If you switch from any branch to Marines, do you still keep your MOS or can you choose a new field to be in?

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Mar 2018 14:04:57 -0400

Just wondering his because I always thought that it’s basically a fresh start. Just curious really.

Response by MSgt Gerald Orvis made Mar 15 at 2018 2:54 PM

MSgt Gerald Orvis — Thu, 15 Mar 2018 14:54:45 -0400

I'd worry about getting through boot camp first. I agree with GySgt Olson - your MOS will be assigned dependent on the needs of the Corps at the time. Based on your Guard MOS in Motor T, you may be able to keep that - the Corps always needs drivers and mechanics. But you may also go into something entirely unexpected, like IT. It depends on how you test when you enter the Corps.

Response by Cpl Tom Surdi made Mar 15 at 2018 3:46 PM

Cpl Tom Surdi — Thu, 15 Mar 2018 15:46:27 -0400

Both MSgt Orvis and Gunny Olson are correct. The needs of the Corps will be taken into account, but when you sign a new contract you will have some say in what MOS you will have. That being said, you will have to go through Boot Camp again, then MCT (unless you go infantry then SOI) then onto your MOS school. We had a prior Army guy in my platoon in boot camp, and while some of the things he did in the Army transferred over, rank (although he did go from an E-3 to an E-2), some of his ribbons/medals most everything else he had to do over again. It is by all accounts a fresh start. DO NOT let the prior service recruiter pull one over on you, make sure you research everything before you change branches.

Response by SFC Kenneth G. made Mar 15 at 2018 8:19 PM

SFC Kenneth G. — Thu, 15 Mar 2018 20:19:29 -0400

As a recruiter, I have seen it either way. I have seen that enlistees can go into the same MOS or a similar type of MOS. You would still have to go to AIT for training. You may not have to complete Basic Training depending on how long you have been out of service. If you were prior service Air Force, you would have to go through basic training for sure. I think if you were out for less than 90 days, you will also be able to maintain your rank as well.

Response by Cpl John Barker made Mar 15 at 2018 9:01 PM

Cpl John Barker — Thu, 15 Mar 2018 21:01:30 -0400

No, you go back to square 1: recruit at boot camp. You might get E3 (Lance Corporal), but other than that you do boot and mct/soi just like every other new Marine...if you ask me fuck that, but hey we had a lot of prior service guys who felt like shaving their heads and getting treated like shit for 6 months...to each their own

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Mar 16 at 2018 3:23 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Fri, 16 Mar 2018 15:23:41 -0400

It is an enlistment, normally clean slate.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2018 12:24 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 17 Mar 2018 00:24:15 -0400

You get what you negotiate!

Response by SFC Jonathan Barker made Apr 3 at 2018 1:53 PM

SFC Jonathan Barker — Tue, 03 Apr 2018 13:53:12 -0400

Most of the time, you will go needs of the Corps. However, there are certain MOS's that they need if you are trained in that they will put you into so they don't need to spend the extra money for training or retraining. Just remember, in the Marines, everyone is an Infantryman first, then you do tour job.