What is the first step to take if a soldier decides not to reenlist?

When a soldier decides not to reenlist, the appropriate first step is to send them to the retention Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) to discuss their options. This is critical as the retention NCO is specifically trained to handle such situations and can provide the soldier with information on the various avenues available to them.

This interaction serves multiple purposes: it allows the soldier to understand the implications of their decision, explore potential incentives for reenlistment that they might not have considered, and ensure they are aware of the transition process as they prepare to leave the service. Engaging with a retention NCO can help to facilitate a smoother transition and reinforce the importance of maintaining a positive relationship with the military, even as the soldier plans to exit.

In contrast, immediate separation, ignoring the decision, or assigning the soldier to a different unit does not address the soldier's personal and professional needs at this juncture and would likely create confusion and dissatisfaction. Therefore, involving the retention NCO is the most constructive approach in this scenario.