Section 8 in the Army? My son received a letter from a commander that has this in the letter. What's it mean?

Question

I would like someone with military knowledge answer this. It has to do with being discharged. Any help would be appreciated.

I'm sorry about the wording..I used what is more considered 'slang' for the answer I was looking..The actual wording was 'Notice of Seperation Proceedings'...sorry about the lingo to everyone, but I didn't have the letter in front of me when I was lookin for answers..silly, huh?

The wording that I mistook for Section 8 was chapter 8, paragraph 8-1..I see how it makes a big difference..MY BAD!!

Answer 1

Section 8 deals with mental unfitness for duty. A person attempting suicide or demonstrating a risk to himself or others would fall under this.

Don't jump the gun and think he falls into one of those two. There are many other possibilities that aren't so dire that fall under mental unfitness. Still, you should talk to your son and help him with the things that are bothering him.

AH the dreaded Chapter 8!! No, I don't know. It depends on what regulation is being cited. Sorta like if you said in the bible ch 3 verse 16, I'd have 66 books to consider. Only the military has literally thousands of regulations.

You might wanna repost the question but include the entire citation it should start with something like AR or UCMJ or MCM and possibly end in something like (c) or (c)1

Answer 2

You can write a letter if you wish. However, depending on your rank, the sanctions placed against you are written in regulation and the commander has very little room for error. This is because not only are the results sent to the unit but also to the commanders above him. At a minimum expect drug counseling and a retest. If you are an NCO or higher expect it to come with a reprimand or even a loss in stripe. Depending on the drug used, discharge is required. Your best bet is to seek legal advice and to question the testing procedure. I was a Unit Prevention Leader (the ones that collect the sample for testing and send it to the lab). Most people fail to perform the collection properly. Questions to ponder that might have the sample thrown out: Did the observer make you wash you hands with water only prior to providing the sample? Did the observer actually see the sample leave your body and enter the cup? Was the stall door open for observation? Was the sample tested twice for false errors? Was the sample ever left unattended before it was delivered to the lab? Did you check the chain of custody paperwork? But most important....Talk to JAG before you admit to anything. Your lawyer most keep your secret, your commander does not.

Answer 3

For the best answers, search on this site https://shorturl.im/tHVrp

You may or may not be able to say anything that will influence whether you get discharged. A commander's policy on how he treats those that test positive may be pretty rigid. If, however, you want to have a chance you MUST take full responsibility for your actions, express your regret, and take whatever punishment is metted out with good grace. The soldiers that I have seen recover from disciplinary action have been those that maintained a good attitude even when they were getting punished and didn't try to blame what they did on others.

Answer 4

Okay the site below explains everything, but basicly it means he's being discharged, that's all section 8 talks about in the UCMJ (uniform code of military justice) The various ways to be discharged. It's not like MASH where Klinger trys to dress like a woman to get a 'section 8' and your son's crazy.

Answer 5

The term Section 8 refers to a discharge from the United States military for reason of being mentally unfit for service.

Answer 6

A Section 8 discharge from the US Military is for
mental problems!!

Answer 7

A Section 8 discharge from the Army is due to insanity specifically. Remember Kilinger from MASH that was what he was trying to get. Normally you will get a discharge for mental issues but a true insanity is very hard to get. Seems like your son is really sick or a really great actor. Not sure which is better. You might want to talk to your son about what is going on. With a discharge like that he is going to have a lifetime of problems geting a job, going to school, living a normal life with the same rights and benefits as everyone else.

Answer 8

"The term Section 8 refers to a discharge from the United States military for reason of being mentally unfit for service."

Answer 9

It means that for whatever reason, your son has been deemed mentally unfit to continue Active duty. This could be anything from PTSD severe enough for discharge to being diagnosed as being Bi Polar.

Answer 10

How long ago did he receive this letter, 40 yrs? There is no such thing as a "Section 8" anymore!