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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In my time, I have known quite a few Marines who became Soldiers. It seemed to be quite a culture shock for them initially, but the majority seem to adapt quick as the skill set translates well. More than half of those I've known went on to retire far beyond the minimum and remain good friends to this day. Good luck with your decision and your education.
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There is zero guarantees you will get an 18X contract. I am a senior guidance counselor at the MEPS. If you come over to active duty Army you will be "needs of the Army". Keep that in mind
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SFC J Fullerton
Roger. I never disagreed with you, what you said is true. I just wanted to elaborate so there was no misunderstanding about what was meant by "zero guarantees" and what "needs of the Army" actually means. I was in USAREC for a minute or two and was a SGC as well, so I know how easy things can be misinterpreted. No disrespect intended.
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SFC (Join to see)
None taken. I wasn't trying to argue. I guess I was more or less elaborating my initial statement
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CPL Pavel Romo
Are you guys Canadian? Or did I miss something? That was a beautiful thing to witness. Two men who didn't lose their minds when someone had a rebutlle. And were sane and polite about it. I miss the military.
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I am a retired Marine Master Sergeant who was lucky enough to work with all the branches of service. Each branch has its mission statement, reason for existence, and perks. One needs to research their goals and make a decision as to what branch is best for them. I had a Corporal that I could not get to re-enlist. He was discharged and we lost track of each other over the years. One day, out of the blue, I received a phone call from my long lost Corporal and he was a retired Navy Commander and CFO for a major corporation. He followed his heart and achieved his life long goal. Anyone can do the same you just need vision.
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The thing about being in the Air Guard Security Forces...you end up getting to know people who were in everything else that’s out there as far as active duty combat arms from every branch...they just happened to get done with active duty but still needed a piece of the action once in a while...but from a hotel because they’ve had enough of the relatively rotten living quarters. My experience in talking with these people is that the least complaints and the most pride about their time in service came from the Marines. Yeah, the USAF has the best living facilities and whatever but the morale and pride in the USAF SecFo (in comparison to just about everyone else) is junk, especially when compared to the navy and marines.
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The Air Force might be better suited to your skills, if Spec Ops are your thoughts. PJ's and ParaRescue are tough schools though.
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I made the switch back in 2008 and in my experience, at the time, it seemed like a logical choice... But, looking back at it now, I came to realize that after seeing the "other side," I should've stayed in the Corps. I had a great leadership team when I was in the Corps and wanted to motivate me into going LDO (it would've been a huge accomplishment, had I stayed in the Corps) whereas my experience in the Army wasnt all that great. I mean, sure, I became a supply Sgt. as a Specialist... But, the command team in the unit I was with in the Army had a negative view on Marines who joined the Army. So, while your experience may vary once you go to the Army, I would wish you the best of luck.
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I was in the Marine Corps and just went to Meps to sign my contract I'm leaving to AIT to fort lee in Janurary
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Sgt (Join to see)
What else do you need to do in order to become a soldier ? i mean ? do you have to go to any training school? or some like that ?
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Cpl Robertto Salcedo
As a prior service Marine I didn't have to go to Army boot camp. I'm going strait to AIT which is MOS school. Because I'm going to a different mos than I was when I was a Marine. And go to to meps to get a physical to see if I'm still physically qualified
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