How can I get out of my PCS orders?

I'm going to approach this from two directions, I'm not sure how much either one will help you. There's a lot in this thread, my apologies if you've already answered some of my questions, or received similar advice in another comment.

First, I don't agree with the people saying that you need to just suck it up. In the end you may need to, but that doesn't mean that you can't try and get out of this. After all, if your needs are inconvenient for the Army, they wouldn't hesitate to screw you, so if their needs are inconvenient for you, then I'd say turnabout is fair play. I will echo some other comments which said not to burn to many bridges getting out. You've got a lot of life left, and going to extreme could stick around a long time, but that doesn't mean you can't try to get out of this pcs.

Unfortunately, I am far from an admin guru.

Aside from your career counselor, have you talked to your command about this at all? What was their response? As a 31E, it would seem that GTMO is the place to go. I would think that there would be competition for that job. Hell, is this an accompanied pcs? I'm tempted to volunteer for you. My experience has been that for every pcs/deployment someone doesn't want to do, there are three people wondering why they can't get that assignment. Would it be possible to find a volunteer to replace you? Your career counselor may be able to help you out with this. Also, is this an accompanied pcs?

The second direction I'm going to recommend is to not even try. 18 months will fly by. GTMO was my first duty station, I was there before there were any terrorists, just some refugees. I absolutely loved it. It is a tropical paradise. There's a reason why it was a tourist destination for the most high rolling capitalists before communism. GTMO is admittedly isolated, (though probably less so since there are more personnel there now,) and you probably won't meet any Cubans, but other than military stress, everything else was great.

The scuba diving is suppose to be the best in the world, and there are no tourists because there's landmines all over, so you get it all to yourself! Sadly, I can't speak from experience here, I never got certified because of stupidity, but you can! Fishing is outstanding, It is warm all year round. Running trails were good, and most importantly, I've still never had Jamaican jerk chicken better than I've had there. Not even close, and I've searched.

Speaking of searching, there was a bank robbery while I was there. They caught the culprits before they could leave the base, but the rumor was that they never recovered all the money and there's a couple hundred grand still out there. Happy hunting!

You are stuck like Chuck. Get ready for Cuba.

How's Cuba?

Made it to Cuba yet?

Just now seeing this question, I'm genuinely curious how he's enjoying Cuba.

Ah, the old "I don't want those orders" routine. In 1996, I saw a sailor want into the Captain's office and tell him he couldn't go another minute without another man's dick in his ass. He was processed out in 48 hours.... However, I don't think that matters in today's Army. So grab a dictonary and look between "Shit" and "syphilis" and you will find sympathy. Then pack your bags and set your mind on "standing a post".

Desert.

Wow! That is some weak shit there! I'm trying to be sympathetic because I understand you want life to be the way you want it. You should not have re-enlisted. The army took care of you and held up its end. Stop whining and hold up your end. I expect it is just a year like Korea, Panama (was), hondo, and Sinai. Expand your horizons...see another part of the world so you can fully appreciate home. If you are wanting to get married...get married or wait until you get home. I don't see how you can have a hugely successful side business as a spc on active duty. Not talking shit, just looking realistically at your duty day, duty shifts, field time, etc. If you have managed to make it work so far, then you will be able to pick up where you leave off.

You sir need to put your "BIG BOY" pants on and do you job that you signed up for. You can finish your degree on line and let your customers know that you will be back for business once you finish your job in GTMO. It will be there once you finish your enlistment and your fiance will be there once you come back to states. Don't go to your career counselor or S-1 to get your orders canceled. I know several people in the Navy that have businesses and guess what they inform them what's going and be back in 10 months to continue on what they was doing. Just do your dam job and quit whining what you want to do.

Being an MP is one if those jobs that everyone pretty much cycles through Gitmo, like going to Bragg if you're ABN, Groton if you're a submariner, Augusta National for the Air and Space Forces...

You re-enlisted for STABILITY? So you fulfilled your first contract and thought you were in a position of stability? Okay, either you don't pay attention to what is going on around you, or your command is piss poor. What on God's green earth every made you think that station assignments were stable. The only thing stable is your paycheck and that you have a job. Back in the day you could go to CSM and claim you're gay and that would've got you out - not any longer. If your welding business is going so well, why would you re-enlist? You can take online classes to get your BA, or BS, that's what I did, and after I retired I went to brick and mortar for my MA. There are options for your education, but your business? Well, your primary job and commitment is to the Army. Yes, it is pretty selfish that you think somebody else should go and your stability should be the Army's priority. You must have watched the old commercials and believe that you are an Army of One.

Maybe say you are addicted to drugs. How about stick it out bc that shows the kind of man you are. You cannot quit everything just bc it doesn’t suit your current needs. If you quit before your obligation ends how can you earn any respect. You wanna get married? Stupid unless you are gonna have a child. You are not well established enough to get married, wait til you’re 35. Contract a welder while you are away.

The Army did their part...now do yours. If you're the kind of "businessman" that cannot respect a contract or your word...as in oath, then I would not want to be a client of yours.

Get your bags packed because your going soldier. The government upheld their side of the contractual agreement now you have to do yours. Your civilian job can wait. Your future wife can wait if she truly loves you and you can postpone finishing your degree until you get back or work with your college to do online classes. No excuses you agreed to the terms now your stuck with it. Part of being an adult soldier Army Strong !!!!

The military is not some part time job boys and girls. You made a commitment to serve. If you want out because your service is getting in the way of your job ask for a dishonorable discharge? I am sure you will be fine.

Talk to your welding customers and let them know you’re still active duty and being deployed to Gitmo. They will be there when you get back. President Biden has said he is dramatically reducing the usage of Guantanamo Bay and May is still two months away, your orders may change. It used to be only a six month stint back in the old days.

How are you running a business while being active military? Quite a conflict of interest, don't you think?

Methinks you should diligently perform the duties you promised and swore to do when you reenlisted, then continue your education and business operations afterward. If your private interests are worth anything at all, they are worth waiting for. And think of the additions you can make to your resume when you return home!

Think ahead, show excellent performance, and get promoted so can support your family more comfortably - both in the military and as a civilian. Enjoy your time in Cuba!

Dave Casey

I have a friend who is an attorney in the Reserves. He got called up for a year in GITMO. Left a great paying job and a pregnant wife. And he wasn't a full-time soldier. Do your duty man!

File for a financial hardship. You only have 17 months left in service. Do you have finance books to show money you have spent to build business. Do you have school transactions that show you are enrolled?
I would be the first to jump on the "thats the Army" but I am not going to.
And if your going to get married do it now.. Like before Friday. You can have a wedding later. That will also change the game. As of now she is just a girlfriend. Besides why not take advantage of the perks.
I have built my business over the years and completely understand your situation.
Get your facts in order then go see the IG and state your case.
Do not do anything stupid to result in getting kicked out.. That will haunt you in years to come....

Try to file hardship paper work based on your current financial situation. Also you can help your case with stating you have only 17 months left. To further help that you can bring up the fact that Biden (not my choice for commander in chief) is shutting that base down.