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. 

Memorandum, Retired Reserve and IRR Transfer

Soldiers requesting transfer from the Troop Program Unit (TPU) to the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR), Standby Reserve, Retired Reserve, etc., must include a memorandum with their transfer packet.

This post lists examples of Soldier memorandums requesting transfer to the IRR and to the Retired Reserve.

Select transfer scenarios are addressed; however, there is a common theme that's included among all transfer request memorandums. One of these is the need to reference the applicable sections in AR 140-10, Army Reserve Assignments, Attachments, Details, and Transfers regulation.

Representative Memorandum Samples

You can adjust these examples for a packet requesting transfer to the Standby Reserve, transfer to another Troop Program Unit (TPU), or transfer to the Individual Mobilization Augmentee (IMA). These examples can also be utilized, and adjusted, for other justifications for transferring into the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR). 

Bracketed Information for Changing Information

The bracketed statements below are variable information. Replace what's listed in brackets with the information that's required, and drop the brackets.

Since the Soldier is applying to transfer to another reserve component, the transfer packet must persuade the reviewers and signers to support the transfer request... And ultimately to get the packet approved.

You have to include documentations to support the justifications that you list in the memorandum. It's best to have affidavits from professionals relevant to the justification for the IRR or Standby Reserve transfer. For example, if you're applying to transfer to the IRR due to dependency hardship, you want to include affidavits from doctors, social workers, members of your chain of command, members of your NCO support channel privy to your hardship, and a statement from your dependent.

Generally speaking, federal statute, or Army regulations, specifically identify situations that allow for transfer. Examples include 6 x 2 initial enlistment contracts, and transfers to the Retired Reserve.

Refer to AR 25-50 for specific memorandum formatting and for including and annotating enclosures.

Sample IRR Transfer Memorandum, 6 x 2 Enlistment Contract

In this scenario, a Soldier completed his or her six-year drilling reserve obligation. The Soldier wishes to transfer to the IRR for the last two years of his or her eight-year obligation.

MEMORANDUM FOR Commander, [Soldier's unit]

SUBJECT: Individual Ready Reserve Transfer Request for [rank and name for Soldier requesting transfer]

PURPOSE:  Request Transfer to the Individual Ready Reserve for Completion of Contractual Agreement.

1. Per AR 140-10, Chapter 4, Paragraph 4-9d, completion of contractual agreement to serve in a TPU on initial enlistment in the USAR under a 6x2 option, request transfer from the Troop Program Unit (TPU) to the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR). I've completed my 6-year contractual obligation and wish to transfer to the IRR for the remainder of my Military Service Obligation (MSO).

2. Point of Contact for this memorandum is the undersigned at [phone number including area code] or [Soldier email address].

Note: see below on details for the signature block.

Sample IRR Transfer Memorandum, Pregnancy

In this scenario, a Soldier is pregnant, and desires transfer from the TPU to the IRR. This Soldier isn't within 3 months of her ETS, she's credited with IET completion, and she has an MOS.

MEMORANDUM FOR Commander, [Soldier's unit]

SUBJECT: Individual Ready Reserve Transfer Request for [rank and name for Soldier requesting transfer]

PURPOSE:  Request Transfer to the Individual Ready Reserve Due to Pregnancy.

1. Per AR 140-10, Chapter 4, Paragraph 4-9g, and Paragraph 4-14, voluntary reassignment for pregnancy, request transfer from the Troop Program Unit (TPU) to the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR). Per Paragraph 4-14, I've completed IET, have been awarded an MOS, and am not within 3 months of ETS.

2. [Doctor affidavit 1], [doctor affidavit 2], [Soldier, officer affidavit], and [Soldier, other relevant unit Soldier affidavit], are included as supporting documents in my IRR transfer request packet.

3. Point of Contact for this memorandum is the undersigned at [phone number including area code] or [soldier email address].


Note: affidavits must come from both doctors and Soldiers in the unit privy to the soldier's pregnancy. Unit soldiers, in this situation, substantiate the need for the pregnant soldier to transfer to the IRR. Ideally, these Soldiers should include the first commissioned officer in the Soldier's chain of command, as well as a senior NCO in the Soldier's NCO support channel.

Sample IRR Transfer Memorandum, Employment Conflict

In this scenario, a Soldier has a valid employment conflict that prevents him or her from participating in the TPU or IMA. This soldier has an MOS, has completed IET, and isn't within 3 months of ETS.

MEMORANDUM FOR Commander, [unit]

SUBJECT: Individual Ready Reserve Transfer Request for [rank and name for Soldier requesting transfer]

PURPOSE:  Request Transfer to the Individual Ready Reserve Due to Employment Conflict.

1. Per AR 140-10, Chapter 4, Paragraph 4-9a, unresolvable employment conflict, request reassignment from the Troop Program Unit (TPU) to the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR). I've completed IET, have been awarded an MOS, and am not within 3 months of ETS.

2. Employment conditions have changed since enlistment [or reenlistment], this employment condition is permanent. My job relocated me to [geographic location], and there are no Army Reserve TPU within reasonable commuting distance. [Or, the nature of my new job prohibits effectively participating in the nearest TPU] or [the nature of my new job prohibits effectively participating in the TPU].

3. My specific employment conflict involves [detailed, concise, explanation of hardship, without providing sensitive or privileged information. Include potential hardship to the Soldier if employment is lost].

4. I attempted to resolve my employment conflict using the guidelines for attempting to resolve dependency hardship per Paragraph 4-13b(1)(a)-(c). Per Paragraph 4-13b(1)(d), reassignment to the IRR is the only available means to alleviate the unresolvable employment conflict condition.

5. [Affidavit from (name and title of professional), (professional's specialty)]; [affidavit from (name and title of additional professional) (additional professional's specialty], [additional affidavits individually listed as first two examples], and [final affidavit, listed similar to previous examples], are included as enclosures to document the nature of the employment conflict [or employment hardship].

5. Point of Contact for this memorandum is the undersigned at [phone number including area code] or [soldier email address].

Note: guidelines for affidavits are similar to those listed for Soldier pregnancy above.

Details on the signature block are listed below.

Sample IRR Transfer Memorandum, Dependency Hardship

In this scenario, a Soldier is dealing with a dependency hardship issue, and is not able to resolve the hardship while remaining in a drill status. Consequently, the Soldier is requesting transfer from the TPU to the IRR, to alleviate the hardship. This Soldier isn't within 3 months of ETS, has completed IET, and has an MOS.

MEMORANDUM FOR Commander, [Soldier's unit]

SUBJECT: Individual Ready Reserve Transfer Request for [rank and name for Soldier requesting transfer]

PURPOSE:  Request Transfer to the Individual Ready Reserve Due to Dependency Hardship.

1. Per AR 140-10, Chapter 4, Paragraph 4-9f, Paragraph 4-11b(4), and Paragraph 4-13, voluntary reassignment for dependency or hardship, request reassignment from the Troop Program Unit (TPU) to the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR). Per Paragraph 4-13b(1)(e), I've completed IET, have been awarded an MOS, and am not within 3 months of ETS.

2. My specific hardship involves [detailed, concise, explanation of hardship, without providing sensitive or privileged information].

3. I have attempted to resolve my hardship per Paragraph 4-13b(1)(a)-(c). Per Paragraph 4-13b(1)(d), reassignment to the IRR is the only available means to alleviate the dependency [or hardship] condition.

4. [Affidavit from (name and title of professional), (professional's specialty)]; [affidavit from (name and title of additional professional) (additional professional's specialty], [additional affidavits individually listed as first two examples], and [final affidavit, listed similar to previous examples], are included as enclosures to document the nature of the dependency [or hardship] and the need for my assistance. Additionally, I have also included a statement from [name of dependent affected by Soldier's absence, or a representative for the dependent].

5. Point of Contact for this memorandum is the undersigned at [phone number including area code] or [soldier email address].

Note: guidelines for affidavits are the same as listed in the scenarios above, as well as in AR 140-10. This regulation provides detailed requirements for what needs to be included in the affidavits.

Sample Retired Reserve Transfer Request Memorandum

In this scenario, an enlisted Soldier is requesting transfer to the Retired Reserve. The Notice of Eligibility to Retire with Pay at 60 Letter (20 Year Letter), is one of the supporting documentation that's included with this packet.

MEMORANDUM FOR Commander, [Soldier's unit]

SUBJECT: Retired Reserve Transfer Request for [rank and soldier name]

PURPOSE:  Request Transfer to the Retired Reserve.

1. Per AR 140-10, Chapter 6, Section I; and AR 600-8-7, Chapter 9, Paragraph 9-10, request transfer from the Troop Program Unit (TPU) to the Retired Reserve. I am in receipt of my Notice of Eligibility to Retire with Pay at 60 Letter (20 Year Letter).

3. My 20 Year Letter is included in this request. My latest DA Form 5016, Retirement Year End Date [date], reflects [number of years] good years of military service.

4. Point of Contact for this memorandum is the undersigned at [phone number including area code] or [soldier email].

Signature Block

Refer to AR 25-50, Preparing and Managing Correspondence, for composition and placement of signature block.


Example:

[First Name] [Last Name]
[Rank] [Enlisted branch official abbreviation]

JOHN DOE
MSG PO

References

AR 140-10 Army Reserve Assignments, Attachments, Details, and Transfers
AR 25-50 Preparing and Managing Correspondence