<p>Bill- My background is as follows - USNA grad, submarine officer until 2008 (fast attack), now an Engineering Duty Officer. My experiences lateral transferring out of the sub community were very eye opening. My year group was undermanned, so I had to request to lateral transfer three times before I was finally successful. The biggest thing I’d recommend to anyone is have a plan and stick to it. During the transfer process, I talked to numerous senior officers in numerous communities who talked to me regarding my career prospects. I told all of them that if I didnt get out of the submarine community, I was getting out of the Navy. Some of them tried to talk me into staying, but I told them respectfully that I’d rather get out of the Navy than do a department head tour. I’m sure some many of them didnt like it, but as long as you present your case respectfully and logically, nobody will question your career motives. </p>
<p>A friend of mine, another submariner who I served with for six years wanted to get out of the Navy, but was looking to explore his options. He wanted to get out because he and his wife were both in the Navy and cohabitation was nearly impossible. He met with an admiral who questioned whether he really saw himself married to his wife in X number of years and said he shouldn’t use that as a reason to get out. My friend replied that he did in fact see himself married to his wife in X number of years and that he just confirmed his reasoning for wanting to get out.</p>
<p>No matter what rank someone is, they still wake up in the morning and put their pants on one leg at a time just like anyone else. Just because someone has stars on their collar doesn’t mean that they walk on water. There is nothing wrong whatsoever with having a rational, respectful, and logical discussion with senior officers.</p>