If I wanted to switch over to the Marines, what are the steps I would have to go through in order to transfer to another branch?

2016-06-03T12:41:58-04:00

Planning on doing another term in the reserves before I transfer. I was active first and just want to know.

Response by SFC Daniel Faires made Jun 3 at 2016 12:46 PM

2016-06-03T12:46:14-04:00

Talk to the recruiter be ready to go to boot camp. Get out Of the Army and enlist in the Corps

Response by SGT Stephen Gober made Jun 3 at 2016 12:50 PM

2016-06-03T12:50:29-04:00

The first thing you can expect is 13 weeks on Parris Island.
All kidding aside, you start from scratch. I'm not sure about your MOS transferring over without having to go to school again.
I almost never say this but you should talk to a USMC recruiter. They're the ones that hold the true information about the requirements.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2016 12:54 PM

2016-06-03T12:54:16-04:00

Go to ranger school and don't transfer!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2016 12:54 PM

2016-06-03T12:54:50-04:00

Can I ask why you want to switch.

Response by PO1 Joshua DeWitt made Jun 3 at 2016 12:55 PM

2016-06-03T12:55:32-04:00

Lower your IQ lol

Response by SGT Robert Cupp made Jun 3 at 2016 1:10 PM

2016-06-03T13:10:08-04:00

Demoted to e-1 and a trip back to basic training.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2016 1:55 PM

2016-06-03T13:55:29-04:00

you cant be older than 29 to go in the Marines. You really want to going to MCRD and then SOI? You will also go in as an E2. This is not a good idea for you.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2016 1:55 PM

2016-06-03T13:55:37-04:00

As mentioned, basic training all over again. However, when I was a recruiter the USMC never accepted prior service members.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2016 2:11 PM

2016-06-03T14:11:55-04:00

SPC Private RallyPoint Member Best of luck with whatever path you take!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2016 5:42 PM

2016-06-03T17:42:53-04:00

I can't for the life of me see why an Army rifleman would want to switch over to the USMC. The grass isn't greener over there I can tell you that.

Response by SFC Joe Benavides made Jun 3 at 2016 11:22 PM

2016-06-03T23:22:58-04:00

Being a former Marine and a retired Soldier(11B) I can understand your question. I was also an Army recruiter at one time. You will have to ETS honorably, then go see the Marine recruiter. You are tagged as "Prior Service", this only means you are not a priority. Don't get upset, you will be allowed to join, but only when they have a prior service slot. Secondly, you will have to go through Boot Camp....from the beginning. Young Soldier, it's a tear down and rebuilding process to earn that Eagle, Globe and Anchor. Don't under estimate the purpose and don't question it. You will reap the benefits. Semper Fidelis!!!

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2016 11:45 PM

2016-06-03T23:45:54-04:00

I work in an office with a prior service recruiter. If you want I can give you his contact info. The PSR would be the best source of information on this topic.

Response by SPC Dale West made Jun 4 at 2016 2:34 PM

2016-06-04T14:34:51-04:00

I Went From Army Reserves To Active Marines And Had To Go Back Through Boot Camp All Over Again. It Took A Waiver For It All To Go Through Though l.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2016 6:11 PM

2016-06-06T18:11:56-04:00

First I don't think they would take you being prior service.
Second, why in the hell would you join the marines.
Third, talk to your retention NCO and he'll tell you numbers one through two.

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2016 7:13 AM

2016-06-07T07:13:51-04:00

Well you would have to enlist in the Marine Corps after your tour in the Army is up to my knowledge there is no such thing as a transfer to the Marine Corps. Don't wait to late because no mater your rank or time in service you will still go through Marine Corps boot camp as a Recruit. There are NO exceptions. Every Marine goes through Boot. We had two prior service army in my Basic in 1981 and they were treated no different.

Response by Cpl Thomas Mcdonough made Jun 7 at 2016 8:56 AM

2016-06-07T08:56:22-04:00

you would have to go through marine basic before you can switch over.

Response by Cpl Robert Lehto made Jun 7 at 2016 10:11 AM

2016-06-07T10:11:02-04:00

The Marine Corps is the only Branch that you would have to go through boot camp all over again. Once a Marine, though you can join any other branch and not go through their boot camp. I went through boot camp with a prior service Ranger. He didn't do as well and was recycled.

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2016 10:45 AM

2016-06-07T10:45:38-04:00

You have to go to boot camp all over again .
You must be in good shape .
No special treatment for prior service .
Get a good MOS before you enlist .

Response by SSgt Mark McCallister made Jun 7 at 2016 10:52 AM

2016-06-07T10:52:07-04:00

In order for you to do an inter-service transfer to the Marines you will have to complete Marine Corps boot camp. It's not the reserves believe me, best of luck with whatever you decide.

Response by MSG Edward Camp made Jun 7 at 2016 10:55 AM

2016-06-07T10:55:14-04:00

Welcome to Parris Island

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2016 11:46 AM

2016-06-07T11:46:14-04:00

First, what are you reasons for switching? I am a Sgt in the USMC reserve myself, and I can tell you from my perspective, the grass isn't really greener over here. It's just watered a little differently. I will tell you, you will have to go through boot camp again, you will more than likely lose one or two ranks, and the promotion/responsibility levels are completely different in USMC compared to Army reserves (my brother joined Army the same time I joined USMC). If you decide to go through with the branch transfer, more power to you, but I would take a long hard look at it first, and if you do decide to do it, why wait? Just my two cents.

Response by 2ndLt Fulton Recepcion made Jun 7 at 2016 1:53 PM

2016-06-07T13:53:37-04:00

You need to talk to a recruiter. They in turn will tell you to get a DD-368 - Conditional Release Form. If you want active duty, PS are NOT in high demand as retention has been through the roof of late. It don't hurt to ask if AD has some quotas (left for the FY).

Reserves can be a little more accommodating depending on the MOS openings in the area you want to drill.

Remember, even if the USMC says they will take you (whether AD or USMCR), the USAR reserves the right to deny your DD-368 if they feel they need you more.

Response by SSgt Jerry DeLaney made Jun 7 at 2016 4:34 PM

2016-06-07T16:34:54-04:00

Unless you want to be a street cop or a security guard the rest of your life, I suggest you re-up with a guaranteed lat move to a computer skill type of job. And go to college nights and weekends.

Response by MSgt David Rollins made Jun 7 at 2016 6:50 PM

2016-06-07T18:50:12-04:00

Two words: Boot Camp...

Response by Cpl Eric Dunn made Jun 7 at 2016 10:29 PM

2016-06-07T22:29:55-04:00

On top of boot camp, you would probably come out as a Lance Corporal/ E-3, since and E-4 in the Marines is a NCO billet. However, your time in service might give you a jump and all you would need to do is complete the required courses and get good performance conduct evaluations.

Response by Sgt David Sylvia made Jun 7 at 2016 10:52 PM

2016-06-07T22:52:20-04:00

I switched from the Air Force to USMC in the 90's. Back then, unless you were in a critical MOS, the best you could hope for was "guaranteed Corporal". You still go through boot camp as a LCpl, then pick up Cpl after 8 months regardless of your cutting score. Any deal better than that means you'll have to speak to the recruiting district CO.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jun 8 at 2016 8:50 AM

2016-06-08T08:50:08-04:00

Unless you have compelling reasons to go Marine you should stay Army. You will have to attend Boot Camp all over and will only be able to come in as an E-2. if you are ok with that then pursue it. There is such a thing as an active duty transfer but that will take research on your end.

Response by Cpl Keith Ricks made Jun 8 at 2016 11:22 AM

2016-06-08T11:22:46-04:00

You going to an island

Response by LCpl Bradley Otto made Jun 8 at 2016 1:38 PM

2016-06-08T13:38:12-04:00

First I thank you for your service and commend you on wanting to continue to serve. Be for warned, you cod Probly transfer into any branch without issue, except into the Marines. We don't care what and how long you have served, EVERYONE must go through bootcamp and that's where you are born a Marine. To not lose time in service and time in rank I would consider a lateral transfer or some type of MOS change. Either way best of luck.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2016 12:37 PM

2016-07-01T12:37:30-04:00

There is no transfer. You must enlist in Prior Service Enlistment Program. Then graduate boot camp. East of the Mississippi is Parris Island, West is San Diego. You must also fill a needed MOS. I would suggest you consider sooner more then latter. Best to contact a Marine Recruiter if your serious. Good luck!

Response by SFC Ronald Moore made Jan 25 at 2020 8:02 AM

2020-01-25T08:02:45-05:00

leucotomy