Who approves extension waivers, provided the extension will not place the Soldier into sanctuary?

• A. The first Colonel in the Soldier's chain of command
• B. The Soldier's unit commander
• C. The Battalion Commander
• D. The Retention NCO

Answer: (A)

The decision to approve extension waivers is handled at the higher line officer level because it affects long‑term career timing, unit manning, and readiness. The first Colonel in the Soldier’s chain of command has the appropriate senior authority to review and approve such extensions, ensuring consistency across units and alignment with retention policies. The Retention NCO handles the paperwork and counseling, but cannot grant waivers. The unit commander and battalion commander are not the required approval level for this action, since the obligation sits at a higher echelon in the chain of command. If the extension would place the Soldier into sanctuary, the waiver would not be approved at this level.