Can a Soldier sign a Declination Statement to get out of going to ALC?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 May 2021 22:49:24 -0400

If someone is planning to ETS in less than a year but has an ALC slot, can they DEC the school?

Also, if anyones knows does signing a DEC statement for this reason bar the soldier and are subject to involuntary separation?

Ive been told numerous answers and just trying to receive more clarification.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2021 10:53 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 May 2021 22:53:31 -0400

I once signed a Dec Statement. It's a Self Bar to Reenlist, basically. Signing a Dec Statement ensures ETS. I dont see how signing a Dec Statement would stop a school seat.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2021 11:24 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 May 2021 23:24:29 -0400

You can't decline a school. It's a declination or continued service statement not a declination of school or assignment statement. You aren't eligible to sign one if you aren't required to reenlist

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2021 8:57 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 May 2021 08:57:31 -0400

Dec wont stop a school slot. You need a 4187 signed by a CG.
Go to the school, put it on your resume, set yourself apart from the hiring pool.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made May 13 at 2021 9:24 AM

SGM Steve Wettstein — Thu, 13 May 2021 09:24:30 -0400

Never burn a bridge or turn down an Army school is what I always say.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made May 13 at 2021 11:54 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Thu, 13 May 2021 11:54:11 -0400

Why would you? Enjoy the TDY money.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2021 12:15 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 May 2021 12:15:06 -0400

I just graduated ALC and have 4 months remaining on my contract.

Response by SSG Brian G. made May 13 at 2021 12:19 PM

SSG Brian G. — Thu, 13 May 2021 12:19:53 -0400

So what if you are ETSing. Attend ALC. It makes the time go by quicker, you get a change of scenery, you get to add something to your resume and who knows, you might decide to NOT ETS. It's a school. Declination statements are for reenlistment purposes only and yes signing one is a self bar. IT is saying I do not intend to continue my military career and choose to not reenlist. You then ETS on the date listed on your latest official contract.

If you want answers, go to your training and retention NCO. Do not listen to barracks lawyers, they will get you screwed up and over faster than anything.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2021 6:41 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 May 2021 06:41:27 -0400

If you truly desire to ETS, YES.
Your S1 should complete an ATRRS substitution request. That way they don't get a no show or lose their quota.
unless you plan on getting a GS (DOD, OR DOA etc...) job, civilian employers don't give a hoot if you cometed ALC.