Posted on Mar 31, 2017
Is it possible to serve in multiple branches of the military ?
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I have this weird fascination of being the "jack of all trades" as a civilian i did things from cosmetology, to truck driving and allot in between. I recently just swore into into DEP (army) and already making plans to see if I can cross train into other MOS fields and eventually after my contract to other branches (USMC? Navy? Air Force)
Anyone here serve in 2 or more branches? Any tips?
Anyone here serve in 2 or more branches? Any tips?
Posted in these groups: 
Marines
Air Force Enlisted Village
Military Career
Military Life
Military Education
Marines Air Force Enlisted Village Military Career Military Life Military Education
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 250
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yes it is possible - I have met many that have served in a different branch before joining the Army - I have met folks that were in the Navy, Marines, and 1 prior Air Force. Not sure how difficult it would be now, as both the Air Force and Navy do not have MOS's that combat arms would fit into.
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TSgt Prescott Pranke
True, but the AF isn't afraid to send you back to learn a new MOS. USMC, I was Jet Engine Mechanic, 3 yr hitch OR Nat'l Guard as Artillary, 4 + PA Nat'l Guard as Mechanized Infantry, and retired AF as Med Tech
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https://www.stripes.com/news/20-years-4-branches-servicemember-is-part-of-exclusive-club-1.298471
This guy served in four branches! Admittedly in the reserves...
This guy served in four branches! Admittedly in the reserves...
20 years, 4 branches: Servicemember is part of exclusive club
From the Marine Corps to the Navy, the Army to the Air Force, Jesus Yanez has served in four of five military branches. Will he retire before he tries the Coast Guard?
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Of course you can serve in more than one branch or component. I started with four years active Air Force, did a year Army National Guard, four years Active Army, then a long break in service while I earned my Bachelor's Degree and worked as an Army and Air Force Contractor. Then another year Army National Guard, and finally the past 12+ years in the Air National Guard. And for the past 14 years I volunteer with the Coast Guard Auxiliary, and recently joined the Civil Air Patrol as a volunteer pilot. So yes, you are never tied to just one branch or component of the military.
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Been there done that
Just give your current Service a chance, and later consider MOS switch VERY carefully
Just give your current Service a chance, and later consider MOS switch VERY carefully
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SFC Marcus Belt
PFC Cinnamon Hack - I had an eight year break-in-service, but after 9/11, I wanted to serve, hadn't particularly enjoyed the Navy, or its mission for a variety of reasons, and wasn't particularly enamored of shipboard life.
That said, you haven't even mastered your first military job yet. Pump your brakes, Young Private, and ask yourself this:"Where in the world can I best use my talents and skills to the benefit of others and myself?"
Also, to be candid, there is the little matter of compensation to deal with. Staying put and advancing means increasing levels of responsibility and pay, in that order. It also means greater privileges. Perseverance and dedication are more valuable both in and outside of the Military Community than a very wide, very very shallow collection of low level skills.
That said, you haven't even mastered your first military job yet. Pump your brakes, Young Private, and ask yourself this:"Where in the world can I best use my talents and skills to the benefit of others and myself?"
Also, to be candid, there is the little matter of compensation to deal with. Staying put and advancing means increasing levels of responsibility and pay, in that order. It also means greater privileges. Perseverance and dedication are more valuable both in and outside of the Military Community than a very wide, very very shallow collection of low level skills.
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It's possible, but keep in mind that every time you switch branches you'll be demoted down to an entry-level pay grade. I definitely wouldn't want to spend a career being paid E-4 salary the whole way through. As long as you like your MOS, sticking to it for E-7+ is the way to get proper compensation for your skills.
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TSgt Prescott Pranke
Not necessarily true. I got out USMC as E-5 Went to College, (amounted to an overall 7 year break in service), joined the National guard - kept my E-5, transfered to PA picked up E-6, then joined Air Force and kept my E-6. If my house hadn't burned, I would probably have retired E-7 instead of E-6 -but my certification expired, (which removed me from consideration for promotion), AND my House burned at the same time I was in my refresher week,. So I had to come home before I had renewed my certification, pick up the pieces, I was set to retire later that year anyway, but if I had been offered E-7, I would likely have extended.
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When I was at FT Hood in 75 had an E-5 that had been in 4 of the 5 branches, then in 80 in Germany had a medic that used to be in the Marines and switched to Army.
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SGT Kevin Leake
I did not say he was a medic in the Marines ,I said we had a medic that used to be in the Marines. When he joined the Army he chose to be come a medic.
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Yes, but time in grade required in each service depending on the MOS may slow promotions. But not always. Have a good friend who went through the Marine Corps PLC (Platoon Leader Course) sort of like ROTC, in college. After completing OCS and TBS, went to flight school. Flew A4 Skyhawks in Vietnam. Transitioned to the Marine Corps Reserve, as a captain, and went to medical school. After med school transferred to the Navy (the Marine Corps does not have its own medical personnel) and became a flight surgeon. Some years later, transferred to the Air Force as a flight surgeon. Retired as a Colonel. His promotions came with no delay but of course due to the specialty. Additionally, moving from Lt. Col. to Colonel was very competitive. He said that the reason he made the cut was due to the fact that the general making the decision said it was his duty as a combat fighter pilot and that he had maintained flying status as a flight surgeon.
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I served in the Navy, Army, and Coast Guard from which I retired. I definitely saved the best for last.
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PFC Cinnamon Hack
Wow! 3 branches ? Were you active duty with them all? How was it? What were your greatest challenges you inquired doing so? Do you have any regrets? What did you enjoy the most out of them? Sorry for all the questions but I truly am curious lol. Thanks in advance and thank you for your service :)
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