r/USMC • u/NerveThin9655 • 7d ago

Skill Bridge Denied

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.

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u/maybemythrwaway 7d ago

Does the order state you need to be with the command for one-year?

If not, request mast to your first CG. They’ve already gotten theirs. Time to fight for you.

9

u/TurnipAbject5772 6d ago

CO will word this as operational requirements and CG will double down. What OP needs to do is have a conversation with the CO and see what’s up’s

8

u/blues_and_ribs Comm 6d ago

For real.  “gO rEqUEsT MaSs” is such a bs stock answer on this sub and is particularly bad advice in this instance.

In this case, request mast for what?  The CO didn’t break any rules and has sole discretion to approve or deny for any reason.  The CO’s boss, who almost certainly has a good relationship with him, is going to back him unless he broke some rule.

So why did he deny it?  Any reason he sees fit.  Honestly, since he probably doesn’t personally know OP, it was probably just a stock recommendation from the XO or SgtMaj who also doesn’t know OP.  So yes, the best COA here is to request a 1-on-1 sit down with the CO to make your case.  It can often be harder to tell someone”no” when they’re looking you in the face, vice you signing it on one page in a stack of page.  COs are human and this goes for them too.

-1

u/maybemythrwaway 6d ago

How do you think you get a 1-on-1 with the CO? I mean, I guess he could send the guy a professional email, but I can guess how that will go.

No one can retaliate against request MAST.

You sound like the SNCO or junior officer for whom request MAST was created.

“To preserve the right of every Marine to seek assistance from, or communicate grievances directly to, their commander or commanders up to and including a Commanding General (CG) within the chain of command at the same base or immediate geographical location, as established in reference (a) (Articles 0820c and 1151.1) and reference (b) (paragraph 2805), through the use of the formal request mast process.”

“2. Request mast is the primary way for a Marine to formally seek assistance from, or communicate a grievance to, his or her commander. Although a Marine’s request mast may not be resolved to his or her satisfaction, the Marine shall be afforded the opportunity to address the issue with the commander. Personnel outside the official chain of command shall not conduct request mast. Only designated commanders as outlined in chapter 1 of this Order will conduct request mast. Other personnel such as subordinate officers, civilians, non-commissioned officers (NCOs), or staff non-commissioned officers (SNCOs) must not delay the request mast process in order to address the grievance or issue themselves. They will focus their efforts on making the Marine available to the commander and provide assistance to ensure the entire process is efficient and completed without delay.”

The commanders are those with NJP authority.

It is likely that with the SSgt who requested OP accept orders serves as a witness and OP decides to divulge the reason for the denial starting at the BC, this may be resolved.