Expert: Aaron Shifferly - 1/28/2011

Question
I have been told the amy is back to late 90's RCP.
E-5P serve max 15 yrs. Have you heard if this is true.

Mac

Answer
Mac:

Sorry took me a while to dig into the ALARACT messages and see what you were asking about.  Here's the link to the message that I'll quote:

https://www.us.army.mil/suite/portal/index.jsp

So the one I found is ALARACT 020/2011 released on 25 JAN 11.  According to paragraph 2, the RCPs will be effective 1 June 2011 and a SGT (P) will be capped at 15 years. Here is the complete list for your reference:
PVT-PFC: 5
CPL/SPC: 8
CPL/SPC (P): 12
SGT: 13
SGT (P): 15
SSG: 20
SSG (P): 26
SFC: 26
SFC (P): 29
MSG/1SG: 29
MSG/1SG (P): 32
SGM/CSM: 32

There are some exceptions for those personnel who have reductions in grade (they can serve through their current enlistment term if not indefinite) or can serve to minimum retirement eligibility or the reduced grade RCP, whichever is longer (if indefinite).  There is also an exception allowing deployed Soldiers who reach their RCP to serve for 1 year plus 90 days from the date of return.  Also, if you're in the West Point Band or other special Bands there are longer RCPs.  Hope this is what you were looking for.