Do I need to complete the DLC 4 if I plan on dropping my retirement packet in less than 3 months? How do I let HRC or DA know?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Oct 2020 17:12:11 -0400

I am dropping my retirement packet in less than 3 months. I received an email from 1SG that said I will be receiving a "8K bar to reenlistment" in 18 days if I fail to complete DLC 4. I checked LMS and saw that I was enrolled for DLC 4 in ATTRS and that I have over 270 days to complete this.

Do I need to complete the DLC 4? How do I let HRC or Department of the Army know that I will be dropping my retirement packet in less than 3 months? Where do I go to see if I have to complete DLC4 in less than 18 days or else get a "8K bar?" My NCOIC said he knows of someone that retired with an "8K Bar", it didn't hurt that SM when dropping the retirement packet, but it raised some "eyebrows"?

Thank you very much.

Response by SGT Javier Silva made Oct 21 at 2020 5:18 PM

SGT Javier Silva — Wed, 21 Oct 2020 17:18:33 -0400

SFC Private RallyPoint Member Any insight to this?

Response by SFC Thomas Howes made Oct 21 at 2020 5:24 PM

SFC Thomas Howes — Wed, 21 Oct 2020 17:24:53 -0400

I been out so long I couldn't help you don't even know what a DLC4 is. I can tell you hit up the add station get all your medical up to date once out and fighting the VA is going to suck.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 21 at 2020 5:26 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Oct 2020 17:26:13 -0400

It sounds comical to me that I will receive a "bar to reenlistment" after doing over 20 years of service? I reenlisted with an indef way back when I had 15 years of service.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 21 at 2020 5:32 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Oct 2020 17:32:51 -0400

DLC 4 is SSD 4.

Response by SFC Marc W. made Oct 21 at 2020 5:53 PM

SFC Marc W. — Wed, 21 Oct 2020 17:53:50 -0400

If you're at 20 or near 20, about to put in a retirement packet, DLC can suck it. So can the 1sg who doesn't know his own PSG is going to retire. And if he does know it's even worse.

Some people just want to be done, promotions be damned.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 21 at 2020 6:51 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Oct 2020 18:51:36 -0400

MILPER 20-124 explains that everyone who fails to complete their DLC within certain time constraints for their rank will receive an 8K Bar to Continued Service. This applies from E4-E8. Those NCOs in the window to be evaluated by Senior NCO Evaluation boards who are still an 8K and ineligible to compete will receive a 1K. The second year they will receive a 2K and be separated. This is the up or out system as it applies to enlisted.

As far as negative effects, having an 8K has no impact on an indef NCO who is close to retirement. The Soldiers who are 8K are usually tracked by name at the Brigade and Division levels, and the Company Commander is required to counsel them every three months. This means you can expect to be harassed about it until its complete. But an 8K is not a flag and it does not prevent a Soldier from retirement or cause any issues with it.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2023 6:35 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Jul 2023 18:35:51 -0400

I get where you are coming from but as a leader and example for soldiers I would complete it. It sends the right message. You cannot expect or require 100% from your soldiers if you aren’t giving it.

What happens to the SPC who says, I’m 120 days from ETS, screw the ACFT and formation?

Just my humble opinion- Congrats on achieving retirement and thanks for serving with all of us. Best wishes for whatever is next!!