How can someone PCS before their DEROS? Does having completed your key leader time help?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 18:07:20 -0400

I am currently stationed in Hawaii at Schofield Barracks. As beautiful as it is, we have a little island fever and want to be able to leave early.

Some pertinent background information: I arrived on island March 15, 2018. I was in G3 as an Operations Assistant/Battle NCO and finally was able to finagle my way out of there so I could get my key leadership time. I was able to get to 3-4 CAV in April 2019.

I just hit my year from DEROS on the 14th so I called my branch manager. He was pretty helpful but I don’t think he understood my situation and kind of confused me a bit before hanging up.

He basically said “sorry we can’t send you anywhere before your DEROS unless we can say that you can complete you key leader time”. It made sense when he said it, but then I realized that I wouldn’t even have the proper rated time as I’d be one month away even at the time of my DEROS. I tried to bring this up but got cut off on possible reassignments for broadening. Can anyone explain this a little better on the details of this? If I can be guaranteed to get my key leadership time either way: PCS or not, then what is the difference? Just that I’ll be closer to completion?

Side note question: He also stated that “because you’re light Cav” I would be sent to a light unit. I’ve spent almost my whole career (over 5 years, one kind of wasted year spent in division) in heavy and only just got to a light unit. Am I locked into light forever now? I’ve only spent a year in the light world. It’s not a huge deal, but it be kind of a waste in knowledge and all around expertise in a hunter killer squadron for me to stay light I feel like. I feel I could do more currently with my given knowledge levels in both worlds on the heavy side.

Response by SFC Kenneth Hunnell made Mar 17 at 2020 6:22 PM

SFC Kenneth Hunnell — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 18:22:22 -0400

How long ago did you talk to your branch, I don't know if you are aware no one is going anywhere, your DEROS can be be adjusted for the current events going on. You should be happy you are an E-6 with over 5 yrs in. What is your hurry, experience is not a waste of time.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2020 9:22 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 21:22:30 -0400

Talk to the SORB on Schofield, drop packet, get Selected for CA/PO/SF, PCS to Bragg. Pretty quick process.
I did 3 years light cav, 2 stryker, 3 more light, then they sent me heavy...to which I said screw heavy and dropped a CA packet. Armor branch loves screwing with people and throwing away knowledge. Lets take a tanker of 18 years and put him in charge of a light Scout Squadron!!! Now that's leadership!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2020 9:56 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 21:56:10 -0400

You can't leave before your DEROS. That's a DOD requirement for lengths of OCONUS tours. Your branch would have to request an exception to give you a curtailment to your tour. Common reasons for curtailment are demand for filling a broadening assignment, KD complete and need a broadening assignment, or even MACP. Wanting to leave is not a valid reason for reassignment, any more than not wanting to go to Korea is a valid reason not to go.

As for where you go next, that will be dependent upon what is open, what needs to be filled, and the enlisted manning cycle guidance in place when the EMC meets in June/July time frame. The most likely outcome is you will be selected for a broadening assignment. Being one month shy of KD complete time is not a big deal.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Mar 17 at 2020 10:00 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 22:00:38 -0400

My understanding is that you can't leave before your DEROS, unless your units helps get you an exception. I'm guessing your CoC could perhaps help with that? I honestly don't know how you would route the request, but I am 99.9% sure you would need to get an exception. Best wishes to you and thanks for your continued service!

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Mar 17 at 2020 11:49 PM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 23:49:29 -0400

So if you are having island fever, really you are doing something wrong. There is so much to do on Oahu alone not to mention the other islands. There has to be a sport, hobby, or other for you to do. Hit me up with questions, maybe I can help the island fever.