Conditional Release for Inter-Service Transfer By Chief Warrant Officer Juan C. Deliz, Personnel Service Center The Reserve Personnel Management division in PSC receives many inquiries about conditional release for inter-service transfer, which may seem like a complicated process. In reality, the process is simple, as long as reservists understand Coast Guard policy and the conditions needed to receive approval. The policy for conditional release is found in Article 8.D of the Reserve Policy Manual, which says, “Reserve members may initiate requests for conditional release to transfer to the AC or to another component of the Armed Forces after completing three years of their military service obligation. Members must complete and forward a Request for Conditional Release, Form DD-368, through their chain of command to Commander (CG PSC-RPM) for approval. Members of the IRR who are not assigned to units and members of the Standby Reserve (ASL or ISL) must forward requests for conditional release to Commander (CG PSC-RPM). Conditional releases requested by members serving on EAD and RCMs are managed by Commander (CG PSC-EPM) or Commander (CG PSC-OPM) as appropriate.” Last year, PSC RPM-1 processed over 290 conditional release requests. It is important to maintain satisfactory participation standards before requesting a conditional release. Also, keep in mind there are only four reasons to approve a conditional release: 1. The member has no opportunity to affiliate with a unit within reasonable commuting distance; 2. The member is offered an enlistment or appointment to serve in an AC of the Armed Forces or is accepted for enrollment in an Armed Force’s officer training program; 3. The member has special experience or professional, educational, or technical background which would be of greater value to the gaining Service and which outweighs the value of previous training in the Coast Guard Reserve; or 4. The transfer would serve the best interests of national security and of the member concerned to such a degree as to outweigh the value of previous training in the Coast Guard Reserve. Of course, we do not want you to leave our Coast Guard family, but if you are looking to engage with a recruiter from another service, please familiarize yourself with Coast Guard policy and contact your local Personnel & Administration (P&A) office, Reserve Forces Readiness Staff (RFRS), or DXR. More resources are available in the RPM-1-Status website: https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/Assistant-Commandant-for- Human-Resources-CG-1/Personnel-Service-Center-PSC/Reserve-Personnel-Management-PSC-RPM/RPM-1/Status/ Frequently Asked Questions: 1. How do I request a conditional release? All requests for a conditional release must be completed using form DD-368, the Request for Conditional Release. 2. Who approves conditional releases? The member and the gaining service’s recruiter must sign DD-368s; however, all request must be routed through the member’s chain of command in accordance with article 8.D. of the Reserve Policy Manual (COMDTINST M1001.28D). RPM will complete the process by signing in Section II of the form. 3. Do I sign my new contract prior to receiving an approved DD-368? No, a new contract cannot be administered by the gaining service without a completed and approved DD-368. Once the DD-368 is approved by RPM, the member may accept an appointment or enlistment contract with the gaining service. 4. What if I received a bonus and I am still on my obligated service time for the bonus? Any obligated service for a received bonus must be served or the member will be subject to recoupment of any funds administered. 5. When can I request a conditional release? For non-prior service Reserve members, a conditional release can be requested after completing three years of Selected Reserve obligation. Members who attended A-school incur a two-year service obligation from the graduation date, which must be completed. Members who left active duty or recently changed to the SELRES must complete at least one year in the SELRES before requesting a conditional release. Other obligated service may apply. 6. What is my character of service after a conditional release is approved? RPM will process a separation authorization the date prior to the new contract or oath of office administered by the gaining service to avoid a break in service. The character of service for these types of discharges are honorable. 7. I am on extended active duty (EAD) (including RCMs). Who manages my conditional release? Conditional releases requested by members serving on EAD and RCMs are managed by Commander (CG PSC-EPM) or Commander (CG PSC-OPM), as appropriate. 8. What are common mistakes on the DD-368? The most common mistake is section II of the DD-368 being signed by the member’s command. While all requests must be routed through the member’s command, the command DOES NOT sign the form in section II. RPM will sign in that block if the request is approved. Another mistake is the new contract or oath is not sent to RPM to discharge the member from the Coast Guard Reserve in a timely manner. When the member accepts an enlistment contract or oath, a copy must be sent immediately to RPM at [email protected]. 9. Based on policy, I am not eligible to apply for a release; what options do I have? If the member does not meet the obligated service requirements, they can submit a request (DD-368) with a memorandum to RPM, through the member’s chain of command, requesting a waiver of the policy that makes the member ineligible. 10. I am an active duty member who wants to complete the IRR period in a different service; who manages my conditional release? If member still has remaining military service obligation to serve in the Coast Guard Reserve (IRR) after leaving active duty, the member must request a conditional release from RPM to affiliate with another service. The member will need to submit a properly completed DD-368 (signed by the gaining service recruiter) to RPM. If the request is approved, RPM will work with EPM to ensure a separation is submitted at the end of the member’s active duty obligation. � Issue 4 • 2021 � RESERVIST 33
