Military Wives

OK so they change the policy and get rid of IRR then what? Then our husbands who are already stretched thinly will have to shoulder even more of the burden. Until there is a better solution this is what we have (and what she agreed to).

Everyone has to take responsibility for their actions, she is not wanting to do this so we are supposed to feel bad for her? Believe me I think IRR sucks and if DH got out and was called back I would hate it but we would do what we've always done, suck it up and move on.

And yes what they did to those officers was crap and was not right but that is not what is happening here, as far as I can see they are unrelated.

I just went and looked up information on IRR, which is actually a Reserve component. Here are some myths and facts and other pertinant information.

http://www.defenselink.mil/dodcmsshare/BloggerAssets/2008-09/09300812245520080929_ColGood_transcript.pdf

https://www.hrc.army.mil/site/media/factsheets/irr.htm

Yes, it is a strain for many people in the IRR, Reserves, and Guard, which is why I don't think we should ever put ourselves in a position where we have to rely on ANY of those troops in order to sustain the numbers we need in theater.

I just don't agree with the thought process that says since it sucks for so many people, let's not do anything about it. "Other people have had to suck it up so, oh well, let's just roll with it" doesn't really sit well with me.

And again, I'll say, just because it is in the contract, does not make it right. Just because the military says, this is the way it is, doesn't mean it is acceptable that they say that. By getting more exposure to the hardships that these policies bring about, ESPECIALLY in the time of economic hardship, maybe we can get some of these things changed so people don't have to sign something as ludicrous as this.

Yes, she signed it. Yes, she knew she signed it. And, perhaps she will end up having to go because of that. But, I hope that her making this stink about it at least gets people talking and thinking about whether or not we really want to let these policies continue to exist.

She's been fighting this for two years and still doesn't like the Army's answer.  Her husband can't take care of the kids because it would put a financial strain on the family.  There is no one else to take care of the kids.  I'm not buying any of this.  Her service would have been over by now if she had just reported when she first received the notice.  I have heard many stories of families having hard times because of losing income when the breadwinner is called to Active duty from the Guard and Reserves, so to me this is really no different.  You do what you have to do.  As far as no family to take care of the kids, it's not like her parents and his parents have passed away, they just aren't in whatever state she's living in now with her husband.  If necessary, can't the grandparents take them.  I've heard of kids having to live with grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, etc.  It can be done.  She just doesn't want to do it.  To me, and this is JMO, she's using the kids as an excuse to not have to go back on duty.  I don't know why.  Maybe because she didn't like the first time, maybe she's scared to go back to Iraq (don't blame her for that), but she knew it could happen and she should have had a plan, just in case.

And, FWIW it isn't just the IRR that can be called back.  If you retire and are receiving that retiree paycheck every month, you can be called back to active duty.  That's what happened to GEN Schoomaker a few years back. 

Kellie