Army Changes Up-or-Out Rules

Week of December 01, 2008

A recent extension of retention control points means Soldiers in the rank of staff sergeant and above will be allowed to serve the Army longer, should they desire. An All Army Activities message, or ALARACT, dated Nov. 8, spelled out the changes to retention control points. The changes, which became effective Nov. 1, increase RCPs for E-6s and above by as many as three years in some cases. The ALARACT also changes the maximum age for enlisted Soldiers to 62 years. The increase in RCP -- called "high year of tenure" in the Air Force and Navy -- is a force-shaping measure meant to allow experienced noncommissioned officers to stay in the Army longer. The original ALARACT message 267/008 is available on Military.com.

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