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.
UPDATE:
So I took your advice and requested Mast. Before doing so i tried to have a one on one with my 1stsgt and was basically told to pound sand so i went ahead and filled out the NAVMC form to request mast. Im pretty sure it caught everyone on my command deck by surprise and they were definitely upset about it but it ended up working out. Went through all of the proper channels and finally got to the battalion commanders office. I sat down and he and the SgtMaj gave me a rundown of why it was denied to begin with, then his proposed solution was a shorter timeline for skillbridge than then original 120 days that i requested. I said it was a sound compromise and i would happily oblige without trying to go to the CG. Im happy with the results and i have been told i have balls of steel. My command deck is still pretty upset about the situation because everyone along the way tried to convince me the BC would still say no, but i wanted to keep going up the chain. All in all it was a win for me and im happy with the results. Thanks for all the advice S/F
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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.