Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif. -- Following the July announcement of an early out program for enlisted Marines, Headquarters Marine Corps initiated a parallel program for the commissioned side, the Officer Voluntary Early Release Program.

 

The cost-saving initiative commenced Sunday and continues until Sept. 30, 2014, giving eligible officers the option for an early out with an honorable discharge.

Officers with an end of active service date between fiscal year 2012 and 2014 can separate up to 180 days early and will be considered to have served their full active service according to MarAdmin 441/12.

Marines can apply for the program through their chain of command, said 1st Lt. Emily King, adjutant, Headquarters Battalion.

Applicants must have fewer than six years of commissioned service and must be eligible for either an honorable or general, under honorable conditions, discharge.

Commissioned Marines are not eligible if they are stabilized for deployment at the requested time of early release, have accepted a career designation, if they are on terminal leave or are being released under another Headquarters Marine Corps directed early out program.

Those who are undergoing post deployment health evaluation and management due to a manifestation of post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury, in the middle of a court-martial or other adverse punishment or are in debt to the government to include advance and excess leave are still eligible as long as these issues are resolved prior to the early release date.

Packages for the OVER program must be turned in 30 days prior to the requested early date of separation and all criteria, including pre-separation counseling and medical qualifications, must be met prior to release.

Marines on a temporary duty assignment must submit the request through their parent command.

For more information on the OVER program refer to MarAdmin 441/12.