Does anyone know how long it is from the time you reenlist for an OCONUS station to the time you get orders and then how long it will be until reporting? Also, my husband just returned from Iraq and they told him he COULDN'T reenlist while he was there...??? I was under the impression everyone was able to reenlist when downrange. The unit's higher enlisted would do nothing to help him reenlist over there and many kept telling him "you're not in your window" Now, most of us know this is total bull, but are there any things that can be done about it now? My husband's window will open OCT08, but we were going to do it a couple of months early in order to get it tax free. Is there any leeway to this rule? Are there any ways to reenlist in the next, say 90 days-while they are stabilized, and still get it tax free?
I know I have asked a lot of questions and it may seem a little crazy, but if anyone could help my family would greatly appreciate it. He is going to reenlist between Oct and Feb anyway, but the tax advantage would be nice, and no one can seem to answer how soon we would be leaving for a new duty station...thanks to all who can offer any advice...

Ok, a couple things here ...

If your husband is eligible to reenlist, he can reenlist in Iraq. Now, if it's a REENLISTMENT OPTION (like OCONUS Assignment), that is holding this up because he is not in his reenlistment window, this is the way it is. Your husband qualifies for Options 1 or 2 ONLY when outside of his reenlistment window ... no exceptions.

If it's a tax-free bonus you are looking at (and he's eligible), reenlist for it and request an assignment through his Assignment Manager. You've got to decide which is more important ... money or assignment.

Prior to reenlisting for an assignment, your husband will know his report date. You will receive orders approximately 14 days prior to departing losing installation.

Thank you. So if I'm understanding this correctly, he is only eligible to reenlist for a general reenlistment so strings attached (like choice of duty station) when he is in Iraq and outside of his window. Is this what you are saying? Also, he just returned from Iraq the end of July. He is done with his tour...this time. I was asking to see if there was a window for reenlistment after they are stateside. I know they have 90 days stabilization and a couple of other things, but I thought I read somewhere that there was still a window for them to reenlist tax free after their return. I believe what I read said 120 days. So, if this is not an option for him to reenlist tax free since he is now stateside, then we will be waiting for his window to open in Oct and opt for Europe.
Also, I understand that when he comes down on orders he will then be given his report date ( I am an army brat myself and have traveled many many times). What I don't understand though is generally how long it takes to be issued your orders for OCONUS after reenlisting. No one can seem to give me even a clue when I ask on base. We just don't want to reenlist in Oct and then leave right before the holidays. And we would like not to have to guess about whether that will be happening. After you reenlist do your orders get cut within a couple of weeks? or is it more like months? and then have 30 days to report. I do apologize but this whole thing has me very confused. If it were a straight reenlistment, no strings attached, you get what you are given, and that is that, it would obviously be much easier. But since he will probably only have one more reenlistment where he has even a slight choice, we are trying to make the most of it. I appreciate any help you give. Thanks.