What do I do if my retention NCO doesn’t want to help me? Who do I contact to reclass other than my unit retention including brigade?

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 02:07:29 -0400

I have submitted all requirements to my retention NCO and contacted him but I haven’t got a response. I’ve been trying to reclass and he didn’t give me any direction or information for my reclass.

I did my own research to know everything.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Sep 19 at 2023 6:15 AM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 06:15:43 -0400

A whole lot of Intel gaps in this post.
How long did you wait? Did you follow-up? Are we talking Company level? Battalion? Have you talked to Brigade retention? Where did you "research" if not through retention (because things in the retention world change fast, and Google is rarely 100% accurate)? What direction or information are you trying to get that you haven't gotten?

This sounds like an "oh I didn't get what I wanted instantly therefore that person is failing" complaint. That may or may not be accurate to the situation, but it is what it sounds like based on the very little information you have provided.

But on the off chance that is NOT the situation, the person you talk to is.... retention. You HAVE to go through your unit retention for these things. If BN is giving you no love - and you have given adequate time for response, including following up with him/her - then go to BDE. If BDE is giving you no love, go to your PSG and then 1SG. Let them know you are trying to work on your re-enlistment, but BN retention is giving you no love. Make sure you are prepared with timeliness showing what you have done and the responses (or lack thereof) you have gotten. If 1SG agrees that BN re-up is slacking, (s)he will take it to CSM. Most of the time, Re-up falls either directly or indirectly under the CSM. If Re-up is F'ed up, CSM will light a fire.

1SGs and CSMs care a LOT about retention. If re-up folks ain't doing their jobs, they will engage.

Remember as you go through your career, EVERYONE in the Army has a boss. If someone is not doing their job, usually all you have to do is let the boss know (through the proper channels).

Response by SFC Birk Ellis made Sep 19 at 2023 8:02 AM

SFC Birk Ellis — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 08:02:45 -0400

Did you get with your actual Career Counselor? Big difference between Retention NCO (additional duty) and Career Counselor.
So many questions still left unanswered.

I have to expand on my original answer regarding the OP.
"Option E3, The Army Training Reenlistment option"
There are so many variables for this reenlistment option, ASVAB scores, typing tests (42A), college requirements (many in the medical field), physical exam requirements not to mention (not sure if it is still given), a physical test to ensure that you are physically capable of doing the MOS:
Example, if you are going from MOS 42A to MOS 11B, you have to score higher in the ability tests than if you were going from MOS 11B to MOS 42A.
Last but not least is training slots, the Career Counselor cannot reenlist you for an MOS that has zero training slots available.

As I said before, see your CAREER COUNSELOR not just the Company or Battalion Retention NCO if need be, an you have all your ducks in a row, elevate you concern to the BDE Senior CC who will review the packet to make sure that your are fully qualified to reenlist and fully qualified for the requested MOS.

Response by COL Dan Ruder made Sep 19 at 2023 5:40 PM

COL Dan Ruder — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 17:40:03 -0400

Remember to communicate your concerns respectfully and professionally as you seek assistance. The chain of command (as mentioned by others in this post) is typically the first (best) avenue for resolving these types of issues, but you have the right to escalate concerns if necessary. That means the Inspector General's Office is also an option and can provide an impartial review of your situation if you feel that your concerns are not being addressed through normal channels. But first, I strongly recommend you use your chain of command and your career counselor for guidance and support if you're encountering challenges with the retention NCO.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2023 8:32 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 20:32:30 -0400

A lot of corrections on my post. Deleting it and reposting a new one.