If selected for SLC, can a Soldier decline it?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 10:38:21 -0500

According to this years MilPer message, SSG's with over 18.5 years will not be considered for selection to SFC, and I just got the email saying I have a reservation in ATRRS for SLC. I just want to retire next year..

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2016 10:45 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 10:45:13 -0500

You could decline the school if you want, but I think It won't hurt you to have SLC, it may help you in your transition

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2016 10:46 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 10:46:31 -0500

contact whom ever put you in for it and tell them , just dont be a no show, that looks really bad on the unit.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2016 10:46 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 10:46:54 -0500

Technically, no unless your branch is willing to work with you. I've seen guys go to ALC just before their ETS, although never SLC because it's so high demand.
The other option is an operational deletion, but those are harder now because of QMP.
Have you started your retirement process? Usually Branch is willing to work with people who are retiring.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2016 10:57 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 10:57:47 -0500

Why pass on an opportunity to learn and grow?
Many of the concepts introduced at SLC are applicable in everyday life.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2016 11:29 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 11:29:30 -0500

Thanks to everyone that responded with some oustanding advice. Im looking forward to going to SLC now. Like alot of you have said.. why pass up the opportunity for some good training.

Response by SP5 David Cox made Feb 11 at 2016 3:51 PM

SP5 David Cox — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 15:51:06 -0500

This made me chuckle in memory of a similar situation I faced. First off, congratulations on making it through to retirement. I did 4 years of active duty and despite some initial hopes, knew fairly soon in my time that a career was not for me. I don't remember the exact timing, but within my last year I was getting considerable pressure to attend PLDC. I found a reg that I thought said that I could turn down the "honor" if I was that close to getting out, but I wasn't sure that I was reading it correctly, and wanted to be sure before I tossed it back into anyone's face. I went to someone I knew and asked their opinion. They thought I was right, but weren't sure either, so they referred me to their SGM. I explained the situation, leaving out names, and he thought I was correct also, but he knew somebody that he said would be able to give me a good answer. He got on the phone, mentioned my name and described the situation. After a moment, he hung up and told me that my Sergeant Major wanted to talk to me - yep, he'd called my CSM! He was livid, because he thought I had been trying to go behind his back, but I managed to convince him that I had only been trying to verify my position before presenting it. I think the fact that I hadn't mentioned any names in describing the situation convinced him. I was a 74F (NBC-related now, but it was a computer programmer back in my time) and my CSM told me that I was the best programmer and worst soldier he'd ever worked with. He didn't expect me to thank him for the compliment. This is the same CSM who tried to "reform" me by submitting me for Soldier of the Month 3 times. I didn't embarrass myself or him, but I knew I wasn't going to win, and it didn't work as he thought it might.

Response by SSG Fernando Caballero made Feb 12 at 2016 10:12 PM

SSG Fernando Caballero — Fri, 12 Feb 2016 22:12:24 -0500

If I remember correctly you can not attend SLC unless you're promotable. I would get clarification if I were you, but if you can attend then it would be good. SLC is a good learning experience.

Response by SFC James Young made Feb 13 at 2016 11:38 AM

SFC James Young — Sat, 13 Feb 2016 11:38:03 -0500

It'll get you away from your unit for a few months. If worded correctly it could be used under education on a LinkedIn profile possibly a resume. Not as good as college, but it's something.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Apr 5 at 2016 8:54 PM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Tue, 05 Apr 2016 20:54:58 -0400

SSG Private RallyPoint Member Any chance you get to improve yourself is one not to turn down - military or civilian. Also get the course, then maybe you might want to get promoted - retirement is a little sweeter at the next rank.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2016 11:51 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 11:51:38 -0400

I took everyone's advice.. graduated SLC last month.. It was definitely worth going, and was a very good experience. Thx to everyone that gave me the good advice.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made May 9 at 2018 9:20 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Wed, 09 May 2018 21:20:33 -0400

Then turn it down, and put in for retirement

Response by 1SG Clifford Barnes made Sep 23 at 2018 9:34 PM

1SG Clifford Barnes — Sun, 23 Sep 2018 21:34:03 -0400

Yes you can but not a good career move