Those who wish to re-enlist in the Army this year will have to do so sooner than ever before.
A fast approaching and earlier than ever re-enlistment deadline wasn't something SSG Isaac Flores was going to let pass him by.
"I want to stay in the military. I want to go as far as I can, you know SGM of course, we all strive to be the best," said Flores.
He renewed his service to the Army last Thursday, just weeks before the new January 31, deadline for those whose terms of service expire on or before September 30.
"Service to your nation is a great thing. All these soldiers volunteer to serve the nation, and we want to make sure they have the opportunity and understand that this change may affect them and their families," said Command Career Counselor SGM Rob Sluss.
Soldiers are used to having up to 90 days from their expiration of Term of Service date to re-enlist, and if they miss the new deadline they'll either have to leave the Army or end up in Reserve Component Career Counselor MSG Edward LeDoux's office.
"Some of the other options would be for them to take a look at the reserve component and what they offer, either the United States Army Reserve or the Army National Guard with one of the 54 states or territories," LeDoux said.
As for Flores, he's going Army strong for at least the next two years, while he goes to school for civil affairs.
"And then I'll reenlist probably indefinitely, stay until the army needs me," he said.
Recruiters say they've been doing all they can to get the word out since October, sharing it down formation and via Facebook.
Their objective is to make sure soldiers know their options, and in order to do that, they're encouraged to talk to their re-enlistment NCO or career counselor as soon as possible. '
Reporter/Photographer Sophia Stamas sstamas@kcentv.com
