How long can I be stationed in the Army in Alaska before they force me to a different duty station?

2020-06-18T07:26:24-04:00

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2020 7:37 AM

2020-06-18T07:37:48-04:00

Depends on policy. When I was in AK there was a USAPAC policy, that inclides AK, that you couldn't he there for more than six years. You really don't want to be anywhere more than that anyway because you hurt your development, you need to get oit an see more of the Army to be more well rounded.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2020 7:42 AM

2020-06-18T07:42:07-04:00

It use to be two to three years. If you talk to your Branch Manager they usually will tell you when you can start requesting somewhere new. Always try to get those places the average person in your MOS doesn’t go.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2020 9:52 AM

2020-06-18T09:52:39-04:00

Reserve and National Guard Soldiers have no time requirement for unit locations - typically Soldiers promote out of the unit. However, there is a 3 year limit on ADOS orders.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2020 3:18 PM

2020-06-18T15:18:35-04:00

When you’re a year from your DEROS you can apply for an IPCOT and stay another three years, if approved.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jun 18 at 2020 4:36 PM

2020-06-18T16:36:13-04:00

SFC Boyd is on target. I can say that many have stayed on station much longer. While not the norm it is possible. The US and the world are big wonderful places, why not take advantage of free travel.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jun 18 at 2020 4:45 PM

2020-06-18T16:45:04-04:00

I was stationed in Alaska for four years in the Air Force. Your profile says you're in the Guard. If that's true, then look into transferring to the AK National Guard. You'll want to move to Alaska permanently, of course, to keep up with your AK Guard duties. If for some reason I have misread your profile and you're in the Active Army, then it's a different story. The Army may view AK as a desirable assignment, I did. They may move people through their units there on a regular schedule to spread the pain and pleasure.

Here's a story of a friend of mine in Alaska. I first met him at Langley AFB when he was a Captain and I was 2LT. Years later, he was assigned to a flying squadron at Elmendorf AFB (near Anchorage) as a C-130 Pilot Evaluator and still a Captain. After 3 years he made major and was coming up on his DEROS, he volunteered for a 1-year remote assignment to South Korea. He asked for follow-on orders back to the Squadron at Elmendorf. He got his request and about 13 months later he was back at home in Anchorage. His family never left. He served 3 more years with the Squadron (passed over for Lt Col). When his DEROS approached, he noticed an unaccompanied assignment for a rated major in Alaska. He volunteered for it. He was selected and served 1 year as the installation commander at King Salmon AB. He also received follow-on orders back to the Squadron at Elmendorf. He returned to Elmendorf about 6 months before I completed my 4-your tour. He passed his 18th year of commissioned service, so he was in the sanctuary and retired in the Anchorage area.

Response by SGT Herbert Bollum made Jun 18 at 2020 6:44 PM

2020-06-18T18:44:48-04:00

some stay put a long time, others move often. (needs of the service)