Is it possible to switch branches after being in one branch over 8 years?

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Jul 2016 08:24:03 -0400

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jul 13 at 2016 8:26 AM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Wed, 13 Jul 2016 08:26:26 -0400

That might, I should think, depend one's levelmof training, as well as how much time one had left in a given svc, as well as the need on thempartmof the gaining svc, I'd expect, you know?

Response by CMSgt Mark Schubert made Jul 13 at 2016 8:49 AM

CMSgt Mark Schubert — Wed, 13 Jul 2016 08:49:37 -0400

Yes - happens all the time.

Response by CDR Terry Boles made Jul 13 at 2016 11:13 AM

CDR Terry Boles — Wed, 13 Jul 2016 11:13:03 -0400

I myself have switched to 3 different branches of service. I know many who have done the same thing. Time in service and age can work against you, and certainly the needs of the gaining service is important as well. Then there is your MOS, AFSC, Rate etc that one has to consider and if you want to transfer into the gaining service with a similar job or willing to retrain. Also one has to take into consideration the possible loss of rank and how difficult is it to gain rank in the new career field in the gaining service.

So its possible, lots to consider and your first POC should be a recruiter.

Good luck!

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 13 at 2016 11:41 AM

PO1 John Miller — Wed, 13 Jul 2016 11:41:14 -0400

While your best bet is to speak with a recruiter, I have heard that the branches right now are not taking too many OSVETS (Other Service Veterans).

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jul 13 at 2016 12:50 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Wed, 13 Jul 2016 12:50:27 -0400

Not Uncommon. Plenty of Folks Here. My Dept Head at NSGD Sugar Grove was a Marine before he was a Sailor.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jul 13 at 2016 12:56 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Wed, 13 Jul 2016 12:56:10 -0400

Seen it done several times.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2016 2:52 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Jul 2016 14:52:08 -0400

Yes. You need to check the In/Out Calls, as well as read applicable MILPER etc. Not to simplify too much, but as long as you meet the requirements, and your MOS is not understrength, and your desired MOS is not overstrength, then you can reclass.

http://www.armyreenlistment.com/reclass.html has more information.

For 88M, SL2, your MOS is balanced per MILPER 16-117.

Reclassification Opportunities

An awarded MOS, especially the PMOS, represents significant time and effort, both to the Army and the Soldier. Theneeds of the Army will be the overriding factor in reclassification actions.