Posted on Apr 24, 2014
PO2 Michael Campbell
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I've been kicking the idea around for about a year now. I did 6 years active duty on the Navy side, and about 1.5 years of reserve time now. I have another 1.5 years until my reserve contract expires and I want to go back on active duty. I've tried cross-rating and all sorts of methods while in the reserves to go back active on the Navy side, and it just seems that with the down-sizing, the Navy isn't bringing anybody back.

What are your guys thoughts on trying to go on the Army side of the house? I've been told by some of my local Army buddies that the Army will take prior service members, as long as you can use your old MOS to fill a needed Army slot, and most likely, that I would even be able to keep my rank. I know that I would likely have to head to Boot Camp again, and I know that I am physically fit enough to handle it.

Thoughts? Ideas? Advice?

Anything helps! Thanks for your time!
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Responses: 14
CPT Multifunctional Logistician
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When I was a LT I had a CPL Campbell who was also active enlisted in the Navy for several years before he went reserves and then decided to switch to Army for reasons similar to your own. He was one of my best junior enlisted in the company with a great work ethic and attitude. I think he was some sort of mechanic in the Navy, but he was an 88M truck driver in our distro platoon. His experience was a positive one and he was very happy with his switch. I would definitely encourage you to look into it further. I don't think you necessarily need to do something similiar to your old MOS if you don't want to. Obviously the entire military is downsizing to a certain extent, but I'd bet your prior service would probably help you secure an enlistment. Have you talked to a recruiter yet?
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PO2 Michael Campbell
PO2 Michael Campbell
>1 y
I called and asked a lot of questions, They got me my rate to MOS conversion, and said there were slots available for prior service guys. I think the MOS was a 91E? Patriot Missile Operator? Either way, I'm preparing a package to submit to them once I go to fill out paperwork. I have to submit a request for a temporary release from the Reserves as well, hopefully they will approve it!
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PO2 Michael Campbell
PO2 Michael Campbell
>1 y
MOS was 14E, not 91E
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CH (CPT) Heather Davis
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PO2 Campbell:

I knew this RM1 from the Navy and he transferred over to the Army and became a WO1. He was a hard charger, and he conveyed to me that he had a hard transition.

He did not go to Army Basic, and fortunately for him he had some Senior Warrants that took him under his wing. He became a 251 series.
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PO2 Michael Campbell
PO2 Michael Campbell
>1 y
CPT Davis,

I thank you for taking the time to share. I am hoping to find out some details from the Warrant Officer recruiter by late next week to find out if I am eligible. I'm fairly certain I am, but confirmation is always nice.
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CH (CPT) Heather Davis
CH (CPT) Heather Davis
10 y
I would advise you to find a strong mentor, and listen to their guidance and come over with humility. Many that transition from one service to the Army stay stuck and never transfer over completely.
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SCPO Wolf C
SCPO Wolf C
>1 y
I second the Capts response that making a switch because of the CWO makes more sense if your going to do it.
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SFC Unit Supply Specialist
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Being a prior recruiter, I would say it does depend on your MOS. I remember putting in a few prior service Navy Guys, the only issue is that I had to wait for that window to open. It was not automatic.
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PO2 Michael Campbell
PO2 Michael Campbell
>1 y
Do you have any guidance on when that window rolls around? so that I know about when I need to have my package ready? The recruiter I talked to never mentioned a specific window.
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SFC Unit Supply Specialist
SFC (Join to see)
>1 y
It's been awhile since i've been on recruitng duty. but from what I remember the window opens very close the end of the fiscal year, and it only opens if the Army needs help making mission. I would do like others have said on here, go speak with a recruiter and ask him or her the hard question, and just tell them to be blunt with you.
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