If I join the Army, what rank will I go in as? Will my Navy time count towards being an E-4 in the Army? Will the Army pick my MOS?

2019-09-27T18:40:38-04:00

Did three years active duty in the Navy as a hospital corpsman and got out as an E-3. My rate was very over manned and anyone with over three years of active service was eligible for early transition to the IRR. Fast forward 4 years I'm unemployed, divorced and my GI bill has maybe 2 more semesters of college left, but I think I'll have enough to graduate. An Army recruiter was on campus talking about how great the Army was (I of course didn't believe him.) and I spoke at length with him about possibly joining the army. My basic questions are what rank will I go in as? From college credits alone I'd be an E-3, but would my time in service count towards me being an E-4 in the Army? Also how does picking your mos work? Do you get to choose or just get assigned? There isn't much information That i've found on this and any information is helpful and thank you for taking the time.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 27 at 2019 6:47 PM

2019-09-27T18:47:21-04:00

Brotha, I did the same thing you’re planning to do. I spoke with an Army recruiter and was able to retain my rank as E5. I separated from the Navy in 2011 from active duty and went reserves. Picked up and separated in 2015. If you’re interested in joining be aware that there’s a high possibility of you having to go back through basic then AIT. As prior service, we’re limited to what MOS are available to us. Take a look at the Army business rules:

https://m.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/current-and-prior-service/continue-serving/return-to-active-duty/prior-service-business-rules.m.html

Your recruiter will pull your record and take a look at your ASVAB score and will determine what MOS you’ll qualify for. You’re more than welcome to retake the ASVAB. IRT the college credits and tank, you’ll need to discuss that with your recruiter.

Prior Service Business Rules | GoArmy.com

The Prior Service Business Rules acts as a guide for Soldiers who are interested in reenlisting in the regular Army.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Sep 27 at 2019 8:02 PM

2019-09-27T20:02:26-04:00

Your Navy time will count as Time in Service toward a new rank, but doesn't count as time in grade, which will reset when you enlist. E-4 is an automatic promotion in the Army and our promotion system is a lot different that in the Navy, so even if you go in as an E-3 and MOS Qualify, it only requires 4 months TIG to promote and there is no restrictions on how many E-4's are in the Army. Generally, if you aren't flagged for some reason, the Commander will promote you as soon as you meet the eligibility requirement.
Been out too long to have any feel for what MOS's are available for prior service, but the Infantry is still hiring. You will get your choice from whatever your ASVAB score will support. While you get to express your preferences of duty post, in reality it is "needs of the service". Don't sweat that part and just make the most of where ever you land.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 28 at 2019 12:54 AM

2019-09-28T00:54:32-04:00

The Army is the one branch that guarantees all its recruits their MOS prior to joining. When you meet the MEPS counselor you will select your MOS from the training seats that are available. There is nothing like an unassigned rating (or whatever it's called) in the Army.
If you are planning on applying that degree to be an officer, the rules are different

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 28 at 2019 3:21 AM

2019-09-28T03:21:37-04:00

You get to pick you job for the Army, as far as your rank counting from your prior service it really all depends.