What tool should be utilized during funding constraints when a sailor is due to rotate?

The correct choice is the involuntary tour extension at the same unit, which serves as a critical tool during funding constraints when a sailor is due to rotate. This option allows the military to retain experienced personnel in their current assignments without the immediate financial implications of transferring them to a different unit or bringing in replacements.

Extending a sailor's tour can help maintain operational readiness, particularly when resources are limited. It ensures that the unit continues to operate effectively while managing personnel costs. This option is often seen as a preferable short-term solution during budget restrictions, as it allows leaders to maximize the skills and experience of their current sailors rather than incur the expenses associated with transfers or reassignments.

In contrast, while transferring to a different unit may seem like a viable choice, it typically involves additional costs in terms of moving expenses and training new personnel to fill vacancies, which are not ideal during financial constraints. Extended leave could risk losing valuable personnel when the unit needs them most. Delaying promotion consideration also does not address the immediate operational needs and related costs associated with managing personnel during funding issues.