How hard would it be to switch to the Air Force after serving a contract with the army?

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Aug 2018 09:38:33 -0400

Been looking into different options after this contract. Currently an 11B, would be interested in security forces or something in the Air Force. I like where they have their bases at, just looking into options, not looking to stay infantry.

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Aug 15 at 2018 9:44 AM

SMSgt Thor Merich — Wed, 15 Aug 2018 09:44:42 -0400

It’s fairly easy. I did it years ago. I started out my career as a Army MP. I switched over to AF Security Forces which is pretty much the same as a MP. The Air Force has much better living conditions, the bases tend to be better, and there are more basing options than the Army.

However, I am pretty sure that you need to finish your Army contract first. At least the active duty portion of it. You will need to talk to a AF recruiter to get the best answers though.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 15 at 2018 10:25 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Aug 2018 10:25:52 -0400

You’ll like where their bases are until you end up at Maxwell/Gunter in Montgomery, AL.... or Nebraska New Mexico, one of the Dakotas, Montana....

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 15 at 2018 10:49 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Aug 2018 10:49:06 -0400

Air force bases are bipolar. You're either in beautiful Okinawa, or the frozen wastelands and desert.
Everyone wants to be someone else. Infantry wants to be MPs and medical. MPs want to aviation. Medical wants to be something where they actually get promoted. The grass isn't always greener and every switch has its trade offs. You become an MP and you trade those four day holiday weekends for late night duty shifts and slower promotions. Trading branches you'll trade cultures for a more corporate culture (plus or minus depending on your view) and slower, more difficult promotions.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Aug 15 at 2018 12:41 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Wed, 15 Aug 2018 12:41:36 -0400

The transition will depend on force strength when you complete your Army contract. As for bases being in better condition, almost every Army base has had an overhaul in the past decade. They offer mall style shopping, first class hospitals, new housing etc. make the decision about your goals, I assure both bases are top notch. I will say the discipline standard are vastly diffferent between the two organizations, do your homework and do what works best for you. Thank you for your service.

Response by Capt Gregory Prickett made Aug 15 at 2018 4:26 PM

Capt Gregory Prickett — Wed, 15 Aug 2018 16:26:19 -0400

I was an 11BxP and had no problem moving over to the SPs in the Air Force.

Response by TSgt Dan Kenna made Aug 18 at 2018 3:48 AM

TSgt Dan Kenna — Sat, 18 Aug 2018 03:48:22 -0400

I don’t recommend Security Forces. Go for an aircrew positon. Security Forces get shit on no matter where you are based. You’d probably end up in the missle field where you’ll think about blowing your brains out everyday. The Air Forces has a ton of better options.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2018 1:05 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Aug 2018 01:05:57 -0400

It used to be pretty common years back. It is possible

Response by A1C Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2018 8:30 AM

A1C Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Aug 2018 08:30:33 -0400

went to BMT with a girl who switched over from the army, not sure why she had to go to air force BMT after already being in the army but i don’t think she even finished all 4 years in the army. i’m also security forces and i love the job, it just depends where you get stationed at. good luck

Response by CMSgt Kevin White made Sep 26 at 2018 7:46 PM

CMSgt Kevin White — Wed, 26 Sep 2018 19:46:30 -0400

LEADERS:

Unless YOU have an airfield qualification the Air Force may only take Army personnel into the Security Forces career field, which is the best career field in my 30 opinion. The cop and security manager life is the best life as one progresses in the service. It is for the HOOAH types.