If I am active duty Navy now, can I switch and become a part of a different branch as a Reservist or National Guardsman?

SR Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 14:07:54 -0500

Response by SN Greg Wright made Jan 8 at 2018 2:09 PM

SN Greg Wright — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 14:09:18 -0500

At the end of your contract, sure. Before then, not very likely.

Response by PVT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2018 5:32 PM

PVT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 17:32:08 -0500

I went into the DEP program a few years ago, and decided to go guard instead. I just got a "refusal to enlist" from the navy which the guard happily overlooked. That oath you take at MEPS when you DEP in is more ceremonial than anything. Your contract doesnt start till your ship date. However, that time in the DEP does count towards your inactive ready reserves time. If you enlisted into the guard, you contract starts right then and there. If you have 3 months until basic, thats 3 months already done with your contract. You get paid for your drill weekends as well.

Response by CPT Andrew Wright made Jan 8 at 2018 5:37 PM

CPT Andrew Wright — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 17:37:47 -0500

Depending on your RE code and discharge you should have no problem switching to Army Reserve or National Guard after ETS. You would most likely keep the same rank but would have to go to Army Basic and MOS training (AIT). Sometimes prior service Navy gets to go to a short course called Minuteman training in lieu of Basic. Best of luck!

Response by SMSgt Donald Wilson made Jan 9 at 2018 12:21 AM

SMSgt Donald Wilson — Tue, 09 Jan 2018 00:21:20 -0500

Absolutely. I was prior AF, and eventually went back in as a reservist on flying status, and there were prior service members from all branches in my unit, except maybe the USCG, but there just aren't as many of them.