Cross Commission

[Ifnot2025then2026]

I noticed today on the commandant instagram a post about cross commissioning cadets.

How difficult is it to cross commission? What are they cross commissioning to? Navy/Marine Pilots? Army helo pilots? Or could you commission to do anything in these other branches?

 

[Capt MJ]

I noticed today on the commandant instagram a post about cross commissioning cadets.

How difficult is it to cross commission? What are they cross commissioning to? Navy/Marine Pilots? Army helo pilots? Or could you commission to do anything in these other branches?

Cross-commissioning is dependent on two things: the losing service doesn’t need you and is willing to let you go, and the desired gaining service needs warm bodies and is willing to take you. There is the usual amount of admin required. There is no guarantee that an AF pilot slot out of one commissioning source will get you a Navy aviation seat. The needs of the gaining service will direct what Navy or Marine Corps officer specialty areas have room. Additionally, though the pre-comm physical DQ standards are the same, waiver policies differ among the Services. The Navy and Coast Guard are very restrictive on color blindness.

The cadet or midshipman applies via a process; it may or may not get approved.

 

[raimius]

Generally, a single-digit number of cadets will cross commission in a given year. It's not common, but not unheard of. Generally, the cadet is seeking something their original service really doesn't do, and both services agree to the cross commission (which is usually the tough part).