Expert: Rod Powers - 5/20/2007

Question
I am a 1st Lt in the Army and I am interested in transferring my commission to the Marines (I am a former enlisted Marine). I know of officers that have transferred form the Army to the Air Force so I would believe that there is a federal law / DoD policy, etc, that outlines this. I also would think it would be up to the new service component to which one applies to.

I really have no where to start other than contacting an Officer Selection Officer but thought it would be a good idea to arm myself with information. I am currently deployed and I am a OCS graduate. My service obligation ends 14 April 2008 and I will return CONUS around 01 MAY 2008.

Thanks for any help.

1LT Jeff Christy
TF 2-32 FA
Camp Lberty, Iraq

Answer
Hi Jeff,

The applicable directive is DOD Directive 1300.4., Inter-Service Transfer of Commissioned Officers"

Unfortunately DOD has removed this specific directive from public view, so you'll have to access it through your unit publications manager (possibly it could be accessed through the Army Knowledge Online, but -- as I don't have access to that area), I don't know for sure.

Now, as I can't access the directive, you'll have to bear with me, as I'm dealing from memory. As I recall, most cases of inter-service transfer for commissioned officers are limited to medical profesionals, and (sometimes) aviation officers. As I recall, very few other cases are approved.

Your current service (Army) would have to agree, and your desired service (Marine Corps) would have to accept you for commission in a Marine Corps Officer Job.

Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com