AR · Independent reference
AR 601-280 — ARMY RETENTION PROGRAM
AR 601-280: retention qualifications, reenlistment options, reclassification. Explore the scope overview and open the official Army source.
Official Army source
GreenBook provides independent scope overviews and catalog metadata. The official source controls the text, applicability, changes, and status; check associated directives before applying policy.
On the official record, choose the PDF link under Unit Of Issue(s) to read the publication.
What this publication covers
AR 601-280 is the Army Retention Program policy reference. It addresses continued service in the Regular Army and the program connecting Regular Army Soldiers with Reserve Component service. Its organization separates retention qualifications from reenlistment options, reclassification, stabilization, and selective retention bonus subjects. That makes it a useful starting point for a career counselor conversation rather than a source of one universal reenlistment answer.
Define the decision being researched: remaining in service, changing an occupational path, requesting an option, or considering a Reserve transition. DA PAM 601-280 provides a procedural companion, while career development publications help explain professional growth. Bonus offers, eligibility, and available options can depend on additional current guidance and individual circumstances. The overview therefore avoids reproducing rates or predicting an approval and instead points readers toward the policy section and responsible retention professional.
- Retention qualifications
- Reenlistment options
- Reclassification
- Stabilization
- Selective retention bonus framework
Who commonly uses it
Soldiers considering continued service, commanders, retention personnel, and career counselors discussing reenlistment and transition options.
Where to start in the official publication
These headings were checked against the linked edition's contents. Open the PDF and use its contents or find function; page numbering can differ by viewer.
- Chapter 3: Qualifications for Retention
- Chapter 4: Reenlistment Options, Reclassification, and Stabilization
Common questions
What regulation covers the Army Retention Program?
AR 601-280 establishes the retention program policy. DA PAM 601-280 supplies related procedures and should be consulted for processing questions.
Does this page show current bonus eligibility?
No. The regulation's bonus framework does not establish a current offer for an individual. Use applicable current guidance and a career counselor.
Publication details and freshness
- Publication number
- AR 601-280
- Publication type
- AR
- Issuing authority / proponent
- Department of the Army · G-1
- APD source status
- ACTIVE
- Publication date
- 2023-04-14
- Revision date listed by APD
- 2023-04-14
- Last source verification
- 2026-10-09
- Distribution
- A APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE; DISTRIBUTION IS UNLIMITED
Earlier editions replaced by this publication: SUPERSEDED AR 601-280, 06/16/2021. This is edition history, not a claim that the displayed publication is superseded.
APD status and distribution evidence ↗Last verification records a manual source check. GreenBook does not automatically guarantee that no later guidance has been issued.