Staying in the Army after AWOL/DFR?

[alabamaman]

I know that retention is "possible" if you request it, but it's at the discretion of the staff (I assume). Anyone have any experience with this?

I'm sure this only applies to a tiny tiny percentage, but... I thought I would ask. Some may not know that for Basic & AIT soldiers, at least, you don't have to go back to the same place, same unit, same people that were the reason you left. If retained, you can get a new contract, etc. That's what I've been told.

So, has anyone tried to be retained while processing at Ft. Knox or Ft. Sill? Succeed or fail? I'm referring to Basic or AIT soldiers only. Please give us your story and some advice!

[objetora]

Anyone can be called back to their unit from Ft. Sill or Ft. Knox. I've seen it for an AWOL from AIT, I've seen it for an AWOL from OCONUS. People in those categories usually simply get discharged.

You can call your unit before you turn yourself in and tell them that you want to accept your punishment (typically NJP or summary court-martial for AWOL from AIT, possibly with a few days in jail) and go back. That's your best first step.

[alabamaman]

Originally Posted by objetora

Anyone can be called back to their unit from Ft. Sill or Ft. Knox. I've seen it for an AWOL from AIT, I've seen it for an AWOL from OCONUS. People in those categories usually simply get discharged.

You can call your unit before you turn yourself in and tell them that you want to accept your punishment (typically NJP or summary court-martial for AWOL from AIT, possibly with a few days in jail) and go back. That's your best first step.

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Thanks, but completely irrelevant to what I'm asking.

Once DFR'd and sitting at Knox/Sill, soldiers are SOMETIMES asked if they wish to be retained in the Army (asking for the Chap. 10 OTH discharge is just that: asking). If you don't REQUEST a discharge, then the admin procedures kick in. At this point (at least in '03) a soldier may request to stay in the Army.

What I'm asking for is: has anyone on this board gone thru this? Or, if discharged recently, know if they are still offering the option? Most visitors on this board seem to be concerned only with receiving a speedy discharge.

I'm simply asking for info about the other option, once back in military control at Knox or Sill. Is the Army still offering the option to attempt to stay in (this is for Basic & AIT level soldiers, of course)?