Reenlistment; is it ever possible to back out after signing?

The signature on the contract is just that, a signed contract. Just like any other contract that one may sign, it carries obligations (by both parties). Unfortunately there is no 'buyers remorse' clause on a DD Form 4 (Enlistment/Reenlistment contract).

I have extended and re-enlisted twice so far, and just completed the Army's Mobile Retention Course.

In the Army, once the re-enlistment is approved in the RETAIN system (automated personnel system) it is a done deal. For it to get to this point, you have to be recommended by your Company Commander, you have to sign the DD Form 4, the Career Counselor has forms to fill out and sign, and then the Career Counselor has to input it all into the system. It won't go into the system until everything has been done properly. So once you sign, unless your Retention NCO hasn't put it in the system yet, it is done.

It's like getting married... Once you sign the marriage license, it's legal. The wedding ceremony is nice, but doesn't hold water legally.

I have never signed the papers until after the ceremnoy. However I am pretty sure that a ceremnoy is exactly that just a ceremony. Once you sign the paperwork I believe you have alreayd committed yourself.

The DD Form 4 is the only contractual document evidencing the enlistment. Each service will have particular annexes to memorialize the understandings between service member and command. The completion of section E of the DD Form 4 is the oath which is required to complete the enlistment/reenlistment. In general if the oath isn't taken there is no reenlistment but the ceremony is just that, a ceremony. So if the DD Form 4 is not completed by not taking the oath and signing there is nothing except a lot of inconvenience to the command to reprocess the service member out for completion of the term of enlistment by discharging or redoing the paperwork for an enlistment to the Reserves since there is a mandatory service obligation of 8 years. After reenlistment is completed he may be able to request discharge but there usually is a service obligation attached to complete such as a PCS or school. There are particular rules on that. He should consult with his Legal Assistance office.

Sgt (Join to see) Typically, once the paperwork has been inked, the job is done - especially with enlisted personnel. However, if he/she is in an over-crowded rating/MOS he/she may be able to arrange for the enlistment to be voided since the oath has not been sworn. If the individual is in a rating/MOS that is critical the C.O. may not be inclined to let the individual out. Of course, the rules keepers will say nay - but there are rules and then there are rules.

The individual's relationship with the command will also have a great deal to do with how the command deals with the individual.

We are in a draw down military now, so there maybe options to be placed in the IRR. In theory if he had not recited the oath that could be grounds for it being null and void. That would be a legal issue for the Jag office to hash out. It may be wise to visit the personnel office as well to see what options are available.

I knew a few people who were able to get out after reenlisting because they were in overmanned career fields. That will be a factor they will most likely look at. Another point is if he took a re-up bonus they will take that back.

Sgt (Join to see) I hate to say it, but signing the paperwork is what makes it official. The papers are not supposed to be signed until after he does the ceremony though. He certainly could talk to his battalion legal, or LSSS. LSSS is on Camp Foster in Okinawa. He could also try calling the customer service number before wasting a whole day's trip down there.

Sgt (Join to see) - My daughter got out after 1-2 years due to a physical problem.

What papers were signed?

There are often pre-qualification documents such as requests and command authorization (service and component specific). The actual enlistment/reenlistment document is the DD form 4.

I have always viewed the DD 4/2 as certification that the oath was administered. As the service representative, I don't present it for signatures until the ceremony is conducted.

I have seen contracts voided after the fact when the provisions of that contract violate policy (e.g. unauthorized incentive or term of service). In the case of the USAR, AR G-1 is the determining authority. I have never seen it as a result of a job offer.

Being commissioned, my relationship with the Army is different, so not really sure what the rules are. But don't you typically not sign the paperwork until you are ready to re-take the Oath of Enlistment....?