Commissioned Corps Management Information Site

What is a probationary period?

All officers appointed to either the Ready Reserve Corps or Regular Corps (including those appointed at the P-O3 level or higher) serve a probationary period that consists of the first 36 months of any appointment, reappointment, or call to active duty.

Does every Corps officer have a probationary period?

Yes. In addition, the requirement to serve a probationary period applies to each change of appointment status as either a Ready Reserve Corps or Regular Corps officer. This requirement applies whether or not there is a break in service (e.g., a Ready Reserve Corps officer who transitions to an appointment in the Regular Corps without a break in service begins a new probationary period that commences on the effective date of appointment to the Regular Corps, an officer on the Temporary Disability Retired List (TDRL) who is subsequently found fit for duty and returns to active duty begins a new probationary period upon their recall to active duty, etc.).

Can a probationary period be extended and for how long?

The SG or Director, CCHQ, may extend a probationary period when an officer's program, the Corps, or other authorized official (e.g., Office of the Inspector General, law enforcement) has initiated an investigation on the officer during the probationary period. An extension will end within 90 calendar days of completion of the investigation, but shall not extend beyond four years. However, if the probationary period is extended beyond 36 months, the Director, CCHQ, or his/her designee, will notify the officer as soon as practical.

Can an officer be separated from the Corps during a probationary period?

The SG may separate an officer at any time during a probationary period without having the officer's case considered by a board of officers.

When would a separation take effect after the SG approves a separation during a probationary period?

An officer's separation must be effected prior to the officer's completion of the probationary period, or prior to the expiration of an extended probationary period if applicable. Otherwise, the Corps must apply procedures applicable to involuntary separation after completion of the probationary period.

What reasons would lead to a separation during a probationary period?

During a probationary period, the SG may separate an officer for any lawful reason, including, but not limited to the following:

Misconduct;
Refusal to accept reassignment;
Failure to meet a condition of service;
Non-compliance with the Corps' uniform policies or refusal wear the prescribed Corps uniform of the day on a daily basis in performance of official duties;
Unsuitability;
Failure to demonstrate level of dedication to duty, attitude, or attributes expected of officer in the Uniformed Services;
Substandard performance or clinical incompetency;
Unsatisfactory conduct before appointment and/or call to active duty discovered subsequent to entry on duty which, had it been known, would have made the officer unsuitable for appointment to the Corps and/or call to active duty;
Lack of need or funding, personnel or budgetary limitations, reorganization or realignment of functions, etc. Also, in certain categories and grade levels, the Corps may have diminishing needs for career officers and only a percentage can be retained beyond a 36 month commitment;
A lack of assignment after completing a departmental program or detail from another agency;
Failure to obtain or maintain a favorably adjudicated background investigation and/or obtain or maintain eligibility for the level of security clearance required by either the Corps or position to which the officer is assigned, including the discovery of information which could impact the ability of the officer to obtain or maintain these requirements;
Failure to maintain an unrestricted license or certification in good standing and without limitations, when a license or certification is mandated for the officer's category;
Failure to attend, complete, or pass the Officer Basic Course (OBC) within 90 calendar days of reporting to their initial duty station or within 180 calendar days if the SG grants an extension; and/or
A determination that the Corps' decision/approval to appoint the officer did not properly adhere to the regulations or policies that govern the appointment of candidates to the Corps specifically as the decision/approval relates to information and conditions that disqualify candidates for an appointment when the information was disclosed by the officer during the appointment process (e.g., a disqualifying medical condition or inability/unwillingness to meet the uniform grooming and appearance requirements).

What divestments can I receive if I am separated from the Corps during my probationary period?

An officer may receive the following divestments when separated during a probationary period:

Annual Leave - The Director, CCHQ, shall divest an officer of the transfer of, use of, or lump sum payment of unused annual leave if separation is a consequence of the officer's misconduct, refusal to accept a reassignment, failure to comply with the Corps' uniform policies, or failure to comply with the Corps' force readiness standards;
Travel and Transportation of Household Goods (HHG) - The Director, CCHQ, shall divest travel for the officer and/or his/her dependents and transportation of HHG under circumstances authorized in the JTR when such divestment is warranted. However, the Director, CCHQ, can divest an officer of travel, transportation of HHG, and payment of unused annual leave if the officer fails to submit a Form PHS 1373, "Separation of Commissioned Officer."

Can I be placed on a non-duty with pay status when separated during a probationary period?

Yes. The Director, CCHQ, may place an officer in a Non-Duty with Pay status (NDWP) until the date of separation. Alternatively, under extraordinary conditions, such as an agency or program that chooses not to place the officer into NDWP, the Director, CCHQ, or the officer's program may direct the officer to duty while awaiting separation.

If I am separated during my probationary period and I owe the Corps and/or Federal Government money, do I have to pay it back?

Yes. Separation, whether it is voluntary or involuntary, including during probation, does not absolve an officer of indebtedness to the Corps or the Federal Government.

Will I receive an "honorable discharge" if I am separated during my probationary period?

The SG will characterize an officer's service as "honorable" unless the separation is due to the officer's misconduct or failure to adhere to the Corps' conditions of service, in which case the SG may add the notation "for the good of the Service."

How does a probationary period differ from a 3-Year File Review?

At the end of a probationary period the officers at P-grade of 0-3 and above must go through a records review. The Director, CCHQ and the OPDIV/STAFFDIV, or outside organization will send officers who fail to meet the criteria to a 3 Year File Review Board.

FAQs

CCI 341.01, "Probationary Period"

USER ASSISTANCE

COMMISSIONED CORPS NEWS

Officer Spotlight December 2024

Practice Hours Opportunities

2023 Temporary Grade Promotions

Changes in Tattoo Policy in CCI 412.01, Uniforms and Appearance

Surgeon General Priorities

January 2021: United States Public Health Commissioned Corps Doctrine

FAQs Practice Hours and Special Pay Changes

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Mission - Deployments Readiness Updates

COMMISSIONED CORPS

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

U.S. GOVERNMENT

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION