Option 19 in the U.S. Army is a highly sought-after enlistment incentive that guarantees Future Soldiers their first duty station of choice upon successful completion of their initial training. This unique contractual agreement allows recruits to select where they will be stationed, offering a significant degree of control over their early military career.
Understanding Option 19
When a recruit signs an enlistment contract with Option 19, they are making a specific agreement with the Army that locks in their initial assignment location. This can be a game-changer for individuals who:
- Have family in a specific region.
- Wish to experience a particular geographic location.
- Are interested in the mission of a specific unit or post.
It's an attractive benefit that helps the Army recruit talented individuals by offering a level of certainty not typically available through standard enlistment contracts, where duty stations are usually determined by the needs of the Army.
How Option 19 Works
Option 19 is part of the enlistment contract, often tied to specific Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) or recruiting needs. Here's a breakdown of its practical application:
- Enlistment Contract: A recruit works with their Army Recruiter to identify available MOS options that also offer the Option 19 incentive.
- Station Selection: Once an MOS with Option 19 is identified, the recruit can choose from a list of available duty stations for that specific MOS.
- Guarantee: This choice is then formally written into the enlistment contract, providing a contractual guarantee.
- Completion of Training: After successfully completing Basic Combat Training (BCT) and Advanced Individual Training (AIT) for their chosen MOS, the Soldier will receive orders for their guaranteed Option 19 duty station.
Benefits and Considerations
For many Future Soldiers, Option 19 offers compelling advantages:
- Personalized Experience: It allows individuals to align their military service with personal goals or geographical preferences.
- Reduced Uncertainty: It eliminates the stress and speculation often associated with initial duty station assignments.
- Family Planning: For those with families, knowing their first station can greatly assist in planning moves and schooling.
However, it's crucial for recruits to understand that:
- MOS Dependent: Not all MOSs will have Option 19 available. It's often linked to critical roles or specific recruiting drives.
- Limited Choices: While it guarantees a choice, the available duty stations under Option 19 will still be a subset of all possible Army posts and will depend on the needs of the MOS.
- Initial Assignment Only: Option 19 guarantees the first duty station. Subsequent assignments throughout a Soldier's career will follow standard Army assignment processes.
Examples of Enlistment Options
The U.S. Army offers various enlistment options to attract a diverse pool of recruits. While Option 19 focuses on duty station choice, other common incentives include:
- Cash Bonuses: Monetary incentives for enlisting, especially into high-demand MOSs.
- Student Loan Repayment: Programs to help pay off existing student loans.
- Specific Job Guarantees (MOS): Ensuring a recruit trains for a specific military job.
- Delayed Entry Program (DEP): Allows recruits to enlist and delay their ship date for a period.
Option 19 stands out by directly addressing one of the most significant lifestyle factors for new Soldiers – where they will live and work.
Ensuring Your Option 19 Guarantee
To ensure the Option 19 benefit is properly secured, Future Soldiers should:
- Read the Contract Carefully: Confirm that "Option 19" and the chosen duty station are explicitly written into the enlistment contract before signing.
- Ask Questions: Clarify any ambiguities with the recruiter regarding the terms and conditions of the option.
- Keep Documentation: Retain a copy of the signed contract for personal records.
By taking these steps, recruits can confidently leverage Option 19 to shape their initial Army experience.
