Posted on Mar 26, 2018
Cpl Carlton Corbin
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Im new to RP, I decided to join because my research usually takes me here and I usually find good answers, advice, and info.

I am currently getting ready to go into Army, Active Duty. Either as a 42A or 68G (undecided). I have been out of the Marine Corps for about 2 1/2 years, and I am looking for any advice or tips that any Soldiers or prior service Marines can give. I am currently in school for Business Administration in Irving, Texas, hence the MOS choices, and plan on starting a couple of businesses in the next few years. As far as I know, at the moment, I will be keeping my rank (e-4) and will be eligible for promotion pretty soon after enlisting (based off of information given to my recruiter and other Soldiers). In the Marine Corps, I was a 3381 -- Cook, I've been stationed in Okinawa and 29 Palms and have done field exercises in Okinawa, Korea, Philippines, and 29 Palms (No actual deployments, unfortunately). Outside of the Marine Corps, I lived in Oceanside and played football for my school in San Diego, and recently moved to Dallas, TX.

I am just looking for any advice/tips on AIT, duty stations, life as a soldier, etc. Any information that you all can offer will be greatly appreciated.
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SFC Michael Hasbun
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Prior Marines generally either do exceptionally well, or exceptionally poor. The best thing you can do is immediately remove any chips that remain on your shoulders, forget all of the Marines "we're better than everyone" brainwashing nonsense, and get ready to adapt to your new environment. Listen a lot. Learn a lot. Talk very little. At least at first.
Start reading Army Regulations. Start with uniforms, awards, customs and courtesies, NCO guides, etc...
It's gonna take you time to get your records straight, so be prepared to be patient. Most S1's aren't used to prior Marines, so you getting your awards, military education, NCOES, etc... straight will be an adventure. Stay patient.
Don't rush towards promotion because you think all of your Marine experience makes you ready to be an Army NCO. It doesn't. Before you rush to the board, make sure you truly understand Army basics, counseling, awards, evaluations, promotions, your MOS, service and programs, uniforms, leaves and passes, all those thousands of things NCO's are expected to know. Remember, it's better to be a high speed E4 than a POS E5. Make sure you're ready to be an Army NCO.
This might seem negative in tone. It's not. I made the same transition and it was the best thing I ever did. In the Army, you'll have a better quality of life, better programs, more education, more training, more varied responsibilities and assignments, more diverse bases and units, and a real opportunity to shine. But remember, you joined the Army. You must adapt. If you don't succeed, the Army will replace you faster than you can walk out the door. Make sure you set yourself up for success. Find another prior Marine, preferably a Senior NCO or Officer for mentorship, guidance and advice. They'll understand the transition. Don't latch on to a junior prior Marine. It remains to be seen whether they'll sink or float.
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Cpl Carlton Corbin
Cpl Carlton Corbin
6 y
Much appreciated. I will definitely be taking this advice. Thank you!
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SFC Mpd Ncoic
SFC (Join to see)
6 y
And to caveat about your records....MAKE COPIES OF EVERYTHING!!! There are courses that have equivalence between branches, that can be added to your Army records. Awards, definitely. I would suggest an "I love me" book, which should have all of your documents within. This will help the S1 clerk when it comes to making sure your records are as up to date as possible.....COPIES COPIES AND MORE COPIES!!!! Oan, i am still going to email you; i have not forgot
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SFC Michael Hasbun
SFC Michael Hasbun
6 y
And digital copies of your I love me book!
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CPT Lawrence Cable
CPT Lawrence Cable
5 y
SFC Michael Hasbun -This is damn good advice for every soldier. I found that just on the Army side of things that Reserve, National Guard and Active Duty personnel systems don't always talk to each other correctly and it saves a lot of time if you have all your paperwork.
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SSG Geospatial Intelligence Imagery Analyst
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I liked working with former Marines. They were always more even keeled and reserved with their emotional reactions. They got their tasks done without griping, and almost all of them kept Soldiers motivated without blowing up.
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Sgt Field Radio Operator
Sgt (Join to see)
6 y
SSG (Join to see) Great response!
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SFC Robert Walton
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Prepare to slow down (so to speak). I have worked with the Marines during my time in and most of the time they seem to be to perfect, that being said never loose what you learned in the Marines use it to your best advantage. You have already learned basic Soldiering skills so now you have to learn how to use them to your advantage. PT is going to be one of the big Little things Exercise are different but produce the same results, Put on your learning head gear everyone you meet is someone to learn from. Now watch those Junior Soldiers that want to help to much most have different idea's of what works the best. Stick with your Staff NCO's and never be afraid to ask a question. Marines Find the Army a little lax, I guess is what I am trying to say so use your High speed low Drag energy and learning traits to enhance your Career. Give yourself plenty of time to learn before worrying about Promotion. Never discard what you learned in the Marines just put it in a different folder so you can pull it out for use later. Good Luck and welcome to the Army.
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Cpl Carlton Corbin
Cpl Carlton Corbin
6 y
Thank you very much! I'll be keeping this in mind!
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Sgt Field Radio Operator
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SGT(P) Khalid Wise
SGT(P) Khalid Wise
>1 y
SFC Robert Walton, very well said. Exactly the same advisement as a former Marine CPL to newly promoted SGT that I received from one of my first LRS SFC interaction while my MI Unit was MOB/DEP 2003-2004 OIF and OEF!! Thank you for always encouraging to continue excellence but by learning the Army ways.
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