Can I switch from National Guard to Marine?

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Apr 2019 12:59:11 -0400

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.

Response by SGT Nicholas M. made Apr 19 at 2019 1:23 PM

SGT Nicholas M. — Fri, 19 Apr 2019 13:23:46 -0400

We don't know what kind of contracts you have signed. If you want to see what the Marines can do for you, I would suggest getting in contact with a Marine recruiter and telling them your story. They will probably have the right answers instead of some National Guard S shop.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2019 2:28 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Apr 2019 14:28:21 -0400

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.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2019 2:39 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Apr 2019 14:39:08 -0400

I'm just curious as to why you initially joined the Army Guard and not the Marines?

Response by SSgt GG-15 RET Jim Lint made Apr 19 at 2019 3:55 PM

SSgt GG-15 RET Jim Lint — Fri, 19 Apr 2019 15:55:42 -0400

That was the National Guard recruiter, and if you leave for the USMC than he loses a recruit. Talk to a USMC recruiter to get USMC info. The NG guy will be good for NG.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2019 4:33 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Apr 2019 16:33:39 -0400

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.

Response by SFC George Smith made Apr 19 at 2019 9:37 PM

SFC George Smith — Fri, 19 Apr 2019 21:37:02 -0400

Most interesting .... Thanks for the Share

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2019 11:59 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Apr 2019 23:59:14 -0400

Very few people switch from the National Guard to the regular army. When I wasn't listed I tried for years and couldn't. The only way I was able to switch was as an officer and was by the regular army controlling it. Of the 10 years that I wasn't enlisted in the National Guard I have never really seen anybody transfer over to the Marines. When you join the National Guard you have to stay in the guard for a period of time. Even after that the only way to be released is by your chain of command approval. after the state spent all the money for all of your training they usually want you to complete your contract.