Posted on Jun 3, 2020
Can I sign a dec statement to cancel Oconus PCS orders?
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I am set to PCS to Korea in a month, this is all very last minute due to rona craziness, but I no longer want to go, and would like to ETS in fall of 21. Basically, the back end of my orders getting pushed out screws things up pretty bad as my husband (Navy) goes back on sea duty in May next year, leaving him unable to properly care for our young child by himself for a time. Also, since I now plan on ETS'ing, my HAAP will send my to WA for 3 months (where I'll likely have to extend, which I absolutely do not want to do) and then back to VA where we have a home. I tried pleading my case to HRC, and they pretty much told me tough luck; so, I've decided to get out due to ongoing medical issues, and the fact that apparently MACP doesn't mean anything if you're in separate branches and I don't want to spend 16 more years dealing with this. My husband outranks me, and has more TIS, so he gets to stay, and I'm getting out. At this point, the Army will be sending me to Korea to ACAP, and then back to WA for 3 mo. then back to VA. I don't see how this makes sense for them financially or sets me up for success in any way, especially since I had planned on participating in the skill bridge program before ETS'ing. What do you think? Sign a dec statement, or suck it up and hope the big green weenie is kinder during an extension?
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 4
A declination statement is a statement declining to reenlist, not a statement declining orders; you are never able to decline orders.
You don’t have to extend and return to the states where your HAAP is you can ETS from Korea if you choose. You could work with your branch manager for a different follow on assignment. You could even reenlist for the follow on assignment of your choosing to put you close to your husband and allow you all kinds of time to complete SFLTAP -there is no ACAP, that ended almost a decade ago.
It makes sense for the Army financially because it is a one year tour and they need someone to fill the spot. The Army’s job is not to set you up for ETS. There are skill bridge programs at every base you can utilize if you have enough time left.
As for your parenting issues, the Army view is that you have a family care plan being dual military. If you can’t support your family care plan, separate under a family care plan chapter. You’ve already stated that your spouse is AD and you will be able to take advantage of skill programs after you separate.
You don’t have to extend and return to the states where your HAAP is you can ETS from Korea if you choose. You could work with your branch manager for a different follow on assignment. You could even reenlist for the follow on assignment of your choosing to put you close to your husband and allow you all kinds of time to complete SFLTAP -there is no ACAP, that ended almost a decade ago.
It makes sense for the Army financially because it is a one year tour and they need someone to fill the spot. The Army’s job is not to set you up for ETS. There are skill bridge programs at every base you can utilize if you have enough time left.
As for your parenting issues, the Army view is that you have a family care plan being dual military. If you can’t support your family care plan, separate under a family care plan chapter. You’ve already stated that your spouse is AD and you will be able to take advantage of skill programs after you separate.
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SGT (Join to see)
Thank you for educating me SFC. I have tried working with HRC, unfortunately those attempts are one of the prime instances of what led me to change my mind from re-enlist to ETS. The follow on assignment is what I'd really like changed, but it appears that's not an option. I don't want to pull my family care plan, but will if we can't figure out what we're doing with him.
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I don't see where a declination of continued service statement would help your situation. You still have enough time remaining on your enlistment to complete your overseas tour. And you're right, Married Army Couples Program doesn't help with different services. It's difficult to find a station where Army and Navy members can establish joint domicile. Regarding HAAP: can you change your homebase to a station near your Virginia home? By the time you return, your husband will already be on sea duty for about a month, but where will his ship be homeported? Ongoing medical issues: yours? Baby's? Many questions, few answers. Can your assignment be deleted based on impending hardship? I agree with CSM Darieus ZaGara that you need to address these issues with your command. Use every resource available to you. Find someone who will listen to your concerns and try to find solutions.
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All you can do is take this to your command. See what they say. From there is they are non supportive seek further guidance. Always give the leadership a chance.
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SGT (Join to see)
Appreciate that CSM, was sticking to that, but am getting desperate, and was trying to get input before possibly elevating this, or making a big decision, I apologize if it was out of line.
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CSM Darieus ZaGara
You are not out of line. You are a Mother and a Sokdier. Dual Military makes your situation most challenging. At face value it appears as if you have a case for support. If your Company does not support your request see your Chaplain for guidance and support, then turn to ge Battalion with the Chaplain. I apologize if I gave you the impression that you were out of line. SGT (Join to see)
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MAJ Byron Oyler
SGT (Join to see) - I do not have anything to add to your question but will say it sounds like the Army will be losing a good soldier. Have you thought about the Navy once you get past this? There are also options to serve with the Public Health Corps. You sound street smart and someone the government would benefit in service regardless the uniform.
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