Late July, I talked to my retention officer, because I was near my 90 days from ETS (Oct 31st). He told me I could go ahead and select my next duty station, but that I couldn't actually reenlist until October. I was given a report date for January, but don't actually have orders, because I have yet to actually reenlist. October is now here, but something has come up, and I have changed my mind about my desire to reenlist. My question is...since I have not signed anything yet, am I obligated to stay in and go to my next duty station (Again, I have a report date, but no orders, because of the change in reenlistment policy.)? In the event they say I MUST reenlist now, can I sign a declination statement?

No you don't have to re-enlist.

Your orders are for January? Your ETS is Jan31?
If you don't re-enlist you won't be moving.

(How long was your enlistment? IRR DOES get called up once in a while.)

Actually, my ETS is Oct31. I went to reenlist just before July 31 (90 days), but the retention officer told me I could only see what was available and make a decision. Among the few choices, I did make my selection, and then he made some phone calls. I was then given a report date (for January), and then had to give that to my branch manager. Well, the retention officer explained I'd have to return in October to complete the reenlistment process, because (he says) the Army doesn't want anyone to reenlist until after the next fiscal year begins. It is a 2 year reenlistment. Now that I've had something come up, and since I never actually signed anything, I'm hoping the report date doesn't bind me. The retention office has been unresponsive in my attempts to clarify my situation.

ALSO...let's suppose I'm not having to reenlist. It is now Oct5 and my ETS is Oct31. Because I don't know anyone who has separated from the army, I am clueless as to what I need to do to get out. My separation orders were issued last spring. I have them in hand, but don't know the process of getting out.

Where's your NCO support channel? If you ETS 31 Oct, you should be processing already to get out. Go to your S-1 with orders, tell them your situation; if you plan on taking any leave, get your installation/unit clearing papers and start processing.