Is it possible to leave active duty Navy as enlisted and commission into the reserves of the Air Force?

2020-08-16T13:04:23-04:00

I am currently serving on active duty in the navy as an E-6. I still have over 4 years on my active duty contract, but have recently received my bachelors degree. Is it possible to leave active duty and commission into the reserves of the Air Force? I have a lot of opportunity in the civilian world but would still like to earn my commission and serve, just not in an active duty role anymore.
All help and insight is appreciated.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Aug 16 at 2020 1:16 PM

2020-08-16T13:16:25-04:00

You'd have to break Service and be accepted to an officer producing program: OTS, Academy, ROTC, direct commission (usually Chaplains and Medical specialists). Have you reached out to an Air Force recruiter / ANG Recruiter?

There is not a way to transfer between service branches like you describe. It's usually something narrow like pilots. USCG had a poaching program to grab Army Warrant rotary wing pilots and direct commission them.

https://www.airforce.com/how-to-join/process/officer

Look carefully at age requirements and age waivers for AD service.

U.S. Air Force - Officer Process

Welcome to the United States Air Force. Learn about great opportunities for enlisted airmen, officers and health care professionals.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2020 1:19 PM

2020-08-16T13:19:16-04:00

https://www.airforce.com/how-to-join/process/officer

U.S. Air Force - Officer Process

Welcome to the United States Air Force. Learn about great opportunities for enlisted airmen, officers and health care professionals.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2020 1:22 PM

2020-08-16T13:22:00-04:00

https://www.militaryhub.com/article?id=367

Transferring Between Military Branches to Enhance Your Military Career

A great way to grow your best military career is to consider job opportunities within multiple military branches. A transfer between military branches requires an early discharge from your current branch and acceptance into the new one.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2020 1:23 PM

2020-08-16T13:23:52-04:00

http://www.militaryspot.com/career/changing-branches

Changing Branches - MilitarySpot.com

If you would like to change branches in the military there is a certain process you must first complete. After deciding what branch of service you would like to join the following is several steps you will need to take.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Aug 16 at 2020 6:41 PM

2020-08-16T18:41:42-04:00

This is done all the time by Mustangs such as myself. Had time left and was accepted into a commissioning program. Perhaps a couple more hoops going to a different service. Just make sure you're dealing with a real accessions officer for the program you're looking at. They deal with whatever releases and other paperwork needed all the time as well. It is typically outside the knowledge and authority of general recruiters. One thing to make sure of is, when you shift over, make sure they get your TIS/PEBD correctly calculated and carried over. It that is botched, it'll take a Board of Correction to fix.

Response by CDR Terry Boles made Aug 16 at 2020 6:41 PM

2020-08-16T18:41:49-04:00

It certainly is possible, just remember the needs of the service and if your flexible you should be able to commission. A few possible hurdles to overcome; a bachelors degree can open doors however these days specialty degrees are very desirable, age waiver for years in service, making yourself competitive so do your homework on AF AFSCs, and have references lined up when you're close to separating from USN.

Enjoy your next 4-years, they will fly by as you begin outlining your future. I wish you all the best!