Would it be possible to switch to a branch like aviation or Medical Service later in my career as opposed to straight out of West Point?

Cadet LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 11:38:40 -0400

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 22 at 2017 11:40 AM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 11:40:47 -0400

Absolutely, there are options such as VTIP, as well as an as needed board each year for MSC medevac pilots.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jun 22 at 2017 11:42 AM

CPT Jack Durish — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 11:42:39 -0400

Damn fine question. It's an important consideration for those just beginning their careers. Inasmuch as others have already answered it, no reason for me to pile on. I just wanted to thank you for asking it. Most others haven't even considered it and it is important to them as well.

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Jun 22 at 2017 11:55 AM

LTC Kevin B. — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 11:55:07 -0400

It's possible, but definitely not a slam dunk. You'll find two major components to this possibility. First, is the branch into which you want to transfer in need of people? If they're overstrength, or even at strength, that can be problematic because they won't have the slots for you, and allowing you to transfer into the branch will just reduce promotion rates. In this scenario, they may deny your request. Second, is the branch you're wanting to transfer out of willing to let you go? If they're understrength, that can be also problematic. They will most likely have a say in allowing you to transfer out, and allowing you to leave just makes the situation worse. In this scenario, they may deny your request. So, while the technical answer is "Yes, you can transfer", that doesn't mean all of the planets will align to enable it.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 22 at 2017 11:58 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 11:58:31 -0400

Cadet LT Private RallyPoint Member - one item that hasn't been mentioned yet is some branches, due to specialization, may reduce your grade upon transferring in. Specifically, transfers to the AMEDD (and branch transfers within AMEDD), may result in a reduction in grade. I was promoted to CPT/0-3 twice, and wore CPT rank for a total of 10 years, due to a transfer within AMEDD (MSC to DC - I had a unique career path).

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 22 at 2017 5:06 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 17:06:48 -0400

Yes, it is possible, but the needs of the service always take priority. I have known line officers who became Medical Service Corps officers. I really can't speak for other designators as I was MSC (2300).

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Jun 22 at 2017 6:02 PM

SFC Jim Ruether — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 18:02:25 -0400

Switch now if you can young soldier! The sooner the better. Why not put those years in doing something you feel you were meant to do! Rather than wait and wish you had!

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Jun 22 at 2017 9:51 PM

LtCol Robert Quinter — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 21:51:44 -0400

Absolutely, despite being a ring-knocker!

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jun 23 at 2017 10:21 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Fri, 23 Jun 2017 10:21:02 -0400

The clear thing that folk are pointing out is sooner vs. later. What's missing is the definitive why. Consider the promotion system and your odds of achieving promotion under different scenarios. When you're going up for O-4, whatever you've done O-1/2 pales as the primary focus is on the O-3 jobs. There you want to be performing at what your running mates are doing so the board can accurately compare. There are some who will say performance shines no matter what. BS, I sat too many boards to conclude that. It isn't the individual board's fault. The reviewers/voters simply cannot correlate say medical performance to warfighter performance or the other way around. They typically have no shared experience, hence the inability to align things. The other aspect is the board looks to promote "full up rounds". How can you tell? So you're at the best circumstance by running full tilt upon graduation in a designator you like. Next rung down on the ladder is shifting early, especially by the end of O-1. From then on the slope starts dropping off faster.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2019 11:57 PM

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 23:57:45 -0500

Yes, you may apply for a student program
(Navy HSCP or HPSP) or enter as a direct accession (already credentialed). Keep in mind, active duty service members would need an approved conditional release. You can apply while serving or wait until you have completed your initial ADSO. Depending on your specialty, you will likely lose time in rank since you would be switching specialties. HPSP students are conmissioned as Ensigns in the IRR through medical school and are commissioned LTs upon graduation. HSCP collegiates may matriculate through graduate studies while receiving full avrice duty pay and benefits with time counted towards rank and retirement.