Should I re-enlist before or after ALC?

2018-10-09T04:22:39-04:00

I’m currently deployed and my window opens next month. I have a ALC date in March, just trying to figure out what I should do. The Career counselor is currently not around so I can ask him. Any advice?

Response by MAJ Rene De La Rosa made Oct 9 at 2018 5:09 AM

2018-10-09T05:09:11-04:00

Since you are associated with a hospital, talk to the CSM who can give you guidance to reaching out to someone else. Don't let the lack of a career guidance counselor preclude you from getting the best for you. Always remember: the best person to take care of your career is YOU!!!!! Good luck.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 9 at 2018 5:22 AM

2018-10-09T05:22:07-04:00

Before, tax free bonus money

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Oct 9 at 2018 7:03 AM

2018-10-09T07:03:48-04:00

For me re-enlistment was always a significant event. If you have the option, trip while deployed as it will be more memorable. No better place to present yourself in front of those that you proudly serve with. Thank you for your service.

Response by SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez made Oct 9 at 2018 7:26 AM

2018-10-09T07:26:07-04:00

SGT Johnson,
I would do it while on deployment, but that's just me. During my time in the Army, I re-enlisted four times, two of them on deployments. I think if you do it while deployed, not only has more meaning but also shows the commitment, and others see that. Ok, the bonuses are good and all that, I get it.
I recall the day I re-enlisted in Iraq back in 2004 at Camp Liberty. I got up to go get ready, and while I was shaving, the camp got mortared. You would think, oh no, I'm not doing it. Lol

Response by SSG Eric Trace made Oct 9 at 2018 10:37 AM

2018-10-09T10:37:52-04:00

Check out your options before re-enlisting, if there is good offers then take them, if not then wait. But remember you are required to have a certain amount of time left on your current enlistment to attend ALC, so you might have to re-enlist or (don’t forget the option) Extend to meet that requirement.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 9 at 2018 1:33 PM

2018-10-09T13:33:21-04:00

From a economic point of view, I recommend re-enlisting now while you're deployed. This way, if you are eligible for a bonus, you will get more money in the pocket from the bonus (tax free, baby). If no bonus will be available until after you get back, then re-up later.

Response by SFC David Bentley made Oct 9 at 2018 2:00 PM

2018-10-09T14:00:33-04:00

First: a point of semantics, there is no such thing as re-enlistment, you are doing an extension, it is only re-enlistment if you're a veteran coming back into the Army. Look at a DA 4836 and supporting regulations. I just don't like folks using the incorrect term. If you want to do 20 years in the service extend whenever it makes sense from a bonus or incentive perspective. Don't leave cash on the table and keep every dollar if you are in a tax-free zone. I extended stateside 6 months before going into a tax free zone and my 15K was looted by the IRS. I didn't know that I could have done a short extension then done the big one for the bonus in theatre, but knowing is half the battle. The fastest way to get to 20 years is to do 20 years. When it comes to schools, once you get a reserved seat in ATRRS: go to the class. Try your best to be the type of NCO that will go to any course any time anywhere. That's how I got to go to the Career counselors course and many others. Schools + experience = Promotion. The more you do while in the Army the more diverse your experiences, the more doors will be open when you get that DD214 at the end of the trail. USE YOUR TA!!! while your on AD; it is free money, promotion points and you can't argue you don't need a free college degree. Save that GI Bill for when you need it or transfer it to the spouse or kids.

Response by CSM Ralph Hernandez made Oct 9 at 2018 8:37 PM

2018-10-09T20:37:25-04:00

After so that they can add it to your record!