Anyone ever hear of branch "refusing" assignment requests?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Dec 2018 13:41:09 -0500

I am dual military and having issues with my spouse (also a 25B) and I contacting branch to request an assignment. We have had two coworkers same rank and MOS reach out and our branch is "refusing" to accept any request over 6 months out. My only concern is, the last time I was in Korea (single, 1 year tour) I had an assignment before the 6 months so I did not even get the opportunity to request anything. I am aware that requests are not guaranteed by any means, and I also know things change a lot as far as assignments but according to S1 and retention, all that is available is recruiting, Kuwait and Korea and I am fairly certain there are more assignments than that and will be more.
Has anyone heard of Branch refusing requests, and is there any one else to talk to really just about our options?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2018 3:34 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Dec 2018 15:34:05 -0500

If your S1 pulled EDAS and that’s what’s available, that’s what’s available. And even what’s on EDAS, you may not get. You also have to take into account your MOS, years of service, strength of your MOS, the current priority of the duty station you want versus the priority level of what the Army needs.

My advice is that, as an E-5, take Recruiting, Drill, or Instructor. You will need to get your first broadening assignment out of the way at some point. This may be a good time for that. I also suggest you and your spouse fill out your ASK. That will give your Branch Manager more to work with. Utilize your Requisitions.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2018 5:56 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Dec 2018 17:56:17 -0500

Branch works with you when it fits into their timeline. If you are OCONUS they have to place you on assignment no later than 6 months prior to DEROS, which is why you were assigned by 6 months out. Also, you received that assignment in Korea because that's where your HA/AP was set for. You may not have known it at the time.
Your Career Counselor and S1 are telling you the open requisitions. Being MACP, you aren't eligible to take any of those. What will happen is that your branch manager will have to dig into the strengths of various duty stations and when those assignments are available. The answer may be that you both go on a dependent restricted tour for a year with a follow on assignment putting you together.
The best way to approach your branch is for you both to send an email naming where you would like to go. Give 3-5 locations in order of preference and update your ASK. Believe it or not, they do look at that. If they don't get back to you, email the PDNCO. Sometimes the person you are emailing is on TDY.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2018 12:35 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 22 Dec 2018 00:35:38 -0500

Got some bad news for you. The higher up you go, the less likely they are to work with you.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2018 9:05 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 22 Dec 2018 21:05:06 -0500

Getting an assignment will happen one day, keep in touch with branch. But you also need to make sure you both are enrolled in the married Army couples program, and everything is up to date. That way your records will help you two stay together. Good luck