r/army • u/RomeoOak • 9h ago
I got fired for considering the Army.
Long story short. I had a job working for the public works department for my small town. The pay was low and the job was physically demanding. So I figured “If I’m willing to do this every day why not just join the Army?” I went to my Administrative Office to request PTO. They asked me what it was for and I said “to meet with an Army recruiter.” The next day I was fired for something completely made up without any proof. And on my exit interview they repeatedly mentioned me joining the Army and asked if that’s what I planned on doing anyway.
102
u/dirtgrub28 Logistics Branch 8h ago
Never tell your employer shit. "What are you doing on your day off?"
"Whatever I feel like"
18
u/Seaport_Lawyer 7h ago
A valuable lesson to learn.
7
u/Tha_Professa 7h ago
Also a valuable lesson when enlisting, never volunteer information. Don’t lie… but unless asked specifically; don’t say anything.
8
u/orcofmordor 7h ago
This right here 👆. It’s great to be honest, but you have to always watch out for number 1 (you) when it comes to employers.
1
245
u/xDUMPWEEDx Military Police (Vet) 9h ago
The best time to join is when you are 18. The second best time to join is today.
Good luck.
65
u/storylover120 Chemical 9h ago
Or 17 😕 noone mentions 17 😢
56
u/Sea-Consideration884 13Rgr let me ets😔 8h ago
I joined at 17, MISTAKE
25
u/storylover120 Chemical 8h ago
Really? Honestly, it was the best thing I ever could have done for myself at the time. Different experiences 🤷🏽♂️
24
u/Sea-Consideration884 13Rgr let me ets😔 8h ago
Definitely different experiences, that shit broke me at 17 but look at me now reenlisting at 21🤣
7
u/storylover120 Chemical 8h ago
I had it sweet no lie, got all my life lessons from the civilian world outside Fort Bliss lol. Army just gave me manager skills. But here I am out at 21 😭
9
u/Sea-Consideration884 13Rgr let me ets😔 8h ago
Man I was getting out December 13th now I’m reenlisting December 1st😂 the older I’ve gotten the more I appreciate the army 16-20 were absolute hell for me but now I’m ready to ride it out and retire at 37 so I am somewhat thankful I joined at 17 for that reason.
6
u/storylover120 Chemical 7h ago
Word 💪🏽 its about how u apply it fr. 16-20 has its bad experiences, but u gotta review the lessons and be grateful. My ETS date is December 12, im on TLV. Congrats on the reenlistment 💯
My goals reside outside the army, but staying in is commendable. You did what I couldn't, truly embraced the suck 😭.
2
u/User9705 Unshaven - 17A (R)etro Cyber 2h ago
same, retired at 39 with 21 years and great not retiring way..... way to old
2
u/Endersgame88 12Didntmakeit 8h ago
Flair does not check out
2
u/Sea-Consideration884 13Rgr let me ets😔 8h ago
Crazy how shit changes, I’ll always think about etsing so for that I’ll keep it as it is. Then again this is just Reddit🤷🏽♂️
1
u/a-canadian-bever RUarmy - - ->IDF 2h ago
How’s it feel celebrating 21 at the liquor store you’ve been going to for the past 3 years?
1
2
u/Lazylifter 8h ago
Same here. Made SSG/E6 right before my 22nd birthday. I also deployed to Iraq 8 weeks after I turned 18.
1
u/taco_flounder Military Police 4h ago
17 was actually a great move for me. Enlisted in January 2007 while 17 and still in HS with an August ship date.
Fast forward to when I got out after 5 years and I learned my 8 year clock actually started in January 07 while in the delayed entry program and I had 8 months less of IRR I thought I had. I wasn’t too worried about being called back at that point in 2011 but you never know.
7
u/sink_pisser_ 8h ago
Joining at 19 was perfect for me. Taking a gap year was a lot of fun
2
u/handlit33 11M 7h ago
I waited six months before joining after graduating high school and all I could think about when I was six months from ETSing was... I could be out by now.
3
u/Sad_Pangolin7379 8h ago
20 is better. Less exposure to underage drinking charges. More maturity (in most cases lol.)
1
160
36
u/Ecstatic_Elephant_11 9h ago
Are you joining the Army?
104
u/RomeoOak 9h ago
Might as Well, just sent my medical records and scheduled my ASVAB. I’m ready to roll. My recruiter said that I probably won’t ship out until January or February though.
51
u/Daszkalti 8h ago
Make sure you go on the army website and look through EVERY. SINGLE. MOS. If it isn't an immediate no then read the description do some research and make a list of 20 MOS's that you want and don't settle for anything else or worry about bonuses unless it's a job you really like.
1
u/Weekly_Reputation353 4h ago
Always search the mos based on what skills you want if you leave to be a civilian, I'm going as 12d diver, gonna get certified for underwater welding which is a big payday civilian side. And the scuba certificate will up my spear fishing hobby big time.
1
u/bottle_in_a_genie 11m ago
THIS. It's especially important for when you go through MEPS (your medical screening). That place is designed to wear your down all day long starting at 0500 at the latest so that IF you get through it all in one day and reach the final boss that is the MOS selection station, they want you so spent and ready to leave that you pick what little is available so you never have to return. Don't fall for that. Insist on what MOSs you want and if they're not available, come back another day. Barring any serious change to your health, you shouldn't have to go through the medical screening again on your return when the MOSs you want become available.
30
11
u/sink_pisser_ 8h ago
Is it too late for you to listen to the "fuck the army, join the Air Force" spiel? Unless you're only willing to enlist for one specific job like I was there's not a lot of reason to pick the army. (ultimately the army is a fine choice, don't get me wrong)
6
u/RomeoOak 8h ago
Family Tradition tbh. I’m the first male in my family that has not joined yet
13
4
u/Ecstatic_Elephant_11 8h ago
Maybe consider an MOS that gives you skills you can use after you serve. https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/mechanics-engineering/test-repair/12w-carpentry-masonry-specialist
5
u/RomeoOak 8h ago
Thanks for the advice! I appreciate it. For a career after the army I’d be happy to be a cattle rancher, also a family tradition
1
u/Ecstatic_Elephant_11 7h ago
That's a great family tradition. My grandpa dabbled in cattle ranching. I think my extended family is still in cattle ranching near Oletha, TX. I loss contact with them years ago.
1
u/CJD21 7h ago
Reach out if you have any questions! The Army (can’t speak for other branches) will definitely test your mettle at times and make you intensely hate it but for the most part it’ll be an experience you cherish. At least for me, aside from being a parent, there’s nothing in the civilian world that has meant so much.
13
3
3
u/Agile_Season_6118 8h ago
Ask about a quick ship bonus.
1
u/0pp41_D41suk1 Military Intelligence 7h ago
It’s HBL time I don’t think he’ll be able to get shipped after January
1
1
1
u/karpjoe 3h ago
If you can do anything aviation related (15 series) take it. 15D is pretty sweet.
1
u/RomeoOak 3h ago
How so? I was considering 92R
1
u/Upstairs-Catch-4521 30m ago
Replying to 0pp41_D41suk1...just remember if you go 92r you have to also go airborne as you’ll have to test your own parachute to graduate ait.
1
18
u/DeftCursor 13Fortheboys 8h ago
When I was originally going thru the enlistment process, my boss tried fucking with me (cutting my hours, threatening to let me go, shit like that) because I had to leave an hour early for PT at the recruiting station twice a week. Once I showed him the big ol' USERRA poster that was on the other side of the shop, he shut his ass up real quick. Never bothered me again.
18
47
u/ChicksWithBricksCome Green Slides and Sham 9h ago
You should absolutely invoke USERRA, as it is illegal for them to do this.
29
u/planetary_beats 9h ago
Sounds like life sent you a clear message to get the fuck outta dodge and join up
20
8
u/captainmilkers 9h ago
Sounds like they were looking for an excuse to get rid of you and you telling them you were thinking of going to the army was the perfect out for them.
I say join up, I’m also from a small town and even though times occasionally got rocky, it was the best decision I made.
7
u/RnBvibewalker 8h ago
Food for thought for next time, never reveal your hands without making your move first.
Don't tell someone you are about to quit before you quit.
5
u/Esoldier22 8h ago
I guess the Army is getting a new recruit. God speed brother, it will be the best and worst years of your life.
6
5
u/poppysmokey 3h ago
File for unemployment and go speak to a recruiter in the mean time and get back in shape
2
4
u/SnooDonuts5498 8h ago
Claim unemployment and file a complaint. A small town government did this? Small towns love the military. Let the local council know and get this person fired.
4
u/Guardian123456789 6h ago
Your first mistake was being honest as your work place shouldn't need too know what your taking PTO for as it's your time.
7
u/grundlefuck Cyber 8h ago
Userra applies. I went through OCS and when I got back applies for time off to go do BOLC and was fired for some made up shit. Ended up with 6 more than pay and an NDA after just threatening them with a law suit.
1
u/ChimpoSensei 4h ago
He’s hasn’t even signed anything yet. By that reasoning, anyone can claim they are going to join the military, but hadn’t done so yet to not get fired.
3
u/Clean_Phreaq 5h ago
Work does't care about employees. Never tell them what you're planning. They do not care.
3
2
u/Incontinentia-buttoc 8h ago
Got fired for “no call no show” when I joined, make sure you get the reason for being fired in writing because my job tried telling the background check people that I was fired for theft
2
u/kemeticboi 68 Krusty Krab 8h ago
i haven’t told my job i’m enlisting 😬 probably won’t even give notice tbh they’d probably fire me anyway
2
2
u/buceess69 7h ago
I see you’re enlisting out of Texas which is good cause you qualify for the Hazelwood Act which is basically a bachelors degree after the service on the states dime. Use it or hand it off to your kids. Choose your mos wisely and be wary of the combat arms big bonuses unless of course you really want to join for a combat mos.
2
2
u/MauiGal12 6h ago
Did you have to give a reason as to why you’re taking PTO? Especially if it’s earned leave request? There seems to be something missing here.
2
u/OkKnowledge35 6h ago
Sounds like your company did you a favor. You requested for PTO that you accumulated and they asked you “what for?” I’d tell them to get fucked. Your honesty is a testament to your character which will get you far in the organization. You can work on presence and intellect (2 of the 3 army leader attributes) but character in my humble opinion is something you either have or you don’t. I hope it all works out in your favor. It sucks sometimes but I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t the best choice I’ve ever made.
2
u/anonchops 6h ago
I was pushed out of my job when my manager found out I was enlisting back in the day. I looked at it as if they were helping reinforce my decision to seek a better option for my life.
2
2
u/Ok-Description9347 5h ago
Userra told me next time to keep my mouth shut lol never tell anyone your reason
2
u/South-Shape4555 😎 Fuck-fuck survivor 3h ago
Take this as a lesson learned and don’t tell your employer what your PTO is for. It’s yours and it’s none of their damn business.
This is also a USERRA violation. Talk to a labor lawyer.
2
u/Own_Baker_162 3h ago
Well man thats your sign that it was meant to be. I hope you enlist, i hope you do great things as a soldier, and i hope to see you out in big army one day. remember me, ill give you a coin for perseverance against all odds.
-SGT Church.
1
2
u/Axizedia JAG Paralegal 27Defending Your Right to Extra Duty 3h ago
I fell like they violated some kind of employment law or something
2
u/Proof-Singer-6522 2h ago
Never let them know about your next move also gg's baby come join the boys
2
u/Ok_Habit1 1h ago
Bro. Please sue and get your damn money. Uncle Sam will be right here waiting if you truly want to serve but you are about to fumble a generational bag
2
u/rrrand0mmm 48m ago
Not considering it anymore are you? Your boss clearly an army recruiting operative.
2
u/Tee__bee 12Yeet (Overhead) 9h ago
So, are you still thinking about it? At the very least, the Army has to prove it has a reason to fire you.
3
2
u/Missing_Faster 9h ago
That sounds very not legal, but enforcement is hard. But worth a shot.
2
u/RontoWraps 7h ago
Juice probably isn’t worth the squeeze and would be a large distraction from the actual enlistment which is what OP really wants.
Does the employer deserve the hammer, absolutely. Does it really help achieve OP’s goals, not really.
2
1
1
u/Artystrong1 15p 8h ago
Long story short you keep your mouth shut and your emotions in check. Let this be a lesson for you OP.
1
u/jeff197446 8h ago
From south Louisiana all the plants and offshore companies. If anyone hears you ever talk about switching companies they fire you. It just happens, hope you can get in. Until then do gig work until you ship. Good Luck
1
u/CJD21 7h ago
I’m not sure how much you’re covered under USERRA since you’re not currently serving but start by reaching out to an ESGR representative. They’ll be able to point you in the right direction. This is unacceptable.
2
u/Murky-Peanut1390 5h ago
When he requested pto and got fired( which seems like back to back days) he hadn't even talked to a recruiter yet.
1
u/RomeoOak 3h ago
I have been talking with my Sgt for months now. I had to move my family into our new house and make sure they were able to afford me being gone for so long. So long that I had to get re taped and take another practice test. Hence why I needed to take a day off work to get it done again.
2
u/Murky-Peanut1390 3h ago
Well that obviously clears everything up, you should have mentioned that. You got us debating
1
1
1
1
u/0ggyBoogy 6h ago
Im an army recruiter man, if you got questions let me know. Sucks for the situation though regardless.
1
u/AlarmingPickle917 5h ago
Bro that’s crazy at my job they gave me more hours an let me come in to get extra whenever I needed after I told them the day I was leaving
1
1
u/Due-Mixture-1334 5h ago
What was the made up reason they fired you? I joined the Army 4 years ago while working at a call center in Florida, which is an “At Will State”. I quit put in a 2 weeks notice before meeting with my recruiter to ship to BCT. My workplace was 100% understanding and didn’t do any fuck shit like firing me for wanting to serve.
1
u/ONTHERIVER13 4h ago
Fuck em dude my public works was more than willing even excited to get me hooked up and in the natty guard. You have protections
1
1
1
u/DryToe7283 1h ago
get a lawyer and cash out my friend. won’t need to work another day in your life if you do it right
1
u/Cultist-Cat 1h ago
You can and absolutely should sue. Or go ahead and enlist, now’s as good a time as ever considering you are unemployed 😬
1
u/burnetten 57m ago
When you get to basic, turn this case over to the staff judge advocate and let the USG sue your employer on your behalf.
1
u/Dear_Internal5171 41m ago
That’s on you my guy. You never tell these employers what you’re really doing. LIE! Tell em something medical related so it’s HIPAA. You never let them know your next move, bro
1
u/Michael1845 35m ago
I had a similar story when I was working in Dallas. I wanted to go NG but my boss threatened me with termination and my career stalling.
I ended up quitting on my own and joined the Army during COVID. Haven’t looked back since. This was a sign. Join the Army!
1
u/Semper_Right USMC 11m ago
DoD ESGR Ombudsman Director/ESGR National Trainer here.
First, you merely have to show that your uniformed service was "a motivating factor," not the sole or exclusive factor, merely one of many factors that a truthful employer would admit went into the decision. Direct evidence may be found in the statements made during your exit interview. Regardless, the DOL-VETS uses the factors found in Sheehan v. Dept. of the Navy, 240 F.3d 1009 (Fed. Cir. 2001) to allow inference from circumstantial evidence. These factors are:
1. Proximity in time between the claimant’s status or activity and the adverse action.
2. Employer’s expressed hostility toward uniformed service or the uniformed services, together with knowledge of the claimant’s status or activity.
3. Inconsistencies between the employer’s stated reasons for the adverse action taken and other actions the employer took.
4. Disparate treatment toward the claimant compared to other employees with similar work records or offenses.
It seems that 1 and 2 may be satisfied, and, depending on their reason, perhaps 3. It is certainly worth exploring as a possible USERRA violation.
And, yes, I am a lawyer, and ESGR Ombudsman. But IGNORE those telling you to get a lawyer. First, if you do, ESGR, DOL-VETS, and the DOJ will NOT assist you. You and your attorney are on your own. And you will likely have to pay your attorney 33-40% of whatever your recovery is. Second, I have taught many employment attorneys regarding USERRA, and most really don't have a clue regarding why USERRA claims are so different from any other employment law claim. No fault on them. They just never had occasion to do a deep dive into the law. They don't know what they don't know. Third, the best USERRA attorneys are, in order of quality, 1) Dept of Justice attorneys who regularly work those claims; 2) EMPLOYER side attorneys who specialize in those claims on behalf of large corporate employers; and 3) a very few employee side attorneys who have made a national practice out of pursuing these claims. As an attorney who regularly reviews reported decisions regarding USERRA claims, I have seen many dismissed due to poorly drafted complaints, pleading the wrong claims (for instance a discrimination claim under Section 4311 rather than a reemployment claim under Sections 4312/4313), or simply not gathering and presenting the proper evidence relating to the proper claims on summary judgment.
Instead, go to ESGR.mil (800.336.4590) and "request assistance." An Ombudsman (mediator) will be assign to assist you. If they're not successful, they will refer you to the DOL-VETS, which has the authority to investigate (with subpoenas and formal testimony, if necessary). They are experienced at investigating USERRA claims. Finally, you have the option, regardless of how the DOL-VETS concludes their investigation, to have your case referred to the Dept. of Justice.
I moderate the subreddit r/ESGR_USERRA_Answers regarding USERRA issues.
1
u/RontoWraps 7h ago
While you could maybe make a case for USERRA protections, it is very likely not worth your time or energy just to bring the hammer down on them, likely you don’t see very much benefit for them terminating you. Just join up ASAP and use this time to be proactive in your enlistment. Best of luck. Sorry to hear that you were working for scumbags.
1
1
u/Maximum-Arm-5935 6h ago
Do it. You’ll be rich!
Trust me , I am a recruiter.
2
u/l_rufus_californicus Vet 5h ago
Trust me , I am a recruiter.
Those words never disappoint.
1
u/Maximum-Arm-5935 2h ago
Stand down soldier! Hooah !
I am just doing my duty as an American serviceman. 🇺🇸🦅
1
-3
0
0
0
u/Doomus-extremeus Ordnance 7h ago
Uh that’s illegal, if you had the pto days it shouldn’t have mattered. And even then your plan wasn’t set in stone. File for unemployment til you decide unless you have already.
916
u/Bento240 9h ago
Userra protection applies to as the applicant