If I go into the Army as a prior service Marine, is it possible to go in at a lower rank?

2020-10-14T03:04:57-04:00

Been out for almost 6 years now. Got out as an E-5. Being a civilian so long I wouldn’t feel comfortable putting that rank back on my sleeve making the switch. Possible to go on as E-3 or E-4? Thanks a lot

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2020 3:13 AM

2020-10-14T03:13:22-04:00

If you go in as 11x you'll make E-5 instantly, even if you were reduced in rank. Promotion points are always low. Recommend just doing it as an E-5. MCT was more difficult than 11b, honestly. Only difference is they go over flanking, so you'd definitely have more experience overall. Send it

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2020 3:41 AM

2020-10-14T03:41:11-04:00

If you earned those stripes as a Marine you certainly deserve to wear them as a Soldier. Folks rank down to go FROM the Army TO other services, not the other way around.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2020 4:43 AM

2020-10-14T04:43:26-04:00

There's no reason for you to lose your rank coming into the Army as long as you've completed the Marine Sergeants Course. That's the equivalent of our Basic Leaders Course. Everything you need to know about the technical aspects of running an Infantry fire team as a SGT you can learn in a few weeks at Basic or even Ranger School. Everything you need to know about being a Leader will come back to you quickly from your previous experience as a Sergeant. The terms are different but the people are the same. We call them Privets you call them Boots. They're just as ugly and just as dumb in every service, and they're all trying to buy a Mustang at 28% interest and marry a stripper. That's the real issue. The technical stuff you'll pick up after a few field problems and there is a manual or regulation on every single thing you do from shooting optics to tourniquets to answer any questions you may want to brush up on.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Oct 14 at 2020 7:54 AM

2020-10-14T07:54:40-04:00

You’ll be alright, don’t sweat it!!!!!

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2020 8:00 AM

2020-10-14T08:00:24-04:00

You'll be more than fine, tons of Marines have made the switch and are very successful. Learning a tactic BESIDES full-frontal assault and not having a DFAC sponsored by CRAYOLA may be a little of a shock but all in all you bring different perspectives to the Army which is a good thing.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2020 8:35 AM

2020-10-14T08:35:29-04:00

I got off AD as a TSgt (E6) and when I got back in after 8 years, had to take a voluntary reduction to E4....

Response by SFC John "Jack" Marcotte made Oct 14 at 2020 10:05 AM

2020-10-14T10:05:06-04:00

You might find that your level of responsibility as a Marine Sergeant was higher than what it will be as an Army Sergeant.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Oct 14 at 2020 11:51 AM

2020-10-14T11:51:31-04:00

I wouldn't overthink it. The roles and responsibilities you had as an E5 in the Corps is a little more involved than what you will see as an Army E5. No disrespect to the Army but there structure is just different. While in Afghanistan my unit did a RIP with an Army unit and my counterpart from the Army I was exchanging with was a SSgt when I was a Cpl.

Just stay humble and keep pushing to be better than you were yesterday. Knowledge can be learned. No reason to hurt your career or pocketbook by stepping down a grade.

Response by LTC Trent Klug made Oct 14 at 2020 12:39 PM

2020-10-14T12:39:27-04:00

Enjoy BCT. It'll be a cakewalk compared to your time at MCRD.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2020 2:04 PM

2020-10-14T14:04:41-04:00

Depends on your qualifications and the needs of the Army. If you have good paper and can pass MEPS odds are good. Find the 411 or link and start asking. I worked a few retreads and most got in. All were prior service Marines. Any from other services had to go to boot camp; Marines didn't but took a bust or two in rank, depending on time out and needs of Corps. Don't know about Army side, but if you fill a niche they need filled it might turn out well. Don't know about their boot camp, but with a 6 year break expect some sort of Welcome Aboard. Could be a NCO School thing and loss of stripe, but plenty of good Army folks on here know. Make sure of your DD-214 before you inquire, and good luck.

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Oct 15 at 2020 1:42 PM

2020-10-15T13:42:26-04:00

You didn’t mention your MOS so why would you voluntarily reduce your rank? If stepping back to E4 is the Army offer you like then you take it, you’ll make that rank back pretty quickly I’d guess.