How would I start the process of switching branches from Army NG to the USMC?

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 Dec 2018 09:29:55 -0500

i have not done MOS training yet because I am a Slip opp BCT last summer then MOS training this coming summer

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2018 9:56 AM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 Dec 2018 09:56:38 -0500

are you on Contract? If so you would have to get released from your state. A DA 368 signed by your first General Officer which I think for the National Guard it would be the state Adjutant General. If you are fresh on contract chances are they are not letting you go. But it never hurts to try.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2018 10:04 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 Dec 2018 10:04:15 -0500

Being that you are split opp you are not MOS Qualified. I would assume you still drill with your local RSP unit and report to your recruiter? If this is the case you need to talk with you first line leader, I would not get your hopes up though, they have to release you and then you can work with a Marine Recruiter. Have you talked a Marine Recruiter yet to verify you would be eligible for enlistment? I would start there before you muddy up any water.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2018 10:23 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 Dec 2018 10:23:44 -0500

PFC Private RallyPoint Member Why do you want to become a Marine?

Response by SFC Joseph McCausland made Dec 4 at 2018 5:00 PM

SFC Joseph McCausland — Tue, 04 Dec 2018 17:00:07 -0500

I think SPC Wagner has given you great advice, however, I am curious why the change from NG to Marines? I take it you went to BCT during your junior and senior year. I can tell you one thing for sure unless things have changed, your Army BCT will not be recognized by the Marines and you will most likely be reduced to E-2 if not E-1. As far as release. your National Guard Unit has no obligation to release you from your contractual obligation. So back to my original question.... why the switch?

Your enlistment thus far, likely cost your NG unit around $50.000 or more. They probably will release you because they know if they refuse it will just make matters worse and the fact that you will be going from reserve to active duty will practically guarantee an approval of conditional release.

If you looked into your options with the Active Army, you would be classified as a "glossary prior service", as such you would be treated just like a non-prior service applicant and would have "all" enlistment options and the benefits that come along with each one opened to you (provided your qualified) and you would be shipped direct to your MOS training after graduation. So if you decided you wanted a different MOS with an Airborne Option or Guaranteed Station of Choice, chances are the Army could make that happen. "Now" is the time that all the new open MOS training slots (for June grads) are loaded on the MEPS data base, so chances are you would have your pick of a guarantee of MOS training in just about any field your are qualified. Don't get me wrong, I am not trying to dissuade you from the Marines, I am just letting you know your options.
If you check my profile you will see that I was a recruiter for over ten years , I worked at MEPS for two years and I was a unit administrator in a reserve unit for three years, so I have a fairly good idea of how the process works.

What ever you decide- "Thank you for serving".... I wish you..........ALL THE BEST.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Dec 4 at 2018 8:32 PM

SPC Erich Guenther — Tue, 04 Dec 2018 20:32:38 -0500

It doesn't hurt to ask but if the state spent money on you already (and they have). They are going to tell you probably about a minimum service requirement before they will sign a conditional release. Some states stipulate that once you start your training it's a two year wait from the end of AIT before they will consider a conditional release. It might not be the case in your state so it doesn't hurt to ask about it. Agree with the other advice to speak with a Marine Recruiter first before you even ask about a conditional release because if the Marines won't take you.......the fact that you told your NG unit your basically not interested in 11 Series and want to leave already is going to cause them to steer some opportunities in another direction that otherwise might have come to you.