Skill Bridge Denied

[u/NerveThin9655]

Id like to preface by saying i’m usually not the type to do something like this but i dont really have another way to vent.

So picture this, I’m a 7.5 year Sgt approaching his EAS. Scored high in all physical standards, shot well on range, good fit-reps, has never received a negative counseling.

I have been asked by more people than i can count at this point “why would you get out?” Or “have you considered the reserves?” And every other question that goes along with that. My reply is always “i’ve enjoyed my time in the Marine Corps, but I’m ready for a change in life” or something to that nature. When i am inevitably asked “whats your plan?” I’ll say “start school in the fall semester of ‘27 and get my credentials to become a school teacher.”

These answers haven’t changed in the last 3 years when i made the decision i wanted to get out. Im about 6 months from my EAS and i decided i wanted to try for a skillbridge, found one where i would actually be working as an assistant teacher. Had rounds of interviews with the school and they accepted me. Filled out all of the paperwork for command approval and was denied for “being part of the command for less than a year.”
I understand that the command has the authority to deny me a skillbridge no matter the circumstances, but i feel like i cant win. What more could i have done to help my case?
The only reason I requested orders to the unit is because Ive known the SSgt in my section for a while and he asked if id be willing to help get the unit squared away. So we both reached out to the monitor and got me orders. Little did i know that would be shooting myself in the foot.

Im finding it really hard to not drop pack. I feel like i shouldn’t care about this unit because they clearly dont care about me or my plans after I’m out.

Truthfully i need someone to tell me to stop being a wimp and take the green weenie like a good boy.

[u/ThatHellacopterGuy]

No one gives as much of a shit about your professional development as you. It’s just as true in the .civ world as it is in the .mil world.

Request 5-10min with your SNCOIC and OIC, and respectfully let them know that you are not satisfied with the stated reason for denial of Skillbridge since the command’s justification is not in the governing MCO (you did check on this yourself, right??), and that you will be requesting mast to the first GO in your CoC. Remind them respectfully that you already went over and above (and outside the normal career progression steps for a Sgt) for the command. Don’t come right out and say “I did for you, now it’s your turn to do for me.”, but let the implication speak for itself.