Can a Soldier switch branches while being barred for re-enlistment in the Army?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 16:54:02 -0500

I have a Soldier that’s barred for re-enlist lent due to failing a PT test but is wanting to switch branches to the Air Force. Will he be able to switch branches while barred?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2020 7:04 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 19:04:53 -0500

This has Retention NCO written all over it. That is the person I recommend this Soldier talk to. My initial instinct is to say that this can't happen. SFC Private RallyPoint Member, is this possible?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2020 7:13 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 19:13:46 -0500

A Soldier can't switch branches at all. You have to ETS and then go join another branch. If the recruiter told them they could switch or "Just get this conditional release signed", it's a lie. If that Soldier separates flagged or with a bar they will receive an RE3 code and require a waiver to go into whatever branch they're trying to get into.