Army Extends 'Up or Out' for Sr. NCOs

[unhappycamper]

Army Extends 'Up or Out' for Sr. NCOs
February 06, 2009
Military.com|by Bryan Mitchell

"Up-or-Out" is on the move again -- this time for the Army's enlisted leaders.

But not everyone is going to be happy and the Army is unsure how much it will cost in the long run.

Three years after the Army more than doubled the number of years a Soldier may serve as a private first class the service has now extended the shelf life for senior noncommissioned officers, in some cases by up to three years.

The move provides senior enlisted leaders the opportunity to extend their careers at a time when the Army is stressed for manpower while fighting two wars and still meeting its training obligations.

Lt. Col. Thomas Erickson, Chief of Enlisted Professional Development Branch, said the move was needed to retain sergeants major longer. But it affects Soldiers down to the rank of staff sergeant.


Rest of article at: http://www.military.com/news/article/army-extends-up-or-out-for-sr-ncos.html?col=1186032310810

[tideroller52]

1. Up or Out

This is a mixed bag.

As a retired MSG, I have to say I was ready to go. I could have stayed for 5-6 more years. I felt it was time to move on. I didn't feel indispensable like some people. I knew there were good capable people who could step in do a good job. Some people feel that as soon as they leave, the system will fall apart. These are often the people who need to go. On the other hand, I feel that anyone who wants to stay for 20 years and retire should be allowed to stay as long as they can do their job.