Why would my Retention NCO not allow me to extend my ETS past my mobilization + 3 months (and only allow me to extend for +2 years)?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Nov 2020 16:05:07 -0500

I am reaching my 6 year (6yr + 2 IRR yr contract) during the mobilization, so the retention NCO told me to sign an extension for 2 years (under rule DD).

I looked up the regulation and it clearly says that I can just extend until the end of the mobilization + 3 months (under rule CC / under rule DD I can extend UP TO 2 years), instead of 2 years, so I brought that up to the retention NCO and he said he cant do that due to recent changes.

So I asked him for proof, since I cant find it on regulation and he said he cant help me anymore.

So is there a recent change that only retention know, but not us or S1 (since we are all on the same page that I can get an extension until my mobilization ends + few months) AND how can I verify what my retention NCO is saying? (Honestly I dont think they are in soldiers best interest)

Response by SP5 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2020 4:59 PM

SP5 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Nov 2020 16:59:12 -0500

SPC Private RallyPoint Member COC Open Door policy. Document your issue and take the appropriate regulation reference as support.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Nov 18 at 2020 5:30 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Wed, 18 Nov 2020 17:30:47 -0500

Contact the retention NCO at the next level or another organization.

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Nov 18 at 2020 8:07 PM

Cpl Vic Burk — Wed, 18 Nov 2020 20:07:20 -0500

Retention NCO's in the Marines don't get credit for extensions, only if you re-enlist (at least when I was in that was the case) so it makes them look better if you re-enlist. Maybe he is pulling a bluff on you to see it you will take the bait? I don't really know how the Army does it but that sounds like what it is to me. I would request Article 31 and take your concerns to a higher authority. They will settle it at the lowest level possible I am sure. No commander wants anything to go over them if they can do something about it at their level.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2020 8:32 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Nov 2020 20:32:26 -0500

That’s the current guidance. It’s not going to be in a regulation. You can only extend to your MSO or reenlist within one year of your TPU ETS. We don’t get “credit” for a 2 year extension anyway so I’m sure he isn’t deceiving you.

Response by PV2 Michael Brown made Nov 18 at 2020 9:35 PM

PV2 Michael Brown — Wed, 18 Nov 2020 21:35:01 -0500

Hello, Specialist Joe. I am not super educated on the newer rules of enlistment. However, as suggested, take that shit right up the chain of command. Ask questions specialist, educate yourself. What can they do, what can't they do.
To the best of my knowledge, they can, and will, stop loss you while downrange. In such time, you very well could reenlist, or say fuck it, and get out. I believe (but not for certain), you can actually negotiate the remainder of your contract because of you stop loss time. Yeah, sure, you may have to serve 2 years to fullfil your contract. But here's the thing. You check in for two weeks out of the year (at least it was this way when I ETSed). So, you can be negotiate stop loss time as time served in the IRR, and be done with it. Know for sure Specialist Joe.

Specialist Joe, if you do find yourself in the civilian world, do this. Get yourself tested for sleep apnea, and keep them records; In fact, keep all of your medical records. You'll thank me later.

Response by SFC Danny McDaniel made Nov 19 at 2020 10:14 AM

SFC Danny McDaniel — Thu, 19 Nov 2020 10:14:22 -0500

He should have something in writing to back up what he is saying. It is probably in HIS best interest to get you to take the 2 years.

Response by SSG Sofia Cardenas made Nov 19 at 2020 11:17 AM

SSG Sofia Cardenas — Thu, 19 Nov 2020 11:17:52 -0500

When I was in my 1st contract (Reserves) I did NOT need to extend on my 6th year I just kept showing up until the end. There no longer was a Stop Loss option, I agree with the others and take it higher up. I also did S1 on my 2nd contract as a civilian.

Response by SGT Derick J. made Nov 19 at 2020 12:23 PM

SGT Derick J. — Thu, 19 Nov 2020 12:23:04 -0500

You should be able to reenlist for the remainder of your tour and then some time to clear out otherwise you'll run the risk of your unit sending you back and possibly a bar to reenlistment.
I'm running into this issue at the moment & I'm waiting on my CC and unit to tell me if I'm approved to reenlist for my next overseas assignment. The last resort is that I don't extend or reenlist and then I'm sent back to home station to clear out and ETS. There might be a bar, not to sure I haven't found anything of that sort, but that's what I'm being told.