{"id":23612,"date":"2020-04-03T17:58:08","date_gmt":"2020-04-03T17:58:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/marinecorpstimes\/uncategorized\/2020\/04\/03\/marines-can-request-a-service-extension-if-covid-19-is-impacting-their-ability-to-leave-the-corps\/"},"modified":"2026-08-18T20:49:38","modified_gmt":"2026-08-18T20:49:38","slug":"marines-can-request-a-service-extension-if-covid-19-is-impacting-their-ability-to-leave-the-corps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/marinecorpstimes\/news\/coronavirus\/2020\/04\/03\/marines-can-request-a-service-extension-if-covid-19-is-impacting-their-ability-to-leave-the-corps\/","title":{"rendered":"Marines can request a service extension if COVID-19 is impacting their ability to leave the Corps"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Marines with upcoming retirement or separation dates can request a service extension to buy extra time to properly transition from military life if COVID-19<\/a> is throwing a wrench into plans to leave the Corps, according to Marine Corps Manpower and Reserve Affairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The option to extend service to buy a few extra weeks or months is open to all Marines in any occupational field with an upcoming retirement or end of active service date, Maj. Craig Thomas, a Marine spokesman explained to Marine Corps Times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For enlisted Marines separating, a lieutenant colonel or colonel in command can grant an extension to June 30, Thomas explained. To extend beyond June, career planners need to contact Manpower Management Enlisted Assignments, and the Marine can be extended through the remainder of the fiscal year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Deployed Marines who may be stuck overseas due to travel bans or COVID-19<\/a> complications can voluntarily extend through the fiscal year if the deployment return date shifts past the Marine\u2019s EAS date, according to Thomas. Unit commanders have the authority to approve the extension.<\/p>\n\n\n\t