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

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 May 2020 06:19:23 -0400

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

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 May 2020 06:57:39 -0400

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

SFC Michael Hasbun — Wed, 20 May 2020 09:21:10 -0400

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

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 May 2020 09:45:57 -0400

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

SPC John Decker — Wed, 20 May 2020 12:17:57 -0400

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

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 May 2020 15:10:34 -0400

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

SPC Kevin Ford — Wed, 20 May 2020 15:41:27 -0400

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

SFC Francisco Rosario — Wed, 20 May 2020 15:41:50 -0400

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

Capt Bob Soldner — Wed, 20 May 2020 16:17:55 -0400

I think that's called "COG".