Is it possible to make a branch transfer from the USMC to the Army with a conditional release?

2023-01-13T09:57:49-05:00

I’m soon to be an E3 in the Marine Corps. I’m trying to make a branch transfer to the Army with a conditional release. Is this possible?

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jan 13 at 2023 12:22 PM

2023-01-13T12:22:43-05:00

Inter-service transfers aren't impossible but they aren't very common either. You can request it and see what happens but you need to brace yourself if you do this because there will be a barrage of questions and a fair share of disdain you will be subject to. Every SNCO and Officer in your Chain of Command will be curious as to why you are doing this and what you are trying to achieve. May I ask why you are doing this instead of switching services on the end of your contract?

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2023 12:59 PM

2023-01-13T12:59:54-05:00

Is it possible, yes. Is it likely, no. You’re best alternative is finishing your contract and then transferring. It will be much easier getting a release (DD Form 368) while IRR then enlisting in the branch you wish. In most cases the recruiter will handle all the paperwork. And you will not have any break in service. I have had three conditional releases in my career.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jan 13 at 2023 2:00 PM

2023-01-13T14:00:18-05:00

I see what others say, and agree to most comments. Getting released to conduct an intra service transfer is not going to happen unless the moon and the stars align.

The gaining command will sing the praises, the loosing comand will not concur based on troop strength. The Marines have put a great deal of time and money into you, why would they just let you go.

Is this in the policy somewhere in each service, likely, was it designed for this purpose, to simply transfer because, I don’t see it happening. It’s a paperwork drill between the Marine retention and the Arny recruiters. I have had at least a hundred Silodiers within the commands I served in make the transition, but only after Ets and enlistment, Not a transfer.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2023 4:19 PM

2023-01-13T16:19:35-05:00

If you're active duty I put the likelihood at near zero. If you're reserve it will be a little higher than zero

Response by SPC James Neidig made Jan 14 at 2023 2:31 AM

2023-01-14T02:31:52-05:00

When I Was In The Corps 79-85 (So Called Peace Time ) I Was A Crew Chief On Huey’s We Did A lot Of Work With Recon Marines , They Were Hard Chargers And Highly Trained.
Watch The Movie Heartbreak Ridge , It’s Mostly True About The Invasion Of Grenada By Recon Marines, They Go In First, Ahead Of The Fleet Marines .

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jan 14 at 2023 3:42 PM

2023-01-14T15:42:11-05:00

Thousands of Marines make the switch to the Army. That's pretty normal. The conditional release is a bit of a pipe dream. Just do your time, get out of the Marines and talk to an Army recruiter.
There's tons of former Marines in the Army, so the path definitely is well tread.

For what it's worth, it's a good switch.