How long can an active duty soldier be held in a trainee status? A soldier has in the Army since 2007 and he was an E-5. He was in Iraq and received an Article 15. He was sent back to US to reclassify to a Paralegal. Upon arrival to training he was informed that due to the article 15 he could not be a paralegal. This was in June 2010. He is still held as a trainee in a trainee statues awaiting reclassification. Does anyone know how long he can be held in a trainee status? What is the regulation? He still has a curfew, and treated like an AIT initial entry soldier.