Unsatisfactory Participation in the Army Reserves

May 2, 2026

Unsatisfactory Participation in the Army Reserves in regulated by AR 135-91, AR 135-175, and AR 135-178. Attorney Barry, an experienced Military Lawyer, explains at this link.

Unsatisfactory participation in the Army Reserves is defined as follows by AR 135-91:

a total of nine or more unexcused absences during any 12-month period from scheduled IDT periods;
failure to comply with a second request to report for annual muster;
failure to report a change of address to Commander, HRC, within 45 days following the change of address;
failure to comply with a second notice to complete and return official military correspondence within 45 days of the day of the second notice;
failure to obtain a unit of assignment during an authorized absence granted per Section IV or AR 135-91, Chapter 4; or,
failure to attend or complete annual training (AT), without proper authority

Any Soldier with an unexcused absence is required to be given notice, either through the mail or in person.

After a Soldier is classified as having unsatisfactory participation in the Army Reserves, he/she is subject to discharge/separation because attempts to have the Soldier respond or comply with orders or corresponded have resulted in:

The Soldier's refusal to comply with orders or correspondence;
A notice sent by certified mail was refused, unclaimed, or otherwise undeliverable; or,
Verification that the Soldier has failed to notify the Command of a change of address and reasonable attempts to contact the Soldier have failed

Any Soldier that has been classified as having unsatisfactory participation in the Army Reserves can be separated through the notification procedure (only a written rebuttal allowed), if he/she has less than 18 years of service and a General/Honorable characterization of service is issued. If a Soldier has more than 18 or more years of service, or before an other than honorable discharge is issued, a separation board must be convened. For Officers, if an other than honorable characterization of service is pursued, or the Officer has more than 6 years of commissioned service, a board of inquiry (officer) must be convened. Typically, an other than honorable characterization of service is pursued by the Command for separations for unsatisfactory participation in the Army Reserves.

Soldiers that have been classified as having unsatisfactory participation in the Army Reserves could face adverse actions, such as a GOMOR/Article 15; however, typically, separation is pursued without these actions being taken. Any Soldier facing a separation action because of being labeled as an unsat participant in the ready reserves should immediately consult an experienced Military Lawyer. A good written rebuttal, or effective representation at a separation board/board of inquiry, can result in retention or a better characterization of service.

Furthermore, any Veteran who was discharge because of unsatisfactory participation in the Army Reserves should consult an experienced Military Lawyer to pursue a discharge upgrade. Often times, in these situations, Veterans may have been struggling either physically, mentally, or financially, and the Command either was unaware or was overly harsh. The Discharge Review Board or The Board for Correction of Miliary Records (ABCMR) will often upgrade discharges in these situations, if the right evidence is presented. Consultation with an experienced Military lawyer is recommended before applying.

This Article was written by Attorney Matthew Barry. Attorney Barry is highly rated by former clients and has a proven track record of success. He has extensive experience with all types of Military Adverse Actions, including those related to allegations of unsatisfactory participation in the Army Reserves.

The Law Office of Matthew Barry represents Servicemembers and Veterans worldwide. He has offices on the East Coast, West Coast, and in the Central U.S.