Is it worth it to join a different branch after finishing your time in service in the military?

PFC Dalton Rupert — Wed, 25 May 2016 09:44:51 -0400

So I finished my contract with the Army back in 2015, since then I have been doing different jobs in the civilian world but after a few months I realized that I honestly did love the military and all it had to offer. So I was wondering is it wrong to go to a different branch say Army to USMC?

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2016 9:48 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 May 2016 09:48:45 -0400

Why would it be wrong? If they are currently accepting prior service applicants from other branches and it's what you wanna do then go for it.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2016 9:48 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 May 2016 09:48:47 -0400

You know I did the same thing. I've been in the Marines, Air Force and now the Army. You have to look into what you want this time around in terms of job and benefits. I do know for a fact that if you join the Marines you will have to go back to basic and the highest rank you can get out of basic is E-3.

But you need to look at what you want, I was in the same boat you are in.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2016 9:48 AM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 May 2016 09:48:56 -0400

I actually think it's a good idea. You will bring a new light to "jointness."

Response by SSG Leo Bell made May 25 at 2016 9:57 AM

SSG Leo Bell — Wed, 25 May 2016 09:57:14 -0400

No it's not, but I don't think the Marine's take people from other branches.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made May 25 at 2016 10:17 AM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Wed, 25 May 2016 10:17:10 -0400

It really is up to you. I considered it, but with my daughter newly born, I started enjoying actually having time off with my family. I currently work as a contractor that works with the Marines, so I still get to feel the bond to my brothers and sisters while also avoiding some of the bull crap that we all know comes with our time in service.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2016 10:40 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 May 2016 10:40:15 -0400

It's only wrong if you don't feel a calling and are committed to it.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2016 10:41 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 May 2016 10:41:51 -0400

I don't think the Marines take members from other branches. The Army takes EVERYBODY.

Response by MSG Pat Colby made May 25 at 2016 10:50 AM

MSG Pat Colby — Wed, 25 May 2016 10:50:04 -0400

UMmmm... You are still in the Army. Your Contract obligates you to a 8 year MSO. (Mandatory Service Obligation) If your profile is correct, you joined in 2011. Chances are, you are currently a non-drilling Army Reservist in the IRR.

With that said, Branch transfers are not uncommon. Should you go to another Branch, make sure you get your Branch specific MOS schooling in writing on your new Contract. Many times Services will try and award you the closest MOS to their Branch MOS. In some cases there isn't a problem but the different Services have a completely different base set of skills for the different MOS's.

I think what concerns me most is your Rank of PFC after serving for 4 years...

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made May 25 at 2016 10:51 AM

SGT Dave Tracy — Wed, 25 May 2016 10:51:36 -0400

You gotta do what you feel you gotta do. To thine own self be true.

Response by CPT David Landrum made May 25 at 2016 11:34 AM

CPT David Landrum — Wed, 25 May 2016 11:34:15 -0400

I DO believe the Marines accept other branches, but (this may be out of date) they make you do basic training

Response by PO1 Robert Gasser made May 25 at 2016 3:09 PM

PO1 Robert Gasser — Wed, 25 May 2016 15:09:54 -0400

Not by any means my friend. Go for it while you can. Each service has dif age cut offs. No one that I know of would look down at ya.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2016 3:14 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 May 2016 15:14:15 -0400

Why do you think it would be wrong.

Investigate, and then do what will best support your goals and desires.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made May 25 at 2016 3:20 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Wed, 25 May 2016 15:20:58 -0400

If you truly loved the military life style and want to continue to defend our country, then go for it. Be sure to check with all the Service's recruiters to make sure you're getting the best enlistment deal consistent with you personal goals. I'm partial to the Air Force and with your "signals" background you might fit in well. The Air Force is a little more technologically oriented than the Army or Marines.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2016 5:12 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 May 2016 17:12:32 -0400

Go Air Force. You'll thank me when you're eating a rib eye in the "Dining Facility" (don't you dare call it a "chow hall") and sipping Gatorade because there is lightning within 5 nautical miles and besides it's too cold to work outside today and you were hungry. Airpower!

Response by PO3 Mack McLendon made May 25 at 2016 5:49 PM

PO3 Mack McLendon — Wed, 25 May 2016 17:49:33 -0400

If you want to serve, I say go for it. Pick your favorite outfit and serve proudly!

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made May 25 at 2016 10:30 PM

SMSgt Thor Merich — Wed, 25 May 2016 22:30:44 -0400

Changing branches is fairly common, especially if you go Guard or reserve. I, myself, was active duty Army before I went Air Force. I actually know a guy that went Marines, then Army, and is now in the Coast Guard. Do your homework before choosing which branch. Keeping your rank should not be an issue, but you may have to attend additional training depending on your job choice.

I know many folks that switched branches, and many of them are Marines who switched branches. but I know of no one who went to the Marines after being in another branch. I am not sure why that is. However, I was told a long time ago, that if someone switches to the Marines, they will have to go back to basic training. I do not know if that is still the case today.

Anyway you go, do your homework before you sign your life away.

Response by SFC J Fullerton made May 26 at 2016 10:48 AM

SFC J Fullerton — Thu, 26 May 2016 10:48:44 -0400

Whatever service you are interested in, my advice is to ask the recruiter straight up if they are currently accepting prior service, if so, how long does it take. Even the Regular Army has restrictions on the number of PS it can enlist. Currently, with the reduced annual mission, PS is often closed. When it is open, your options are generally needs of the Army, take it or leave it. Reserve components generally seek PS applicants as it makes up the majority of their recruiting mission. Army to ARNG and USAR is fairly easy if you are in the IRR. In 12 years of Army recruiting, I have never seen the USMC take PS, even their own. We used to put PS Marines in the regular Army all the time because they couldn't get back in the Corps. If you have an RE code 1 on your DD214, you are eligible to re-enter the military without a waiver. But the service has to be accepting PS. If in the Army IRR, and going to another service besides ARNG and USAR, the recruiter will have to submit a DD368 for a conditional release from the IRR to enlist in another branch. Good Luck

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2017 1:15 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 13:15:51 -0500

Do it, even if you go to the USMC. But... you will have to go through bootcamp, so that's the best part!