How can I change my enlistment from 4 years to 2 years?

Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Dec 2019 15:27:48 -0500

Hello! I recently signed and swore into the U.S army. I decided i want to change from 4 years to a 2 year commitment. How can i change this?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2019 3:29 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Dec 2019 15:29:25 -0500

You are going to have to speak with your Recruiter about this. Good luck.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2019 3:48 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Dec 2019 15:48:03 -0500

You probably cannot. There are very few times when the Army offers two year enlistments, and only with certain MOSs when they do. Even then, it's two years plus x amount of months for all the training. So, two years, 4 months of Basic and at least 2 months of AIT.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Dec 18 at 2019 5:03 PM

SN Greg Wright — Wed, 18 Dec 2019 17:03:11 -0500

I wouldn't put a lot of stock in youtube videos. Remember, contented people rarely post stuff online - it's usually malcontents. If YOU enjoy cooking and want to make that a career, then you should just do it. I know it seems unbelievable, but 4 years will FLY by. That said, if you've already signed your enlistment contract and taken the oath at MEPS...you can't. You're in for 4. If you haven't done that yet, then talk to your recruiter.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2019 5:30 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Dec 2019 17:30:11 -0500

To answer your question, the minute you signed your name on the dotted line and raised your right hand, you are now obligated to serve the entirety of your contract, which sounds like 4 years active and 4 years reserve or national guard.

Response by SPC Casey Ashfield made Dec 18 at 2019 5:51 PM

SPC Casey Ashfield — Wed, 18 Dec 2019 17:51:33 -0500

Try your recruiter first. They are your chain of command right now. If they cannot do anything to change the contract, they will likely not be able to, do your best to look forward to 4 years.

For what it is worth, I can go on Youtube RIGHT NOW and watch videos of Infantry guys pissing and moaning about how they hate the Army and the job. I did it for 8 years, and I miss it right now. Just because it is on Youtube, doesn't make it your life.

Response by SPC Stewart Smith made Dec 18 at 2019 6:57 PM

SPC Stewart Smith — Wed, 18 Dec 2019 18:57:23 -0500

The only person who can help you on this is your recruiter. I have serious doubts you'll be able to change.

Response by MAJ Bryan Zeski made Dec 19 at 2019 1:33 AM

MAJ Bryan Zeski — Thu, 19 Dec 2019 01:33:52 -0500

Step 1. Serve two years.
Step 2. Now you only have a two year commitment.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2019 3:52 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Dec 2019 03:52:54 -0500

You signed a contract. Why do you think you can get out of it?

Response by CH (CPT) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2019 8:59 PM

CH (CPT) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Dec 2019 20:59:16 -0500

That ship has sailed. Enjoy your 4 years.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Dec 20 at 2019 7:54 PM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Fri, 20 Dec 2019 19:54:44 -0500

Why change it? Here is the thing... some folks my say “it sucks”. But those are the ones who normally I had to UCMJ them for lack of discipline or other infractions. If a soldier is dedicated s/he won’t have time to YouTube stuff since a/he will be training, working, and getting an education. The possibilities are endless of you apply yourself. Anyway, to answer your question: can you change your MOS? Possibly but at what cost? And not all is money.