Am I able to submit a DD form 368 to leave the Army for the Coast Guard before my contact is up?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Jul 2022 20:49:10 -0400

Hello all this is my first post and I’m little stuck. I’m approaching the last 8 months of my 5 year contract and I want to join the coast guard I have been in contact with a recruiter for a few months and have a short to do list before I can join all is very much accomplishable at my level. I am being told by my retention that I cannot use a DD form 368 to switch branches and the army will not release me even if it’s in my terminal leave time slot. I do not want a break in service and i cannot find anything in AR 635-200 but I have read response to other posts about using a DD form to leave the active duty army to active duty coast guard or Air Force but I’m not seeing any regulations that I can use to back me up. Can anyone give me some guidance related to this thanks so much in advance.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2022 9:02 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Jul 2022 21:02:51 -0400

Your retention NCO is correct.
Do up a contract with the USCG, effective the day after your ETS, no break in service.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Jul 26 at 2022 5:34 AM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Tue, 26 Jul 2022 05:34:25 -0400

The short answer is no. A DD368 is a conditional release for Reservist wanting to go to the Active Side. Your Retention NCO is correct.

Response by MSgt Robert E. M. made Jul 27 at 2022 1:50 PM

MSgt Robert E. M. — Wed, 27 Jul 2022 13:50:40 -0400

Very good question, we hope everything works out for you! Please keep us informed of your outcome.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2022 2:04 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Jul 2022 14:04:14 -0400

No. The Conditional Release is for going from Army Reserves/Army Guard to Army Active Duty.