Been on this board for a little bit, and have gotten a lot of good info from it. Used to have a similar account, but never really posted, so never used it.

Anyways, to get to my point. I am a linguist, and have come up on assignment to Fort Drum. Specifically, Bravo Company, 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion. I have a couple of issues, though. Firstly, this is not my duty of choice. If I had it my way, I'd rather PCS to SOUTHCOM, Fort Meade, San Antonio, or stay at Bliss, (where I'm at) in that order. My issues are 1stly, my security clearance has been suspended. I am currently trying to get it reinstated, but as us older heads know, the Army tends to drag it's feet when it comes to taking care of issues concerning clearances and finance. 2ndly, I have a permanent profile. Don't know how this all mixes into this, but figured I'd give you some background.

Lastly, Im in my reenlistment window, but can't reenlist because of the security clearance issue. My career counselor told me I could bring up the clearance issue, when they tell me at the levy brief that I must reenlist/extend. Hopefully that will help them take me off assignment. Which would be peachy.

Those who know, What are my realistic options, what can I do to get one of my choices?

If I do have to go to Drum, can you guys that have been there tell me about the life out there? I read some of the previous posts concerning Drum, but have not seen too much. Is there a nightlife, is it isolated? are the waiting lists for housing still long? Are the dace studios (my wife)? How are the junior high schools there?

Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: anothaknick,

Some news concerning this, since some things have developed since I wrote this in anticipation of getting at least one response.

Firstly, I just had my clearance reinstated. I turned in what my S-2 said "was a hefty packet" and was told that it looked like I put forth a lot of effort into. Only took 2 days, which in Army eyes is lightning fast.

Secondly, I really doubt I will be able to make the green to gold cutoff. My program mentor flatly told me my history was not good. Basically my UCMJ action (which suspended my clearance in the first place) was a huge black eye, my PT test is being amazing, and lack of "padding" will hurt me.

So, there goes that idea (for now)

Still would like some questions answered from you old timers here, perhaps I can get some feedback I'm not getting.

My career counselor basically told me since my clearance was reinstated I only have two options, one is to extend/reenlist to fulfill the Drum assignment (3years total) or, I could sign a dec statement.

My Command is really going to bat for me, as I am really needed here right now, we are undermanned, we will be losing 3 soldiers in the near future, and our gains roster shows we will only be recieving one e7 later on next year. They will try to use some weight to try to keep me here. How feasible is this? Can this be accomplished?

Then the other questions from my previous post. (reposting in case you guys missed it the first time )

"Those who know, What are my realistic options, what can I do to get one of my choices? I am currently working on a green to gold packet, but am unsure whether I will make it in time.

If I do have to go to Drum, can you guys that have been there tell me about the life out there? I read some of the previous posts concerning Drum, but have not seen too much. Is there a nightlife, is it isolated? are the waiting lists for housing still long? Are the dance studios (my wife)? How are the junior high schools there?"

Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

quote:

Originally posted by anothaknick:
Lastly, Im in my reenlistment window, but can't reenlist because of the security clearance issue. My career counselor told me I could bring up the clearance issue, when they tell me at the levy brief that I must reenlist/extend. Hopefully that will help them take me off assignment. Which would be peachy.

Actually, you should have been processed for separation since you were no longer qualified in your MOS ... this would have gotten you out of your Fort Drum assignment instructions.

quote:

Originally posted by anothaknick:
My career counselor basically told me since my clearance was reinstated I only have two options, one is to extend/reenlist to fulfill the Drum assignment (3years total) or, I could sign a dec statement.

Your Career Counselor is 100% correct. Since you already reenlisted once, you are considered a mid-career Soldier and you can either reenlist for Option 1 or you can sign a Declination of Continued Service Statement (DCSS a.k.a. DEC statement).

If your command really wants you out of this assignment, they can make it happen. Some commands talk about "we really need you here and we'd be lost without you", but when it really comes down to it, they don't attempt to get Soldiers out of assignments.

Although I get the opportunity to visit Fort Drum once a year for a few days, I can't tell you much about the nightlife, but they are really building the area up and Canada is just a hope, skip and jump away.

About "Dance Studios" at Fort Drum ... what kind are you referring to?

Well, ArmyReenlistment, your news is qquite encouraging. I have an Ops Cdr here (O-3), who is really working this issue, and is involving our CO CDR (0-4). They will try and get our BDE CDR involved if at all possible, so that really seems like good news. If they cannot handle it, then I guess it was meant to be.

About Dance studios, I was talking about the ones where you learn to dance? My wife dances, and spends the majority of her leisure time at dance studios. (Ballerina, Jazz, etc)