Conditional Release
I’m currently a Reservist with a contract ending February 2027. I understand a conditional release is normally required to apply for AD OTS while still in the Reserves, but my situation is a little different.
I originally planned to apply for the May 2027 board, after my contract ended. With the new board schedule, I now have to apply in January 2027 or else I’m stuck waiting til 2028. Results wouldn’t come out until late March, and OTS wouldn’t start until after July, both well after my contract expires.
My conditional release was denied last summer due to manning deficiencies and while I understand the requirement, I don’t really understand its purpose in my situation since I’d already be out before selection results are even released.
AFRS and recruiter say it’s required but I can’t find anything in the DAFMAN that states it being needed for any other reason than to transfer components, but I’ll already be out at that point. The specific verbiage says to attach a 368 or 1288 “as appropriate” but I don’t know how this would be appropriate for my situation. They say my package can’t even be considered without the 368 attached. My last 368 took 8 months and there’s no way I can process another one before the board.
I have my entire application package ready to go and may now have to wait another full year to apply because of this technicality.
Has anyone been in a similar situation or found a way to navigate this?