Posted on Apr 11, 2016
Sgt Analyst
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By the time I have my degree I will have been in the Marine Corps for 6 years (1 year into second enlistment) and would likely not be attending Navy OCS until what would otherwise be my 7th year. Basically, what are my chances of the Marine Corps letting me go?
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Responses: 25
CW2 Thomas Randall
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I left the USN and went US Army CWO in 1987. Check first to see if the DOD reg has changed BUT that DOD regulation stated any enlisted personnel that has been approved for a commission in any other branch of the service is to be release from their enlisted obligation for the purpose of attending their officer candidate school. As I said CHECK FiRST. The USN was NOT happy, gave me an honorable discharge ("At the convenience of the government") with an RE-3 re-enlistment code per regulation (RE-3=never to return) and I became an Army Warrant for the next 10 years. You also want to ensure your enlisted records and pay records are current and up to date. That can affect your officer's pay later on. For instance, my sea pay in the Navy counted towards my Army sea pay and I maxed that out as an officer since I had three years consecutive. (DOD reg for sea pay).
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Sgt Analyst
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Awesome. Thank you for the advice sir. It's nice to see that someone has done what I am planning on doing.
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COL Health Services Plans, Ops, Intelligence, Security,Training
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You are correct. Once commissioned or accepted to OCS, the enlistment is void. The one exception is the SMP (simultaneous membership program), when a member is both enlisted as well as a cadet. Check first and plan well is the best advice. A change in status, from enlisted to officer, from one service branch to another service branch or from one component to another, should not be taken lightly. I recommend finding a mentor in the gaining and losing organization to discuss what you are being promised by your recruiter. Try to plan a successful transition but don't expect people to be completely supportive. When I accepted my direct commission, I was an instructor at an NCO Academy. My Command Sergeant Major was not too happy about my career choice. But, it wasn't his choice to make.
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PO1 Hospital Corpsman
PO1 (Join to see)
7 y
CW2 Randall, Interesting that your post is speaking directly to my case right now. The Navy and M/C are giving me a really hard time about being offered a Commission - as if wanting to improve my life is hassle!!! The appeal has been submitted further up the COC for review and recommendation. Right now the manning/inventory for my rate is at or over 100% so this is in my favor too. I have loved to serve the N/MC team however I have exceeded the knowledge requirements and not I'm dissatisfied with my performance and am looking to increase education/credentials and ability to serve not only the branch of military offering me a commission but also my beloved N/MC as I know the need they have for support at remote locations.

SO GRATEFUL FOR THOSE WHO HAVE GONE BEFORE AND CUT A TRAIL TO FOLLOW; will fill my oil lamp and bring some extra to be ready when the bridegroom calls.
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PO3 Equipment Operator
PO3 (Join to see)
7 y
Im kind of late here, but Ive been searching online for that DoD reg with no luck. Any chance someone can point out which reg that is? Thanks in advance.
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Maj Pilot HMM CH-46
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Can I ask why you want to commission into the Navy? You have already done Boot Camp, and having done both USMC boot camp and OCS I can tell you that if you have completed one, you can do the other. Unless you are pursuing a unique job in the Navy (i.e. medical services) IMHO it would be better for you to go into the Marine Corps as an officer. The Marine Corps has many programs that allow for direct commissioning, and as a Sergeant, you already have the troop leading characteristics that make a good officer great. The Marines will look to you as someone they can trust and respect - and it is your duty to MAINTAIN that! Additionally, as a Navy Officer you will always carry that USMC pride with you. This works as a double edged sword as we as a service are taught mission accomplishment and troop welfare go hand in hand whereas others are not. Having spent almost two years aboard ship and seeing this first hand it will often cause internal strife between what is right, what is expected and the limitations on what you can do.
I read that you have a wife and kids, so you also need to think about time away from family. Navy deploys for a long time and often. At least the Commandant has recognized this as a problem and is working hard to increase dwell time between deployments.
Regardless your reasons, I applaud you for having the discipline and determination to take time out of an already overwhelming work and family schedule to get your degree. Your dedication will carry you far in this world - God Bless and Semper Fi!
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LT Louis McKellar
LT Louis McKellar
>1 y
I crossed over from the USAF as an E6 to become commissioned. The Navy certainly was a different beast. If I had a regret, it was going TAR instead of USN. However, all things being equal, I got my 20 yrs in and have been retired for 22 yrs.
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1stSgt Sergeant Major/First Sergeant
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I am reading that your desired end result is to be released from your active duty US Marine Corps contract in order to attend US Navy OCS. If that is the case, if you do not try the answer is, unequivocally, NO. If you apply, the answer may be YES. Give them an opportunity to say yes and submit the request.
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Sgt John Summers, CPCM
Sgt John Summers, CPCM
>1 y
I have served in all four branches. I re-enlisted from Navy-Reserve to Air National Guard with a year on my enlistment. I transferred from the Air National Guard to the Army National Guard only two years into my enlistment. The sticky point is if you were offered incentive to re-enlist. You might have to give that up. The process is simple. The Marine Corps signs a conditional release and the Navy signs to pick you up. You might need to sign a new contract with the Navy. All you need to do is get the responsible parties to agree. It is all working for the same employer. It should not be a problem. Good Luck.
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