because you wouldn't have made it.

What I said in one of the posts that you replied to:

"I deployed to Iraq as an Infantryman." -- [REDACTED]

As for "not making it". You stated this:

"However, I promoted in and not trying to lose my rank. So," - Keddrick Corday Thompson

And this:

"But the 12 months is when my obligation to the unit ends regarding keeping my rank as well." -- Keddrick Corday Thompson

This obligation ends:

"My 12 month obligation would be up in February so if possible I could even mobilize and request to transfer then to another TPU as I would be able to keep my rank and progression." - Keddrick Corday Thompson

With 16, 17 years in the Army, you had just promoted to your current rank whether you promoted to SGT or SSG.

You appeared to have a hard time going up in rank. Given your demeanor in this exchange, I am not surprised. You make things about you, and not about your unit and about those you serve with. You didn't appear to be concerned about helping your unit with its "soon to be mission".

Assuming that you are an NCO, my initial impression of you, above, was that you were either a Private or a Specialist.

So, it does not surprise me that you took a long time to promote. For most of the time, your NCO support channel may not have wanted to promote you. They may have identified you as someone that places his own interest above that of the unit/Army. They may not have deemed you "mature enough" for such a promotion.

Now that you are in a reserve unit, chances are that you are in a support role. Not infantry. I could only imagine what your NCO support channel, and your chain of command, are thinking with regards to your efforts to sham out of your upcoming deployment... Like a Specialist or Private trying to sham out of going to drill.

Your refusing to go to Texas is akin to you refusing to step up to do what an NCO is expected to do.

Keddrick Corday Thompson: Thanks for thinking you schooling me...

No, there is no "thinking that I did" about this. I am schooling you. Assuming that you are an NCO, you are demonstrating that you lack the knowledge that NCOs normally possess. I informed you of many new things above. These are things that are considered common knowledge among the NCO community. I would not be surprised if others in the unit are seeing in you what I'm seeing in you.

Keddrick Corday Thompson: any idiot can google the definitions of Army or other military terms and copy and paste.

You are hoping, via excessive pride, that I did that. However, I didn't do what you are implying I did.

What I explained to you, above, is based on personal experience as well as on formal and informal military education. The phases of deployment, for example, are included in one of the PSYOP FMs.

Again, I have a quarter of a century, cumulative, of military service under my belt. I'm currently in the Retired Reserve. I'm liable to being recalled to active duty and to be deployed as an activated retired reservist... Or transferred into the IRR from the Retired Reserve and then mobilized and deployed.

Keddrick Corday Thompson: I deploy with infantry units.

As PSYOP, if I were to deploy, it would either be with infantry units or with special forces. As a matter of fact, PSYOP falls under the special operations umbrella.

Keddrick Corday Thompson:  Sorry you never got the thrill of real combat action and know what it feels to earn an actual badge. 

You see, this is an attempt, on your part, to regain control in a situation where you know you have lost control. You, not knowing the details of my own experiences, wrap yourself with an excessive amount of pride. You speak with a combination of narcissism issues, anger issues, and control issues. 

You're seeing yourself as getting destroyed in this exchange. So, you make up for that by talking down on the opposition based on your assumption of that opposition.

Your profile has a past position involving you as a team leader in charge of a rifle fire team. However, you provided detail involving you being assigned to the Battalion TOC. Based on my infantry experiences, there is an excellent chance that you were not wanted in one of the rifle companies... Based on your actions while in a riffle company. Result? They stuck you in the TOC. This is assuming that your prior deployments were done as infantry.

Considering that you list yourself as being Army Reserve, you are not infantry now. You're deploying as a "POG". Based on your listed profession, possibly as part of S-6. Naturally, you would deploy as a part of an Infantry unit, at battalion, as one of the "POGs".

You're like me, a POG that was prior infantry.

I can tell, buy the way you are behaving here, why they would want to stick you in the TOC. I doubt that if your unit were to stand up a rear detachment, that you would be in it. Why? With less people to deal with, your behavior would have more of a negative impact on everybody else. It would be more amplified than if they had more people to work with. They could not detail you to a tiger team as they would if they had plenty of people to continue to work with.

Keddrick Corday Thompson- NCO with Private or Specialist Mindset -- Part 6

Keddrick Corday Thompson: Do yo thing though and keep acting like you schooling people. 

I will, I'm having fun doing this. :D In fact, I spent a lot of time chuckling as I generated these replies. And yes, I'm schooling you. You're seeing one other thing besides the fact that you're incorrect. By now, you're having a hard time seeing yourself on the pedestal that you have yourself on. 

Keddrick Corday Thompson: Good luck with thst

I don't need luck with schooling you. I'm doing it with skill. If anything, you should be thanking me for giving you knowledge and wisdom on the topics that we're arguing.

Keddrick Corday Thompson: So again... this is a Mobilization.

Mobilization is going from a regular TPU to being an active-duty unit ready to move to your mobilization center. After your unit completes the mobilization process, and are operationally and administratively ready, you guys enter the deployment phase. You will deploy from your mobilization center to Texas.

Keddrick Corday Thompson: Its funny how you think I dont know all of what you just shared and more.

If you're familiar with what I shared above and more, then one of two things is happening. One, you know the facts, but are deliberately embracing an erroneous concept due to pride issues... Not going overseas to go "Bang Bang", then it's "not" a deployment... or Two, you felt a certain way after I educated you about something and now you're tap dancing.

Keddrick Corday Thompson: I mobilized before and after training for 3 months we deployed to Afghanistan 🇦🇫. Infantry style.

You see, you encapsulated the concept that I provided above. The first part is the mobilization part. You went from being a reserve, one weekend a month Soldier, to being active duty. You guys constituted as a unit ready to deploy downrange to perform the function of an active-duty unit.

The fact that you are going to be going to Texas does not change this concept.

Effective the date on your unit's activation orders, you will mobilize. After doing whatever training is required, you will deploy to Texas.

I remember going to JRTC, as part of a PSYOP detachment that supported units of the 10th Mountain Infantry Division. Do you want to know how they described their movement from New York to Fort Polk, Louisiana?

They described it as a deployment. Are you going to tell these infantrymen that they were wrong?

NOTE: The "Deployed infantry style" comment was an attempt to feel superior. He conveniently ignored the fact that I deployed to Iraq as infantry. 

Keddrick Corday Thompson: But you can have it.

Others said something similar to me in the past. You're hoping that this statement would prevent me from coming back to rebut you. I predict that you're going to reply beyond the next reply that you provided after saying this... Despite the fact that you are hinting that you are not going to be saying anything else.

NOTE: He wasn't done, he came back and provided additional commentary. His apparent anger, narcissism, and control issues were working in overdrive. 

Keddrick Corday Thompson: You see like one of those people that need the last word to believe you superior. [PROJECTING YOUR TRAITS]

This is what I am seeing with you. The reality is that you have control and anger issues. I'm seeing that with your justification for wanting the IRR. I'm seeing that with your insistence that your unit sets up a rear detachment.

You refused to acknowledge the reality of your situation. You're not willing to support your unit's mission. Each time I provided you with the reality that you're facing, you argued for what you felt should be the case.

As soon as I informed you about what you were up against, you could've accepted reality... Instead of continuing to reply to me justifying what you wanted. You could've provided a single statement in response to me... Only thanking me for my response.

But you kept arguing. Through your action, you demonstrated the need to have the last word. Why? You saw yourself getting proved wrong initially. Then I destroyed your follow-on responses. Having the last word, for you, was an attempt to regain control.

I would not be surprised if one, or a combination, of your ex-girlfriends, or an ex-wife, described you as argumentative, controlling, angry, etc. I would not be surprised, based on your demeanor and attitude during this exchange, that you may have gone beyond a verbal argument... And subsequently inflicted physical harm.

What will an internet search reveal? Your refusal to accept defeat suggests that I should do an internet search on your name.

I am seeing a lot of anger and control issues in you. I'm also seeing apparent narcissism issues in you. I've noticed that those with these three, in combination, tend to have a hard time getting promotions, getting into coveted job positions, etc.

Where you're going to, in Texas, should have services. Included among these services is training on how to manage anger and stress. I recommend that you take advantage of these services.

Keddrick Corday Thompson: Thanks for the updates and verbiage

No problem, I'm enjoying this and I look forward to providing you with additional schooling.

In the meantime, I recommend that you prepare yourself, and your family. You are looking at making the full deployment. You will be in Texas until your unit redeploys back to your home station. Don't count on a transfer or on a rear detachment being set up. That's wishful thinking and that takes energy away from where you should be dedicating it... Preparation to be in Texas for the duration.

Additionally, I recommend that you take advantage of family services training in Texas. These services will help you manage your anger and your stress.

Again, how about an internet search of your name to verify what I've suggested about you? What do you think I'll find?

NOTE: After I posted the below quote, Keddrick Thompson posted the comments that I addressed in my earlier series, "Keddrick Corday Thompson Loses Debate-Goes Internet Thug". It turned out that I was right with regard to his projecting his traits onto me regarding the last word. 

 Originally posted by Writer Cubed:  

I'm busy laughing my ass off at your replies. :D So, I'm copying your replies from tonight and I'm going to come back tomorrow to crush you again like I did tonight. :D  

I have you guys (those that I've argued against) analyzed and categorized into apparent psychological profiles. There's a purpose behind every word that I use in this debate. I said what I said to get you to react and respond a certain way... 

It worked like a charm. :D You're doing exactly what I expected you to do... That's part of the fun that I get in debating with folks like you. I wouldn't have been doing this as long as I have if I didn't get this kind of enjoyment. 

Keddrick Corday Thompson Loses Debate- Goes Internet Thug Intro

Keddrick Corday Thompson as seen on a mugshot photo listed on "bustedmugshots dot com". Available information indicates that he was charged. The courts may have come to a different conclusion than what is listed here.

Keddrick Corday Thompson initially reached out to me requesting assistance with an IRR Memorandum. A message exchange occurred. Thompson discovered that a transfer wasn't in the cards. Additionally, he demonstrated "issues" to make up for not getting his way.

The interaction transitioned into a debate about what he was able to do to get out of the deployment. I showed him how he wasn't going to get out of the deployment. During the course of our exchange, we debated about what constituted a deployment. Was activation to go to another state a deployment or not?

Details of the above two paragraphs will be posted in the future. This series of posts covers the last portion of our interaction. He shifted the emphasis of his argument when it became clear that he was not going to get his way. During the course of our exchange, I brought up what was evident about his behavior. I based this on the tone and behavior he displayed.

I caused him to see the fallacy of his reasoning and of his actions. By this time, our disagreement had become an argument. He simply wanted me to stop replying to him. As long as he replied to me, I was going to respond.

Keddrick Corday Thompson blotter information listed on "goupstate dot com". The courts may have come to a different conclusion. 

I already had an apparent psychological profile down on him. I did an internet search for his name based on how he was behaving during the exchange. The search turned up evidence that substantiated my suspicions. He had apparent anger, apparent control, apparent stress, and apparent narcissism issues.

He kept replying to me as I replied to the last series of responses that he gave. He got angry at the fact that I kept replying to him. I posted a link of what I found on him. He "disintegrated" and started to rant.

He blocked me from responding to him. Had he not done that; the next series of replies would've been my responses to him. But, since he blocked me from responding, I decided to put them here.

Keddrick Corday Thompson Loses Debate- Goes Internet Thug Part 1

Keddrick Corday Thompson Response 01, June 21, 2020:

Keddrick Corday Thompson: Never shamed. 

Requesting my help for you to generate an IRR memo was your attempt to sham out of a deployment. Additionally, you are hoping to sit out the last three years of your service in the IRR... Until I told you about the points requirement and rank reduction that would be involved.

When you realized that the IRR was not an option, you focused on rear detachment. With that not being a possibility, you acted like you would be able to find another option. Or, as you put it:

"...and face to face I make things happen. Not my 1st rodeo... did it before..." -- Keddrick Corday Thompson

This was in the context of getting out of a deployment. So yes, you are attempting to sham out of this, and you appear to have a history of shamming. Otherwise, you would not have made that statement.

Keddrick Corday Thompson: So stop that. 

Nope. I will continue to call you out.

Keddrick Corday Thompson: But you entitled to your opinion. 

I am basing my arguments on the facts. You provided a lot of clues, through your statements, that support the arguments that I made. When you look into the IRR, or Rear D, you are looking to sham.

Keddrick Corday Thompson: As I said...Iwas Infantry most my career...no shamming. 

The fact that you were infantry does not negate the fact that you had just admitted, indirectly, that you are a person that shams. However, that does not mean that when it comes to the individual, mundane, nitty-gritty details of your infantry life, that you "did not" sham.

In fact, it was in an infantry unit where I learned the word "sham" and "sham shield". So yes, there are people, in the infantry, who sham.

Keddrick Corday Thompson: Yall deployed to FOBs...

As I said, I deployed to Iraq as an infantryman. You, as an infantryman, would know that I had crossed the wire. A look at your resume shows that they stuck you in a FOB... In the battalion TOC. In fact, for months during your Afghanistan deployment, you were an usher at a ministry there for the troops. You did this as an infantryman. This indicates that although you were infantry, you spent large blocks of time sitting in a major FOB.

Keddrick Corday Thompson Response 02, June 21, 2020:

Keddrick Corday Thompson: Trust. 

Considering your inconsistency, and your self-contradictions, I can't really trust anything that comes from your mouth or through your keyboard. Based on your inconsistencies, and on your wild claims, I would not be surprised if some of the things that you've listed on your profile are embellishments.

Keddrick Corday Thompson: You have no bearing on my life 

I never claimed that I did. However, the fact that you kept replying indicates that I have an impact on you. If I had no bearing on your life, you would have ignored me and not replied to me days before making that statement.

Keddrick Corday Thompson: I will still thrive in life whether I choose to go on this 

First, what you said earlier:

"This mobilization will damper my Salary and put me in a tense financial situation and position physically with my Son." -- Kedrick Corday Thompson

This came from you. If you would thrive regardless of whether you deploy or not, then a transfer from your unit prior to deployment becomes a nonissue for you. You would not be requesting to go into the IRR, or trying to get a rear detachment stood up.

Second, I'm looking at the lists, and timestamps, of your accomplishments. I noticed some "short stints". Additionally, you left the Army with approximately 12 years of active duty under your belt. For some reason, you did not go for the additional eight years of active duty to get 20. Shortly after you got out of the Army, you had short stints. Then you joined the Army Reserve.

Based on the tone and demeanor of your responses, I would not be surprised if what I listed above contributed to this reality. You have anger, stress, control, and narcissistic issues. A combination of these increases the risk that you would resort to violence if you don't get your away. The above arrest link, that I posted on you, substantiated what I see in you.

The reality is that I don't see you as "thriving in life" in the long run. This is if you are not willing to hold yourself accountable for the things that you've done wrong in the past.

NOTE: I searched the Internet for his name. What I discovered substantiated my suspicions on the kind of personality of what I was dealing with.  He was charged with assault and battery. In the associated blotter, his then-girlfriend claimed that they were arguing. She claimed that he subsequently hit her with his vehicle. She was treated for minor injuries. 

Keddrick Corday Thompson: mobilization...not deployment... Or not. [Repeat Point]

It's both. First, you get activated. Then, your unit mobilizes, as in sets itself up, in order to be an operational active-duty unit. Then, the moment you guys conduct movement to the location your unit is needed, you guys effectively will be in deployment. You guys are deploying away from your mobilization point to another location.

The reality, based on what you told me? You are making the deployment, the entire deployment.