What is it like to switch branches from Marines to other branches, specifically USAF?

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Oct 2016 14:13:59 -0400

I have recruiters calling and asking me for my interest in their branch. I don't have experience in any branch besides the Marines. A little bit of information regarding the culture and customs of each branch would be extremely helpful. I'm interested in the USAF because they are well funded, have better mess facilities, have ample job opportunities and other perks.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2016 2:17 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Oct 2016 14:17:23 -0400

A caveat the Marine Corps doesn't accept service schoolzone others such as armor armor in the Army will not count toward armor in the Marine Corps so make sure the Air Force counts whatever you have while the Army will most likely accept your ncos school so you can make it to E5 so just food for thought in case you haven't thought about the Army National Guard or the Army Reserve or even the active Army

Response by PFC Ronald Maddox made Oct 26 at 2016 2:22 PM

PFC Ronald Maddox — Wed, 26 Oct 2016 14:22:37 -0400

Lots of marines have made the transition from Marine to soldier and seemed to like it. Going from marine to chair force is going to be hard

Response by Sgt Terry Hall made Oct 26 at 2016 2:26 PM

Sgt Terry Hall — Wed, 26 Oct 2016 14:26:35 -0400

I don't have that experience but I would say USAF would likely be the best option, especially since they have more jobs. It also depends on what your career goals are and what service you want to retire from.

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Oct 26 at 2016 2:27 PM

Sgt Wayne Wood — Wed, 26 Oct 2016 14:27:29 -0400

i went from army to Marines. i can tell you this, the Marines were more fun. believe it or not, the other services are more chickenshit about minor things.

Response by Sgt Sal Hirto made Oct 26 at 2016 2:28 PM

Sgt Sal Hirto — Wed, 26 Oct 2016 14:28:49 -0400

i have worked with several that have gone from USMC to the Air Force, shouldn't be any issues, besides the issue that the recruiters are idiots, and might be blowing smoke up your six.
it really depends on your MOS and the AFSC you would go into

Response by LCpl Tad Cunningham made Oct 26 at 2016 2:33 PM

LCpl Tad Cunningham — Wed, 26 Oct 2016 14:33:04 -0400

Don't do it. You forgot how much it sucked. Hang out at your legion for a bit and you'll change your mind.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2016 2:59 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Oct 2016 14:59:52 -0400

One thing to remember is that even within the services there can be huge cultural differences. When I switched from Tanks to Crypto Repair it was a huge cultural change. When I had to lead Cable Dogs as an Installer Team Lead, it was completely different than leading Tech's like myself in a GS Maintenance shop.

I will say that you probably want the Specialty that is most difficult to qualify for, that you can see yourself enjoying, and that offers the most ACE credits for MOS training. Next I would look at the clearance required for the specialty, when it comes time to get out you want to have the background that is going to transition into a good paying job.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2016 3:17 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Oct 2016 15:17:33 -0400

I went from the Corps to the Air Force. The discipline, bearing and attitudes where very foreign in the beginning. Just a different mentality to get use to. But you will never remove the Marine mentality where ever you land. Truthfully I wanted to go back to the Corps. But due to circumstances beyond my control I stayed where I was at. In the end it all worked out. Good luck!

Response by Cpl Christopher Kirkpatrick made Oct 26 at 2016 4:15 PM

Cpl Christopher Kirkpatrick — Wed, 26 Oct 2016 16:15:59 -0400

do what ever you wanna do Devil. You earned that. NOW MAKE UP YOUR MIND

Response by Cpl Christopher Kirkpatrick made Oct 26 at 2016 4:17 PM

Cpl Christopher Kirkpatrick — Wed, 26 Oct 2016 16:17:10 -0400

We are just gonna give you shit for it all the time. JSYK. but your still a brother to me

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2016 5:04 PM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Oct 2016 17:04:30 -0400

I would say the differences in culture can vary not only between branches, but between jobs as well. The AF treats people differently than any other branch at least from my perspective. The way airmen act and speak around SNCOs and officers is extremely different than that of the MC. I know the Army and MC like to have barriers where typically young enlisted don't have much interaction with someone like a Lt. Col. However, even with less than a year in the Air Force I remember going to the chow hall with my Director of Operations (O-5) while deployed and eating and talking to him like he was just another leader similar to the same respect I would have given an NCO.

The Air Force doesn't indoctrinate their people the same way the MC does. The MC wants you to live and breathe the Corps and want you to know the history of it. The Air Force just wants you to have a sharp attention to detail and to show up, do your job, then go home. The AF also pushes people to go to college constantly and to do volunteer events with the base and local community as much as possible.

The Marines teach you how I fight. The Air Force won't do that unless it is your job and is expected that you may come into contact with an adversary. The majority of airmen I have met have very limited weapons training (you probably fired more rounds in a day during Boot than many airmen have fired in their career).

Some MOS/AFSC are more close knit and have a stronger since of espirit de corp than others. Some jobs deploy a hell of a lot more. Some units with the same type of mission statement deploy more than others like it.

I've been deployed with both Airmen and Marines. To be honest, I'd rather be deployed with Marines because they bitch and moan less and they understand comraderie and how to have fun even if we're supposed to be having a crappy time.

Now, not everything is bad. The standard of living in the Air Force is a lot higher. Typically get fed better and get better barracks. Being an E-4 you probably wouldn't even be put in a dorm. We also typically have more of a heads up about deployments than what I saw with the Marines I've worked with. And when we do deploy we don't normally get put on a ship to take as to and from the AOR. Depending on the MAJCOM, base, and unit you're with you may get a good bit of down time to spend with your family.

To me, it's more about what you want from your career; do you want a strong sense of brotherhood or would you rather have a high standard of living. If you want to be a trigger pulling grunt, every branch has those so be open to looking at all of them. I know the AF Battlefield airmen like TACP, CCT, PJ, and SOWT are taken care of pretty well. Weigh your pros and cons. Not every patch of grass is greener on the otherside. I've actually considered changing branches so I can find a better sense of brotherhood and comraderie.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2016 5:12 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Oct 2016 17:12:03 -0400

I would not get to hung up on the culture / customs of other branches. I made the switch from USMC to the Army Reserves and found it's not that much of a change. We are all in the military so most of the same holds true across all branches. The biggest change was coming from the Infantry to the Support Companies, as I re-classed into supply. If you get in with a good group NCOs and use what you learned as a Marine, in leading from the front, and getting the mission accomplished you will excel in any branch. I would keep your options open, but jump at best opportunities offered throughout your career and in life.

Response by SFC George Smith made Oct 26 at 2016 5:47 PM

SFC George Smith — Wed, 26 Oct 2016 17:47:08 -0400

most of the folks i knew brought the Marines with them...

Response by SGT Lyndsay Hope Thomas made Oct 26 at 2016 6:58 PM

SGT Lyndsay Hope Thomas — Wed, 26 Oct 2016 18:58:00 -0400

I was Army and want to go back in but they won't take prior service to be Active unless your job is needed. And they won't give you a new job. I was considering Marines or AF but I have way too many tattoos so all that was left was either Navy or army reserves or guard. I was considering navy reserves but I'm having issues because of all the crap we talked about them. It just makes me uncomfortable and I would be embarrassed to admit to being in the navy.
I guess after all that rambling on, I would just do whatever is best for your career. It will be different, especially going from marines to the chair force

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2016 7:15 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Oct 2016 19:15:50 -0400

Going from the Marine Corps to the Air Force was not a good thing for me. Sworn in, sent to Moody AFB and told to go to work. Trying to learn a new airframe,New rank structure, New ways of doing things, New uniforms, and all the rest -- by what was essentially OJT.

"We're Marines, we work until the job is finished"? Don't try that in the Air Force, you'll get in trouble for working too long! I wish I'd strayed in the Corps.

Some people make it work,and they do quite well. I wasn't able to do so.

Response by SSG Donny Martin made Oct 28 at 2016 1:48 PM

SSG Donny Martin — Fri, 28 Oct 2016 13:48:06 -0400

I didn't know you could switch from the marines to the air force. I went from thje marines to the army and it was a culture shock for me; however being a former marine set me up for success. The army lacks the discipline that the corps has. Now people don't get upset i didn't say the army didn't have it, its just that in the marine corps a higher level of discipline is expected. Over all i had a great time in both branches.

Response by Sgt Paige M. made Nov 1 at 2016 9:59 AM

Sgt Paige M. — Tue, 01 Nov 2016 09:59:28 -0400

My dad was a Marine in Korea. He then switched to AF in 1958 or 59 and retired after 22 years AF and 4 USMC. He enjoyed his AF career, and growing up as an AF brat, I enjoyed being stationed in Turkey and Spain when I was a kid. But I also loved being a Marine and being stationed in Okinawa, Puerto Rico and Denmark. It may all depend upon your MOS and what you want or expect from a swap in service.

Response by Cpl Glynis Sakowicz made Nov 1 at 2016 10:04 AM

Cpl Glynis Sakowicz — Tue, 01 Nov 2016 10:04:30 -0400

Sad but a fact of life for many career military who are Marines. I went from Army to Marines, so I really can't help you sort out your answer, but I can tell you that Prior-Service Marines are a breed apart in other branches. We tend to grind our teeth a lot over small things, and barely hold in our horror and shock at casual use of first names on the job... and a hundred other things that you are going to find in the USAF.
Some of those things are... bases are not in swamps, deserts or variations thereof. There are actually some large cities around their bases, and there are a lot more jobs available... and more rank.
If you make the jump, and if you have family, you probably will, because rank is a battle in the Corps, and no matter how much you love the Corps, sometimes, you have to consider what is best for you and yours.
Whatever you decide, baby brother, know that you aren't the first, and you won't be the last. Take advantage of what training you can, consider what will cross over to the civilian world when you take that leap, carry yourself like a Marine, and remember we've got your back when you want to start talking about "Back in the day...."

Response by 1stSgt Troy Seals made Nov 1 at 2016 11:50 AM

1stSgt Troy Seals — Tue, 01 Nov 2016 11:50:46 -0400

Six years in the Marines 66-72, two tours 0321. Got out in 72 as an E6, into National Guard SF in 79, missed the military, was fun for a while. Changed units everytime I got promoted. All in all a good experience for 28 total years.

Response by Cpl Jeff Ruffing made Nov 1 at 2016 10:23 PM

Cpl Jeff Ruffing — Tue, 01 Nov 2016 22:23:30 -0400

IDK about the AF but I can tell you about the other branches. I was an 0341 in the Corp and joined the Army and become a 52D. What a change. The older Army guys, mostly combat vets who had higher rank I got along fine. The testosterone level with the lower ranks E-5 and below sucked. I went from Combat arms to mechanic. Not the same world. I felt many of the E-5 felt threaten by my take charge additive and can do spirit. So, there was a lot of sabotaging, back stabbing and under cutting that happened. Also, the E-5's in the Army were holding positions that and E-4 in the corp would have. Maybe a Lance Coolie could do. I got out and went Navy Corpseman and fought to stay in the hospital branch, however, it was boring and not as challenging as I was used to. So, I went Fleet corpseman assigned to Marines. I was back in the life and enjoyed my 8 years as a Corpseman. So, in hindsight, if your a hard charger, it may be a bit of a drag in some jobs you pick.

Response by Cpl Aussie Kimble made Nov 2 at 2016 5:33 AM

Cpl Aussie Kimble — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 05:33:44 -0400

my esperience with changing from marines into army sucked. marines besides being more fun in the field they care alot more about theyre soldiers. i ended up in a signal unit where the chance to get any thing beyond demotion was about impossible. i earned two drivers merits never got them as well a good conduct never seen that either. the army for me was working my ass off and getting totally fucked over. the people who got promoted didnt deserve it and the ones getting screwed and demoted was good soldiers by a black pos female man hater who couldnt pass a tape test. did i mention she was racist against her own kind if you was a male your got screwed. and the command who cared less let it happen over and over again. f the army

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2017 2:15 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Aug 2017 14:15:29 -0400

There is a reason people join the Air Force over USMC, and why people join the Air Guard over the AF etc...

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2017 3:04 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Aug 2017 15:04:53 -0400

The Marines are the toughest branch overall, however, Navy Seals, SF, Rangers, USAF PJ, etc. are also known for the legendary tough training and deployments. However every job is needed to keep our defenses strong, ie cyber-warfare, intelligence, medical, logistics adimin, finance, culinary, etc. We need them all to keep our nation strong. As an Army Medical Service Corps officer, who never got the chance to deploy and as a person who never served in the infantry, SF, USMC, I salute all my brothers and sisters who wear any uniform any rank or branch, but I give an extra salute who did do those tough jobs and hardship tours, These are the finest people in the world.

Response by TSgt Marco McDowell made Aug 19 at 2017 7:02 PM

TSgt Marco McDowell — Sat, 19 Aug 2017 19:02:54 -0400

The shock is real.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2017 8:59 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Aug 2017 20:59:28 -0400

Why would you want to? Take what you've done and learned in USMC and put it to work for you. If that means going active, going to school, lateral move, whatever. Plenty of opportunities and you've already got your foot in the door. You're likely going to lose rank otherwise and it's like starting all over. Whereas you could be a Sergeant in a short while, SNCO before too much longer. Go B billet and bust ass, pick up meritorious rank. Go WO, or MECEP. If not, blink an eye and you'll be respectably retiring as a Senior SNCO of Marines, and that's top notch in anybody's book. Point being you already got a lot going for you so make it happen. Good luck with whatever you choose.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2017 12:13 PM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 20 Aug 2017 12:13:46 -0400

I will say in the Air Force discipline depends on the career field. I served 11 years as an NCO in the Telecommunications career field. I was then commissioned and became a cop (Security Police no of course called Security Forces). I saw airmen being given LOR's for being late to work one time. In my telecommunications experience they would have been told not to show up late and then given progressive discipline if they didn't improve. So discipline depends on the job or it did when I was on active duty.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2017 8:46 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 20 Aug 2017 20:46:34 -0400

The Air Force requires as much discipline as any other service. We need to end the myth that the Air Force is a soft service. Perhaps it is fair to say they require different qualities of discipline than other services. For example, when I was Navy enlisted, all I had to do was make it back to the ship alive after a heavy not of drinking. The chief would kick my rack and I would definitely be at muster call. There was no UCMJ involved. In the Air Force, you better be a grown up on day one and wake up to your own alarm clock or else your butt is getting kicked out next week. I remind my son of this as he aspires to enlist in the Air Force.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2018 4:40 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 12 May 2018 16:40:52 -0400

I went Marines to Army. It was easier.

Response by SSG Darryl Cullum made May 13 at 2018 1:55 PM

SSG Darryl Cullum — Sun, 13 May 2018 13:55:29 -0400

the marines AF and navy work pretty close together aside from tech school probably not that difficult.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2018 6:37 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Aug 2018 18:37:13 -0400

I’ve never switched branches, however I have almost 8 years in USAF as an enlisted aviator on a recon platform that is heavily integrated with intel. I can say that our plane and the corresponding ground intel parties are state of the art. The plane itself being fully updated every 2-3 years with the capability to update on the spot with certain systems, and our ground brothers matching. Bring in the recon/intel community in the Air Force is quite rewarding and exhilarating. As for customs and cultures. I would say it’s equally relaxed as it is professional. I’m enlisted and have many friends who are officers. At least speaking for the flying community. You are able to “hang out” with officers. Have casual conversations with them, and in the heat of the mission at hand, they have total trust in you as you with them. Reason being is that when you are in the Air with them, rank is out the window and all parties must have complete trust with each other based on their job and knowledge of such. They need to be able to trust your word as final along with you trusting their word. There’s a lot more I could say about the Air Force so just ask if you have any other questions

Response by MSgt Keith Hebert made Aug 10 at 2018 8:59 PM

MSgt Keith Hebert — Fri, 10 Aug 2018 20:59:22 -0400

I went from active USMC to army guard so the transition was not to bad but then I went air guard and that was a major shock that I really never got over. The politics in the guard are pretty bad but the USAF seemed worse and the attitude of 8 and the gate worse the hardest to get used to.
And yes the willingness to just through paperwork out instead of trying help the person is pervasive. Just my take

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2018 10:05 PM

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Aug 2018 22:05:35 -0400

Round peg round hole. If you fit, stay. I was a grunt and moved to Intel, the main requirement was a good ASVAB.

Response by COL Dave Patton made Aug 11 at 2018 4:52 PM

COL Dave Patton — Sat, 11 Aug 2018 16:52:38 -0400

I ran into an AF Security Policeman at a checkpoint during Desert Shield. The SPs were wearing brassards like Army MPs and this one was wearing a Ranger Tab. I asked if had gone to Ranger School in the AF and he told me that he had been a Soldier in the Ranger Regiment. I asked why he left the Army. Answer was “life is better in the Air Force!”

Response by Sgt Michael Shelton made Aug 11 at 2018 9:19 PM

Sgt Michael Shelton — Sat, 11 Aug 2018 21:19:53 -0400

The US Air Force is a fine outfit however they get chicken S$&@ over minor stuff.

Response by Cpl Brian Escobar made Aug 12 at 2018 12:08 AM

Cpl Brian Escobar — Sun, 12 Aug 2018 00:08:33 -0400

Never served in the AF, Just the USMC, I crossed paths with many branches while in and heard stories from family and friends when I got out. The Air Force is laid back but runs some very lethal weapons systems that require brain power not necessarily psychological or physiological like the Corps emphasizes. I've heard it explained like this: The AF is a Corporation, the Marines are a Cult, and the Army and the Navy are the REAL Military. With few exceptions, that seems to be about right...Semper Fi.

Response by MSgt Rick Bauchert made Aug 12 at 2018 11:42 AM

MSgt Rick Bauchert — Sun, 12 Aug 2018 11:42:33 -0400

You can't do lat move into Intel or CI in the Corps with a reenlistment option?

Response by SSG Tim Thornton made Aug 12 at 2018 9:06 PM

SSG Tim Thornton — Sun, 12 Aug 2018 21:06:50 -0400

I went to two boot camps and had been in three different services. I went through OSUT in the Army at Ft Benning. I went to MCRD in San Diego. Most physical was The Army, most mental happen to be the Marines. I will always be a Marine but retired Army Reserves.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2018 4:41 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Aug 2018 16:41:55 -0400

We can bust each other's balls ad nauseum, but don't let a civilian bust an Airman around a Marine!

Response by 1stLt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2018 10:39 PM

1stLt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Aug 2018 22:39:56 -0400

Switched Enlisted Navy Reserves to Active Marine Officer. Words cannot describe the discipline, bearing, and attitude difference I’ve experienced since making the switch.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 14 at 2018 10:20 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Aug 2018 10:20:02 -0400

The easiest cultural transition appears to be into the Navy, although it is still a change. I’ve had several prior service Marines under me, and they have done well. Both were Recon.

Response by MSgt Bryan Kaut made Aug 14 at 2018 8:09 PM

MSgt Bryan Kaut — Tue, 14 Aug 2018 20:09:00 -0400

TSgt Earl Needham you’re generalizing. There are a lot of expeditionary Airmen, I was with the 3D Combat Communications Goup for 17 years of my career. We built bare bases and established comm all over the globe and duty hours were always until the job was done. I believe you did see Airmen ready to walk out at end of shift, but in my experience most stay until the mission is accomplished. I’ve deployed with all branches and can assure you nobody misses chow or stays late because of the uniform they have on. All Airmen aren’t watching the clock and all Marines aren’t standing duty around the clock. I appreciate your service Aim High and Semper Fi!

Response by SGT Kenneth Partyka made Aug 14 at 2018 10:31 PM

SGT Kenneth Partyka — Tue, 14 Aug 2018 22:31:18 -0400

I never switched Branches so I can't speak to that but I was Army (Intelligence) and the son of a Navy Officer. I'll say this though, the guy I respect the most who ever served was a Marine. 30 years after getting out, he's still Marine. Me, I'm a civilian veteran. Big difference in my eyes. I respect everyone who served but the Corps is just different and I have the utmost respect for those guys.

Response by SCPO Don Schulz made Aug 14 at 2018 11:40 PM

SCPO Don Schulz — Tue, 14 Aug 2018 23:40:37 -0400

During 22 years USN I spent a little time with our Soldiers, Marines, and Airmen in various exercises and operations. One thing that impressed me about the USMC is that a PVT does not become a PFC until he knows how to give an order. And the rest of the services, including my beloved Navy, eventually teach a PO or NCO the right way to give a "suggestion."

Response by PO3 Drew Ravani made Aug 15 at 2018 3:38 AM

PO3 Drew Ravani — Wed, 15 Aug 2018 03:38:00 -0400

The range in behavior and interaction with subordinates per service seems to relate directly to the impending request for mortal action from the superior to the subordinate. If I am a Marine infantry Captain, likely to order you to some activity that might cause your death, I can only imagine that my service will indoctrinate me to shield myself and you from the psychological impact of such a thing.

Response by LCpl Mario Salazar made Aug 15 at 2018 7:23 PM

LCpl Mario Salazar — Wed, 15 Aug 2018 19:23:05 -0400

From Hero to Zero!!!
Lol

Response by LCpl Folsom White made Aug 15 at 2018 9:25 PM

LCpl Folsom White — Wed, 15 Aug 2018 21:25:54 -0400

We had a guy in boot camp that was 6 years prior navy. I don’t know for sure what he had been told by his recruiter but it seemed he was under the impression that he only had to do a “condensed” course, since he was a seasoned veteran. I believe he was the most unhappy recruit in our platoon, but he made it and earned his EG&A.

Response by PO1 Riley Greenwood made Aug 16 at 2018 5:43 AM

PO1 Riley Greenwood — Thu, 16 Aug 2018 05:43:49 -0400

I am Navy. There is something special about being in one of the Sea Services. The Ocean makes everything more difficult. The Marine Corps is an important part of the most capable expeditionary Force in the world. If you want to learn more life lessons you should go Marine Corps

Response by TSgt Kevin McDonald made Aug 16 at 2018 8:31 AM

TSgt Kevin McDonald — Thu, 16 Aug 2018 08:31:05 -0400

Is your ASVAB score high enough to switch? Lol, I was Air Force 20 years, I can tell you that deployment wise, we have it better than any other service.

Response by SrA John Monette made Sep 28 at 2018 4:31 PM

SrA John Monette — Fri, 28 Sep 2018 16:31:54 -0400

depends if you can pass the IQ test for the Air Force. Minimum 130

Response by Sgt Anthony Leverington made Oct 5 at 2018 2:07 PM

Sgt Anthony Leverington — Fri, 05 Oct 2018 14:07:18 -0400

I Think the question here should be, why do you want to switch services? If you feel you have a valid reason, then go for it. I don't have any personal experience in this matter but, my oldest brother transferred from the Air Force to the Army because they had a better flight training program. I find it rather ironic and surprising that the Army would have a better flight training program than the "Air" Force.

Response by 1LT Kurt Mccarthy made Oct 6 at 2018 5:57 PM

1LT Kurt Mccarthy — Sat, 06 Oct 2018 17:57:53 -0400

I don't know about switching branches, but as somebody who ended up disabled from too much pounding sand, pending surgery late this year. I say go for it, the USAF will preserve your body! My brother-in-law went from Army Infantry to the USAF. When I joined the Army, he said, "bro, you're an idiot, you could have had a good easy life". I should have listened. My father was a Marine Combat Veteran, he said the same go to the USAF. If you feel good, and you want to keep serving, I say go for it. You always have the title of a Marine for life, plus you can square away some of those Airmen!

Response by CPO Dan Wiberg made Nov 4 at 2018 4:04 PM

CPO Dan Wiberg — Sun, 04 Nov 2018 16:04:41 -0500

I am an OSVET, Other service Veteran. Served 5 years in a combat outfit and was doomed to stay in combat outfits for my career. So after the first 5 in the 5thCMBTCG I went 17 in the US Navy. What was better? Schools are better in the Navy. Working in your field is better in the Navy. Opportunities were better in the Navy as I earned 11 NEC codes compared to the one in the USAF. Opportunities for advancement were better in the Navy.

What was worse in the Navy. Being away from home and family with sea deployments and remote assignments, food, food was worse in the Navy, Housing was worse in the Navy, the bases were worse in the Navy, family care while you were gone, worse in the Navy.

I also had to repeat boo tcamp. I went from the Viet Nam War era USAF boot camp and then into Navy boot camp where little girly boys whined and complained about the PT and how their little blue shorts chafed them. We wore field packs and combat boots in the USAF running the PT, in the Navy it was Nikes and whining. I had 10 more medals that my Navy Company Commander.

The Navy said my USAF training would be useless, I challenged most every course, graduated honor student every time and graduated months earlier than expected.

What is also worse in the Navy? MEDICAL CARE! But then the Navy wants you to die first or labels you as a malingerer. Some how I served 9 years with an undiagnosed broken neck in the Navy it was only found by the VA 27 years after I broke it. I broke my back in the Navy as well in 1994 and the VA finally diagnosed it in 2015, but only after mis diagnosing me with ALS in 2002 and giving me End Of Life Counseling in 2005. In 2014 they figured I was the longest living Vet with ALS or THEY WERE WRONG. I now have 7 fused vertebrae and got out of a wheel chair after 17 years more of waiting for promised proper medical care.

But there is much more wrong with the VA Medical system and I am they guy they talk about when it comes to misdiagnoses and VA failures.

Response by CDR William Kempner made Nov 5 at 2018 8:59 AM

CDR William Kempner — Mon, 05 Nov 2018 08:59:59 -0500

I went from USAF to USN. As an officer in USAF, if you aren't a pilot, you're a second or even third class citizen, unless you're CCT or CRO, and even then others don't know what to do with you. USN is completely different- much more demanding, but more proud, and the genuine article. I was doing things as a USN LT that USAF would send an O-5/O-6 to do. And as a Line type, I had to know, or learn EVERYTHING, from standing bridge/engineering watches to conducting XOI/Masts/Summary Courts Martial to sword drills for parades/change of command. I swallowed a lot of crap along the way, but I never regretted the decision.

Response by Cpl Chris Headden made May 23 at 2019 6:03 PM

Cpl Chris Headden — Thu, 23 May 2019 18:03:51 -0400

If you you a squared away Marine, then you shouldn’t have an issue becoming an airman. I’ve been on a few Air Force bases and agree about the chow halls. Some of the best in the DOD.

Response by SSG James Funaro made Jun 21 at 2019 6:51 PM

SSG James Funaro — Fri, 21 Jun 2019 18:51:09 -0400

A Marine should not go into the USAF and the USAF should not accept them. While it can work and sometimes does, the Marine's air of superiority can grow old in a hurry. Their training and mentality is foreign to Air Force culture. A Marine is trained to take an objective under fire and instantly listen to his platoon Sgt or squad leader without hesitation. An airman will never be asked to take an enemy objective and our senior NCO's are there to make sure that the technical work done by the airmen in their charge is done correctly because lives are at stake and our mission is all about putting aircraft into the sky, not charging an enemy position. So yes, AF discipline is different because the mission is different. Flightline work or shop work doesn't need Marine Corp discipline. It needs people to work in a relatively stable and comfortable environment so they can accomplish difficult and technical tasks. And it works for the AF, as our air power is without question, the finest in the world.

I fully respect the Marine Corp and what they do, but I get tired of people flaming the USAF because we are not like them.

Response by LCpl Cody Collins made Jun 29 at 2019 8:56 AM

LCpl Cody Collins — Sat, 29 Jun 2019 08:56:54 -0400

As I read about people leaving the Marine Corps to join another military branch. One has to wonder what is the real reason they want to leave the Marine Corps, This is only my opinion but I think most people can't handle the strict discipline and regimen of the United States Marine Corps. You have to stay on your game 100% of the time were as you see and hear stories about other branches how they get laxed in their expectations of their enlisted people. If I were any other branch and I see a marine wanted to join me I would be insulted because really what that Marine is saying, is you guys are not as hard as from where I come from. I know I can make it in your branch vs the Marine Corps. And to tell the truth they are probably right. But that also says something about the individual marine That wants to make the switch, Mentally they have given up and once you start to give up in one area you will slowly give up in other areas not a good way to go through life. I'm just saying

Response by SSgt Russell Stevens made Jun 30 at 2019 3:06 AM

SSgt Russell Stevens — Sun, 30 Jun 2019 03:06:34 -0400

The Air Force tried to convince me there is no I in team. What they didn't tell me was most of the time I was the entire team.

Response by LCpl Cody Collins made Mar 7 at 2020 1:07 AM

LCpl Cody Collins — Sat, 07 Mar 2020 01:07:56 -0500

Going from the Marine Corps to any other military branch is like being Raise a St. Louis Cardinals fan, Then moving to chicago and rooting for the Chicago Cubs. It's blasphemy sacrilege an abomination against nature itself. Me as a cardinals fan putting on a cubs Jersey I will be better off shooting myself in the foot.

Response by CW5 Mark Smith made Dec 4 at 2022 3:38 PM

CW5 Mark Smith — Sun, 04 Dec 2022 15:38:42 -0500

I went Marine Corps to Army. Iraq 2004, the Marine Commandant showed up for photo ops with Marines. I asked if I could get a picture since I was a former Marine in Viet Nam. He replied, "There are no former Marines, get over here!".

Response by SGT Sheri Lattimer made Apr 2 at 2023 1:37 PM

SGT Sheri Lattimer — Sun, 02 Apr 2023 13:37:37 -0400

Personally, I went Army seven and a half years after being discharged from the Marines. In no way did I just sit on my 5th point of contact but I didn't keep up with the fitness standards, either. Due to my break in service, I found myself at Ft Jackson SC in basic training. IMO if physical fitness is an issue, there should be effort to resolve it. There should also be something in place to teach those from different branches the rank structure, proper wear of the uniform, etc. Not everyone needs to go to basic training but don't just toss (for example) a Marine into an Army or Air Force unit without a clue. I knew the difference between a GySgt and a SFC but many don't.