im a SPC stationed in Germany, but currently deployed to Iraq. I am an initial term soldier for active duty and my window for reenlistement opened up this month.(02AUG) I am going to reclass from 92A to 31B under option number 3. My DEROS date for Germany is 11AUG08, but my unit is disbanding once we return from deployment (we return around December) I have been in my current unit for 12 months. (i deployed 5 weeks after arriving to Germany) My retention NCO and I are still deciding between option 3 and the BEAR program. He is telling me that either way I have to wait until my DEROS date to leave Germany to go to MP school. I am not sure if this is true or not. Either way I want to chose the route that will get me to MP school asap after my deployment. Any suggestions?

You cannot extend under the BEAR Program because your MOS is understrength. Also, you cannot get a bonus right away for extending while deployed.

You mention you are an initial term for active duty. Did you have any reserve/guard time? If so, if it were more than 180 days, you won't be offered Option 3, Army Training Reenlistment Option.

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

Yes, I enlisted in the Guard Jan04.Up until this point no one has told me anything about my guard time disqualifying me for option 3. Am I still eligible for the BEAR program? If so, will I have to wait for my DEROS date to go to school? Or can I try and get a school date around the time that the unit allows everyone to PCS? Thanks for your help

Your guard time doesn't necessarily disqualify you from Option 3 ... only if you have over 180 days active service.

You cannot BEAR because you are in an understrength MOS.

More than likely you'll have to wait until your DEROS for school, unless you are granted a waiver because your unit is disbanding.

the information my NCO has says that initial term soldiers with a gt of 110 or higher may enroll in the BEAR program without reguards to in/out calls. thanks ill look at how much active time i have. would i still have to wait for my DEROS to go to school if i do option 3?

quote:

Originally posted by sugrhighjess:
the information my NCO has says that initial term soldiers with a gt of 110 or higher may enroll in the BEAR program without reguards to in/out calls.

Is your NCO a Career Counselor or full-time Reenlistment NCO? If not, you and your NCO may want to consult with one.

AR 601-280, Chapter 6, paragraph 6-5c has been changed (1 October 2006) to remove that exception.

Here is a link to the new (updated) AR 601-280.

Yes, the above responses apply to your DEROS, unless you are granted an exception because of what will happen to your unit.