After switching from the USMC to the AF Reserve, what can I expect at my first drill? How do I know if the switch was the right move?

Leave your Marine cover at the door and you'll fit in fine. Do your job too, and remember to share and play nicely with others.

Well, I'm guessing you'll get some harassment. Keep in mind that, for the most part, it will be good natured. It will pass. Just avoid sounding authoritative with something like that's not how we did it in the Corps. Just be ready to share your knowledge when asked.

You have been trained to adapt and overcome all challenges, so you listen, observe, and do the best job that you can. It is too late to ask if you will know if this was the right move, since you have already done so. I would hope that your significant other supports your decision.

Kind of late now isn't Bud?

a lot of hurry up and wait. good you got to keep your rank. when I went from active USAF to Army guard I had to take a voluntary reduction from E6 to E4.

Military discipline is different in the Air Force. You may find things are a little more casual than in the Corps. For your first drill, do the stuff you'd do as a good Marine: show up early, listen carefully to instructions, perform assigned tasks with accuracy and enthusiasm. The work/combat uniform is the same as the Army, but not very different from the Marines. The Service uniform ("blues") is less complicated than the Marine uniform, so you'll be able to look sharp in it with little effort. Blues aren't worn often in the Air Force since 9/11. As a mechanic you'll normally wear the work uniform. As a jet engine mechanic, SSgt (E-5) may or may not be a supervisory role. You may be considered a "highly qualified technician" working for an E-6 or SNCO. After you complete USAF qualifications, you'll be allowed to work independently and eventually move into a supervisory position when needed.

Just remember that even though it's "Once a Marine, always a Marine" you're an Airman now first and foremost. Nobody is going to want to hear "Well, in the Marines we did it this way" or else you'll end up being "that guy" and nobody wants to be "that guy".