After switching from the USMC to the AF Reserve, what can I expect at my first drill? How do I know if the switch was the right move?

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 09:53:19 -0400

Recently I have transitioned from the Marine Corps into the Air Force reserve all while keeping my rank. As we all know, the Marine mindset never goes away and I am unsure if this was a good idea. What can I expect when I show up for my first drill weekend? I have not received any uniforms yet and have not talked to my gaining command. Any wisdom is helpful.

Response by SGT Robert Pryor made Mar 24 at 2020 10:00 AM

SGT Robert Pryor — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 10:00:56 -0400

Well, I'm guessing you'll get some harassment. Keep in mind that, for the most part, it will be good natured. It will pass. Just avoid sounding authoritative with something like that's not how we did it in the Corps. Just be ready to share your knowledge when asked.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2020 10:01 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 10:01:49 -0400

a lot of hurry up and wait. good you got to keep your rank. when I went from active USAF to Army guard I had to take a voluntary reduction from E6 to E4.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2020 10:09 AM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 10:09:26 -0400

Leave your Marine cover at the door and you'll fit in fine. Do your job too, and remember to share and play nicely with others.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Mar 24 at 2020 1:36 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 13:36:47 -0400

Kind of late now isn't Bud?

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2020 4:12 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 16:12:46 -0400

You have been trained to adapt and overcome all challenges, so you listen, observe, and do the best job that you can. It is too late to ask if you will know if this was the right move, since you have already done so. I would hope that your significant other supports your decision.

Response by SGT Christopher Hayden made Mar 24 at 2020 4:19 PM

SGT Christopher Hayden — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 16:19:00 -0400

Just remember that even though it's "Once a Marine, always a Marine" you're an Airman now first and foremost. Nobody is going to want to hear "Well, in the Marines we did it this way" or else you'll end up being "that guy" and nobody wants to be "that guy".

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Mar 25 at 2020 1:01 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Wed, 25 Mar 2020 13:01:11 -0400

Military discipline is different in the Air Force. You may find things are a little more casual than in the Corps. For your first drill, do the stuff you'd do as a good Marine: show up early, listen carefully to instructions, perform assigned tasks with accuracy and enthusiasm. The work/combat uniform is the same as the Army, but not very different from the Marines. The Service uniform ("blues") is less complicated than the Marine uniform, so you'll be able to look sharp in it with little effort. Blues aren't worn often in the Air Force since 9/11. As a mechanic you'll normally wear the work uniform. As a jet engine mechanic, SSgt (E-5) may or may not be a supervisory role. You may be considered a "highly qualified technician" working for an E-6 or SNCO. After you complete USAF qualifications, you'll be allowed to work independently and eventually move into a supervisory position when needed.