I am an E-5 scheduled to hit RCP; my ETS date is 16 days before my 15 year mark. Is it possible to extend to my 15 year mark?

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Aug 2016 12:16:54 -0400

Response by ENS Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2016 12:38 PM

ENS Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Aug 2016 12:38:01 -0400

I would assume so, however I will let those with more Army experience comment. I will do some research today and get back to you. I only really know regulations and instructions from the Navy side of the house.

Response by SFC Wade W. made Aug 9 at 2016 12:39 PM

SFC Wade W. — Tue, 09 Aug 2016 12:39:24 -0400

The only opportunity you probably have is to go into the Reserve/NG and apply for AGR. You can find AGR positions at USAjobs.gov. That way your 15 yrs will be counted toward a federal retirement.

Response by SGT Sam Decker made Aug 9 at 2016 12:58 PM

SGT Sam Decker — Tue, 09 Aug 2016 12:58:20 -0400

Your best best is talk to your Career Counselor or Retention NCO. However, i doubt they'll do a 2 week extension. But if you talk to the Reserve Career Counselor, you can possibly reup in the Reserves or Guard and either get an AGR position or gain rank and see about going back to active duty. Neither option is easy though.

Response by MSG Pat Colby made Aug 9 at 2016 4:46 PM

MSG Pat Colby — Tue, 09 Aug 2016 16:46:31 -0400

ok.

I'll be the asshole. A SGT with 15 (FIFTEEN FUCKING) years has gotta hit the road. RCP's are there for a reason. Unless there are extenuating circumstances that would merit more time, I'd like to thank you for your service but your time is over.

Awaiting the incoming rounds...

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2016 5:19 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Aug 2016 17:19:07 -0400

There's an E5 in my unit who went through a similar situation, however his ETS and his RCP date were 4 or more months apart from each other. He was able to extend past his ETS date to his RCP date, and will have completed 15 years of service upon RCP. Talk to your career counselor

Response by SGT Fredrick Mathis made Aug 16 at 2016 7:20 PM

SGT Fredrick Mathis — Tue, 16 Aug 2016 19:20:38 -0400

As active no you cannot extend til your 15 yr mark

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2016 9:42 AM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Aug 2016 09:42:23 -0400

Went through the same process a couple years ago, you are able to extend to meet your RCP date, just talk to your career counselor. Its a simple extension with no oath of reenlistment or ceremony. Also in order to receive your separation pay you will be required to enlist in either the National Guard or Army Reserve for a minimum of 3 years. This is an excellent opportunity, as I changed MOS to one that was more promotion friendly and has a better career path, also NG retirement system is different than Active Duty and it is very possible you will end up making more by retiring from the Guard than you would if you had stayed Active. Only catch is you can't start collecting retirement from the Guard till age 60.

Response by SFC Rick H made Aug 27 at 2016 12:58 PM

SFC Rick H — Sat, 27 Aug 2016 12:58:03 -0400

Not unless you are promoted to E6...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 9 at 2020 4:09 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Jul 2020 16:09:32 -0400

As stated from SFC best bet is to go AGR/NG, but be careful you will receive a severance from the Army, if you file for your VA disability they will recoup all the money the Army gave you as a severance, if you are going to go AGR/NG I wouldn’t file for VA disability until you actually retire, you have an advantage if going to NG due to your active service years so you would just need 5 good years in the NG then you can retire, it’s a tough decision. The only down fall is that you won’t be getting retirement pay till your 58 years old, so file your Ba disability prior to retirement if you go that route, if not file for your VA before you get out on RCP.