not mean a Soldier is "locked in" to a contract with the Army indefinitely.
The program was designed to give quality NCOs in the ranks of staff sergeant through sergeant major a
greater sense of security by offering a career contract similar to that by which Army officers are retained
that provides one final contract that will take them to retirement, say U.S. Army Europe retention officials.
How does the program work?
When an eligible NCO reenlists, he is processed through the RETAIN reenlistment computer system;
completes all required reenlistment documents, and takes the oath of enlistment. At that time, retention
officials explained, the Soldier's new Expiration of Term of Service date will become the same date as the
Retention Control Point for his current rank. For example, a staff sergeant can remain in the Army for 22
years and not have to reenlist again.
From that point on, when the Soldier is promoted, his ETS date will be updated to reflect the RCP for the
new rank. RCPs for staff sergeants through sergeants major are listed in the accompanying table (see box).
If a Soldier serving on an indefinite reenlistment
has less than 20 years service and exceeds an
RCP due to being reduced in rank, the Soldier
may remain on active duty to attain retirement
eligibility unless separated earlier for other
administrative, physical or Uniform Code of
Military Justice reasons.
After reenlisting for the indefinite program, a
Soldier can request voluntary separation or
retirement, provided all Service Remaining
Requirements have been fulfilled, in a manner
similar to officers.
An example would be a staff sergeant with 11 years time in service who reenlists under the indefinite
reenlistment program. If the Soldier is reassigned to the U.S. he incurs a 12 month SRR. Once the 12
months are complete, he can request separation through his servicing personnel office.
Staff Sergeant 22 years
Staff Sergeant (promotable) 24 years
Sgt. 1st Class 24 years
Sgt. 1st Class (promotable) 26 years
1st Sgt./Master Sgt. 26 years
1st Sgt./Master Sgt.
Sgt. Maj./Command Sgt. Maj. 30 years
Some other examples of SRRs that a staff sergeant could incur include 24 months for promotion to sergeant
first class; 12 to 36 months for reassignment (depending on the type of tour), or 12 months to receive
corrective eye surgery.
Soldiers who would like more information on the indefinite reenlistment program can contact their local
career counselor or reenlistment NCO.