Posted on Jul 6, 2017
What are the Pros and cons of switching from the Marine Corps to the Army?
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I would like to advance my military career in special operations, but the gap is closing because of my TIS in the Marine Corps. I do love my Marine Corps, however, it might be time for me to take my desires and experience elsewhere. I'm using this time to finish my degree, and explore my options. I was hoping there was someone who could give me some insight.
Marine Corps Reserve
Military Career
Transfer
Inter-Service
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 239
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Well, I was a combat engineer in the army. I did have opportunity to serve along side the marines on various FOBs. From what I saw, there isn't too much difference between the two in hierarchy and mission. The biggest difference is that the Army had better gear. That may be different with support MOSs, but you seem to be trying to transition into combat arms so I wouldn't worry about too much culture shock. The biggest difference is that we refer to Sgt, SSG, SFC as Sergeant where you'd say their whole rank. Additionally I'm not sure if the marines do it too, but it's not uncommon to hear 1SG referred to as Top.
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Sgt (Join to see)
Yeah, call a Marine Corps 1st Sgt “Top” and you’re likely to get your head rearranged. It’s not uncommon to call a MSgt “Top” though.
I worked with an Army SSG on deployment and a buddy of mine and I kept getting under his skin by calling him Staff Sergeant and not Sergeant like all his soldiers did. Definitely was worth the crap he gave us back for it.
I worked with an Army SSG on deployment and a buddy of mine and I kept getting under his skin by calling him Staff Sergeant and not Sergeant like all his soldiers did. Definitely was worth the crap he gave us back for it.
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SSgt Oliver Rodriguez
What are u talking about ? The army is a complete 180 as opposed to the Marines. Every single Marine that has made the switch has said the same thing, its a different culture for sure.
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The Army National Guard has two SFGs. The 19th and 20th Groups. Have you considered those?
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SSG (Join to see)
19th is mostly west of the Mississippi. I think they have a Det in OH. 20th is mostly east of the Mississippi with one Det in, I think, Utah.
My battalion supports a lot of the 20th group's training. They're good people and they're no one you'd want to mess with.
My battalion supports a lot of the 20th group's training. They're good people and they're no one you'd want to mess with.
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What is it you mean by "Special Operations"? Special operations means different things to different branches and even in the Army, that is a hugely broad term. We have MOS's that are only found in special operations, and we have regular MOS's that support special operations.
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I've met some Marine NCO's that have switched over to the Army Guard. Different than AD I know but so far, besides the paperwork and uniform issues they seem like they're doing alright. I think things seem a bit relaxed to them, they carry themselves very professionally.
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If the Army is giving you a better deal for your overall goals, I say go for it!
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A classmate of mine at The Citadel was an E-4 in the USMC and was a tank crew member. When he went for a commission, the Marines were unable to guarantee him a tank commander slot. He talked the Army, and they were able to write into his contract that he could remain in tanks. So, with the Army being a much larger organization, they have better MOS availability if you are looking for something specific.
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Nothing against the army, but I can't see how that would be a career advancement, especially if you are in MARSOC. Why not finish you degree and apply for OTC either in the Marines or Navy (ONI might be a fit).
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Based on my very limited knowledge in this arena, from what I have heard from my classmates (USMA) and those I continue to interact with, it appears the Army would probably offer you the best opportunities, deployments, and possibilities for promotion. Of course, I am a tad biased, after spending 28 years in the Army :).
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