What other options might I have besides extending and taking DS orders or signing a Declination of Orders with 2 years left in the Army?

2018-03-07T17:44:26-05:00

I am on my way to ALC in a few weeks and I received orders for DS school. My wife received these orders as well a few weeks ago. I have two options, either extend and take the DS orders and POSSIBLY move with my wife or sign a Declination of Orders Statement with 2 years left in the army and not live with her until I ETS unless theres some way for me to ETS early which ETSing is what my wife and I are both doing after these enlistments. Wondering if anyone had any incite as to what my options might be. I was told by the career counselor that I am a mid term soldier since I reenlisted once already so i'm not eligible to PCS to where she is going and I am not in my reenlistment window. Bottom line I would like to PCS with her but not do the DS duty as my last 2 years in the army. If I can ETS early that could work for our family. Just looking for some insight, thank you everyone.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2018 5:49 PM

2018-03-07T17:49:23-05:00

This is y I always say drill sgt orders r a set up. It’s either u do it or sign that DEC statement. Smh. I think it’s horrible. I had to extend my enlistment or sign a DEC. so I extended. There’s no getting out of it unless u have something mentally wrong with u.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2018 5:49 PM

2018-03-07T17:49:48-05:00

That I know of at least....

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Mar 8 at 2018 10:14 AM

2018-03-08T10:14:34-05:00

Ok, I'm confused- 1. Are you trying to decline DS orders? 2. Are you trying to ETS? 3. Are you and wife in the "Family Program"? 4. Is your MOS open for where the wife might be stationed after DS? 5. Do you even have a clue where she might/will get stationed after DS. Use to be that declining DA orders was an automatic re-enlist bar. If you /wife haven't told the Army that you are a dual service family, it might be too late to see about getting assigned together at the same Post. If your MOS is not open at wherever she ends up, you have problems. Finally, the only early ETS I have ever heard of was to go to school, not because you wanted to. Both you and wife need to camp at the Retention/ Soldier For Life, whatever center and ask a lot of questions and quick, before her PCS orders start up.

Response by SFC Thomas Davis made Mar 9 at 2018 7:21 PM

2018-03-09T19:21:36-05:00

Just to put it into perspective, I was a Drill Sergeant from Jun 01 -Jun 04. The third year was not by choice as I am sure you can tell by the dates also retired in 14 so my input is more about the job since any of my knowledge about orders is outdated. That being said, Drill Sergeant duty was one of the most rewarding in my career. Maybe someone else on here can articulate it better but to see the transformation and the impact that you can have on/in someones life is amazing. It is not all rainbows and unicorns but any assignment, for the most part, is what you make of it. At the end of the day do what is best for you and your family. Good luck.