Can I decline being promoted to Corporal?

I remember guys who were junior enlisted and didn't want to get promoted. They didn't want to take on the challenge of being an E-4. They did not qualify for reenlistment on the next cycle.

I turned down a promotion to Chief Petty Officer during my last submarine patrol. I would have taken it, gone through initiation, and bought all the new uniforms required but I was not willing to extend my enlistment by three years. My plan was to leave active duty and I stuck to it.

Lucky for me, I found a Naval Reserve unit that had a CPO slot open and I was promoted by the USNR. I took the promotion gladly.

It would bite you in the a$$. Take your promotion go to the schools it will help you out in the end

You can always make the request. There are consequences for everything we do or fail to do. If they grant your request [it could be a long time (if ever) before you become a Sergeant (E-5). If they deny your request, you'll have an opportunity to demonstrate your leadership abilities (or lack of). You're an adult and will choose the 'best' COA for your life and future. I wish you the best.

You can always ask. There are always consequences for what we do and what we don't do. Be careful for what you wish for ... if they grant your request ... there will consequences [i.e. it may be a long time before (if ever) you become a Sergeant (E-5). Conversely, if your request is denied, you'll have additional responsibilities of a NCO and opportunity to demonstrate your leadership (or lack of) abilities. You're an adult and you'll figure out the 'best' COA for your life. I wish you the best.

Time to take on more responsivity young man. If not get out of the Military. I am sure Walmart and McDonalds is hiring in your hometown.

Then get out of the Military if you don't want to take on more responsibility. I am sure Walmart is hiring in your home town.

Lots of good comments, mostly covering the “I was x rank doing a higher ranks job.” Wonderful.

What also happens is the exact opposite- especially if you hit E7 or 8. They won’t reduce you because there isn’t a slot for you. I spent time in a OOG position waiting on a 1SG position to open. I was doing staff work that basically required the clerical abilities of an E3. It happens. Easiest money I ever made. But of course- I had times where I was doing much more than my pay grade called for. Service, professionalism, warrior ethos and teamwork…..think about that.

But as I’m sure it’s been said…… if you are complaining about money vs responsibility, and you haven’t really even been put in a leadership position yet, somethings not in the right place……and that may be you in the military. It’s not for everyone. And that’s ok.

Wondering WHY you prepared and bothered to go in front of promotion board and do not want to take responsibility for the rank promotion, yet apparently going Ranger school??? You should have informed your COC that you feel you are not ready for promotion to the next rank at this time prior to appearing before the board. Same with Ranger school, if your not ready for responsibility of SGT rank, you should absolutely not go to Ranger school at all at this time. If you are not able to fill this position, let someone else have it finish up your term with honorable discharge, hit the civilian work force, they are hiring everywhere!

If you worked for me you would remain a SPC until discharge or retirement.

An old song "You'll never get rich / by digging a ditch / you're in the Army now!"
Take the promotion