What are the chances that my branch manager will switch my orders?

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Jun 2014 19:56:16 -0400

I just came down on orders to Germany. It's caused quite a bit of tension between the wife and I. Do any career counselors know if my branch manager could/would get them changed to Hawaii?

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 11 at 2014 8:27 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Jun 2014 20:27:09 -0400

SGT Lawson, I'm obviously not a career counselor, but my CSM and I have jousted at this windmill a couple of times. To be blunt...it is HIGHLY unlikely that you will get your orders changed. Unless you are in a very low density MOS, most branches have way too many people to manage to cater to "preferences." If there is a legitimate reason (EFMP, etc), then you stand a chance. Other than that, nope. Head to the cotume store and buy some liederhosen. The one "ace in the hole" that might help you is if a DIV CSM or higher pulls some strings. Most enlisted branch managers don't even bat an eye when they are contacted by a BN or BDE CSM.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 22 at 2014 10:57 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 22:57:06 -0400

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member How did you make out with branch? Any progress to report?

Response by SN Jennifer M. made Nov 11 at 2014 3:25 PM

SN Jennifer M. — Tue, 11 Nov 2014 15:25:02 -0500

I <3 Germany! Just throwing that out there.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 29 at 2019 11:36 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Aug 2019 11:36:58 -0400

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member - Highly unlikely you can get it changed as COL Private RallyPoint Member suggested. Once you've got orders I hand, HRC doesn't like to change them. Germany is a good duty assignment, you'll get Overseas COLA (Cost of living allowance) even if you live on base. I was stationed in Germany back in the 90s & I loved it. I'd give my right arm if I could get orders there again.