How can I do an inter-service transfer via a conditional release (DD368)?

2019-01-03T13:40:40-05:00

Okay I need some help here. Currently I am active duty enlisted in the USN. I am a Seabee. I have spent a 1 1/2 in the Navy and a 1 year in battalion. Before I joined the navy I wanted to be a marine but had a very shitty recruiter who kept missing meetings and blowing me off so I joined the navy. Well after almost 2 years this is not where my heart belongs. I am trying to do a inter service transfer via a conditional release ( DD368 ) but am hitting 2 brick walls. 1) the new marines recruiter has never done one and says the dd368 is only for reserve to active even tho I have seen it can be used for active. 2) my navy carter counselor have never seen it before and tell me it can not be done and I must serve my contract out but I don’t think that’s the case, it’s more of he has no idea what to do so that’s the easiest answer. If someone could please help me out here.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2019 1:45 PM

2019-01-03T13:45:37-05:00

I don’t know if any reason why the 368 couldn’t be used, as long as your chain of command signs off on it. That said, it’s up to you to do your homework. Find and research the applicable OpNavInsts and Marine Corps Orders, so you have the ammunition on your side when you’re told no. Also, don’t be surprised if the answer ends up being no in the end. Worst case, it’s only a couple more years until your contract is up, and then you can go your own way. Best of luck, and Semper Fi!

Response by LT Brad McInnis made Jan 3 at 2019 2:05 PM

2019-01-03T14:05:43-05:00

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member I never handled an inter service transfer, and I am sure things have changed since I got out (our ship still have sails, right?).

If I were you, I would ask your career counselor to look into it, they have a schoolhouse they can reach back to. That is their job. If they don't get back to you in a reasonable amount of time, tell them you are going to your DIVO and up your chain of command. The other thing you can do is talk to a local USMC recruiter, they can tell you exactly what paperwork you need.

Best of luck!

Response by SPC David S. made Jan 3 at 2019 2:08 PM

2019-01-03T14:08:07-05:00

You may need to wait until contract is up as I think you will be required to go to boot camp for the Marines. Though the process exists, the likelihood of your current branch of service releasing you is the hurdle you are going to have to get over. As well it is by no means a "sure thing," in riding out you contract and then going to a recruiter as prior-service slots are limited. It is easier to join the military from the street than from the Fleet. I know at times the DoD run programs to fill in demand slots - you'll need to do some research on what is being offered. Main thing is stay out of trouble and continue to do your job. With prior service is all about the re-enlistment eligibility code (RE Code) being 2 or less. AF you need a 1.

https://www.thebalancecareers.com/prior-service-enlistments-3354052

Is It Possible to Enlist Again If You Have Prior Service?

A veteran with prior service may want to rejoin the Military or enlist in a different branch. However, it's not as easy as you might think.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2019 3:01 PM

2019-01-03T15:01:38-05:00

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member Additional information:

https://www.thebalancecareers.com/transferring-between-military-branches-3357016

Can You Transfer From One Branch of the Military to Another?

Want to switch between the Army, Navy, Air Force or Marines? Learn how to get transferred from one branch of the military to another.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2019 5:33 PM

2019-01-03T17:33:09-05:00

Just so you know, if you are able to get your Conditional Release approved by your commander (I’m pretty sure is has to be Full Bird or higher”) you would also have to go to Marine Corps boot camp, you would also go in as a PFC (E-2) unless things have changed. I would just be physically if you can, and mentally if you can’t. Best of luck man

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2019 7:05 PM

2019-01-03T19:05:05-05:00

The conditional release is meant for reserves to go active. When you hit IRR you don’t need one to go active. Best bet is to finish contract and go to your recruiter then and he will take care of you. If a career counselor and a recuiter told you pretty much the same thing, it’s probably true. But going from navy to marines doesn’t really help with career progression in regards to promotions and career stability. Can’t even give a count to the numerous amount of marines that join the army because the marines will not keep them anymore. Otherwise, ask them both for the regulation from said branch to show you it’s not possible.

Response by CPL Sarah Verity made Jan 3 at 2019 8:14 PM

2019-01-03T20:14:19-05:00

I only saw one get done and it was a hardship case. A ranger I knew, his father had cardiac surgery and his mom wanted him home to help with the family income following his father's illness. He was granted a "hardship discharge". He RE-entered the military 2 years later under the coast guard after his father was back in the workforce. So, basically, he had to terminate the contract but in a way that allowed him to return later. He had no issues serving, his family just needed him home and the army honored that.

Response by CPL Sarah Verity made Jan 3 at 2019 8:22 PM

2019-01-03T20:22:22-05:00

A second example I can think of was my brother who was in the army with me and my camp got attacked and I ended up in Tampa Veterans hospital. My brother and I were unmarried and the hospital asked me if I had any siblings serving. They tracked down my brother and the army made him WDF which meant he would not be allowed leave the united states because the army was worried my brother could end up in a separate hospital if he deployed and my dad who is a single parent would get stuck going back and forth taking care of us. So he spent 7 years serving as a soldier in a navy base and was authorized humanitarian missions only. So he was in the navy as a soldier. Basically another hardship case.

Response by CPO Gregory Smith made Jan 3 at 2019 10:15 PM

2019-01-03T22:15:45-05:00

Are you still a SR after almost two years in the Navy or have you just not updated your RP profile? I’m asking because if you’re still an E1 after two years, that might be a clue as to why recruiters and your command are not being responsive.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2019 1:17 AM

2019-01-04T01:17:56-05:00

DD638 are usually only used to be released from the Reserves to go active, and for several commissioning programs.
The reason you can't transfer with a conditional release is that it is not a request to one service to allow another to take over your contract. A conditional release is a request for an early EAS/ETS from your branch on the condition another branch accepts you. Every branch has a regulation that covers enlisted separations and you'll find any enlisted voluntary separations in there. Officer separations are handled differently.
Unfortunately, this is something that recruiters like to toss around. You can search on this forum for how many other people ask about leaving Active duty with a DD638. There's always one guy that says it can be done.... And yet it somehow never happens.
Bottom line, if your branch doesn't currently have a specific program to allow you to leave their branch for another (USN and USAF sometimes do this when they downsize), your DD638 is powerless and goes nowhere.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2019 2:26 PM

2019-01-04T14:26:37-05:00

You might need to wait till the end of your current contract and then switch. Not 100% familiar with naval regulations, but unless superseded, my google-fu tells me with NAVADMIN 288/17 that
"3. Retention of every capable Sailor will be critical to the operational readiness of the Navy. Therefore all early out programs and minimum service requirement waiver programs are cancelled. Service commitments such as enlistment contracts, service obligations for accepting promotions, bonuses, education, etc., are expected to be fulfilled."
Again though, could be out of date, being December 2017 and all, but I see nothing about a cancellation.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2019 1:27 AM

2019-03-13T01:27:40-04:00

Are you still interested in a conditional release? I am a PO1 with 9 years in and I just did a conditional release from active duty to become a flight warrant in the army. Let me know if you still need that info. SGT Smith hit the nail on the head though. The Navy is holding onto as many sailors as they can. But there are ETPs for everything so don't let that discourage you.