Can I cancel my DS orders?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Jan 2019 07:48:29 -0500

Just got DA selected to got to the DS school but I’m almost 40 years old and pretty much I have 3 years left in the Army when I finish the school. Back in 2013 I requested to go and got denied because I had a little problem in one of my NCOER, but now im a lot older , 17 years In and got selected. Is theres a possibility I can cancel the school?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2019 9:36 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Jan 2019 09:36:09 -0500

1. If you cancel/don't go what happens to you career? Will if affect your promotion? Do you care? 2. If you go how much will it help? Is it worth it to the unit? Since you only have 3 years left? Does it have a commitment that would require you to stay past those 3 years...b/c some schools do. Sorry I have more questions for you than answers.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2019 9:56 AM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Jan 2019 09:56:57 -0500

tough decision. If you are DA selected I would call Branch right away and see what options you have might not be any being DA selected. I thought they stopped doing DA select a couple years ago they must of brought it back. If there is no way out then it looks like being on the trail would be your last assignment before retirement most drills are on the trail from 2-3 years.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jan 10 at 2019 10:44 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Thu, 10 Jan 2019 10:44:51 -0500

Call Branch- ask to get declination papers- tho it will bar you from any re-enlist.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2019 10:53 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Jan 2019 10:53:44 -0500

No chance. Your best bet is simply to be disqualified. A few years ago you could cancel DS, but now you absolutely will go. You don't have enough time in to do a retirement in lieu of PCS either.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2019 10:54 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Jan 2019 10:54:41 -0500

Just like PCS orders, it tough for you not to go and not going can be detrimental to your career. I agree call your branch to see what options you may have is your best bet. Couple war stories for you - 1) I had an NCO a few years back who was centrally selected, didn't want to go but decided to go. When he failed the school (on purpose) he was sent back to the unit and was immediately PCS by branch to another post. He basically wanted to retire at our current post and that didn't obviously happen and he PCS'd to Korea. War Story (2) I had 3 NCOs who became Drill Sergeant "kicking and screaming all the way." They actually loved the experience and 2 where promoted along the way will on the trail. 1 of those NCOs retired after being a DS at a grade higher than if he had not gone.

Response by SGT Christopher Hayden made Jan 10 at 2019 10:56 AM

SGT Christopher Hayden — Thu, 10 Jan 2019 10:56:34 -0500

Your best bet would probably just be to suck it up and go. I could think of worse places to finish out 3 years.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2021 12:09 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 12:09:19 -0400

Can someone help me please with DS branch number please I look on HRC and I don’t see. I am trying to volunteer for it