Does the Air Force really not take prior service?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 09:37:26 -0400

I've talked to a few colleagues recently and wanted to ask the RP community if they could shed some light on this subject. Does the Air Force really not take prior service? I've heard that they do a "window" where they will potentially accept prior service as long as their previous MOS will directly translate into an AF MOS, for instance an Army 13F to Air Force JTAC/TACP. Really just want to get some facts about this. Thanks for the help!

Response by 1st Lt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2015 9:45 AM

1st Lt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 09:45:12 -0400

I wouldn't know first hand, but I recently met a MSgt in the USAF who had previously spent 13 years in the army. So it's possible. For career specifics and special cases, I would talk to a recruiter or someone more knowledgeable.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Jun 6 at 2015 9:58 AM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 09:58:33 -0400

They do take prior service, but it isn't easy! Let's see if these folks can help out.

SMSgt Minister Gerald A. Thomas , TSgt Joshua Copeland and CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member

It isn't always direct MOS/AFSC transfer either. a good buddy of mine was an infantry Marine and came to the AD AF after a year break in service to work comm. The overall thing is needs of the Air Force.

Response by SGT Quillian Valk made Jun 6 at 2015 10:10 AM

SGT Quillian Valk — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 10:10:12 -0400

After talking to an Air Force recruit some months back, they seem to take them for needed jobs at certain times.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2015 10:51 AM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 10:51:56 -0400

I'm former U.S. Coast Guard. You have to have what they are looking for. They needed pilots, and I was available at arguably the right time.

Response by TSgt Kenneth Ellis made Jun 6 at 2015 12:17 PM

TSgt Kenneth Ellis — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 12:17:42 -0400

This was in 1984 my fellow loadmasters was prior Army. I asked him when he realized he made a mistake. Lol.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2015 1:18 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 13:18:34 -0400

I just spent a week doing RAP with my AF recruiter just recently. Someone who was proir Army called him looking to join the AF and he told him the only way he could enlist is if he tried for TACP, PJ, CCT, or SERE.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2015 2:47 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 14:47:47 -0400

Many of the guys I served with were prior service Army. Its is a little harder to enter the AF as prior service but not impossible. Long as you were coded for re-enlistment. But best answer is to call a recruiter

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2015 3:35 PM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 15:35:04 -0400

A friend of mine was enlisted in the coast guard. He tried a few times to get in to OCS and was denied. Air Force was happy to take him and give him a bar. (He had his masters in engineering) coast guards loss

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Jun 6 at 2015 3:48 PM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 15:48:27 -0400

I will put it out there that it really depends on the recuiter. Prior service is a lot more work than NPS's. If the recuiter is already meeting quota, they might not want to do the extra work if they don't need to.

Response by SGT Edward Thomas made Jun 6 at 2015 4:10 PM

SGT Edward Thomas — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 16:10:06 -0400

If I was about 15 years younger, I would certainly go for the CCT/TACP or PJ option.

Response by TSgt David Sibitzky made Jun 6 at 2015 4:57 PM

TSgt David Sibitzky — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 16:57:26 -0400

In the Air National Guard, I worked beside former Marines, Army and Navy people. All had to go through technical training as they were totally different AFSC'S ( MOS) from what they transferred into.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2015 5:22 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 17:22:40 -0400

I just read an article about the Air Force is currently taking prior service from other branches for certain understrength AFSC/MOS from E-4 to E-7. Check out the Air Force website and click on FAQ Prior Service.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2015 9:42 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Jun 2015 09:42:12 -0400

I heard that they'll take prior enlisted but only for spec ops jobs like tacp, cct, eod, & pj. But i'm sure it just depends on the recruiter if he wants to do the work. They're always looking for guys to fill these jobs.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2015 9:59 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Jun 2015 09:59:11 -0400

The Air Force does accept prior service members.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 11 at 2015 11:28 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 11:28:35 -0400

For prior service trying to get in the Air Force it's all about your ASVAB scores. Unlike the other branches of the service the AF doesn't have a basic grunt type job. All Air Force enlisted carrier fields have technical training and min ASVAB score requirements. It's more work for a recruiter to process a prior service member. Air Force gets plenty of high school grads and college drop outs to fill their roles so recruiters don't recruit prior service guys. I'm prior service. I was a Navy Corpsman, 8404 Field Medical Service Technician and 8483 Surgical Tech. The Air Force sends some of their Surgical Techs to Navy Schools. I had 8 yrs experience and was nationally certified which made me way qualified to be a surgical tech in the AF. The AF had no use for me as a surgical tech. They needed me to be a comm electronics guy so I became a comm electronics guy. The key for me was, comm electronics is a hard to fill job based on the min ASVAB score requirements. You don't just come in the AF on the PJ, TAC-P, CCT path. You have to qualify for a job in the AF and is has to be a job that has openings. That way when you fail of PJ, TAC-P or CCT training you have some value to the AF. Like I said, we don't have grunt jobs. Find out what the hard to fill jobs are and the min ASVAB scores for them. If you score in the 80's across the board I bet they have a job for you.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 11 at 2015 12:06 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 12:06:53 -0400

I was wondering the same thing since I'm a year out from ETS. Also what is the policy for tattoo's? Is there any chance for waivers?

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Jun 11 at 2015 12:13 PM

Maj Chris Nelson — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 12:13:05 -0400

I was a prior service (Army) that got into the Air Force. The key is that you MUST have something that the Air Force WANTS and/or NEEDS. I was an Army Medic, became a Registered Nurse. In the mid/late 1990s, Army was kicking nurses out, so they would not commission me. I went to the Air Force and they wanted/needed nurses..... From a business perspective, it is more cost effective to bring in new recruits vs. priors..... Priors come in with experience, therefore, often higher rank. A recruit comes in at E-1 or E-2....sometimes E-3.... less expensive then bringing in a prior that would 'command' E-4 or higher..... and with bad habits from another branch.... All about business sense.....

Response by Maj Mike Sciales made Jun 11 at 2015 1:52 PM

Maj Mike Sciales — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 13:52:18 -0400

The Air Force takes people in accordance with their needs identified by the Manpower office. If you have a similar skill and if they need people in those slots, they can take you. Will you keep your rank? There is some formula that recruiters all know. If you just want to join and experience the myths and realities (Myth: We don't have 600 count Egyptian sheets, Reality: Every USAF dining hall has an Espresso machine) then ask for an AFSC (AF Specialty code) that needs bodies in a hurry. Drone operators are in huge demand. Can't make them fast enough, can't keep them. That will mean bonuses. Good luck.

Response by SSgt Charles Edwards made Jun 11 at 2015 2:42 PM

SSgt Charles Edwards — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 14:42:06 -0400

Interestingly enough, I emailed an Air Force recruiter about returning. I was sent a response with an application for OTS. So, there's that.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2015 5:20 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Jun 2015 05:20:58 -0400

I recently spoke with an airforce recruiter about green to blue and was told the only way they would take you is if you are JFO -> JTAC/TACP.
works out great for me if i choose to pursue it because thats what im after and thatsalready where I am.

Call your neighborhood recruiter though. They will actually be able to talk to you about it

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2015 2:40 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 14:40:19 -0400

I am a TACP JTAC, when I came in (2009) there was a prior Army MP that was able to get into out shook house and become a TACP. He was guard and from what I remember he said it was easier to do it that way. However taking to a recruiter I would say is the most important step, also getting in touch with the Air Force Career Field Assignment Manager for the specific job you want to see if it is even feasible.

Response by Lt Col Brett Meyer made Oct 20 at 2015 12:06 PM

Lt Col Brett Meyer — Tue, 20 Oct 2015 12:06:57 -0400

I went from a 11B to Air Force Security Forces as a 04/Major in 1997. It helps if you are transitioning into a shortage career field.

Response by Sgt Rob Brothers made Oct 20 at 2015 4:00 PM

Sgt Rob Brothers — Tue, 20 Oct 2015 16:00:55 -0400

Unless its a new thing, I'm going to say no. I knew several guys that were prior service army, navy and marines while I was in. Even went to basic with a couple prior service marines.

Response by SSgt Stuart Schultz made Oct 20 at 2015 4:22 PM

SSgt Stuart Schultz — Tue, 20 Oct 2015 16:22:27 -0400

There are so many qualifications specific to you that only a recruiter can give you the best answer, even then it may be biased or very selective to favor the recruiter. If needed seek help from your local congressman. They can get attention when recruiters become frustrating.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 21 at 2015 1:04 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 13:04:22 -0400

2 of my troops that I directly supervise are prior Army, and there are 3 prior Marines in the Squadron. Of course, you still need to get past the recruiter.

Response by SrA Steve Gauthier made Oct 21 at 2015 1:28 PM

SrA Steve Gauthier — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 13:28:47 -0400

I was stationed with several guys that were prior service. I guess it depends if the guidelines have been changed.

Response by MSgt K Sarpy made Oct 21 at 2015 1:37 PM

MSgt K Sarpy — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 13:37:12 -0400

I'm a retired AF recruiter and the short answer is "maybe". If there is a need and your prior service career field has a direct correlation, this it's possible. There are usually only a few select career fields and they are usually combat related (TACP, SERE, PJ, CCT, etc). I have also seen situations where a prior service individual could enter as a recruiter pending successful completion of recruiting school.

Response by TSgt Chuck Mankin made Oct 21 at 2015 2:44 PM

TSgt Chuck Mankin — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 14:44:56 -0400

TAC-P & CCT job needs are very conflict dependent. When OIF & OEF were in full swing I am sure they wanted more of them, now that things are winding down (maybe!) I don't see as much need. As others have said it's based on the needs of the air force and your ASVAB as well as your willingness to do whatever job they need people for at that moment in time.

Response by SMSgt David A Asbury made Oct 21 at 2015 4:17 PM

SMSgt David A Asbury — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 16:17:51 -0400

It depends on the goal of USAF Recruiting Service. When I was a Recruiter, (things could be different now) our Squadron was one of seven in our group. There are five groups in the AF Recruitering Service. Now my Squadron would give each flight a monthly goal. My Flight would get lets say 21 non prior enlistments, 1 OTS, and depending on the Career Field, we could take prior service personnel if you had a good discharge from the AF. We only accepted other branches if their skill was equal to the AF Skill. So I say to you, the Air Force does not take prior service personnel from other branches if their MOS, Job, skills do not match the AF force needs. It is even hard for a prior service Air Force member is their AFSC is not on the critical list.

Response by SSgt Chris DeSadier made Oct 21 at 2015 6:47 PM

SSgt Chris DeSadier — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 18:47:19 -0400

Was prior service discharged as an E-4. Cross-trained for AF I didn't have to go thru basic but I did loses a stripe

Response by TSgt Ron Franks made Oct 21 at 2015 7:19 PM

TSgt Ron Franks — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 19:19:43 -0400

Things sure have changed. I separated from the Air Force in 1977 as a Senior Airman in the 70250 (Admin) career field. After 3 ½ years I reentered the Air Force in the same career field with no problem. I did lose a stripe and a skill level. I ended up being an A1C and SrA twice. If I had come back in within 3 years I wouldn't have lost the stripe or skill level. I also got to pick where I was assigned and I chose Beale AFB, CA. I complained about losing my 5-level and they reinstated it. No luck getting my stripe back. I stayed in 20 years and retired a Tech Sergeant. . .

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 21 at 2015 8:08 PM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 20:08:57 -0400

It is possible to make the switch. I was a prior Army Reservist (a 91E). It took me 2 years to finally get accepted into an undermanned job (6C0X1, Contracting). Its pretty much a first come, first serve thing with limited slots and like any other branch, the jobs that undermanned are the ones they'll let prior service in come as. If you really want to switch over, be persistent and keep on trying! Just know that you'd be very limited as to what you can apply for.

Response by TSgt Dean Matty made Oct 21 at 2015 9:16 PM

TSgt Dean Matty — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 21:16:15 -0400

Don't waste your time with inaccurate info from a colleague, Ask a recruiter. I myself was prior service from Army, Mos, doesn't matter. I was 63F, tank recovery, went in Air Force as Metals Processing Specials ie.. welder.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 21 at 2015 10:50 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 22:50:05 -0400

I read that the Air Force after downsizing is reversing course and looking for people. Might be easier now. I may have seen the article here on RallyPoint but I don't remember where.

Response by Amn John Dixon made Oct 22 at 2015 1:45 AM

Amn John Dixon — Thu, 22 Oct 2015 01:45:33 -0400

They did in the '80's. I did Basic with a couple prior service Army soldiers. TI's did a lot of yelling at everyone else, but pretty much left them alone!

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2015 10:01 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Oct 2015 22:01:16 -0400

they do, they prefer your MOS to crosss over if not you will basically come in open contract and fill the needs of the Air Force. I know i served in the Marine Corps prior to joining the Air Force.

Response by Capt Matthew Avila made Oct 22 at 2015 10:14 PM

Capt Matthew Avila — Thu, 22 Oct 2015 22:14:07 -0400

SPC Fisher. I currently command a detachment that is the tail end of a 3 level AFSC awarding program. Since it is low manned AFSC (2A3X3M, F-16 crew chief), I have seen a couple prior service personnel come through, not necessarily coming from a maintenance backgroun. The opportunity is there, although I can't say there were a lot in that category. If memory serves right, most were guard or reserve.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2015 10:20 AM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 23 Oct 2015 10:20:58 -0400

I'm prior army. I was a 12C. The AF had a pilot program 2000-2002 allowing prior service personnel to join. However, it was cut once personnel levels balanced out once again. At the time the Air Force was in need of IT professionals. I became 3C0 (Comm Info Sys Tech). Now, although not connect to any program I know of, the AF is hurting for special ops Airmen even bringing guard member on AD. So that may be a route. A route that is always open for prior service warriors is a commission. You could use your GI Bill to complete college while joining a local ROTC detachment. Also, if you want to fly and have a technical (ABET) degree already OTS is available for prior service members. FYI, like I said before I'm a prior service, also I'm a prior AF enlisted, ROTC grad and OTS instructor, so I've had my experience with all the options above.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Oct 23 at 2015 4:28 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Fri, 23 Oct 2015 16:28:09 -0400

It's just like any other branch, if they need you, they'll take you. But does the individual just happen to have an MOS that the Air Force is short on? That's likely the determining factor.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Oct 23 at 2015 6:33 PM

CMSgt James Nolan — Fri, 23 Oct 2015 18:33:43 -0400

SGT Private RallyPoint Member Well, they took me! And I had served AD Marines.....
And in my Air Guard unit, we have Army, Marines, Navy and Coast Guard.
I would say the answer is yes, they will. Recruiting would be the starting point.

Response by TSgt Bruce Davis made Feb 17 at 2017 3:04 PM

TSgt Bruce Davis — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 15:04:56 -0500

i would suggest talking to several recruiters...try different areas if you can (they have a close-knit-network). I was active duty Marine Corps (supply/logistics) from 1987-1995, got out after Desert Storm and went Navy Reserve (Logistics/Master at Arms) while I taught and went to college from 1995-2000. I went back into active duty right after 9/11 into the Air Force as a Satellite/Communications Operator from 2000 until I retired in 2015. so it does depend on the window of opportunity and the jobs that the particular service is over/short on at the time. the Air Force, it seems, is ALLWAYS looking for: intel, TACP's, etc. some AFSC's have enlistment bonuses, some have RE-enlistment bonuses...you just need to talk to the right person and ask the right questions, face-to-face.

Response by Brandi Alyse made Mar 2 at 2018 9:02 AM

Brandi Alyse — Fri, 02 Mar 2018 09:02:26 -0500

You would need a waiver a lot of recruiters won’t bother doing the additional work and depending of ur mos only certain jobs will be open to you however I think it works the same for any afsc or co tract with the Air Force after 2years if you sign for four yrs you can cross train 5yrs if you sign for 6 but don’t quote me on that lol

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2018 12:14 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Dec 2018 00:14:42 -0500

You need to have something that the Air Force wants or needs. So talk to the recruiter to see if you fit any of those places. You will have to finish up your current contract before the AF will take you. Lastly I think you have a good chance. Again talk to the recruiter and stay healthy