Can Army ultimatum you into taking an assignment?

Samantha Miner — Thu, 20 Sep 2018 13:44:29 -0400

The scenario at hand: Husband is SSG, in time service is currently almost at 10 years. His reenlistment window opens up in March of 2019, and he is desperately wanting to change his job. Last month he came down on orders to go FLW to be an AIT instructor (36 months), report date Jan 10th. This will put him well past his current contract length, and were concerned about his chances to reclass and possibilities. He's saying that he will more than likely have to extend his current contract to accept this position, but this will put him past the 12-year mark (indefinite reenlist would be his next/last one), and that he can't refuse to do that or he will basically be earmarked to be pushed out. So what to do? He's miserable in his current mos, but from what I am understanding, will pretty much have to take this three-year assignment or risk being pushed out of the army. Will he even be considered to reclass later on if he does this since he will be at 12+ years in one MOS?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 20 at 2018 2:09 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Sep 2018 14:09:55 -0400

The process is the same in all the branches. You come on assignment, you have to add time to your contract, or you choose not to and you get out.
I'm sorry he's miserable in his job, but he has had many years to change it previously. Once he hit staff sergeant there are very few MOS he could go into. Most likely, he will finish AIT instructor as a Sergeant First Class.

Response by MSG Frank Kapaun made Sep 20 at 2018 2:35 PM

MSG Frank Kapaun — Thu, 20 Sep 2018 14:35:40 -0400

Your post is all over the place and poorly written. Before you embarrass your self again, look into taking a course in basic English composition.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 20 at 2018 2:40 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Sep 2018 14:40:20 -0400

He more than likely won't be able to reclass if he takes this and probably get promoted while he's an AIT Instructor. When I was SSG promotable, I asked retention about reclassing. I was told I'd have to give up my promotable status to do it. So didn't even try to do that.

Well he has two choices it seems - don't extend and get out in March or extend and go be an AIT instructor.

The only person who can help him is he needs to go talk to his retention NCO or the career counselor in his unit.

Response by 2LT Ronald Reimer made Sep 20 at 2018 2:40 PM

2LT Ronald Reimer — Thu, 20 Sep 2018 14:40:54 -0400

He should get out, use his GI Bill to go to school, and put you to work to support the family for a few years until he earns his trade/gets his degree.

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Sep 20 at 2018 3:28 PM

SFC J Fullerton — Thu, 20 Sep 2018 15:28:26 -0400

Usually, an NCO that is DA selected for a special duty assignment that does not have sufficient time remaining on their contract is required to re-enlist to accept that assignment, or sign a declination statement and receive a bar to re-enlistment and ETS. Sorry, for SSG's with over 10 years the only re-enlistment option is needs of the Army, I am surprised he doesn't know that already.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 20 at 2018 6:22 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Sep 2018 18:22:02 -0400

I was in a situation very much like your husbands. He will have to reup for the assignment but the possibility to reclassify is still there. When his tour is nearly complete he can submit a 4187 (request for personal action) requesting reclassification. This is not a definite thing but it is a possibility. It worked for me when I came down on recruiting and then instructor orders back to back. I leave in March.

Response by TSgt Rudy Adame made Sep 20 at 2018 10:48 PM

TSgt Rudy Adame — Thu, 20 Sep 2018 22:48:22 -0400

Take you chance and the outcome might turn out great

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Sep 21 at 2018 1:33 AM

CSM Charles Hayden — Fri, 21 Sep 2018 01:33:24 -0400

Samatha, let your husband do his job, do his homework on assignments, inform you and listen to your own spousal input before he selects his next duty stations/positions.

If you don’t mind; a military spouse’s duty is to support, defend and encourage their partner!

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Mar 16 at 2019 10:01 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Sat, 16 Mar 2019 10:01:05 -0400

Nothing we can tell will surpass what information your husband can get from his personnel office. Every day Soldiers face career path decisions and often find that the Army made the right decision. At any rate, and at his rank his duty is to take cared of Soldiers. Can he change MOS later, maybe, his focus while perusing that goal has got to be his troops. When Soldiers work hard they are often recognized. Good luck.