Posted on Oct 26, 2016
What is it like to switch branches from Marines to other branches, specifically USAF?
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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.
Edited 7 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 60
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.
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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
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
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Cpl Glynis Sakowicz
Little sister, don't let the small crap hold you back... Go do what you want, and hang on for the ride!
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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.
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Sgt (Join to see)
My time as an NCO will definitely help with my transition. What was your biggest challenge when changing branches, sir? I'm currently in avaiation so I'm guessing my move would be smoother.
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CW2 (Join to see)
The most challenging aspect was just learning the ins and outs of the Army way of Drill and Ceremony, the training tempo of my first unit and limited knowledge of my new MOS. But, within a few months with more knowledge gained, I was able to lead training both formal and informal. I also found ways to support the mission and make myself an important team member.
It looks like you are looking at staying active duty, so it should be a faster integration then just one weekend a month until school dates and training as it was for me. Also if you are staying in a similar MOS you will be bringing relevant skills and knowledge to the table from day one as well.
In my experience almost anyone is will to help out someone motivated to learn and excel. I reached out and still do to all sorts of people for help and guidance which made my transition fairly easy.
It looks like you are looking at staying active duty, so it should be a faster integration then just one weekend a month until school dates and training as it was for me. Also if you are staying in a similar MOS you will be bringing relevant skills and knowledge to the table from day one as well.
In my experience almost anyone is will to help out someone motivated to learn and excel. I reached out and still do to all sorts of people for help and guidance which made my transition fairly easy.
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Don't do it. You forgot how much it sucked. Hang out at your legion for a bit and you'll change your mind.
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Sgt (Join to see)
I enjoy what I do. I also feel that wearing a different uniform would be very different. I just have options at the moment and want to take advantage of them.
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Cpl Glynis Sakowicz
Sgt (Join to see) - Consider everything, make lists if you need to, but trust me, once you get to my age (Which is a lot more than I care to admit) you always second guess your decisions... Take advantage of things as they come... Learn it all, soak it all in, and thirty years from now, you'll be sitting back, thinking that it was one hell of a ride, and you're glad you took it on.... You'll make the right decision for you, and that's what counts!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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