Can a career counselor or commander deny my reclassification due to upcoming deployment?

2018-08-08T15:23:26-04:00

Good morning Sir or Ma’am,
And appreciate for your intention for having an interest about my topic

I am a specialist E4 Army soldier. Now I got the result from PA school with pending which means recomending reapplying for next year. So I decided to move my career for reclassifying to 68W since my window is open now. (I will reapply for PA next year)

I went to see a career counselor to see if I am eligible for 68W and He said yes i am eligible. But he added “even if you are qualifies and school is available upcoming March and April, you need to get an apporoval from commander since we are deploying.” And commander said no I cannot reclass on that time.

I totally understand the Army needs of us deploying but now I feel I need some advices from professionals. Due to my MOS strength, Reclassification opportunity is very rare but now is.

Thank you for reading the article!

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2018 3:33 PM

2018-08-08T15:33:45-04:00

Career Counselors cannot deny any Soldier’s reclassification. Career Counselor have to follow strict rules in place and ensure that the requesting Soldier is fully qualified for the MOS requested. In many cases Soldiers could meet all the requirements for the MOS requested, but there are no school seats available at that time. Commanders will only deny a request when the Soldier is pending an UCMJ action or the Soldier is flagged for actions such as APFT failure or some others.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2018 3:55 PM

2018-08-08T15:55:34-04:00

That doesn't sound correct. The Commander may only approve or deny your request for reenlistment they have no influence or say in what option you choose.
Your deployment locks you into a stability code and you won't be eligible to move until after your stop movement code end date. That means that you can reenlist now for a school after your deployment. If you are still having that problem a quick talk with your IG should straighten any issues out. But, a faster solution will be found if you simply talk to your Brigade Career Counselor. Most of the time commanders simply don't understand their left and right limits in the process.
On a side note, if you are trying to drop your PA packet, you will be delaying your opportunity by several years if you Reclass.
Imagine this time line - you get an early class date and you are able to attend in 6 months. The course is 5 months, plus another month to report. Plus you will need to pull a year in your MOS since you've just arrived on station.

Response by LTC Stephan Porter made Aug 8 at 2018 3:58 PM

2018-08-08T15:58:29-04:00

I concur with the SGM. If your unit has “stop loss” that might be part it too. Many of us feel it would be the right thing to do (let you go), but we don’t have all the factors (neither do you).

The advice to ask to see the Cdr and talk about your position, goals and the pending deployment is good!

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2018 4:35 PM

2018-08-08T16:35:01-04:00

Yes, if it effects unit readiness or you're in a needed MOS they can deny.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2018 5:59 PM

2018-08-08T17:59:59-04:00

Commanders approve actions. Is the Soldier fully qualified for said action, in this case reenlistment. If a Soldier is qualified and recommended for reenlistment by the company commander, then he/she can re-enlist for an option qualified for IAW AR 601-280 and applicable policy messages.

Please see below, this is from policy message 18-02(C1)
5. Deployed or deploying units: reenlistment options that result in a Soldiers movement out of the unit (report dates and training start dates) must be accomplished prior to LAD minus 180 days or must be after the 60 or 90 day stabilization period following redeployment. Movement options for Soldiers assigned to OCONUS AFM units remains driven by their DEROS date. DEROS adjustments may be accomplished IAW AR 614-30 for Soldiers who have a DEROS between LAD minus 90 and LAD minus 180 days and desire to reenlist for a movement option to move prior to LAD -180. As an exception, Soldiers assigned to units identified for a Security Force Assistance Advisor Team (SFAAT) mission are exempt from this requirement.
Here the link to it http://www.armyreenlistment.com/Messages/Policy/PM_18_02_C1.pdf

While it does not solve everything, I believe it’s important to have all the information. See if your Career Counselor can find a school date that works IAW currently policy.

Good luck and thank you for your continued service.

PM_18_02_C1.pdf

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2018 6:05 PM

2018-08-08T18:05:20-04:00

Correct me if I am wrong, but I did not read anything about reenlistment. I READ reclassify from a cook to healthcare specialist.

Cooks are meal where I am from, they would never re lease a cook till the FRU unit is done with. Stop loss if you will