Guidance for USMC HSST?

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Jul 2020 17:17:59 -0400

1. Get out of USMC with RE-3O reenlistment code and get a waiver from the Army to pursue my desire to be in special forces because my time running and gunning in the Corps is essentially over.

2. Complete my HSST as a DI, get promoted to Staff Sergeant*, and live a cushy life pushing pencils in the CP

It seems these are my only two options. If at all possible I would like to continue in a Victor unit even if it means switching branches. I'm also too senior of a Sgt for MARSOC and my only special forces options are in other branches. Am I missing something or does that seem about right? Also if someone could give some advice or insight that would be helpful. I'll take anyone's 2 cents into consideration.

-----------------------------------------Update-------------------------

After denial comes acceptance... I guess I can see whats available after my HSST is over. There is no reason to tarnish my career yet. Although I'm still let down by the lack of options, I am aware of, that are available to me. The path forward seems pretty cut and dry but maybe I'm under playing the challenge of things to come.

Response by CW5 Jack Cardwell made Jul 17 at 2020 6:01 PM

CW5 Jack Cardwell — Fri, 17 Jul 2020 18:01:33 -0400

Check spelling under #2. Staff Sausage autocheck got you.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2020 6:08 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Jul 2020 18:08:11 -0400

I see no problem with being a Drill Instructor. Are you continuing your education for life after the military and a civilian career?

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made Jul 17 at 2020 7:16 PM

SSG Roger Ayscue — Fri, 17 Jul 2020 19:16:09 -0400

As a Drill Instructor you have the opportunity to train, mold and work with the next generation of Marines. This job, above all others is what the Marines, and indeed all the Services hinge upon. Those Trainees will see you, the Drill Instructor as what he yearns to be! IF you have a vision of what the Service should be, then step up, and train your replacement. As an NCO that is your job. There are lots of guys that want to do something, and I am not telling you to abandon your dreams, but I am encouraging you to be the best NCO that you can be and mold those young Marines into the best Infantrymen in the world.

A RE Code of 3 for failure to accept an assignment is a career ender in my opinion. ETS Rather than acceptance of an assignment is not popular in the Army just like it is not in the Marines.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2020 8:30 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Jul 2020 20:30:28 -0400

Declining to reenlist for an assignment won't stop you from other branches. The Army will gladly take you, although possibly as an E5. Our promotions are much faster and your be an E8 while your USMC peers pin E7 if you're competitive.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2020 8:01 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Jul 2020 08:01:07 -0400

Q - Was it mandatory that I send in a package for DI and Recruiting or was that my opportunity to say I'm done I want out?

A - It was mandatory to send in the package, your opportunity to express your desire is going to be when the authority comes back. The authority will possess both the class and obligated service, and allow you the option to accept the obligated service for the assignment, or refuse to obtain the obligated service for the assignment (resulting in the RE-3O).

Q - What are the long term effects of that code and can it ever be removed?

A - Marines assigned this code RE-3O are not eligible for promotion, reenlistment, commissioning or warrant officer programs, special pay, education programs, or involuntary separation pay. I’ve seen the code removed two ways: (1) Later acceptance of the orders they refused to obtain obligated service for. (2) Submission to BCNR for removal, due to excruciating circumstances (usually a terminal family member).