Should I care more about going to ALC?

SFC Jerry Wallace — Sat, 06 Apr 2019 11:19:20 -0400

I've been with my current unit for 7+ years. I've been told I may be reduced in rank or barred from reenlistment in 2021. I retire in 2021, and my current civilian job as a professional engineer is greatly hindered when I have to leave for additional schools outside of the usual weekend a month/ 3 weeks a year. Maybe I'm being a d$:* but I don't see a real benefit here.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2019 1:36 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Apr 2019 13:36:13 -0400

You are an E6 and you are wondering where the benefit is for you in the situation...
I'll skip the Selfless Service and NCO Creed aspect for now and get right to it:

For you, it's minimal, the minimum training required for qualification in the rank you pinned on 7+ years ago.
For the Army, the benefit is that you completed the minimum training they require for a SSG.
The downside, you decide to not complete a 3 week school, and retain your rank with a bar to reenlistment, you are occupying an E6 position for the next 2+ years that someone else could promote to AND complete the 3 week school.
It's just 3 weeks. Go to school, or step aside so the Army can promote someone who is willing to do what you are not.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Apr 6 at 2019 1:46 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Sat, 06 Apr 2019 13:46:47 -0400

You should go based on your commitment as a Soldier. You were promoted I. Good faith and are being paid, the Army has met there commitment. Are you able to retire in 2021 if you are reduced in grade? So, if you don’t do it for the right reasons, do it for the dollars and cents. If it bothers you this bad, being an engineer and all, get out now and stop holding up a position from a Soldier who wants the challenges that come with the role.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2019 1:47 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Apr 2019 13:47:07 -0400

No disrespect but when you enlisted it was known and acknowledged you will be required to conduct training outside of the normal weekend drills and that there is a possibility of deployment. Your employer cannot penalize you for your military obligations nor can they hold back any promotions or awards you qualify for due to your military obligation. With that being said, why would you take a demotion instead of attending the training. Receiving the training isn’t going to hurt you however taking the demotion will take money out of your retirement not to mention it’ll put you pass your RCP (not sure how that affect NG or reserves). If RCP doesn’t affect NG or reserve, it’ll take money away from your monthly retired that you earned because instead of retiring as a SSG, you’ll retire as a SGT. Now I really don’t see the benefit with getting the reduction.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2019 6:40 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Apr 2019 18:40:48 -0400

I agree with you. It's absolutely not worth it compared to your civilian time, which you've indicated is more valuable than your reserve commitment.
You should absolutely step aside and take the rank reduction in order to allow someone younger and hungrier who is willing to meet the commitment of the rank. You are close to retiring and it won't adversely affect you, but by holding that position you are adversely affecting your peers and if you refuse to step aside, then you're being selfish. Either that, or you step up to the commitment and go to ALC, learn the skills and meet the education expected of your rank so that your Soldiers can have the educated leader they deserve.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2019 12:00 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Apr 2019 00:00:53 -0400

Reduced in rank and retire as an E-5 or go to ALC and retire as an E-6......Hmmm......That's such a tough financial retirement financial decision.

Response by SFC Christopher Taggart made Apr 7 at 2019 9:26 PM

SFC Christopher Taggart — Sun, 07 Apr 2019 21:26:54 -0400

I think your commitment to the military dropped, once you became a professional engineer. I would let someone else who's committed to the military take the school slot and take the reduction in rank and coast right out the door.