Read the Fine Print

I recently read an article about an officer who was “forced” to retire from Active duty due to reaching the maximum number of years in his rank, but was able to extend his overall service by transferring to the Reserves while teaching at West Point. The Army moved him to his “final” location, but upon retiring-retiring, the Army said that the timeframe to move on their dime had since sailed since he fully separated from Active duty. The officer spent some time trying to convince the Army that he was entitled to a paid move to his actual final home of record, but it didn’t work and he was saddled with a $40,000 move out-of-pocket.

This sort of thing must be a lesson to all service members.

During my first month as a commander in the Army, I recommended UCMJ action against a well-decorated NCO. The end result would be in demotion and separation. The NCO held a flat and stoic look about himself whenever we met. He was hard to read and he didn’t put up much of a fight. He knew he did wrong. Things were moving along fairly smoothly…until he realized that he would likely not be given an honorable discharge, even though he was decorated for saving lives on the battlefield. The NCO came to realize that if he didn’t get an honorable discharge, all of the education benefits that he had transferred to his kids, valued at over $100,000, would basically evaporate. When the NCO was demoted and discharged under a characterization not in his favor, I’m not sure if his tears were due to a bruised ego or loss of money for his kids. Perhaps if he knew the consequences of his actions before he did them, he would have behaved in a manner more becoming of a NCO.

The military is an enormous organization. As of 2025, there are over two million military members (all statuses). With size, comes thick contracts, fine print, and a stingy budget. The military is backed by the government and many laws.  It has the weight to say where, when, and how much. If someone challenges its status or prerogative, due diligence must occur. Read the fine print, ask questions, and get responses in writing.

When I joined a medical unit in the Air National Guard, I met some officers who were looking for a change in scenery. I asked why they didn’t just apply to another position in the wing. I learned that if they did, they would lose rank. These professional officers had “constructive credit” which earned them some extra rank when they first commissioned as a means to honor their civilian and educational experience. And who wouldn’t want to have extra rank? More rank, more money! But the question that wasn’t asked due to a lack of foresight or guidance was, what if I want to change duty positions? If the officers did desire to change jobs that did not match or require their specific civilian or educational experience, they would lose those years of “credit” and possibly be demoted to make the change. The officers, instead, succumbed to taking on special projects and additional duties to change up the monotony. My advice to newly commissioned officers is to start at the bottom as a second lieutenant, no matter if they qualify for constructive credit or not, so they can have all the options and flexibility later. Plus, it’s good character building to be a Butter Bar!

Other areas where military members struggle with reading the fine print or asking questions are related to bonuses, VA loans, and Tricare. Each of these areas have complicated jargon, caveats, exceptions, and money tied to them. These programs are usually executed without issue, if and only if, you prescribe to the exact terms outlined in the fine print. Do not expect to deviate from the requirements of these programs without experiencing some thrash. Manage your expectations accordingly if you are seeking to change your job, buy or sell your house, or get approval for an alternative medicine, respectively. 

I remember signing my very first enlistment contract at MEPS in 2003. I could tell that the recruiters were mildly annoyed that I read every page. I wanted to ensure that I understood my requirements and expectations, and that I would be getting my college money. The contract was standard, but it was the first major document that I had ever signed and I wouldn’t be duped. I still have the original hard copy just in case I ever need to reference it. Within the confines of the pages outlined a very specific detail that served me well in the future. The enlistment contract stated that I would need to have served at least 30 months on active duty to get the full Montgomery GI Bill amount that I had agreed to pay into as well. A year later when I was introduced to the Green to Gold Program (a commissioning program for enlisted Army members), I remember the education office asking me when I wanted to start the process. Normally, I would have said as soon as possible, but I stopped myself and asked questions related to my other education benefits. She confirmed my suspicions and I planned to submit my packet that would meet the minimum requirements of getting the full GI Bill. I separated from Active duty at 33 months, matriculated into a ROTC program, and got my entire education and room and board paid for. I lived an abnormally comfortable college life.

Any documents related to money or services must be scrutinized. Never make assumptions that Uncle Sam will take care of you. No! Uncle Sam will do what he is legally obligated to do and nothing more. Your failure to read the fine print will not be grounds for any empathy or compensation. Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification, waivers, or guidance from senior leaders, especially if your status changes (i.e. job, active to reserve, enlisted to officer, location, etc.). Be the exception and read the fine print. Your future self, and possibly bank account, will thank you.