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 >1 y ago
Responses: 250
USANG 1979 - 1980
USMC 1980 - 1986
USA 1986 - 1992
USN 1992 - 2000
I kept changing because I wanted a different job, different experience. I got it. Just bear in mind the differences in the branches and how each branch does business. No different from changing job in the civilian community.
USMC 1980 - 1986
USA 1986 - 1992
USN 1992 - 2000
I kept changing because I wanted a different job, different experience. I got it. Just bear in mind the differences in the branches and how each branch does business. No different from changing job in the civilian community.
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I was in the National Guard and the joined the Coast Guard for four years. After that I reenlisted into the National Guard. While in the Coast Guard I met many individuals who had been in other services. One who had been in the Army, Navy and then joined the Coast Guard.
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I originally wanted to go Navy but did not have a high school diploma at the time, but the Army said they would take me, so I joined the Army as a 67y10 (attack helicopter repairman, Cobra helicopters.). After I got out I had trouble finding a job in aviation. So I decided go back in and gave the Navy a try. I was lucky, my ASVAB scores were real good (Army-95.95 , Navy-98, (raw scores)). When I went into the Navy I had to drop 1 paygrade. The training for the Navy was easier than I expected. I enjoyed both branches. But would recommend which ever MOS you chose that you see what the requirements are for an equivalent civilian job is and get that training while still in. Give it your all and you should do OK.
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Your desire is noted, if not your inexperience. However...each of the several Services offers many of the same opportunities, albeit wearing a different color. Why attempt to sample them all via alternative means when one can experience essentially the same in the Army? Consider: I entered the Army as an E-1 of Infantry, eventually wearing E-7 rank. Next, Flight School made me a pilot and an officer; WO-1 to CW2 in combat, then accepting a Commission to 1LT of Infantry (again?) but this time in a much higher leadership role with even more opportunity. Promoted to Captain one year later with more responsibility. In time, I transferred to Quartermaster (Major), later attending the Inspector General course. As an IG I saw Lieutenant Colonel, then became an Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officer (EPLO) (Colonel) but not done yet. I went to Iraq as a Combat Generalist, Commander of Combined Joint Task Force Shield and retired as a Colonel, 30 years. So, numerous aspects of ground combat, Aviation, Quartermaster, Inspector General, and Combat Generalist (2x Vietnam, 1x Balkan Conflict, and almost 4 years in Iraq). I was allowed to sample and grow in quite a number of fields within a unique military environment that I would never have seen had I simply jumped from one service to another. Something to think about.
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I enlisted in the USAF in 1973. In September 1981 I transferred to the USAFR. In July 1982, I transferred to USN OCS. I retired in 1994.
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While I was in the Marines in administration, there was a staff sergeant who had served one enlistment in each branches of service. I don't know if I would recommend it. Clearly up to you though.
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I have served in 2, Air Force and the Army, and had a friend that was in 3. I retired with 25 years active time. My advice is the same as some of those above. Put your heart and soul into one MOS at a time. If you like it stay with it. I was not totally happy with the job I had in the Air Force so I got out went to college for awhile then decided to try the service again but wanted a different job. They told me had to do what I did before because it was a critical career field. I said no I don't and went and talked to the Army recruiter who offered me a different path. I spent the next 20 years and ended up qualified in several MOS's, some because of cross training some changed because of the rank I held but all of them were interesting and challenging.
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Yes; I have previously responded. But I served 8 1/2 yrs in USMC. Than 2 Yrs in USAFR, Than little over 12 Yrs in USA. Than Federal civil service. Biggest thing now days is you have to watch what rank/paygrade you are as you move up. You will come to an up or out time. I was lucky I did my changes between 1965 and 1988. Enjoyed military life and training.
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I agree wth most responses. Stay focused and do the best you can with your first enlistment. To keep it short and to the point, if you plan on going into multiple branches, join the Marine Corps first. You'll only have to attend one boot camp...
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