How can I decline PCS orders and a promotion?

You are not promoted, you are selected for promotion. Unless of course you didn't update your profile and are now a MSG. The three year SRR begins at pin on. You can find the declination statement on the enlisted promotions page. I'm assuming whoever told you that an indefinite reenlistment meant you can't deny a promotion probably doesn't work at promotions branch. HRC is like a box with a bunch of little separated geniuses in it, who are oblivious to anything but their own cubicle. The branch manager you call might know everything about assignments, but nothing about reenlistments, or compassionate reassignment, or specialty branches.

You're not eligible to retire in lieu of PCS, but you can PCS and drop your retirement immediately upon being eligible.

If you did accept the promotion and pin on the rank, you are still not necessarily required to stay an additional three years. The requirement is to stay three years to keep the MSG rank, not that you are ineligible to retire until three more years. If HRC approves your retirement they simply revoke your MSG rank. The other outcome is that they deny your retirement based on strengths if you did take the promotion.

Usually your branch manager will work with you if you tell them you are dropping your retirement immediately and you're within six months of that. Not the branch manager for the E8s, mind you. I've heard they can be very difficult to work with. But, decline your promotion and you will no longer be considered for an E8 position.

SFC (Join to see) Based on what I see in your post,
Retirement in lieu of PCS is not an option for you ...as that requires retirement within 6 months.
Selection for promotion is a done deal under current business rules..

So what to do about PCS??? I too was told in no uncertain terms, we had moved for the last time, we ARE home, you may PCS, we will not...... so my suggestion to you.. set your family for success at current location, pick your head up and PCS on your own. You do about 2 months at new station and request retirement right as you have 12 months remaining (so 19 years TIS)

By now in the Army you know 18 months is nothing ....its a deployment plus a few months..
Its 360 general work days before considering training holidays, national holidays and leave and pass days. Over the 18 months, you take a few days to go see family, they take a few long weekends to come see you and before you know it you will be in the retirement office signing final paperwork and reviewing your DD214.

NOTE nothing I said or inferred going ROAD. Retired On Active Duty... Do your job till the last day and that is not do as I say not as I do suggestion..
I was at NTC validating our DIV TOC for a unplanned / hardly announced trip to a non permissive location in Africa just a few days before I retired...And told the CORPS and DIV CDRS if my TOC went, I was going .....
Keep your head up, lean on others family and friends dont stop doing your job or planning for your future

Worst case scenario you accept the promotion and PCS alone for 1.5 years.
Don't do anything stupid. It simply is not worth it just to stay where you are now.

Is there any way you can get an extension for where you are? I have been out a while so I am not sure. Also avail yourself of your Unit Chaplain, he or she may be able to help in situations like this.

You’re at an odd situation. My best advise would be to plan a short away from home and when you’re at 11.5 months from your 20s, immediately drop your retirement packet. You could potentially decline your PCS but it can potentially back fire at you. So again, and like many have posted, do an accompanied tour to Drum and drop that packet as soon as eligible!

How would you not be able to decline the promotion and ride it out till 20? I do not understand. My deputy Commandant here at work decided not to take the promotion to SGM and he is just fine. I mean, he is over 20 years, maybe that is why? There I'd definitely something fishy here. My brother was also just selected to SGM, has under 20 years and had the option to decline.

Many individuals get picked up after stating they do not desire to get promoted. I believe there is a promotion declination memorandum that needs to be submitted to HRC.

You drop your retirement as soon as you get there and just ghost everyone happens quite often. I'm probably going to end up doing the same thing. The Army's fault. They don't care about our family.

You can geo-bachelor for 18 months and retire as MSG. It's not that long. Plus you'll earn an extra $500/month for that 18 months by taking the promotion and it will bump your retirement pay up by around $130/month. Look at it this way, 18 months inconvenience in return for an extra $9000 plus an extra $1500 a year retirement pay for the rest of your life.

Not sure how it works for NCOs but i resigned from Active duty at 16 years and 9 months in lieu of PCS.

It’s funny how our assignment managers “know what’s best”. They’re supposed to do what best for the Army, your career, and your family (in that order). But considering all three factors?...not so much. It’s usually the Army and career. Good luck family. Made it this far, what’s another 3 years? Guess they forgot our spouses have careers of their own. It’s insane that they’re choosing to spend thousands of dollars to move you and your family even after explaining your plans. Here’s a few options:

Recruiter. Seriously. I hear AGR will take you if you separate from RA into NG under few conditions: 1. INF Branch (not assignments) releases the “promotable” you.... 2. The state you’re currently in is willing to accept you as the “non-promotable” you with the understanding that you become a NG Recruiter for that state... 3. You’ll have to recruit for three years. But hey, you’ll stay in the area and make extra money in addition to making connections. There’s a thing called “Sanctuary” (I know, sounds glorious) that will lock you into your State as you approach retirement as well. Next AGR board isn’t for a couple months so you might have time.

Wanna teach those 18.5 years of leadership skill. Try ROTC Instructor positions within your state. Research ROTC programs and seek out Cadet Command if you wanna go down that route. I’ve found it very rewarding teaching our future leaders. You might too.

Any MSG positions opening up at your post? Pretty obvious but I had to ask.

I’m not saying the aforementioned are the best but they're worth inquiring about. Exhaust all options and talk to as many people as you need to (Chain of Command, CSM, even the INF Branch CSM/CDR) So look up your local AR/NG Recruiter or Career Counselor, visit a few colleges, start knocking on some doors, and make a few calls. Worst case, you PCS, be a Geo-Bachelor for bit, and return home afterwards. Most importantly, get Houshold 6 to understand it all. Show her that you’re trying your best and Show her that you value her and all the hard work and effort she’s put into your marriage by keeping her in the loop, including her in some phone conversations and bringing her to meetings. That way, the people assisting you will know that they’re dealing with a united front. Good luck to you and yours.

Oh, and don’t do anything crazy. If anything, file an IG complaint on the grounds that you were not counseled properly regarding your promotion, the Career Status Program, and retirement. I dunno, there’s always a way.