I am awaiting the completion of my PEB. Through back channels I know my VA findings have been complete for more than a week. PEBLO will not respond to communication attempts.
I believe I am no more than 2-3 weeks from getting the findings back from the VA. My command is ok with me beginning work for a contract company prior to terminal leave beginning but has to ensure it is legal. The company is up against a time hack and has to have me start at a specific date, or the job goes to someone else. We are looking to see if there is a way to allow me to begin working prior to terminal leave, or am I just out of luck.
Any information is sincerely appreciated.
Answers
A connection on LinkedIn posted this recently on the topic:
If you are a senior leader (officer or enlisted) and planning to work in the Defense industry, it is important to think about ETHICS sooner rather than later.
I'm not talking about ethical leadership, I am talking about seeing your legal or ethics counselor to determine what you can and cannot do regarding post-military employment.
Many large firms will require an Ethics (post-government employment) letter before extending a written offer - and this can extend until up to 2 years post-separation.
This means you could apply for a job over a year after retirement from service and still require the memo. Going back to base for that can be a PAIN.
You may also have a "cooling off period" of 1-2 years that prevents you working on certain programs or in certain roles post-military. Getting your ethics process started early may enable you to recuse yourself from certain contractual decisions and start that clock before you get out.
TRUST ME - the mandatory brief during TAP is not enough. If you are getting out within a year and are a senior leader, it makes sense to schedule a visit with an Ethics Counsel now.
At worst, you'll spend a little time and get piece of mind that your transition plan makes sense.
Jason: it will depend on what the contract work involves. The contract company should be able to tell you if there is an issue or not; it's their liability, not the command's problem. (Though I know how some commands are and the position it may put you in.)
In my case, I started work during terminal leave. That company and any of the other companies from whom I received any monies (for travel to interviews or whatever) that dealt with federal business provided me with info which I provided to the Marine Corps. (I was with 8th Mar and brought my info to 2d Mar HQ Bn Legal Officer.)
Not sure about the details of your case, but you are probably not the first hire for the company in this position.
Best of luck.
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