I came across the term 'branch release' while researching about the military. It appears to be a military term. I'm super curious to know what it means. Does anyone here have a definitive answer?
"Branch release" is a term commonly used in the military to describe the transition of an officer from one branch of service to another. Normally, when an officer graduates from a service academy or completes ROTC, they commission into a particular branch within the military which aligns with their training or skills, such as infantry, aviation, logistics, etc.
Over time, an officer might find that another branch is a better fit for their career goals, interests, or skills. Military officers can't switch branches just like that, because it affects the balance and structure of the military forces. So, getting a "branch release" means your current branch has approved your desire to transition to a different one. It's essentially an official permission to transfer.
However, bear in mind that getting a branch release is not a guarantee that the officer will be accepted into their desired branch. That branch must also have available slots and deem the officer to be a good fit. The entire process can be quite competitive and involved, requiring endorsements and approval at various levels.
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