This is EL here trying to help you get your answer. I pulled this from AR 601-280, the retention AR. I hope it helps. I would still ask your career counselor, there may be a loophole for you. I am just a retention NCO and not the expert.

 

4–9. Reasons for Extensions of Enlistment. Requests for extension of enlistment described in this regulation may be approved for the following reasons. Upon receipt of the approved DA Form 3340-R and verification of eligibility, the servicing Career Counselor will obtain an extension control number (ECN) from Commander, HRC, via the RETAIN system. The ECN will be entered on the soldier’s DA Form 1695. Extensions for purposes other than those listed in this paragraph will be evaluated by the soldier’s immediate commander, approved as outlined, and accomplished only when the soldier is within the reenlistment eligibility window and will not exceed a cumulative total of 12 months on any one enlistment, unless otherwise specified. Extensions are not authorized once the soldier is within 3 months of scheduled ETS, except when prior approval has been obtained from CG, HRC (TAPC-EPR).

a. Meeting SRRs. Extensions may be accomplished as prescribed in table 4-1. Soldiers within the reenlistment eligibility window and otherwise qualified, must reenlist to meet the SRR, they may not extend. Soldiers not otherwise qualified for reenlistment may be extended. Eligible soldiers who are not in the reenlistment window may extend or reenlist to meet a service remaining requirement. Soldiers who have extended their ETS to comply with service remaining requirements and subsequently request reenlistment because their SRB may be adversely affected by a later reenlistment must be properly counseled on the effects. Soldiers should be advised at the time they request an extension, especially if they are currently eligible for an SRB, that the extension will count as previously obligated service even if the extension is canceled for the purpose of immediate reenlistment. (Pol Msg 00-03, 9 NOV 99)

b. Retirement. AR 635-200*, chapter 12, applies. Soldiers applying for retirement may be extended through the last day of the retirement month. DA Form 1695 (Oath of Extension) is not required. The retirement order will serve as documentary evidence of the approved extension. Extension Control Numbers (ECN) are not required for retirement extensions executed according to AR 635-200*.

I had actually just looked this up earlier, and noticed the part just before your highlighting... "Soldiers within the reenlistment eligibility window and otherwise qualified, must reenlist to meet the SRR, they may not extend." Guess opening up the reenlistment window like they did is good for the Army (and maybe not the soldier) like they had thought.

This really bites, as I had been completely mentally prepared to extend for three months, but I'm certainly not mentally prepared to reenlist for even three years. I'm really not sure what to do at this point.

Run away!!! Run away!!!!

-the best things in life, are taken from Monte Python-

I think the first thing you need to ask yourself is, why do you want to make E-6 in the first place. If it is for the pay raise, the extra year really won't make that much difference anyway. If it is because someone told you that E-6 looks better on your DD 214 (and resume) than E-5... it makes a little difference, but I haven't found many civilian employers that care enough to read a DD 214 that closely.

If you want to advance in rank so that you can move up in your MOS and the ability to train and lead troops, then the 1 year isn't going to make much difference, just as you get into the swing of your new position, you'll be ETSing anyway.

If you really want to be a Staff Sergeant in your MOS (or in a cadre position) then re-enlisting would be the best way to realize the most from what you want from the promotion.

Like I said, you need to ask yourself why you want the promotion, once you've answered that question, the other decisions will be much easier.

Ted -

Sadly, I know exactly why I want this position, and it hasn't been an easy revelation. It hasn't been a full 180 for me, but it has certainly been an abrupt focus in a direction I have only wavered around in the past.
The hard part is that there are other parts of my life that may not make this possible, but I don't even know how they will impact it, or it them. I wish I knew what was coming in that part of my life, so that this decision would be very very easy.

I'm still going to talk to BDE Retention NCO, she's awesome, and maybe she'll have some good news for me... Then there's someone else I need to talk to.


Ben -

Sorry if this disappoints, but I've decided that the major problems that I've personally faced in the military have largely been of my making. Some might consider it selling out, but I've found much greater satisfaction in giving it my all, all the time. I know now the secret of false motivation: feelings stem from actions. If you act like you love the job, you may just find yourself in love with the job...

Could you perhaps get the rank in the Reserves or Army National Guard and still accomplish whatever other goals you want to accomplish?

Personally, I think you should reenlist. I think deep down you really want to and you should go with your gut instinct on this. I have said it before and I will say it again: The Army is not a bad place regardless of what anyone says. Every experience you embark on in life is entirely what *YOU* make of it. You say all the major problems that you have faced in your military career thus far have been your own making, well, here is a chance to change it around and learn from those mistakes. I personally have no idea what you are talking about. If you are referring to the AWCP, then that is really not a mistake, I believe that is a shortcoming in the US Army. Its retarded and ascinine, and serves no purpose whatsoever.

I can say this though: You are and always have been a good Soldier. You were always one of my favorites to work with. And one of the most professional to boot. You can take that for what its worth from me. You have more years in than me so, I am not quite sure what that means to you coming from my mouth. I wish that Greywar would have stayed in, but I know that would have been a battle that I could not have won. I can understand his reasons for getting out, but like you, he was a good Soldier too and the Army is in desperate need for that breed. Too many competent Soldiers are ETSing and the Army is in dire need for people like you. Those are just my personal, sappy feelings though.

Anyhow, I miss you and good luck in making your decision. And yes you can reach me at the same number for Grey. Take care!!

EL

From our IM and then our phone conversation the other night, and reading this, I can see that you are really having issues with reenlistment (and rank) versus getting out and finishing your time up as a SGT. You are a fine soldier. You are one of my favorite people, too (nice words, Lass), and I want you to make the decision that is right for you and your family. Your blushing bride and two adorable children need a dad that is happy where he is, both in work and in life.
I knew that if I had stayed in, the constant battle between what was professionally important and what was Army-important (AWCP, ruck marching, etc.) would clash. I perceived my job as an intel person came first, Army second. The Army, of course, saw Army first, Army second, intel analyst 5th. That wasn't what I wanted to be when I grew up. I liked my intel job but not the Army side of it. As I said to you on the phone, I really like where I am now and you need to find the place where you like yourself best.
I have the utmost confidence that you will make the right decision. I also know that whichever decision you make, you will plow your heart and soul into it. That is the man you are.

You should realy consider changing your handle from pheudosoldier. You are a Soldier (capital S). You and I have talked, the doors are open. I believe you can accomplish anything you put your mind to. Congratulations on your promotion, you have earned it. Remember, if I can help you in any way, come SEE ME...
Good job,
SFC C.

You should realy consider changing your handle from pheudosoldier. You are a Soldier (capital S). You and I have talked, the doors are open. I believe you can accomplish anything you put your mind to. Congratulations on your promotion, you have earned it. Remember, if I can help you in any way, come SEE ME... Good job, SFC C

Hey there, I know you!
Welcome to JU. Hopefully we can keep in touch. We IC professionals have to stick together.
BTW, ran into some friends here at lunch the other day, old home week!

And, ditto on the compliments! Couldn't have said it better myself, but I think you should keep "pseudosoldier". It gets increasingly ironic with the passage of time and life events, considering what now appears to be your career.