Can I rebranch (Officer) due to extenuating circumstances?

2019-01-08T18:11:02-05:00

BLUF: Is there a way to transfer from your branch detail job to your control branch?

I am currently branch detailed into FA from SC. I was granted my add-so I applied for, but also given a Branch Detail. I've read a few posts on here about rebranching, but none seem to really fit my situation. My add-so added 4 years to my contract, so I am expected to serve 7 years. I want to rebranch to SC and of course still serve my 7 years. I have read in the regs that if extenuating circumstances exist a soldier can request to be rebranch. My circumstance: I lost two kids in Dec and I am still trying to get a grip on life. Here at BOLB we constantly reminded that "you have to wake up thinking about killing the enemy" "you need to be comfortable with killing" I completely understand that killing the enemy is the primary job of the military. However, I am just not ready to deal with anymore death let alone think about killing anyone. I, more than anything, want to serve my country and it's people, but I want to do that in a way that will not destroy my mental or emotional health anymore than it is. I know it's always the needs of the Army first, but I am wondering if anyone has ever been in a similar situation and how did things turn out for them. The overall mindset of combat arms personnel is that you must be tough and let nothing phase you, but I believe I can serve my country, as a SC officer, in the same capacity as I could in a combat arms job.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Jan 8 at 2019 8:48 PM

2019-01-08T20:48:25-05:00

2LT Private RallyPoint Member I am sorry for the loss of two of your children.

Please accept my heartfelt condolences. I shudder to imagine such misfortune.

Please seek professional guidance in your grieving, being ‘strong’ on your own is difficult.

Response by LTC John Mohor made Jan 8 at 2019 11:19 PM

2019-01-08T23:19:15-05:00

If you have to stay FA first before going Signal Corps it'll still give you a good broad background understanding how the Army works. I started FA and the math about killed me but I'm glad that's where I served as an LT I worked with Armor, Infantry, OD, SC Supply etc in order to keep the guns and ammo shooting moving and communicating. CSM Charles Hayden has great guidance please take it. I'd like to also add my sincerest condolences as well on your loss.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2019 9:12 AM

2019-01-09T09:12:18-05:00

The problem with SC, and the reason why it is one of the branches with details, is that there is not the need for as many LTs as other branches.
The solution may need to be a branch transfer to a different branch, so have one or two of those options ready also.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2019 9:58 PM

2019-01-09T21:58:11-05:00

LT - first, sorry for the loss of your children.

I was a branch detail guy myself (TC with a branch detail in Armor). I submitted a 4187 requesting branch transfer...it got denied, but that is the route to take. You can submit a 4187 - but rarely have I seen them get approved. However, I have also not seen one with the circumstances that you mentioned. Try that - and see what happens. Recommend talking to your OBC Small Group Leader and Company Commander and see if they would support. It would go to your BN CDR and then up to HRC or Accessions (not sure).

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2019 2:30 PM

2019-01-11T14:30:02-05:00

My condolences for your loss. First please give MFLC at Sill a call [login to see] . These are free counselors you can speak to without worrying about it being put in your file. You need counseling whenever there is a devastating loss in life don't try to do it alone.

You cannot rebranch from BOLC especially if your branch detail. However, if you call HRC and speak to Ms Joanne (LT assignment manager) you can see if she could work with you getting a IET XO position over at 434 on Sill. I did it as my first job (not by choice). It's just admin, maintenance, and supply. I put in a 4187 after serving a year because I wanted to do FA things at a real unit but I know branch detailed folks who stayed there all the way up to the captain's board.

Response by MAJ Charles Cozzens made Jan 14 at 2019 8:52 PM

2019-01-14T20:52:48-05:00

Consider the fact that a brother or sister in arms has possibly met his/her fate on the battlefield. What would you do? cut and run? hide or rise to the ocassion and do whatever it took to save someone esle and take the fight to the enemy and mean it! We all have to die sometime. You would do the right thing to uphold the traditions of the US Army and and remain true to your battle buddy(s). What an honor you have to serve with the "KING of Battle"! You will move out smartly and set the standard and tradition in your family.. I have missed funerals of family to the mission first( it was hard). Take time to speak to your CDR and the Chaplin. Sometimes you must be quite for awhile and and then throw yourself into the mission. You can think too hard and paralyze your recovery. Each person has their own pace for recovery.