Can I get extended in Korea because my company doesn’t have enough personnel?

2020-09-30T04:16:07-04:00

My commander won’t sign my da31 and I’m a week out from my deros and All my HHG have been picked up and I’ve finished clearing. I also have a ETP signed by the division commander stating that my replacement is on ground.

Response by SSG Steven Borders made Sep 30 at 2020 8:43 AM

2020-09-30T08:43:10-04:00

SGT Private RallyPoint Member Have you brought this up through your Platoon Sergeant and your 1SG. If you are a week out then your commander should have no problem signing your leave form.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 30 at 2020 9:09 AM

2020-09-30T09:09:53-04:00

You cannot be extended in Korea as long as you have enough time on your contract to receive orders to return. Commanders cannot involuntarily extend tours. A Captain cannot override the Commanding General of HRC

You need your DA 31 for your levy packet, if he refuses to sign yours then you need to bring that up to your CSM or IG. However you will not be leaving on your DEROS. Your DEROS is only used by HRC to determine your report month to your next assignment; it’s not the day you have to leave by, and it will be adjusted once you turn in your leave form

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 30 at 2020 10:46 AM

2020-09-30T10:46:42-04:00

A company commander doesn’t have the authority to keep people in Korea. Open door your way up the chain, if no avail go to IG. I’ve seen IG reports conclude in less than a week. Leaders have been playing too many games lately!! Soldiers come first, they see when y’all are just chasing those top blocks! So sick of this crap.

Response by SSG Paul Headlee made Sep 30 at 2020 11:00 AM

2020-09-30T11:00:08-04:00

When I was a PFC my losing unit Commander would not approve my DA-31 because I had requested 45 days PCS leave. He would only approve 2 weeks. His argument was that I would forget how to do my job. I'm not going to get into how ludicrous that was here. I was kind of P.O.'d though. One of the Sergeants pulled me aside and told me to just take the 2 weeks now and call the gaining replacement depot to extend it for as long as I liked. Worked out great for everyone involved. My situation was a bit different than yours but neither Commander wanted to sign the form. Don't burn your bridge with this guy because you may run into him again. Try to make a smooth transition out of there. Best of luck to you!

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 30 at 2020 2:39 PM

2020-09-30T14:39:01-04:00

We went through this in our unit. An 0-3 level commander cannot extend you. However, he can route a 4187 up to your division CO which has the ability to extend you 14 days from your DEROS if deemed mission essential. Not likely considering your ETP has already been signed for you to leave. That’s how it was when I was there last year.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 1 at 2020 12:47 AM

2020-10-01T00:47:22-04:00

They can't give you an IFSTE under 30 days from your DEROS. Your chain of command does not have the authority to prevent your PCS at this point in time.

I would first recommend you engage your chain of command about this issue. If they keep giving you the run around, use the open door policy and go talk to your 1SG or company commander about it directly.

I just left Camp Humphreys myself last month, so I can understand where you're at right now.

Response by SSG Watis Ekthuvapranee made Oct 1 at 2020 11:29 AM

2020-10-01T11:29:34-04:00

Nope, too late. You should have done that sooner. Go back to the States and put in 4187 after two years for Korea or you can re-up and ask for Korea.

Suck it up and drive on, Buck Serg.