Will I get demoted if I enlist into USMC from Army Guard?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 23:31:42 -0400

I'm thinking about reenlisting after I ETS in 2019. It'll probably be into the Regualr Army. But, if I were to go to the USMC, would I lose rank? I know I'd go back to boot. That's not the concern.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Jul 8 at 2017 12:13 AM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Sat, 08 Jul 2017 00:13:43 -0400

SPC Private RallyPoint Member: I can only offer my two cents to you, Specialist; but, the Marine Corps-in my estimation-is a Huge step up from the Regular Army. I doubt if you would lose rank; but, I don't know for sure.
Many prayers for your success, Specialist Stobert.
-Margaret C. Higgins U.S. Army Retired: Coach/Photographer

Response by Cpl Kevin Partlow made Jul 8 at 2017 5:48 AM

Cpl Kevin Partlow — Sat, 08 Jul 2017 05:48:05 -0400

Three may be more qualified responses later from recruiters or retention specialists but I will respond with a confident yes. E-4 in the Marine Corps is a NCO and is held to the standard of "Leader of Marines". With you being infantry this is even more the case as you would be billeted well beyond that of a SPC in the guard. Even if they offered to let you retain E-4 it would be a wise choice to accept demotion as your Marines will not respect you if you do not rank up as they have. The Marine Corps has its own culture for sure and the Marine infantry more so. Good look with your ambitions and if you truly want to be a Marine don't let a small pay-drop keep you from it.

Response by CPT Jim Schwebach made Jul 8 at 2017 9:31 AM

CPT Jim Schwebach — Sat, 08 Jul 2017 09:31:48 -0400

The best place to ask this question would be at the recruiting office. If your enlistment date is two tears off even today's answer, either from the Army or the Marines, would probably change by then.

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Jul 8 at 2017 2:38 PM

SGM Matthew Quick — Sat, 08 Jul 2017 14:38:42 -0400

An E-4 in the Marine Corps is a Corporal. A Corporal in the Marine Corps is a leader. The Marine Corps will not start you off as a leader without Marine Corps experience.

If allowed to enlist in the Marine Corps, you'll receive a rank determination (most likely you'll enter as a E-3/Lance Corporal) prior to shipping off to Marine Corps Boot Camp (a requirement for all enlistees).

Why are you considering the Marine Corps over the Army?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2017 9:35 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Jul 2017 09:35:59 -0400

Yes the highest rank you would go in as is an E-2.

Response by LCpl Mark Riley made Jan 15 at 2018 6:07 PM

LCpl Mark Riley — Mon, 15 Jan 2018 18:07:48 -0500

DO rember that you will have to go to boot camp and you will only get e2 coming out sorry you will have to start over

Response by MSgt Michaeld Bowen made Jul 13 at 2018 4:02 PM

MSgt Michaeld Bowen — Fri, 13 Jul 2018 16:02:09 -0400

I don't know if the Marine Corps will take guard or reserves to active duty Marines I was an active-duty Navy corpsman the sign to a Marine reserve unit they didn't have too many army Personnel prior Army personnel you may have to go through Marine Corps basic training all over again