I was promoted into a different unit. Do I have to stay 12 months with them before I can transfer?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Apr 2017 15:27:27 -0400

I have been in a Drill SGT reserve unit for about a year now as a supply. I was given the opportunity to go to DS School, recently began attending BA as a drill sgt candidate. Packets practically complete, and school dates requested for August. I suddenly received promotion orders to a new unit and have to stay for 12 months to keep my rank. The plan was to get promoted from e4-e5 for DS school.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2017 3:33 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Apr 2017 15:33:31 -0400

The standard is that, yes you have to stay within the unit for 12 months in order to retain your rank.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2017 4:37 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Apr 2017 16:37:46 -0400

SGT Private RallyPoint Member your chain of command can ask the Regional Support Command to change your orders. Otherwise it is the needs of the Army. If they want to make it work then you could reality move, but technically you are supposed to stay in the unit for a year.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2017 5:28 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Apr 2017 17:28:25 -0400

By regulation yes but if your gaining command is willing to send you back to the Drill Sergeant unit then you can transfer back with no problem and retain your rank. I am part of a drill sergeant unit at Fort Carson and this happens quite often. Most commanders will not deny your request to become a Drill Sergeant. I applaud your decision as the DS course is not an easy one. Good luck if that is the path you decide to take.

Response by CSM William DeWolf made Apr 20 at 2017 6:36 PM

CSM William DeWolf — Thu, 20 Apr 2017 18:36:29 -0400

Stick with your plans and work with our unit. As stated the rule is correct but there is a need for DS

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Apr 21 at 2017 9:50 AM

COL Vincent Stoneking — Fri, 21 Apr 2017 09:50:33 -0400

Yes, but.
As others have said, according to regulation and policy, you were promoted INTO a specific slot at a specific unit. A condition of accepting that promotion is agreeing to stay in that slot for a minimum of 12 months.

It is fairly common, but really at the discretion of the "losing unit" (the one that WAS gaining a new NCO), for drug deals to be cut. I have seen some cases where the losing unit refused to let the NCO go before the 12 month mark. I find that they are more responsive BEFORE the report date.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2017 8:42 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 21 May 2017 20:42:31 -0400

Update: Reported to the new unit last month and explained the situation to my new commander. They had excess supply as well so it was not going to do them any harm to lose me. She agreed to release me back to the Drill SGT unit once we provided her with a source/regulation stating she could release me and I could keep my rank (AR 140-10). The transfer paperwork is being done now, hopefully the transfer is completed in a timely manner so that I keep the same school dates. I'm just grateful that this opportunity is still here!