What advice would you have for someone trying to transition from Army National Guard to Active Duty Navy Master-at-Arms?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Apr 2020 20:08:21 -0400

Tried to post this to get some help but doesn’t seem to be viewed much on that page.

Response by TSgt Joe C. made Apr 15 at 2020 8:10 PM

TSgt Joe C. — Wed, 15 Apr 2020 20:10:19 -0400

Try adding Sailors, Active Duty and other tags to generate discussion.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Apr 15 at 2020 9:02 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Wed, 15 Apr 2020 21:02:52 -0400

Ask a Navy Recruiter!

Response by PO1 Richard Nyberg made Apr 16 at 2020 1:03 AM

PO1 Richard Nyberg — Thu, 16 Apr 2020 01:03:05 -0400

I went from the Army after 9 yrs and joined the Navy a year later. It wasnt an easy transition especially learning a whole service. I retired after 11 yrs in the Navy.

Response by PO1 Richard Nyberg made Apr 16 at 2020 3:09 AM

PO1 Richard Nyberg — Thu, 16 Apr 2020 03:09:25 -0400

When I went from the Army to the Navy it was 1976. Back then we went through OSVET training. It was a special thing for us to learn about the Navy, it was helpful but you still had a lot to learn when you went to the fleet. I retired in Jan 1988 as an OS1.

Response by SCPO Wolf C made Apr 18 at 2020 2:34 PM

SCPO Wolf C — Sat, 18 Apr 2020 14:34:08 -0400

DM me for serious inquiry.
Make contact with recruiter.
You must be interviewed by an MAC (E7) and obtain letter of support. You will have to do OSVET prog and see if your test scores, background check, police clearance passes muster. Review my other post to see how we differ from other MP programs. It is SEA Duty & OCONUS intensive duty.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2020 11:27 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Apr 2020 23:27:16 -0400

Be selective on the type of command you go to. As an MA3, you may not have a lot of choice, but while in your "A" School, work hard so that you get to select your orders. Pick a CRS, overseas assignment or ship; otherwise, you would likely stand gate guard until you qualify for a higher patrol position. Don't stay too long at one command.

Response by SR Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2020 10:31 PM

SR Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Apr 2020 22:31:23 -0400

As of right now, you do not really get to pick your orders after a-school. Even for fleet returnees. But there are programs like k9, prp, harbor patrol you can put your name out for and it will narrow down where you go for commands. 95% likely it will be in the states as of now, tho it does fluctuate alot.

Response by PO1 Don Tillack made May 1 at 2020 7:13 AM

PO1 Don Tillack — Fri, 01 May 2020 07:13:06 -0400

Yes, find out what the new PT test requirements are and get yourself in good physical shape. Don’t be one of those Sailors on the verge of failing every PT test and getting kicked out because of it. Also, familiarize yourself with weapons if at all possible; breaking them down, cleaning, target practice. It will give you an advantage later.

Response by CPO Jeffrey Bohemier made May 4 at 2020 8:01 AM

CPO Jeffrey Bohemier — Mon, 04 May 2020 08:01:16 -0400

Go for it. What’s the hold up? Just be prepared to be underway a lot. But ship board life can be a lot of fun.

Response by PO1 Jonathon Baker made May 5 at 2020 8:53 AM

PO1 Jonathon Baker — Tue, 05 May 2020 08:53:17 -0400

How long ago did you start your request for a transition?

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2020 4:26 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 May 2020 16:26:45 -0400

The biggest thing is to be prepared for a culture shock when changing branches. 70% of MA’s belong to CNIC so that’s your percentage of standing gate until you get qualified, which depending on your command can take months to a year depending on your motivation.
Be ready for Bahrain. After your first command try CRG/CRS, if you have a good kennel you can do kennel support and try for dog school. There are a lot of opportunities in the MA rate, but you have to put in a lot of work to get them. Unless you have soft lips or a brown nose.

Response by PO1 Robert Ryan made Dec 21 at 2020 6:14 PM

PO1 Robert Ryan — Mon, 21 Dec 2020 18:14:47 -0500

Do you have any law enforcement background. When I converted to Master at Arms, my Military Police experience from the Army was a plus for the conversion. In your packet get some recommendations from Master at Arms if you know any.

Response by PO1 Roger Perreault made Dec 30 at 2020 10:53 AM

PO1 Roger Perreault — Wed, 30 Dec 2020 10:53:14 -0500

First talk to a recruiter to make sure you can do it the MA rating is pretty much full

Response by PO1 William Harrington made Dec 30 at 2020 8:05 PM

PO1 William Harrington — Wed, 30 Dec 2020 20:05:11 -0500

It's been some years since I was in the navy, as I recall E5 is a PO2 or Second Class Petty Officer, not a third class.

Response by PO3 Carri Williams made Jun 24 at 2021 11:15 AM

PO3 Carri Williams — Thu, 24 Jun 2021 11:15:06 -0400

You would want to start by reading our blue jacket manual. It goes through Navy protocols! It also teaches you the Navy Way! The Navy Way is steeped in traditions. You should attend Navy Bootcamp as well, I understand they said you wouldn’t have to, but I would request to. Here’s why: In the Navy we take written tests for advancement and pay grades, or promotions. A lot of those questions will be covered in boot camp. Without boot camp you will be fighting an extreme uphill battle for rank and pay. All Master at Arms take the the same test. You receive rank in the order that you are ranked by the test. In my experience you would need a 98% plus a must promote on your evaluation to have a chance or promotion. Additionally, you have to know Naval history and traditions and demonstrate them to receive a must promote among a slew of other things.

It would be better for your career if you went to bootcamp! Also, as a PO3 you will be expected to lead certain things, understand that those under your command and above you will constantly attack your validity without bootcamp. You should really think about this aspect, as it will have a negative effect on your career!

Understand that the enlisted run the Navy! As a Master at Arms who out ranks you I would have zero respect for you! I would constantly tell you to do stuff the Navy way! Nope, I am not going to teach you that is what boot camp and lower ranks are for. Mean? Perhaps, but truthful! I would view you as a lazy piece of shit who couldn’t take 4 months out of your life to go to boot camp. I would view you with a lack of commitment to the Navy, as well as a person who doesn’t care!

Lastly, you will want to finish your education prior to switching to the Navy. You will be stuck waiting for promotion while you finish your education. You also can not attain the rank of E5 without a 4 year college education, again you would be lost in the dust of college educated master at arms!

You are fighting an extreme up hill battle right now with the way you are choosing to do things. Be patient and respectful. Finish your education and attend Navy boot camp. Then you can soar!!!

Good luck,
Carri