I'm seriously considering switching from the Army to the Marine Corps and I'd love some opinions/feedback. What are your thoughts?

TSgt (Join to see)
You do know you will have to go through Marine basic training. And they don't care where you come from or your experience they treat all the same.

I just left Parris Island recently. We had a prior Army E5 come through as a recruit (saw a similar post from someone else). Because of his prior service he was able to enlist as an E2. He did leave recruit training as an E3, but that was only because he showed he was at a different level from everyone else in the company. I saw a few new Marines leave recruit raining as E3s, but I am pretty sure he is the only one that came out of any of the 10 cycles I worked. And trying to make the argument that "I was a staff sergeant in the Army" once you get to school or your unit will likely get you nowhere. Its all well and good, but you will likely be a PFC and you will be accepting that you want to be treated like one.

I will caution you with everyone else that there won't be any handouts just because of your prior service. You will have to earn the title just like every other recruit, but at the same time you will be evaluated based on your age and prior service (i.e. you should be a lot more mature, so if you don't act like it that will count against you). I highly doubt you will be eligible for any WO program out of boot camp - that just seems contrary to how the Marine Corps utilizes the Warrant Officer community.

This is a huge commitment and risk that, honestly, I would not recommend anyone take. Not to sound like I'm pounding my chest, but I find it curious that you are trying to go to the Marines because the army, air force, and navy are all telling saying you can't do what you WANT to do. The whole premise throws up red flags in my mind, and besides that the Marines aren't exactly a "do what you want" organization either. I would argue that they are the least apt to let you choose what you want - the will gladly listen to what you have to say, but it does come down to the needs of the Corps. I have heard Marines start throwing tantrums about "if I don't get to do (fill in the blank), I'm getting out.". The general response is, "then we don't need you, thanks for playing."

You better make sure they are taking prior service slots at the MEPS (ask a Marine recruiter) or you will be unemployed. It's your personal decision, but not a good financial move. By the time you get to SSG in the Marine Corps, you would likely be a MSG in the Army...if you stayed. Follow your dreams, but watch out for the possible consequences.

Edit: I just caught the "I want to be active duty". Same advice on the MEPS. There is no "I think it will work" there. Good luck.