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I enlisted on December 31, 2018. I have been 4 drills weekend at Nation Guard. Next month, on May 8, 2019, I will go to BCT. But I want to switch to Marine before shipping date. My National Guard said: I could not switch to active duty right now, I have to stay in National Guard at least 6 months. Moreover, he also said I only can switch to Army, not Marine. So, Can I switch right now or not? Thanks.
Posted in these groups: 
Marines
Marines
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 7
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Likely not, because you have a contract that you are now obligated to complete. Now, it used to be fairly easy to switch from National Guard to Regular Army while in basic (sometimes you would have to swap with someone though, I saw that several times). However changing branches completely is a whole different matter, especially since you just signed up. I can almost guarantee you that you will have to complete your initial enlistment before looking to go somewhere else. Sorry, but you should have thought of what branch you wanted before signing your contract. Now, you shouldn't just take my word for it. There is always a small chance that there is a way in I am unaware of as the rules are always changing. As already suggested, you will need to contact a Marine recruiter or go to a Marine recruiting office to be absolutely sure. Just don't get your hopes up.
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You can ask for a conditional release, but it's at your commands discretion to approve it for you.
As for the Marines, you'll need to ask a Marine Recruiter. You'll find it a lot harder to join them as a prior service now.
As for the Marines, you'll need to ask a Marine Recruiter. You'll find it a lot harder to join them as a prior service now.
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PVT (Join to see)
Maybe, National Guard commands do not want to release me. Marines recruiter said to me they have reached out to the National Guard recruiters and did not get any response. Their commander also is taking action on it too.
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SFC (Join to see)
PVT (Join to see) NG doesn't have to release you. It's at their discretion and nothing the Marine recruiters can do can force them.
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PVT (Join to see)
I know that. But something was talked by Marines recruiter the same with somebody in active duty Army told me. So Can I not something to get releasing?
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SFC (Join to see)
PVT (Join to see) only your command can release you. It's completely their decision to release you. Until they release you, no other recruiter can help you, no matter what anyone tells you.
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I'm just curious as to why you initially joined the Army Guard and not the Marines?
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SSgt GG-15 RET Jim Lint
PVT (Join to see) - Do you have a college degree? Maybe you could go in as an officer? I ask do to your age.
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CW3 (Join to see)
PVT (Join to see) - Based on this limited interaction it is clear you still do not fully understand the difference between Marines and Soldiers. However, they do have many of the same missions. For instance, you are currently an Infantryman, the Marines have that too. There are benefits and downsides to both. The Marines are smaller and therefore can be more selective in who they choose to join their ranks. This often is an attractive thing to new potential recruits looking to join the military. However, the Army is the oldest and largest branch of the military, so the missions/jobs available there surpass other branches. Also National Guard forces only apply to the Army and Air Force, not the Navy or Marines. If you haven't been told already, as a member of the National Guard you get all the same training/qualifications as the Regular Army, but are owned by the state until you are federalized for something such as a combat deployment. However, as a guardsman you can also be activated by your state Governor, as you also have a stateside mission (typically in natural disasters or DSCA missions--that's Defense Support to Civil Authorities).
Anyway, where I am going with all of this is that there is *A LOT* that you do not know. Just because you think Marine uniforms look cool isn't a good reason to burn your current working relationship with your guard unit. My advice to you would be to complete your contract, learn as much as you can, and then make a decision when you are coming to the end of your contract. You might just find that you actually like being a Soldier.
Anyway, where I am going with all of this is that there is *A LOT* that you do not know. Just because you think Marine uniforms look cool isn't a good reason to burn your current working relationship with your guard unit. My advice to you would be to complete your contract, learn as much as you can, and then make a decision when you are coming to the end of your contract. You might just find that you actually like being a Soldier.
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SSgt GG-15 RET Jim Lint
I have been in both branches. Both have advantages. If you are not 110 percent motivated for the Marines, you will not make it. The Army has better equipment in some MOSs, and there are advantages for each service. I can tell good stories about fun day in both places. The military is a place to be mission focused, or do not do it.
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