What happens if you sign a Declination of Orders Statement?

2015-08-17T08:41:04-04:00

I have heard plenty of RUMINT on signing a declination of orders statement. Does anyone actually know what happens if you sign one of these? I have a lot of time left in service (3 yrs on a 6-yr contract). Some people say you'll get kicked out in 90 days. I do not care about not being able to reenlist or promote.

Let me supplement this by saying that I am looking for actual answers and not, "Hey, buck up and go enjoy your tour." That's not the purpose of this discussion.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Aug 17 at 2015 9:05 AM

2015-08-17T09:05:51-04:00

What exactly is a Declination of Orders Statement? In 20 years I've never heard of one. Thanks.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2015 10:10 AM

2015-08-17T10:10:24-04:00

You did not state the length or location of the assignment or if you drew a bonus to enlist. We presume you mean the assignment is overseas. Generally, if you are a first term soldier, who has not yet reenlisted with less than three years of service (check the length of time for "career status" for reup purposes as it changes and may have changed again due to indefinite enlistments) you may decline an overseas assignment and reenlist for something else--only if the levy you are on affects your first term status. In other words, you'd never have a chance to choose your own reenlistment benefits because of the levy. Most soldiers with a three or four year enlistment don't know any better and reenlist unless they are determined to get out. However, if you have 3 years left on your contract, that is not the case. It's not clear how you are able to decline orders with sufficient time remaining to complete a tour (either one year unaccompanied or three year accompanied). In any case, except for 1st term soldiers under narrow conditions, signing a declination usually has the effect of a self-imposed bar to reenlist and you should be counseled regarding the effects, which may also affect promotions or other positive personnel actions. Note again that declination is normally not an option unless you do not have sufficient time to serve on the tour, which would thus require a reenlistment or extension of obligation. You'd have to have a solid reason backed by your chain of command rather than simply declining orders--medical (including dependents) operational deferment/deletion, etc. Additionally, there are cases where a soldier is on the promotion list at the time of levy, the promotion score drops, and the soldier is about to decline the assignment but accepts the promotion. Sometimes folks will say you can't accept the promotion and decline the assignment as they are not contingent upon each other even if you don't have sufficient time in service remaining--however one can accept the promotion and carry it into the Guard/Reserve. The time required to retire in the grade/rank follows different rules.
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Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2015 10:53 AM

2015-08-17T10:53:40-04:00

Here is my experience with a Declination Statement. I had some time left on my contract (about a yr or so) while I was in Germany. I came down on orders to FT Riley, KS. I went to the base career counselor. I signed the declination statement (which is a self bar to re-enlist). I was not sent out the door sooner. I merely finished my contract time in Germany, hit my DEROS, went home on terminal leave and called it a day.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2015 10:57 AM

2015-08-17T10:57:44-04:00

It will depend on where you are going and how much time you have left. If you have enough time to meet the SRR for the assignment you cannot submit a DCSS. You need to speak to your career counselor. They will counsel you on it or you could read the DA 4991-r it details in each block the ramifications.

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Aug 17 at 2015 5:37 PM

2015-08-17T17:37:48-04:00

Seems you are on assignment to an overseas long-tour (Alaska, Hawaii or Japan).

If this is the case, and you do not have enough time to PCS, two things can happen after you process your DCSS:

1. Your branch can waive the service remaining requirement (SRR) and you'll go anyway, or
2. You can be placed on assignment to a location with less SRR.

What can you do? You can request to ETS early, as the DA Form 4991-R states.

Best of luck in your future endeavors...whatever they entail.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2016 4:26 PM

2016-04-10T16:26:08-04:00

is there a time limit on when i can sign a de statement? like if i still had 2 years left can i?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2019 6:27 PM

2019-04-13T18:27:55-04:00

Declination of Continued Service Statement (DCSS is what it is called but it is known as DEX) will end your career

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2021 4:31 PM

2021-08-02T16:31:57-04:00

I signed a dec statement a while ago before Covid and am looking into the possibility of canceling it. My career counselor doesn’t know much, all he said is that I need I do 4 years needs of the army. My ets is sep 2022. Any info would be greatly appreciated