Hardships affect mobilization length

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Lance Patterson
  • Air Force Reserve Command Public Affairs
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. (AFPN) --  Mobilized reservists may request to remain on or get off active duty because of personal or financial hardship caused by mobilization, early deactivation or demobilization.

"We look at each situation, whether it's a request to remain mobilized or a request to demobilize early," said Col. Mike Cleveland, director of personnel at Air Force Reserve Command headquarters here. “Our goal is to return airmen back to the same position of civilian life they had before being mobilized."

For example, a C-130 Hercules pilot was mobilized in December 2001, and discovered she was pregnant in February 2002. She was grounded from flying status until after her delivery date. After coordination, she was allowed to serve on non-flying status in her unit as a traditional reservist.

The outcome satisfied the needs of a "very valuable member” of AFRC and at the same time satisfied the requirements of her unit, Cleveland said. Also, the Air Force kept a fully trained C-130 pilot and saved more than $1 million by not having to train another person to take her place.

Circumstances that may prevent an individual from returning to civilian status also are considered in hardship requests.

"Reservists with approved cases may be retained for a period up to but not exceeding the original activation period," said Paul Clement. He is the personnel readiness operations branch chief for the command.

For example, a staff sergeant was mobilized in November 2001 for 12 months but was identified for early demobilization. This would have caused a major financial hardship for his family because his wife had a life-threatening health problem and was unable to obtain health insurance.

After being activated, Tricare Prime would pay for a medical procedure to correct his wife's condition. Remaining activated meant his wife’s follow-up visits would be covered.

In another case, an airman withdrew from college because he expected to be mobilized for a year. After being mobilized for 55 days, he was told he was being demobilized and could not get back into school until the following fall. He was allowed to remain mobilized until just before classes started.

The hardship application process starts at unit military personnel flights and is processed through the numbered air force.

Reservists should provide a detailed explanation of the hardship, Clement said. Supporting documentation may include leave and earning statements, and statements by employers, doctors, judge advocate generals, chaplains and creditors.

Reasons for requesting a hardship to stay on active duty include:

-- Individuals nullify a civilian-employment contract to come on active duty for 12 months and are scheduled for deactivation after 60 to 90 days without prospect for a new employment contract until six months after release.

-- Physicians sell their medical practice believing they would be on active duty for at least 12 months.

-- Individuals are laid off by an employer while activated.

-- Owners sign their private business over to another individual for the 12 months they were activated.

-- Full-time students withdraw from college when mobilized for 12 months but are notified to demobilize early.

Other circumstances may exist that could also be considered.

However, hardship requests cannot be based on problems that existed before activation, such as the individual being unemployed before mobilization. Reservists also cannot request a hardship because they can make more money on active duty than in a civilian job or ask to stay on active duty to gain eligibility for entitlements.

Reservists and their commanders, first sergeants and supervisors can get more details about hardship waivers from their servicing personnel flight.

"Preplanning and anticipation of a potential hardship ahead of the demobilization date will ensure the member submits the request, has it processed and knows the results in a timely manner," Clement said. (Courtesy of AFRC News Service)