What is it like to go Infantry in the Army as a prior service Marine?

Sgt Jared Colbridge — Sat, 02 Nov 2019 21:39:41 -0400

I’m a USMC SGT I’ll be going in as a Sgt into the army infantry.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2019 11:32 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Nov 2019 23:32:18 -0400

When I came back in, the Army was looking for 11X. See if your recruiter can pull 11B/C/X for you. Take a look at the Army business rules too if the MOS isn’t opened.

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made Nov 3 at 2019 1:10 AM

CW4 Craig Urban — Sun, 03 Nov 2019 01:10:34 -0400

I know a lot of army infantry offices being a QM warrant. Best thing about the Army INF is the promotions are quicker.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Nov 3 at 2019 12:10 PM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Sun, 03 Nov 2019 12:10:38 -0500

You should feel right at home. Infantry units, and Army Combat Arms units in General, generally have that same style of discipline and esprit that you find in the Marines. What you will find different is the supply situation where gear is readily available and that the promotion rate in the Infantry tends to be pretty fast if you get your schools and go your job. You will have to get used to calling all NCO's sergeant, which I disagree with BTW (Marine Corp way is better).

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2019 12:21 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 Nov 2019 12:21:44 -0500

Marine infantry is very similar to Army Infantry, you'll fit right in. The biggest difference is that we have SPC4 as well as Corporals, and almost everyone is called Sergeant regardless of their rank (except 1SG and SGM/CSM).

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2019 4:47 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 Nov 2019 16:47:20 -0500

"No deference but the cadence call"
My XO in the 82nd 505th Inf, was one of the best officers I've had, he was prior Marine.

Response by SSG Michael Taylor made Nov 3 at 2019 9:11 PM

SSG Michael Taylor — Sun, 03 Nov 2019 21:11:29 -0500

I worked with 4 or 5 03s that went 11B in my 7 years. What are your questions? I think it would be easier to answer them that way.
Don't listen to anyone here that isn't rocking a CIB...they like to talk about things they know nothing about.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2019 12:48 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 Nov 2019 00:48:26 -0500

Imagine hurry up and wait... then put three lance criminals in charge of the show

Response by SSG Roland Shelton made Nov 4 at 2019 7:41 AM

SSG Roland Shelton — Mon, 04 Nov 2019 07:41:55 -0500

You don't need a CIB to understand the infantry. You'll be fine and welcome.

Response by CPT Robert Holden made Nov 9 at 2019 12:31 AM

CPT Robert Holden — Sat, 09 Nov 2019 00:31:19 -0500

While I’ve only served the in the army I’ve trained With marines and the training is quite similar

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2019 10:20 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 26 Nov 2019 10:20:35 -0500

If you do not currently hold an Infantry MOS then when you join the Army you will have to reclass and go to Infantry school. Going from non infantry to infantry will be a tough switch especially if you aren't coming from a combat arms MOS. You will expected to have the knowledge and skills of an Infantry Sgt. Thankfully in your case the Army uses Sgt's as Team Leaders but you could end up a Squad Leader depending on your platoons current NCO situation. The Infantry is a completely different world from other MOS fields. Be sure to brush up on weapons systems, read some infantry manuals, learn call for fire and 9 line so all of this doesn't blind side you. I did the Marine to Army switch a couple years ago I went from Infantry to Medic then to MP. The best advice I can give you is don't be afraid to ask questions and learn as much as you can before you are responsible for soldiers down range.

Response by SPC David C. made Jun 30 at 2023 12:13 AM

SPC David C. — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:13:39 -0400

Dude, discipline and leadership in the army are night and day from the Corps. The Corps is consistent across the board, as least as 03s, in the army it's a crap shoot. Some units are locked on and on par with Marine infantry. Others are a shit show. Ranger battalions and SF groups are legit. My advice, if you're going active army, go for one of those two. That said, the army has opportunities and money the Corps can only dream of. Good luck and S/F