Hello all first time on the forums.
I have been stationed down here in TX for about 8 months with independent duty and recently my CO told my BM1 that GMs with independent duty would be lateraling over to the new ME rate by this time next year. My buddy who I went to A school with, who also has independent duty was told the same thing by his CO. Having not read anything on it, I was just curious if anyone else has heard about this. My CO is a warrant so I tend to believe what he says, however I have just not read anything about it. thanks for the help.

There are at least a half dozen falicies in that statement, I'll hit a couple.

First of all, HQ will go through a process that will determine which BILLETS change as the ME rating stands up. The stand up, and associated billet changes will hapen Jan 1st.

Secondly, billets and PEOPLE are different things. People may lateral - billets don't lateral. They change. It is very unlikely that ANYONE will be forced to lateral to the new rating. People may apply if they choose to do so.

There are independent GMs at a variety of different units. From Stations to 110s and more. To say that all independant GM billets will change is just silly.

Finally, no matter what happens with a billet or a person, the expected path is that every serves out a full tour as they are today. (Of course, the normal reasons for short tour will apply). A bilet changing or a person changing will not have an automatic effect on the rotation.

OK, realy finally this time: Unless you see something in an ALCOAST or othe official message traffic, take it with a grain of salt.