Posted on Dec 21, 2015
Do you have any advice/insight for a transitioning Marine (Communications/IT/Signal side)?
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Good day all,
as implied by the abbreviated title, I just got off active duty in May, currently am in the IRR, and would like to go back in a reserve capacity. I have talked to USMC prior service recruiters and Army NG recruiters, to get options, and am a bit torn and undecided. I am an indoctrinated, proud Marine that loves wearing my MARPATS (in those working parties...not), but there are no opportunities in my MOS or similar around me. Not sure if at this point I want to be making a 4.5 hour drive to MCB Camp Pendleton or MCAS Miramar for drilling, as I already travel with my job frequently, and am away from my family as it is. So, I thought to ask (preferably) any prior Marines that cross-decked, or current Army Reserve/National Guard members on their current tempo, opportunities, insight, etc. One of the primary reasons being, I want to stay in Comm/Signal (as the Army calls it), OccFld as I love everything about it, and would want to continue using my skill set, rather than retraining and restarting everything (even though the process of cross-decking is just that). Here in Las Vegas, NV where I live, there are units that rate Comm/IT MOSes in all branches, except USMC and USN (obvious reasons).
My USMC MOS is 0651, which translates into Army 25B/D/F/N . We combined ours, which is possibly a mistake, but time will tell. I've noticed Army has a new field as well in this respect, 17, which I'm not sure what it equates to in the USMC, as the only other signal like MOS is 0689, which is Information Assurance.
Hopefully this topic makes sense, and doesn't invoke the rage of internet tricks and hoes, as I am sincerely looking for information (and guidance potentially). Long live the Empire!
P.S. I have done my research, but as every state is different, experience is greatly appreciated.
Edit: another point I forgot to add is the potential to pursue a warrant or regular commission in the NG/Reserves on the Signal side - any information on top would be outstanding (besides the stuff they have on the interwebz).
as implied by the abbreviated title, I just got off active duty in May, currently am in the IRR, and would like to go back in a reserve capacity. I have talked to USMC prior service recruiters and Army NG recruiters, to get options, and am a bit torn and undecided. I am an indoctrinated, proud Marine that loves wearing my MARPATS (in those working parties...not), but there are no opportunities in my MOS or similar around me. Not sure if at this point I want to be making a 4.5 hour drive to MCB Camp Pendleton or MCAS Miramar for drilling, as I already travel with my job frequently, and am away from my family as it is. So, I thought to ask (preferably) any prior Marines that cross-decked, or current Army Reserve/National Guard members on their current tempo, opportunities, insight, etc. One of the primary reasons being, I want to stay in Comm/Signal (as the Army calls it), OccFld as I love everything about it, and would want to continue using my skill set, rather than retraining and restarting everything (even though the process of cross-decking is just that). Here in Las Vegas, NV where I live, there are units that rate Comm/IT MOSes in all branches, except USMC and USN (obvious reasons).
My USMC MOS is 0651, which translates into Army 25B/D/F/N . We combined ours, which is possibly a mistake, but time will tell. I've noticed Army has a new field as well in this respect, 17, which I'm not sure what it equates to in the USMC, as the only other signal like MOS is 0689, which is Information Assurance.
Hopefully this topic makes sense, and doesn't invoke the rage of internet tricks and hoes, as I am sincerely looking for information (and guidance potentially). Long live the Empire!
P.S. I have done my research, but as every state is different, experience is greatly appreciated.
Edit: another point I forgot to add is the potential to pursue a warrant or regular commission in the NG/Reserves on the Signal side - any information on top would be outstanding (besides the stuff they have on the interwebz).
Signal
COMM: Communications
0651: Data Network Specialist
25B: Information Technology Specialist
25U: Signal Support Systems Specialist
Edited 9 y ago
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 22
Many former Marines have transferred to the Army and its reserve components. Because the Army is a larger service there are better promotion opportunities and more flexibility in where you can be reassigned there are far more Army Reserves and National Guard units then there are Marine Corps Reserve units. For that reason I suggest looking at the army side; however that does not detract from your proud tradition of being a Marine and as you know once a Marine always a Marine!
I am a former Active Duty Marine and after a long break in service, joined the Army National Guard to go to State OCS. I shopped the other branches, even Marine Corps (I was too old to commission) and thought that the Army side represented a better image of what the military is suppose to look like. The Air Guard had one MOS that I was interested in, but was locked. I am a FA officer now and it is a good balance of the field and garrison work. Is it frustrating at times, yes, but you also hear the same complaints from active Army guys who crossover. If you are expecting the Marine Corps while wearing an Army uniform, don't, but there are many Marines in the Guard for some the same reasons that you have stated. You can do a "try one" or even take a two year WOCS/ OCS contract in order to meet your IRR time.
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I see. Well, I was thinking, if this pans out, for a longer commitment, but it's great to know options like this exist.
What was state OCS like? I've read on the NV ARNG website that it's something along the lines of doing it literally every drill weekend for X amount of months, consecutively - my understanding.
What was state OCS like? I've read on the NV ARNG website that it's something along the lines of doing it literally every drill weekend for X amount of months, consecutively - my understanding.
GySgt Ray Wyatt
I took over a year to decide and went into the CANG as it was much closer to my home. The Army is much different than the Marines, however, most units recognise the discipline and Esprit De Corps we all carry after our AD time is served. You may get picked for the tougher jobs in the unit because, "You're a Marine" and those traits are needed. Retention, Security, Sensitive Materials are all areas all units need the best in charge of.
I retired with 15 years AD in the MC, 2.5 years AD in the Army and 7 years as a M-Day Soldier. Just remember that retirement from any reserve component gets their retired pay as age 60 not at retirement.
Semper Fi Brother, best of luck!
I retired with 15 years AD in the MC, 2.5 years AD in the Army and 7 years as a M-Day Soldier. Just remember that retirement from any reserve component gets their retired pay as age 60 not at retirement.
Semper Fi Brother, best of luck!
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Thanks for the insight GySgt, that was interesting.
Do what is best for YOUR career ! What is best for you. You won't find another branch with all the trimmings like the "Suck" has. You have been there and done that. Do what is best for you. Never mind the "Suck". Semper Fi. Cpl SCE, HMM165,CH53CC, RVN,RNVN,1972/73.PS. Thanx 4 u r service.
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Thanks for the input anyways.
Thanks for the input.