Can a Soldier PCS to Korea with less than 12 months left on their contract?

2020-05-20T06:19:23-04:00

Leave day is supposed to be October, ETS date is in August. Can a Soldier (first term, junior enlisted) be forced to PCS to Korea? I have tried to find the regs and read through the retention reg but couldn’t find anything. Thanks

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2020 6:57 AM

2020-05-20T06:57:39-04:00

I could be wrong, but no. Unless it has changed, you’re not allowed to ETS from Korea. You’d have to comeback to the states to actually go through the ETS process. Plus if you have less than 5 months those orders shouldn’t even be processed/exist for the simple fact you’re not meeting the SRR requirement of doing a full year there

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made May 20 at 2020 9:21 AM

2020-05-20T09:21:10-04:00

This is one of those reenlist, extend, or sign a DEC statement kind of situations, unfortunately.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2020 9:45 AM

2020-05-20T09:45:57-04:00

Sure. After they reenlist or extend their contract. Contact your Retention NCO for further details as they would be the real SMEs on this one.

Response by SPC John Decker made May 20 at 2020 12:17 PM

2020-05-20T12:17:57-04:00

When I was in, the regs allowed for 6 months/half-a-year. I ETS'd from Germany to NTC Ft. Irwin, California, with 183 days remaining on my contract.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2020 3:10 PM

2020-05-20T15:10:34-04:00

The short answer under any circumstances is NO. However, if you are a 1st Termer, you could sign a 1st termer's statement which acts as a Dec Statement, but has no consequences. If you already enlisted once, then you'd have to sign a Declination Statement which hinders you from ever coming back to active duty if you ever wanted to.

Response by SPC Kevin Ford made May 20 at 2020 3:41 PM

2020-05-20T15:41:27-04:00

Just a opinion and I don't know what your personal family circumstances are. For me, I viewed going overseas as an opportunity and in retrospect going to Korea was one of the best experiences I had.

Of course your circumstances may be different but all things being equal if I could do it again, I'd jump at the opportunity even if it wasn't for a full tour.

Response by SFC Francisco Rosario made May 20 at 2020 3:41 PM

2020-05-20T15:41:50-04:00

The smart thing is not to move the soldier, it will cost more to move the soldier twice. Once to get him/her there and then again to get him/her out. You may need to contact HRC.

Response by Capt Bob Soldner made May 20 at 2020 4:17 PM

2020-05-20T16:17:55-04:00

I think that's called "COG".