My sixth year with the Army Reserves is nearing (the end of my Active contract). How long do I have to decide whether or not to re-enlist?

2017-01-31T10:52:24-05:00

I spoke with the SSG in charge of reenlisting at my Unit and she claimed that it would work better in my favor if I were to re-enlist within the first year of Inactive Reserves to which I will be serving the last two years of my contract in. Is this true or can I wait until the end to better my decision? I only ask so I can prepare an answer with haste rather than wasting time. Thank you!

Response by SSG Derrick L. Lewis MBA, C-HRM made Jan 31 at 2017 10:59 AM

2017-01-31T10:59:18-05:00

SPC(P) Alexandra Hinds - http://www.armyreenlistment.com/reenlistment-options.html
SGM Matthew Quick , MSG Private RallyPoint Member , SSG Private RallyPoint Member .

Reenlistment Opportunity Window & Options

Reenlistment options are designed to meet the personal desires of the Soldier and to fulfill the needs of the Army.

Response by SPC Casey Ashfield made Jan 31 at 2017 11:03 AM

2017-01-31T11:03:34-05:00

Check with your unit. There may be incentives to reenlisting within X number of days before your ETS. For example there was an incentive for $10,000 bonus for reenlisting within 90 days.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2017 11:13 AM

2017-01-31T11:13:29-05:00

It depends on what you're looking to do in your military career. If looking to change MOS or units or bonus depends what availble to you. You need to be careful with retention NCOs and recruiters on what's said vs what's in your contract for reenlistment. They have goals and agendas make sure not to get mixed up in numbers game.

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Jan 31 at 2017 11:13 AM

2017-01-31T11:13:51-05:00

The thing about the USAR is that if you are in the IRR and have over a year left of MSO, you can transfer right back into a unit with just a DA4187. It is not the complete enlistment process of physical and MEPS. That gives you the option of re-joining your unit, joining a different unit, or even transferring into the ARNG or ANG. I think what she is saying is that if you don't re-up now, you still have until the end of your first year of IRR to do so without it being a full enlistment process. Initial USAR enlistments are 6x2, meaning 6 years drilling in a TPU and 2 years IRR. Your Military Service Obligation is a total of 8 years. Once you have less that 1 year of IRR left, then it is a full process to get back in. You should be entitled to any re-up bonuses until you have 1 year left in the IRR. After that, the USAR enlistment incentives are whatever is available to Prior Service applicants by MOS and unit.

Response by SFC Zachary Palacios made Jan 31 at 2017 11:27 AM

2017-01-31T11:27:58-05:00

Whatever you decide, please take advantage of your educational benefits!!!! If you decide to go active or stay in the reserves, go to school. Try to get some of the different CBRN schools under your belt as well.... Stat motivated, drink water young CBRN!!! Dragon Soldiers!

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Jan 31 at 2017 11:49 AM

2017-01-31T11:49:23-05:00

I used to re-enlist on the first day I was eligible. Things are always fluid with strengths and MOS openings so why procrastinate. I'm not sure waiting until you hit inactive status is that wise an option.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jan 31 at 2017 12:01 PM

2017-01-31T12:01:44-05:00

Only saw a brush with benefits. I didn't see anything about being nearly 1/3rd the way to a retirement and the benefits you get at 60. Make sure you work that into the equation. So many folk out there have no retirement and you'll need around 3 of them to do what you want to do later on. So if not this, what then? IRR doesn't get you a good year. I've heard many a time that exMILs later on regret not paying enough attention to that retirement thing. So if you do punch out, make sure you're executing a plan to take care of yourself later on.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2017 2:56 PM

2017-01-31T14:56:01-05:00

Don't wait. Reenlist at the first possible opportunity.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2017 8:53 PM

2017-01-31T20:53:50-05:00

Check with your retention specialist/nco there may be a point to which you can no longer receive the bonus.

Response by MSG Steve Wiersgalla made Jan 31 at 2017 9:04 PM

2017-01-31T21:04:57-05:00

If you are even thinking about making a career I would encourage you to stay on an active drill status as your IRR time will not give you time toward your retirement. I took a break in service about mid career and due to the dates of my break about a year off cost me two good years.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2017 11:55 PM

2017-01-31T23:55:49-05:00

SPC(P) Alexandra Hinds that all depends on what you want to do. Is there a bonus available for you? I believe now you must sign paperwork stating that you will continue to drill during your two years of IRR or you will be put into the IRR (not sure how fast that is as well...it is the Army). Do you want to reclass or are you happy with your current MOS? If unhappy then reclass now and then reenlist under that new MOS once you have that MOS.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2017 10:18 AM

2017-02-22T10:18:45-05:00

You can reenlist up to 12 months out from your TPU ETS date. if you feel that you are unsure about your decision to reenlist, you can sign a DA 3540 with your ARCC where you declare that you will drill out your IRR time. It essentially serves as a two year extension that takes the place of your IRR requirement.

Bonuses have been published for the first part of FY 17 and a revised list will come out around the June timeframe. If you want to make a career out of it and there is a bonus available, get the reenlistment done. If there is not a bonus, wait until the second half FY 17 SRIP is released to see if you have one on it.

Response by SGT Thomas Heinold made Mar 26 at 2017 8:57 AM

2017-03-26T08:57:54-04:00

To my knowledge even after discharge you can still reinlist, immediately (spn411) or has that changed?