Should an active duty Air Force member switch to the Army halfway through their contract?

A1C Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 26 Mar 2016 09:48:03 -0400

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Mar 26 at 2016 9:50 AM

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Sat, 26 Mar 2016 09:50:44 -0400

A1C Private RallyPoint Member its all in the mind, I know a lot of Air Force/Army who switched and retired starting off in different branches. Go with your heart! Beauty is within the beholders eyes.

Response by MSgt C Madd made Mar 26 at 2016 10:40 AM

MSgt C Madd — Sat, 26 Mar 2016 10:40:03 -0400

I have done Army 95B and AF 3P, both have positives and negatives. I would also look to other options in AF as well. Have friends that are 3P now that have also done Combat Control, TACP, PJ, and SERE. The grass is not always greener. My 2cents.

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Mar 26 at 2016 11:16 AM

SGM Matthew Quick — Sat, 26 Mar 2016 11:16:02 -0400

I don't know if this is a bad idea or not, but it's not allowed. Servicemembers cannot simply switch services during active duty contracts.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Mar 26 at 2016 11:49 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Sat, 26 Mar 2016 11:49:25 -0400

A1C Bertrand, think this one through carefully. You're obviously a first-term airman and trained as a security person. You probably haven't reached what I'd call "journeyman" status yet and certainly not a supervisor. Right now I think you should focus on your mission and doing you job to the highest level of excellence you can achieve.

I was active duty AF and worked for the Army as a civilian. The lot of the average soldier or airman as first term enlisted is about the same. The AF may have some better facilities and their base locations may be better, but the job at the lower pay grades is about the same in similar specialties regardless of service. I can't think of a good reason to switch unless you "always wanted to be a soldier" and joined the AF by mistake.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2016 12:21 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 26 Mar 2016 12:21:33 -0400

It depends on your reasoning for switching. There are good and bad in both.

Response by SSG Robert Webster made Mar 26 at 2016 12:23 PM

SSG Robert Webster — Sat, 26 Mar 2016 12:23:03 -0400

A1C Private RallyPoint Member , I would suggest that you ask this question of TSgt Private RallyPoint Member. Ask him about his experience of this type of switch. I will let him tell you his story.

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Mar 26 at 2016 1:35 PM

SMSgt Thor Merich — Sat, 26 Mar 2016 13:35:12 -0400

I would be very careful about making this decision. I came from the Army before the AF. I can tell you that there are huge cultural differences and well as quality of life differences. I know many folks who went from the Army or Marines into the AF and were very happy. I don't know anyone who went Blue to Green though. But the difference in culture will be a shock if you are not prepared for it.

You didn't mention why you want to switch. Do you want to be more high speed, do more combat related jobs, etc? I noticed by your profile that you are fairly new to the AF and at a base with a large number of brass around. You may be getting bored with your current assignment.

Here is my advice:
1) Spend some time at a Army base, look at housing, talk to junior airman, check out the DFAC, and ask about their average work day.
2) Check out other AF AFSC's. There are many high speed jobs in the AF. If you want to remain a 3POxx, look into the 820th or AFSOC. If you want to change AFSC's, look into JTAC, SERE, Para-Rescue, TACP, etc.

Whatever you decide, do as much research as you can before committing. Good luck.

Response by TSgt William Meyer made Mar 26 at 2016 2:51 PM

TSgt William Meyer — Sat, 26 Mar 2016 14:51:00 -0400

OK so here is my 2c, I was a 95B reservist, when I got tired of the B.S going on at drills, a lot of sitting around and waiting for nothing, I went to an Air Guard Unit and became a 3P, because of my army qualifications and civilian LE experience I didn't have to go back to school, but had to do all the 3,5,7 level training. With them I was deployed multiple times 2x in support of OIF/OEF. It was the best time I had in the military. GO AF !!!

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Mar 26 at 2016 4:16 PM

Capt Brandon Charters — Sat, 26 Mar 2016 16:16:44 -0400

My close friend MAJ(P) Private RallyPoint Member went 'blue' to 'green' and he might have some helpful advice. I know there are some big differences he noticed right away.
I think the key is to remember what you're there for, as an Airman or Soldier. Jared has a ton pride in serving his country and I really look up to him for continuing his service in the Army.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Mar 26 at 2016 9:22 PM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Sat, 26 Mar 2016 21:22:30 -0400

A1C Private RallyPoint Member Be thou forewarned! The grass that appears greener on the other side is most often fertilized with bullsh*t!

Generally speaking, I've never seen anyone who was able to switch services in the middle of an enlistment contract. I'd think long and hard on attempting the switch. None of the services are very receptive to prior-service applicants at the moment. Besides that, you haven't even mastered your current job field. Put your efforts into that task. You might just be pleasantly surprised at how your perceptions change over time.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2016 7:05 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 19:05:03 -0400

I spent 15 years in Security Force. I mostly did Law Enforcement and several deployments under tat belt. There were times it seemed tat I has hitting a brick wall in Security Force and I wanted to do more. So, I was able retrain into a more critical career field, Intelligence. It was great and I deployed a few times as intelligence as well. Perhaps, you should look in to retraining. If your happy with Security Forces and just want to get out of your current base and go some where else, try putting in for a remote assignment like Korea or Turkey. I'm not trying to sell the Air Force ,but the quality of life is a lot better than the other services.

Response by SrA Jonathan Carbonaro made Mar 28 at 2016 3:59 PM

SrA Jonathan Carbonaro — Mon, 28 Mar 2016 15:59:43 -0400

I have often thought about going Army, but its something I Won't Do. From what I've seen you're treated more like an adult in the Air Force then you will be in the Army. I don't blame you for wanting to get out of Andrews, look at doing a Tour in Korea and go overseas for a few years. The fact is Deployments are down, we are pulling out of Afghanistan which only leaves back bases. We're probably looking at going back into a time of war during your enlistment. If you're dead set on seeing combat you need to change your AFSC to a battle field airman slot.
I see you've been in since 2014, my advice to you is look long term. What do you want to do? What will make you money? Take advantage of your First Term Airman Cross Train to train into an AFSC that will allow you to take care of yourself and family when you eventually separate. In short look what will make you money for life, you may get into Combat and find its not what you think.
If you are dead set you want to see Combat, and are afraid you can't hack a Battle Field Airman slot, you could go Army. I'd recommend some reading though; On Killing and On Combat by LT COL David Grossman. You need to know how pulling the trigger will mentally effect you, because it will. I've never fired a shot in anger, but I have learned a ton from people like LT COL Grossman that will help me should I ever have to.

Response by SSgt Joshua Drobil made Mar 29 at 2016 12:55 PM

SSgt Joshua Drobil — Tue, 29 Mar 2016 12:55:06 -0400

A1C Bertrand - even with a clearance, PSCing can be accomplished -- I PCS'd 6 times in 10 years with various levels of clearances. One way you can try to get orders...have you updated your "Dream Sheet/Wish List" through MPF to be coded as "88" (if the MPF offices' still exist--a lot has changed since I left the AF in 2008). The code 88 shows AFPC you are "Worldwide ready" and willing to go anywhere. I can tell you from personal experience, when I put "88" on my list I had orders within 3 months; HOWEVER, I had been "on-station" for 2.5 years when I received the orders.

I echo the many others who have told you to REALLY do your homework before you elect to switch branches, but ultimately only you know what's the best decision for your life!

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2016 6:13 PM

1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Mar 2016 18:13:37 -0400

I admire your wish to get into the fight. I spent 14 years as a 3P. I think those who have responded have given you great advice. My advice to you is to avoid combat unless you cannot. It will do things to you that you cannot imagine and nothing will ever be the same again.

Response by SrA Jerry Prizevoits made Mar 29 at 2016 10:00 PM

SrA Jerry Prizevoits — Tue, 29 Mar 2016 22:00:33 -0400

Randy fullfil your contract and then look at the options when it is time to enlist again. You can always cross train and if you need adventure and deployment, trying load master on a C130, a Gunship or a C17. Those folks only have a bank account number and a locker with some clothes in it to call home.

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Mar 29 at 2016 10:50 PM

SGT Jerrold Pesz — Tue, 29 Mar 2016 22:50:12 -0400

I was never in the Air Force but I was TDY to Dover AFB several times and it was a lot nicer than any Army base that I was ever on and the atmosphere was much more relaxed. A person could be in for a real shock if they switched to the Army.

Response by SSgt Stephen Lindsey made Mar 30 at 2016 12:31 PM

SSgt Stephen Lindsey — Wed, 30 Mar 2016 12:31:10 -0400

Why not? If the Air Force will allow it and that's what an Airman desires then it should be a non-issue. It's all about service. Now then, with that said, there is a big difference in the services. For sure, an Airman will have to deal with culture shock and acquire a new taste for Army food. There's pros and cons for each branch of service. People need to do their homework and ask questions from those who served or still serve in another branch.

Response by SSgt Nicholas Merchant made Mar 31 at 2016 1:39 PM

SSgt Nicholas Merchant — Thu, 31 Mar 2016 13:39:00 -0400

Ive responded to a few of the comments left here and now heres one to you directly... youve stated your reason is mainly combat Let me share my story, i deployed in 2003 to Liberia Monrovia to the embassy you may think combat is what you want which tells me as a former NCO that you ard looking for glory, you glorify war and use combat as a way to balidate your 4 or 6 years in service. Theres no glory in combat and you serve thats all the validation needed i saw a 19 yr old SrAmn crawl in ball cradle himself pee his pants and want to go home ive seen men shot wounded and die, heres what that cost me, it cost me my wife and daughter its cost me jobs heartache and 12yrs of fighting the va as well as depression anxiety snd such severe heartburn and acid reflux that im medicated over 4xs the normal person theres no glory in combat and it will effect you the rest of your life just remember there are other jobs or crosstraining you can do if thats what you need to v as lodate your service

Response by 2d Lt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2016 8:11 PM

2d Lt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 31 Mar 2016 20:11:26 -0400

Two points: 1) To everyone on this thread saying it's not possible/permitted to switch services mid-contract, it is. You need a Conditional Request for Release (DD Form 368) signed by your chain of command. With that said, it's no easy task. It's not impossible, but improbable. Your chain of command has complete discretion as to whether or not they will let you switch services, or even jobs within the same branch. 2) You've already received some great advice on here, so I will keep my response brief. If you really want to see combat, talk to your supervisor. You're in the right field. If you want to deploy--ask. Look around. Start networking. If you want it, you should be able to find it. If you can't find any deployment slots where you are now, it'll be much easier to cross train into a different AFSC as opposed to switching branches. Trust me, having started my military career in the Marine Corps, you want to try and stay in the USAF. I would much rather try my hand at USAF EOD, CCT, TACP, PJ, etc rather than crossing into the Army as an Infantryman or other combat arms field. Again, you'll be able to sell your command on wanting to switch AFSCs a lot more easily than changing branches, trust me. I've done grunt stuff. It's fun, but it gets old. You have it a lot better than you realize in the USAF, I promise you that. When I left active duty, I wanted to commission and fly. I was pretty much a shoe in for the USMC; however, I decided to take a risk and go through the USAF's pilot selection process because, even for officers, the USAF takes better care of its people. That's the just the way things are. Regardless of what you do, good luck.