Army Retention Program (AR 601-280) Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What regulation covers the Army Retention Program?

AR 601-280

What benefits would a soldier receive by reenlisting?

Bonuses, current station stabilization, reclassification, reassignment to preferred duty station

What is a bar (to reenlistment)?

A punitive action that prevents a soldier from reenlisting.

What would you do if your soldier is currently barred from reenlistment but wants to reenlist?

Speak with CO CDR to find out who instated the bar and what needs to be done to get it lifted. Signup and view all the answers

Who may lift a bar?

The authority that approved the bar or a higher-level CDR. Signup and view all the answers

What are the goals of the Army Retention Program?

Reenlist qualified soldiers, enlist or transfer sufficient soldiers, focus on critical skills, support special programs. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between reenlistment and extension?

Reenlistment is a new contract, while extension is additional time on the same contract. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Retention Control Point (RCP)?

The maximum years of active duty at a certain rank before ineligibility to reenlist. Signup and view all the answers

What conditions prevent a soldier from reenlisting?

Having a bar, being in ASAP or ABCP with unsatisfactory progress, or exceeding RCP. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Career Status Program?

A program stating that Soldiers ranked E-6 and above with 10 years of service won't have an ETS date. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Army Retention Program Overview

Regulation covering the Army Retention Program: AR 601-280.

Reenlistment Benefits

Bonuses: Current MILPER (24JAN2023) outlines Tier 7 bonuses for SPC and below, and Tier 5 for SGT-SFC; minimum reenlistment of 3 years required for SRB bonus.
Additional benefits include current station stabilization, reclassification, and reassignment to preferred duty stations.

Bar to Reenlistment

A bar is a punitive measure preventing a soldier from reenlisting, aimed at motivating them to correct deficiencies.
The battalion commander (CO CDR) reviews the bar at 3-month intervals, with further reviews before PCS/ETS.
Only the original approving commander or a higher authority can lift the bar.

Addressing Bar to Reenlistment

If a soldier wants to reenlist while barred, consult with the CO CDR to understand the reasons for the bar and steps to lift it.

Lifting a Bar

A bar can be lifted by the commander who approved it or a higher-level commander.

Army Retention Program Goals

Aim to reenlist highly qualified soldiers for the long term.
Enlist or assign soldiers transitioning from Regular Army (RA) to Reserve Component (RC).
Focus on retaining soldiers with critical skills in essential locations.
Support programs like ROTC and Green to Gold.

Reenlistment vs. Extension

Reenlistment: Signing a new contract.
Extension: Serving additional time under the existing contract.

Retention Control Point (RCP)

Ineligibility for reenlistment is determined by a soldier’s years of active service at their current rank.
RCPs: PFC = 5 years, SPC = 8 years, SGT = 14 years, SSG = 20 years.

Conditions Preventing Reenlistment

A soldier cannot reenlist if they have a bar, are enrolled in ASAP, are in ABCP with unsatisfactory progress, or exceed their RCP.

Career Status Program

Soldiers ranked E-6 and above, with at least 10 years active service, have no specified ETS date and instead reenlist for an "indefinite term" until retirement or reaching RCP.
Soldiers can still apply for "voluntary separation" as outlined in AR 635-200.

Description

Test your knowledge about the Army Retention Program with these flashcards based on AR 601-280. This quiz covers the essential regulations and benefits associated with reenlistment for soldiers. Perfect for understanding key retention policies and bonuses.