ArmyReenlistment.com - Retention Control Points

Retention Control Points (ALARACT Message 267-2008 effective 1 November 2008)
Rank	Total Active Service in Years
Private (PVT) - Private First Class (PFC)	8 Years
Corporal (CPL) / Specialist (SPC)	10 Years
Corporal (CPL) / Specialist (SPC) Promotable	15 Years
Sergeant (SGT)	15 Years
Sergeant (SGT) Promotable	20 Years
Staff Sergeant (SSG)	23 Years
Staff Sergeant (SSG) Promotable	26 Years
Sergeant First Class (SFC)	26 Years
Sergeant First Class (SFC) Promotable	29 Years
First Sergeant (1SG) / Master Sergeant (MSG)	29 Years
First Sergeant (1SG) / Master Sergeant (MSG) Promotable	32 Years
Command Sergeant Major (CSM) / Sergeant Major (SGM)	32 Years
1. The RCP for Soldiers in the ranks of SSG(P) and above who are assigned to special bands (West Point Band, The Army Band, The Fife and Drum Corps and the Army Field Band) differs from the above table. They are: SSG(P) and SFC 30 years: SFC(P) and 1SG/MSG 33 years; and 1SG/MSG(P) and CSM/SGM 35 years.
2. Command Sergeants Major serving in nominative positions where the commander is a GO and the CSM serving a Commandant USA Sergeants Major Academy are authorized retention beyond 30 years. These Soldiers will not be retained beyond 35 years of active federal service.