As the Marine Corps ditches tanks in favor of a new force structure for fighting closer with the Navy, especially in the Pacific, it has also announced that those Marine tankers can now leave the Corps a year early if they choose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A statement provided to Marine Corps Times from Manpower and Reserve Affairs provided some detail but a Marine Corps Administrative message has the full rundown<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The following Military Occupational Specialties, all tank-based, are being allowed to end their contracts a year early.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022\t1812 \u2013 armor Marine<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022\t1869 \u2013 senior armor staff noncommissioned officer<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022\t2146 \u2013 main battle tank repairer\/technician<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022\t1802 \u2013 tank officer<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is through a budget-cutting measure, sometimes known as the Voluntary Enlisted Early Release Program and the Officer Early Release Program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Marines can\u2019t get out any earlier than one year from the end of their contract, and they have to be eligible for either an honorable or general under honorable conditions discharge. It does not exempt them from individual ready reserve or reserve obligations, only active-duty commitment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe fiscal year 2021 Early Release Programs are aligned with the Marine Corps\u2019 Force Design and further aligns us with the direction of the National Defense Strategy,\u201d Col. Christopher Escamilla, branch head for Marine Corps plans, programs, and budget, said in the statement.<\/p>\n\n\n\t