Expert: John L - 11/18/2009

Question
John Lewis,

I am currently in the active army, in the MOS of 21/12B(Combat Engineer),with almost two years in.I have been going through the steps of a possible re-enlistment at multiple levels of my chain and several angles.I have gotten a spot in the school for me to re-class to 31E(corrections officer) but that spot is not available till March of FY 11 .I am currently deployed in Iraq and we are at the middle of our tour.The other options that come with this re-enlistment are for 3 years-no bonus and 5 years- only $2,600.Have talked with my prior service father and he is/has advised against re-enlisting while here and with about a year left on my current contract.He thinks more options will open up closer to my ETS as far as bonuses and such.Also my retention NCO has informed me that the seat can only be held for me for up to ten days meaning if I don't take the offer with in the next ten days I will lose that option.Basically I am needing a neutral,outside,knowledgeable source.Could I somehow put a hold on the spot until we at least re-deployed seeing as nothing can really happen until we get back anyhow and could I possibly get more bonus wise, and any other information or benefits you are aware of.Realize its long.Lot of information.Thank you.

PFC.Nathaniel Way

Answer
Dont do it for the Money, thats #1 in my book.  Do it for the job you want.  If you want 31E, then do it, if you are not sure, or want another job, or like being a 21B, then wait later after you get back.  I do not see bonuses going up, but I do know there is a need for 31E, but it is not a job I would choose, but it is your decision.

But dont do it for the money!!!