Posted on Jan 3, 2019
PO3 Builder 3rd Class
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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.
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SPC David S.
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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
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SFC Retention Operations Nco
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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.
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WO1 Communications Operator
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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.
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PO2 Vls Technician
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I am starting the same process but having issues finding the instructions that specifically apply to enlisted sailors. If I could get some of that information from you i would greatly appreciate it.
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WO1 Communications Operator
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Just saw these posts. I don't this the process has changed but keep in mind I've been an officer in the Army for a little over a year now.
What instructions are you looking for? the whole process? There isnt anything that is going to walk you through step by step. You will need to piece together what you need to accomplish to get it down. This information will come from the Army warrant officer web site as well as navadmin.

This is a good place to start.
https://recruiting.army.mil/ISO/AWOR/sister_service/

Check out Para 3 C.
https://www.navy.mil/Resources/NAVADMINs/Message/Article/2423747/modification-to-early-separation-policy-navadmin-cancellations/
*This is your ammo for submitting the conditional release. If Millington denies it because "manning power", resubmit with a ETP. This will go to the Admiral's desk for review. (That's where mine was approved.)

Do you research and make sure you know the process and the answer before asking someone in the Navy to help you with paperwork. If you do the hard work they are more likely to help you.
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PO2 Vls Technician
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Thank you very much sir. How far out from your EAOS can you be when submitting? Is there any resources that specify? Also on the case of ETP, can I submit that even if my rate isn't allowing early separation or convert out?
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PO2 Vls Technician
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Also could you share a copy of what your 1306 looked like when you submitted to your CO? Thank you again.
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