My husband enlisted as 97E now 35M and at time of enlistment was told he was going to language training. His DLAB qualified for CAT IV language (wanted to learn Arabic) Needless to say the requirement was removed and we were sent to AIT then OCONUS, no DLI. He spoke with the reenlistment NCO and due to the original contract he was still entitled to Language Training and he was given a signed ammendment to the contract accepting language training. Unfortunately our DEROS was too far out so they couldn't schedule language training and said he needed to request a DEROS curtailment then they could schedule him. Two weeks later he received deployment orders. Currently he is trying to get the paperwork pushed through but is hitting a lot of dead ends--8 months worth (originally, no paperwork could be down till they got downrange, then they would push it through, now attached to a different unit with no contact with his S1 and SGT's saying that it is impossible to go to DLI without reenlisting so won't submit paperwork) What would be the best course of action to get a DEROS curtailed and DLI slotted?

He will have to definitely submit the Curtailment paperwork through S1. he needs to ensure that he specifically states that this was a prior commitment of the branch from when he enlisted, prior to the decision to rescind the language requirement (waive for lack of a better word). Sometimes when you walk into S1 and confer with a SPC and say, "What do I need to do to file a curtailment to go to DLI?", they will take you for just that. He has to ensure that he lays it out for them in black and white and that "all four corners of the box are shaded with a dark marker" (i.e. be specific in addressing your needs.).

There is no reason why they cannot push the paperwork. If I am correct, once S-1 files the paperwork, it simply goes to G-1 anyways, and then to HRC. With everything running digital nowadays, it isn't a long process like it used to be.

Tell him to go in and readdress the issue. If he is unsuccesful on the next attempt, involve the immediate chain and go to the NCOIC of the S-1 shop. Sometimes people get caught up in these conundrums that appear to be a lot fuzzier than they are. Believe me, I am in a detachment of 20 Active Duty personnel with a HQ in MDW and administratively assigned to USARPAC. I know the pain of paperwork. Wish him the best of luck.

If you guys know anything about the 163rd MI at Hood, let me know. I am headed that way in November.