Posted on Sep 19, 2024
What advice would you give an NCO that recently transferred from the Air Force to the Army?
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I was in the Air Force for 7 years serving as a 2P0X1(TMDE) and 3P0X1(Security Forces). Recently, back in March I decided for a multitude of reasons to make the switch to the Army. For obvious reasons, I'm at a slight disadvantage with now having to re-learn basic level tasks as an NCO that Privates learn early on in their career. Additionally, I did not attend Army BCT, but went straight to AIT for reclassification. I'm genuinely curious if there's any other Airmen out there that made the switch like myself, that have any advice on the transition.
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Transfer Inter-Service
Posted 3 mo ago
Responses: 6
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SGT (Join to see) Not a prior Airman, but perhaps helpful advice from someone who has worked with many prior service Soldiers from other branches:
Don't be the guy that mentions they were in the Air Force every 5 minutes or why it is better/worse than your current assignment.
Let your conduct and performance speak for itself. If you want your subordinates to know about your prior service, give them a military bio and encourage them to do one.
This does not mean don't talk about your experiences, we all do it, but do it in a way that is about the lessons learned rather than storytelling mode that might come off in a way that is not intended.
Being a leader in the Army isn't that much different than the expectations in any other branch: Soldiers are entitled to exceptional leadership, you will provide that leadership. Treat all Soldiers with dignity and respect, train them, mentor them, develop them to be better Soldiers and leaders than before they met you.
That means you have work to do in your MOS and in the Army. You have all new systems and programs to learn, utilize and teach.
Don't be the guy that mentions they were in the Air Force every 5 minutes or why it is better/worse than your current assignment.
Let your conduct and performance speak for itself. If you want your subordinates to know about your prior service, give them a military bio and encourage them to do one.
This does not mean don't talk about your experiences, we all do it, but do it in a way that is about the lessons learned rather than storytelling mode that might come off in a way that is not intended.
Being a leader in the Army isn't that much different than the expectations in any other branch: Soldiers are entitled to exceptional leadership, you will provide that leadership. Treat all Soldiers with dignity and respect, train them, mentor them, develop them to be better Soldiers and leaders than before they met you.
That means you have work to do in your MOS and in the Army. You have all new systems and programs to learn, utilize and teach.
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SFC Steven Borders
CSM William Everroad gives very solid advice here. I have worked with many prior service members as well, and in joint units. Basic training does not make you a good NCO, nor does AIT. A leader always puts their soldiers first and never uses their role for personal gain. Get involved with your troops—if they are given a task, get in there with them. They will notice, as troops are always watching.
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I didn't serve in separate branches but I did lateral move from Infantry to Data Communications. It was a tough transition but it's doable. The best advice I can have for you is to stay hungry for information and stay humble. Use your knowledge and prior experience but don't get comfortable. You need to supplement what you know with all the little pieces you don't and the only way to fill the gaps is to absorb everything, take notes and learn as fast as you can. Staying humble will help you a lot and prevent building friction with anyone
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SFC Steven Borders
Although I am sure it is meant as a joke, it's not really helpful to the question that was presented.
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SMSgt Lawrence McCarter
My first Military training was Army Infantry but as a Cadet at a Military Academy. What I learned there did help be with once I enlisted in the service and made all 22 years in an Air Force uniform. I had seen how other services lived and knew if I had to do it all over again I'd still go Air Force. My brothers and sisters in other service do have My full resect, it's not I can't live like they do but figured why would i want too ? The bottom line though is whatever branch of service You join give it 100% effort, take pride in that service, Your unit and being part of that team with Your new fellow team members.
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SGT (Join to see)
As far as I'm concerned, attaining a TS w/SCI and being in a job that starts at 120k as a GS or contractor, is a major upgrade, regardless of branch. But thanks for the comment E-9!
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