Posted on Jan 8, 2019
Can I rebranch (Officer) due to extenuating circumstances?
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BLUF: Is there a way to transfer from your branch detail job to your control branch?
I am currently branch detailed into FA from SC. I was granted my add-so I applied for, but also given a Branch Detail. I've read a few posts on here about rebranching, but none seem to really fit my situation. My add-so added 4 years to my contract, so I am expected to serve 7 years. I want to rebranch to SC and of course still serve my 7 years. I have read in the regs that if extenuating circumstances exist a soldier can request to be rebranch. My circumstance: I lost two kids in Dec and I am still trying to get a grip on life. Here at BOLB we constantly reminded that "you have to wake up thinking about killing the enemy" "you need to be comfortable with killing" I completely understand that killing the enemy is the primary job of the military. However, I am just not ready to deal with anymore death let alone think about killing anyone. I, more than anything, want to serve my country and it's people, but I want to do that in a way that will not destroy my mental or emotional health anymore than it is. I know it's always the needs of the Army first, but I am wondering if anyone has ever been in a similar situation and how did things turn out for them. The overall mindset of combat arms personnel is that you must be tough and let nothing phase you, but I believe I can serve my country, as a SC officer, in the same capacity as I could in a combat arms job.
I am currently branch detailed into FA from SC. I was granted my add-so I applied for, but also given a Branch Detail. I've read a few posts on here about rebranching, but none seem to really fit my situation. My add-so added 4 years to my contract, so I am expected to serve 7 years. I want to rebranch to SC and of course still serve my 7 years. I have read in the regs that if extenuating circumstances exist a soldier can request to be rebranch. My circumstance: I lost two kids in Dec and I am still trying to get a grip on life. Here at BOLB we constantly reminded that "you have to wake up thinking about killing the enemy" "you need to be comfortable with killing" I completely understand that killing the enemy is the primary job of the military. However, I am just not ready to deal with anymore death let alone think about killing anyone. I, more than anything, want to serve my country and it's people, but I want to do that in a way that will not destroy my mental or emotional health anymore than it is. I know it's always the needs of the Army first, but I am wondering if anyone has ever been in a similar situation and how did things turn out for them. The overall mindset of combat arms personnel is that you must be tough and let nothing phase you, but I believe I can serve my country, as a SC officer, in the same capacity as I could in a combat arms job.
Posted in these groups: 
Signal Corps
13A: Field Artillery Officer
Signal Corps 13A: Field Artillery Officer
Posted 6 y ago
Responses: 6
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2LT (Join to see) I am sorry for the loss of two of your children.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences. I shudder to imagine such misfortune.
Please seek professional guidance in your grieving, being ‘strong’ on your own is difficult.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences. I shudder to imagine such misfortune.
Please seek professional guidance in your grieving, being ‘strong’ on your own is difficult.
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If you have to stay FA first before going Signal Corps it'll still give you a good broad background understanding how the Army works. I started FA and the math about killed me but I'm glad that's where I served as an LT I worked with Armor, Infantry, OD, SC Supply etc in order to keep the guns and ammo shooting moving and communicating. CSM Charles Hayden has great guidance please take it. I'd like to also add my sincerest condolences as well on your loss.
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LTC John Mohor
2LT Capri Cox you're more than Welcome! Thank you also for taking on the mantle of leadership in serving our country's most valuable resource our fellow service members!
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My condolences for your loss. First please give MFLC at Sill a call [login to see] . These are free counselors you can speak to without worrying about it being put in your file. You need counseling whenever there is a devastating loss in life don't try to do it alone.
You cannot rebranch from BOLC especially if your branch detail. However, if you call HRC and speak to Ms Joanne (LT assignment manager) you can see if she could work with you getting a IET XO position over at 434 on Sill. I did it as my first job (not by choice). It's just admin, maintenance, and supply. I put in a 4187 after serving a year because I wanted to do FA things at a real unit but I know branch detailed folks who stayed there all the way up to the captain's board.
You cannot rebranch from BOLC especially if your branch detail. However, if you call HRC and speak to Ms Joanne (LT assignment manager) you can see if she could work with you getting a IET XO position over at 434 on Sill. I did it as my first job (not by choice). It's just admin, maintenance, and supply. I put in a 4187 after serving a year because I wanted to do FA things at a real unit but I know branch detailed folks who stayed there all the way up to the captain's board.
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