Changing Branches

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 10:58:33 -0500

I currently have been serving in the AR Army National Guard for 3 Years; which means that I have 3 years left on my contract. With that being said, I do not enjoy Field Artillery, and it is not relatable to a civilian career at all. I was told that I should change branches and go to the Air Guard and get a more relatable career. Is this a good option? Or should I just get a different MOS? How do you go about joining a new branch? And would I keep the same rank? Also, what would be a good job to relate to a civilian career?

Response by SSG Tim Everett made Dec 1 at 2014 10:31 AM

SSG Tim Everett — Mon, 01 Dec 2014 10:31:23 -0500

Your question could be better answered by a recruiter, your local reenlistment NCO, or a branch manager. I don't know any RPers that do those jobs, unfortunately.

Now from the barracks lawyer side of the house, I can tell you with certainty if you decide to join the Marines, you will go through boot camp. Any other branch, you don't have to go through their basic (this last bit, I'm only fairly positive). I'm also fairly positive that your rank should translate to everything but the Marines. I think Army policy used to be, for Guard/Reserves to Active Duty, you lost a paygrade. The Marines don't have a Specialist, and the USMC Corporal is considered an NCO with a lot more respect and responsibility. The Army has/had a similar policy for NCOs from other branches, where you'd come in as an E4, but you're already Army so that's irrelevant to the discussion.

Response by SGT William Howell made Dec 9 at 2014 10:48 AM

SGT William Howell — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 10:48:32 -0500

I made the switch from Navy to Army. I never regretted it. They are 2 different mindsets. I was able to work with soldiers as a leader and it was exactly what I wanted.

If you are not happy as a lanyard puller try a different MOS. Changing commands make make all the difference in the world. Especially in the guard where the good ol' boy system is still alive and well.

I would also talk to the Air Guard recruiter. Sometimes they are not even looking for combat arms guys. I would explore all your options.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Dec 9 at 2014 11:10 AM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 11:10:05 -0500

All enlisted slots start at E4 on the AFRES/Air Guard side. NCO ranks vary based on slots, but they normally keep you at the same rank provided their is a slot.

Many of the AFRES/Air Guard folks I know are former Army/Marine. It is a different mind set, but a very doable change.

WRT skills transferrable to the civilian side, it is true that the AF does have a lot of AFSC that do. Find what your interested in, find an AFSC that matches and a unit that has it.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2014 10:43 AM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Dec 2014 10:43:59 -0500

I switched from the Army to the Air Force. I value both experiences, but never regretted my transfer.

I definitely echo the need for a Recruiter here, but go in informed about what you would like to do in the next chapter of your service. If you would like to retrain, this would be a perfect opportunity. Change your branch, your MOS (AF=AFSC), etc.

One thing I will add is to think carefully. Give thought to your long term plan. Because although no one has a crystal ball, making several changes in one's career (lily-padding) may come across as indecisive and unreliable.

You have a really exciting opportunity to reinvent your career and truly do what will make you happy to get up and go to work every day! :)