What is the probability of switching branches from Army to Air Force?

2021-07-13T14:17:02-04:00

any air force recruiter available I need a honest assessment of the possibility of switching branch. what's the probability?

Response by 1SG Jacob Brannan made Jul 13 at 2021 2:47 PM

2021-07-13T14:47:46-04:00

You might try finding an Air Force in-service recruiter if you're near an AFB. They could likely let you know if it's possible and how to go about it. In my experience (15 years in USAREC) it's way more common for USAF or USN to go from blue to green than the other way around. Good luck.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jul 13 at 2021 2:58 PM

2021-07-13T14:58:14-04:00

Depends on what you are trying to do. There are thousands of SM's out there who served in different branches. But if you are talking about an active duty transfer that is way more complicated and difficult. You can work with a recruiter and try to do it but the easiest thing to do is work with an Air Force Recruiter so you can cross over to the blue after you ETS.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2021 3:04 PM

2021-07-13T15:04:16-04:00

An Air Force Recruiter will tell you it's very doable. They'll even give you a Conditional Release to get signed by your Commander and tell you that you can transfer into the Air Force as long as you get your Conditional Release signed. Then your Conditional Release doesn't get signed before you ETS. After you ETS your recruiter tells you there's a good chance to get in that year. Then you learn the AF allows a very limited number of prior service per fiscal year (around 200 I think) and prefers people with an MOS that directly translates to an AF MOS (like helicopter power plant repair). Then when you aren't one of the 200 or so admitted that year, the Recruiter will tell you that maybe they'll open up a few more spots in a few months.... Until the next fiscal year.

I can't tell you how many Air Force Recruiters I've had tell my Soldiers that they can switch over and give them bad information. I've had exactly zero of them actually switch over and I've known a few who separated to switch and it never worked out. I'm not saying you can't, but I am saying that an AF Recruiter may not be a reliable source of guidance for that. If you want to switch you need to be ready to be a civilian for a while during the time it takes to apply to the AF

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jul 13 at 2021 3:52 PM

2021-07-13T15:52:47-04:00

SFC Private RallyPoint Member can explain more, but you’ll have to ETS if you are AD. If you are RC you’ll have to obtain a DD368 conditional release.

Many posts on here indicate there are about 100 prior service slots each year in the Air Force. That’s it. So go to an AF recruiter and work it. It is likely not to happen but you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.

Another Avenue is going ANG.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2021 6:39 PM

2021-07-13T18:39:39-04:00

Your best bet is Air Force Reserve just to get your foot in the door. If you get in you can then try to apply for Active duty.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2021 11:15 AM

2021-07-14T11:15:59-04:00

Very possible. Finish your Army hitch and see a AF recruiter.

Response by Sgt Jordan Foster made Jul 14 at 2021 11:28 AM

2021-07-14T11:28:19-04:00

I’m with most of the comments but seeing how your a service member with a masters I think you would stand a good chance of being one of the 200 or what ever selected. Combo that with a health care mos…. Is it hard yes, probably the hardest but doable absolutely.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2021 12:10 AM

2021-07-15T00:10:07-04:00

1: 746.2

Just a rough estimate of the probability

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 25 at 2021 3:31 PM

2021-07-25T15:31:01-04:00

I tried when I was enlisted. If you haven't noticed I'm an Army officer now. I kept on getting the runaround then I just gave up.

Response by 2ndLt Fulton Recepcion made Aug 21 at 2021 9:16 AM

2021-08-21T09:16:13-04:00

NEEDS OF THE SERVICE.

Through my research, of all the branches, the AF has the most limited PS openings.

As folks have said, possible, yes. But you’re at the mercy of their needs.

Guard and reserve usually are easier for any PS, but don’t think if you go that route that it will be a (sure) stepping stone to augment to AD. Reserve/Guard augmenting is also dependent on the needs of the Active forces.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 29 at 2021 8:51 AM

2021-08-29T08:51:32-04:00

I went from Air Force to Army. 37 years. Take your time and get the job you want.

Response by SFC R. Lee Linebarger made Sep 11 at 2021 5:36 AM

2021-09-11T05:36:45-04:00

Good luck with that.

Response by MSgt Andrew Blackwell made Sep 13 at 2021 12:29 PM

2021-09-13T12:29:34-04:00

The few I saw in my 20 year career (Retired last year) all went special forces or EOD. But as SFC Jason Boyd stated , they look for people who have similar MOS/AFSC. Jumping over to the Air Guard or Reserve can get you into something new. But also be aware that spots for anyone is going to be going down with the US pulling out of Afghanistan.

Response by CMSgt Milton Newtom made Sep 13 at 2021 2:41 PM

2021-09-13T14:41:33-04:00

I Got a Conditional Release from the Army too the Air Force in 1975. I was told at the time, if i had 10 years or more in the Army i would not have been able too transfer. I only had 7 years so i was allowed to transfer. Never check if this was actually true what the Recruiter had told me.

Response by TSgt Bruce Davis made Sep 16 at 2021 1:52 PM

2021-09-16T13:52:55-04:00

with the climate of the military right now, it might be very possible, especially if you plan on staying in the medical field. my career took me through Active Duty Marine Corps, to the Naval Reserves, to Active Duty Air Force, to retirement, to Air Force/Space Force Contractor...one thing the recruiters didn't lie about..."the possibilities are limitless!"

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Sep 17 at 2021 1:21 PM

2021-09-17T13:21:17-04:00

With a good record and no physical problems you should have a good chance of doing so.

Response by MSG Frank Kapaun made Sep 18 at 2021 6:54 PM

2021-09-18T18:54:55-04:00

Have you thought about the Air National Guard?

Response by SSG(P) Danielle Birtha made Sep 21 at 2021 1:21 PM

2021-09-21T13:21:56-04:00

My experience: ETS'd from Army as an Air Traffic Controller. Attempted to join the Air Force.
Hit Two walls: as mentioned below... prior service limits, plus, even though I was Licensed by the FAA as an Air Traffic Controller in the Army, I didn't have a College Degree, so my education and experience in the Army counted for nothing.
Caveat Emptor ;)
Stay where you are. If you have a job ANYWHERE, KEEP IT.
Anyone who quits a job... will find there aren't any jobs for U.S.

In the Military? Hope your Legislators don't outsource our Military Jobs to China too. >(

--> as they SCREAM at U.S. ... with High Drama... that CHINA IS THE ENEMY!
--> and you vote to re-elect them, to give up our prosperous blessings of Liberty, to every enemy in the history of this Nation... KNOWING that those people are committing treason against U.S. with strokes of their pens... RIGHT UP IN YOUR FACE!

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Nov 5 at 2021 2:59 AM

2021-11-05T02:59:48-04:00

How did this turn out for you?

Response by PO2 Robert Kelly made Nov 6 at 2021 9:04 PM

2021-11-06T21:04:18-04:00

I left the army for the navy but it was in the 80’s and instead of blowing shit up under water as I wanted the navy needed corpsmen……so corps school it was. It all worked out. I did have to go through navy basic at Great Lakes but after Benning it was a cake walk. Good Luck

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 16 at 2021 1:28 PM

2021-11-16T13:28:19-05:00

I remember this one Marine that told me he was prior AF. He got out and then tried to go back in, but he couldn't because the AF was not taking any prior servicemen at the time, which resulted in him joining the Marines. In the other hand, I know one of my former young Marines joined the AF Reserves right after she got out of the Marines. No issues whatsoever. It seems to me it's all about where in the AF recruiting fiscal year you are when you talk to the recruiter. Good luck.

Response by SSG Eric Blue made Nov 17 at 2021 5:35 PM

2021-11-17T17:35:09-05:00

Not very good. Almost slim to none. The ones WHO ARE ABLE to cross over are usually officers, healthcare workers responding to a dire need, security forces, or forward observers who are fully-qualified to conduct close air support AND are released by the artillery branch in the Army. That almost never happens.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2021 8:49 AM

2021-11-18T08:49:53-05:00

Or ETS, join the Air National Guard, and request to go active.

Response by LT Louis McKellar made Nov 19 at 2021 9:05 AM

2021-11-19T09:05:48-05:00

I went from Air Force enlisted to Navy commissioned. If you’re going from enlisted to commissioned it’s not a problem. I served with naval officer who had been both enlisted and commissioned in the Air Force. He had to resign his Air Force commission prior to crossing over so he started over as an O1. Crossing over from commissioned officer in one branch to commissioned officer in another branch requires SECDEF approval.

Response by SFC Don Lawrence made Dec 22 at 2021 7:45 PM

2021-12-22T19:45:55-05:00

Another option is to ETS from your current branch then enlist into AF Reserves. It’s been a while but I have seen this route work a few times.

Response by PFC Gerald Hall made Dec 22 at 2021 9:42 PM

2021-12-22T21:42:23-05:00

It is very doable, especially if you are in a shortage specialty in the Air Force. I should know...I did it myself as an intelligence analyst. Of course, I did go to the AF Reserves, but it's still a branch transfer.

Response by 1SG Uwe Mueller made Dec 23 at 2021 3:50 PM

2021-12-23T15:50:41-05:00

Looking at your career field (68W) but not knowing your overall interest and level of education I would urge you to check out either a direct commissioning program or if you are interested a paid college to commissioning program as a nurse or PA. There are numerous scholarships and programs being offered for completion of a nursing degree and all services compete for those graduates that are willing to join. As an E8 I had actually applied and was accepted to a nursing program in 1993 but by the time the program was scheduled to start I had been picked up as a SGM but decided to retire and go to the Univesity of Colorado health sciences to avoid an additional PCS move. Good luck to you and I agree with Col. McKay about missing 100% of the shots you don't take.

Response by 1SG Brian Adams made Dec 23 at 2021 4:44 PM

2021-12-23T16:44:27-05:00

Are you active or in a reserve component?You have a higher propensity to" switch" as you say, from a reserve component. The Good LTC indicated which form is needed.
If your active duty, I would advise you ETS, then bring in your 214 to an AF recruiter. They do only have so amy slots that translate and or MOS' that convey to the AF MOS'
Good luck...hoooah!!

Response by COL Carl Jensen made Dec 24 at 2021 8:54 PM

2021-12-24T20:54:40-05:00

I was offered a Major slot when I was a Capt. I had a useful MOS, and I would have been a ground person. if its a useful MOS, it should be a problem, then again there are OJT slots.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 25 at 2021 8:00 AM

2021-12-25T08:00:17-05:00

As a guy who did it, there are some good answers here and both the positive and negative experiences mentioned his truth. If you are a 68W, you may have a more clear path than many, as I had a fairly clear path from MP to Air Force Security Forces. The first thing is to talk to YOUR ARMY COMMANDER about whether or not they will sign the conditional release (DD368). The next step is to talk to an AF recruiter and let them know exactly what your commander told you about the 368. This will do two things: it will let the recruiter know you are both serious about transferring and independent enough to be worth it (two traits they waste their time with regarding Soldiers at an embarrassing rate). Next, your success and the effort they put into you will be proportional to the positivity of your attitude and the quality of your ASVAB scores (a good GT will be an advantage here). Next be knowledgeable about the transition ahead of you; know that the Recruiter you work with DOES NOT NEED a transfer. Also, know that the transition can be awkward - READ (at least) AFH 36-2618, The Enlisted Force Structure to get a baseline of what the Air Force is about. Also know that being a Medic is different than being a Medical Technician and try to have a handle on that. Finally, be ready to answer the questions about what you want… are you locked into Active Duty; are Air National Guard or Air Reserve options? Finally gave a couple of Gen Ed college courses or CLEPs under your belt, you’ll understand that later when the CCAF comes into play.

You probably noticed that my advice is all about convincing the recruiter that you’re worth the effort. Other than that, the toughest part is getting the DD368 signed. I wish you luck in the endeavor.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 26 at 2021 7:11 PM

2021-12-26T19:11:10-05:00

I joined the Army in Aug90, on Active Duty. At ETS switched to Army Reserve. 6 years later switched from Army Reserves, to Air Force Reserve, going from 63B, to 2T3 same MOS no Tech School needed.
I then climbed from E-5 to E-8 and jumped over to the Air National Guard when the reserves told me I was hitting the 33year mark. I am now finishing my career as a Guardsman, and still earning points
It can be done it just isn't all that common to have anybody do it.

Response by TSgt Dan Kenna made Dec 27 at 2021 8:53 AM

2021-12-27T08:53:14-05:00

Probably should have just went into the Air Force to start with. No disrespect to the Army. I have life long friends that were Army, but to switch isn’t easy. I know that doesn’t help answer your question at all, but I’ve already typed this out and there is no going back now…

Response by LTC Philip Marlowe made Dec 27 at 2021 4:17 PM

2021-12-27T16:17:50-05:00

SPC Harrison. Why would you want to? If you really want to do something, a year out from you ETS, locate a school with an Army ROTC program and a degree program you're interested in. Then, locate an Army Reserve unit in the area with your MOS - or even one that doesn't because you can always transition into another career field. Once you've done this, GET ENROLLED in the University AND get signed up for ROTC AND get accepted by the Army Reserve Unit and your future is about to begin. Using your VA, you will earn a decent stipend to live on. If you're in an ROTC program, you will make approximately $350 your Junior year and $450 your Senior - WHICH is what you start at in ROTC - your Junior year because you're prior enlisted. Once you get accepted into ROTC, you're time with the USAR you'll do so under the "simultaneous membership program" which allows you to Drill as a CADET and get paid as an E5....in essence a "3d Lieutenant". Even if you graduate ROTC two years before you graduate college, you can remain in the USAR earning retirement points AND TIG for promotion to 1LT. Once you graduate college - you now have a DECISION to make. Should I pursue a career in the USAR and civilian sector OR go back on Active Duty and pursue a military career. Good choices to have and now, you're in the Officer Corp and pursuing the higher track as a Leader. There is more to the 'story'...but if you really want to change your life - this is a good way to do it. Its the way I DID IT.....I went USAF to ARMY, enlisted to COMMISSIONED, AC / RC / AC / RC over 42 years and I never, ever looked back.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2021 2:28 PM

2021-12-28T14:28:13-05:00

The third option under the reserves is Air National Guard (ANG), it is not all one weekend a month, two weeks a year.There are traditional members, title 32 dual status federal technicians, and Active Guard Reserve (AGR) positions. Active Duty Air Force has the Palace Chase and Palace Front programs, not sure if or how the Army handles this type of thing. You will most likely have to go back to a formal tech school but, some could possibly be waived. There would also probably be some PME since most does not transfer across.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2021 2:40 PM

2021-12-28T14:40:37-05:00

I wouldn’t say it’s easy but it is doable. A lot of paperwork. The worst part is routing for signature and high level approval with no visibility on the status. I made the change from Army to AF back in 2014, I was also a commissioned officer l so I also had to get a scroll signed off by the pentagon. Took several months from start to finish.

There are several courses of action you can take but it depends on if you’re AD or in the RC. Check with a recruiter of the branch you desire. I had to get a conditional release and then an acceptance by the AF plus another commissioning physical - it’s doable but you will need to be motivated to follow through the entire process.

Response by SMSgt Tony Barnes made Dec 28 at 2021 3:37 PM

2021-12-28T15:37:24-05:00

Depends on MOS and needs of the Air Force.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2021 1:37 PM

2021-12-29T13:37:47-05:00

I walked away from 17+ years in the Army Reserves and NG, CW3, and being a helicopter pilot qualified on multiple platforms to join the Air Guard and finish out my time there as an admin section E5. It's very doable on the reserve side of the house.

Response by SrA Barbara Johnson made Dec 29 at 2021 6:44 PM

2021-12-29T18:44:00-05:00

If your preference is Air Force why didn't you go that route from the beginning? I've seen it happen only twice. But you should have joined the better branch from the start.

Response by SMSgt Michael Gleason made Dec 31 at 2021 3:10 PM

2021-12-31T15:10:32-05:00

VERY good, if you're qualified! You'll need to retake the ASVAB, because once the respective service scores are computed, the raw scores are eliminated. You'll also probably need to re-physical. The Department of Defense has finally come to realize that, for instance, a clerk-typist in the Army is basically the same as an AF Admin Specialist, which is basically the same as a Navy Yeoman, etc., etc., so your MOS might well convert directly! If you couldn't "convert" to an Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC) or if you wanted to be in a different career field, it would require attendance at an AF Tech School. Most people E5 and below will keep their paygrade, though you'd lose your time-in-grade (TIG), and most people will retain their Total Military Service Date (TMSD) (pay seniority), the retirement credits that you've earned, and the SGLI eligibility (especially important if you have a family). In many respects, going from one branch to another is kind-of like going from working for General Motors and transferring to Ford Motor Company, yet keeping all "the bennies"! You'd be amazed at how many service members are no longer in the branch of their initial joining!

Response by CW3 Chuck Huddleston made Dec 31 at 2021 3:15 PM

2021-12-31T15:15:19-05:00

Army too tough for you???

Response by CPT Mike Sims made Jan 1 at 2022 10:57 PM

2022-01-01T22:57:57-05:00

SPC Harrison, thank you for your service as a Soldier & as a Healthcare Specialist. If you're asking the question about transferring to the Air Force, then might I suggest you complete your bachelor's degree if you haven't already and transfer in by requesting to Direct Commission by attending Officer Training School (OTS - that's what the Air Force calls it, while the Army refers to it as OCS - Officer Candidate School)... or you could go back to school to complete your bachelor's degree or master's degree and enter the Air Force ROTC program and earn your commission that way.

The Air Force needs Commissioned Officer's right now and so does the Space Force as it is growing - so perhaps set your sights on that goal in this next phase of your career and I can assure that the foundation you developed and built as a Soldier will carry you far and prepare you to meet every challenge head on - while exceeding not only your own expectations... but exceeding the expectations of your leaders!

Just remember, the most important part of a leader's job is to take care of their troops while staying focused on the mission - and you will find that your experience in the Army has certainly set you up for success in that role as a future Commissioned Officer... even if it is over in the wild blue yonder! Good luck and Happy New Year!!!

P.S. - Go seek out an Air Force or Space Force Officer in the career field you want to serve in, or meet with the AFROTC Detachment Commander of where you might want to attend college to complete your bachelor's or master's degree... they can and will help guide you to prepare for your Air Force or Space Force career as a Commissioned Officer.

Response by SSG Kevin Roberts made Feb 1 at 2022 1:58 AM

2022-02-01T01:58:07-05:00

Former Army Recruiter:
As was previously said, limited billets for direct transfer, but unlimited from Air National Guard to Active AF.
If they can't get you in directly, join the guard and then transfer in, through the backdoor.

Response by SSgt David Izquierdo made Mar 2 at 2022 11:50 AM

2022-03-02T11:50:34-05:00

I did it, but I completed my Army contract before enlisting in the Air Force.

Response by SPC Julio R. made Mar 11 at 2022 9:00 PM

2022-03-11T21:00:24-05:00

Good luch Spec 4... going to be hard but I do not see why not....
Im rooting for you.
https://youtu.be/LqxrJHkzS0I

LqxrJHkzS0I

Response by MAJ Kevin Miller made Mar 13 at 2022 9:28 PM

2022-03-13T21:28:43-04:00

My son wanted to go active AF out of the ANG. The AF required him to go back to E-2 from E-5 to go active AF. He happened by an Army recruiter at a fair booth after deciding he wasn't going back to E-2. Of course the Army recruiter approached him about enlisting. He explained that he was already an E-5 in the Air Guard and wanted to go Active AF but it would require that he take a reduction in rank to E-2. Bottom line, he signed up for Active Army as an E-5, took completely different career field, did 6 years (including 3 deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan) came back out of Active Army into the Army guard, was quickly promoted to E-6 and retired from the Army Guard with 21 years service.
Why is it the Army values Air Guardsmen more than the Air Force does.

Response by SFC James High made Mar 14 at 2022 9:30 AM

2022-03-14T09:30:36-04:00

Well, the reality of it also is that the Army has a lower minimum score requirement on the ASVAB than the Air Force, and if you do not meet that minimum score you don't transfer. It is a lot easier to go from the Air Force to another Branch than for another branch to go into the Air Force. I have served in both the Air Force then in the Army.

Response by SSG George Duncan made Mar 15 at 2022 11:00 PM

2022-03-15T23:00:57-04:00

is your mos needed? talk to a recruiter

Response by MSgt Herman Ortiz made Mar 29 at 2022 6:42 PM

2022-03-29T18:42:08-04:00

The question nobody is asking is 'Why do you want to switch? Why did you not enlist in the Air Force in the first place?

Response by PO1 Don Uhrig made Apr 7 at 2022 10:49 PM

2022-04-07T22:49:08-04:00

Why ate you asking a question here? Talk to a recruiter dummy. Geez.

Response by HA Jace Gallagher made Apr 11 at 2022 10:16 AM

2022-04-11T10:16:14-04:00

Air Force is notorious for not taking prior enlisted.

Response by ENS Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2022 9:37 PM

2022-04-11T21:37:00-04:00

Nowadays?… Maybe more doable on the enlisted side if you don’t care what the AFSC/MOS is . As an Officer ? Slim. Unless you have a STEM skill set or degree , or young enough to be a pilot candidate. The Air Force, Coast Guard and Space Force are some of the most selective branches. And they are not particularly welcoming to prior service members from other branches . I was AD duty USAF, went to Air Guard to finish college and tend to family issues; tried to come back after I got a degree , and it was nothing but run around for 2+ years . So I went and commissioned into the Navy (who were very accommodating). Keep in mind I was already in the ANG & a prior USAF in multiple AFSCs…. I’m just writing this to inform whoever reads , it is very doable to go to Navy/Army from Air Force , but VERY hard the other way around… BUT if it’s what you want , try anyways and who knows what the future holds !

Response by SSgt Mathew Cummings made Apr 11 at 2022 9:47 PM

2022-04-11T21:47:33-04:00

So there is a good chance. Reach out to a prior service recruiter for the USAF, preferably in your area. There are quotas that they have. Takes about a year if you do it after Army service. If you're still in you can try a lat.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2022 8:19 PM

2022-04-12T20:19:26-04:00

Nothing ventured; nothing gain. Good luck!

Response by PO1 Don Uhrig made Apr 12 at 2022 9:21 PM

2022-04-12T21:21:28-04:00

Probabilities? Talk to a University mathematician. If you want to change services, talk to a recruiter - they are the paid experts. If you want random answers listen to the many opinions here before you end up at the recruiters office after all. Are YOU in control of the direction of your career? Or are a group of social media people going to influence the direction of your career? Stop procrastinating and talk to a recruiter and do what is best for YOU (and your country).

Response by SSG Brian Kerr made Apr 13 at 2022 11:10 AM

2022-04-13T11:10:06-04:00

I had served in the Army for approximately 12 years then transferred to the Air Force for 6 years and then transferred back to the Army till I had to retire after serving about 6 years.

This is possible (and unique) since this does happen, but a very small percentage of service members do so.

~Brian

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2022 2:26 PM

2022-04-13T14:26:53-04:00

Real slim unless you have a critical MOS that they need.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2022 4:03 PM

2022-04-13T16:03:17-04:00

Honestly its all about the needs of the Air Force and the needs of the Army. If they don't need you in a similar MOS or one that you want the answer is no. If something kicked off and they need people, realistically so would the Army and the conditional release SFC Boyd mentioned would also be denied by the Army.

Response by TSgt Mario Guajardo made Apr 14 at 2022 11:49 AM

2022-04-14T11:49:21-04:00

In the early 80's we got a previous 82nd Airborne ground radio maintenance guy. Excellent work ethic, reminded everyone about discipline and pushed the troops to do better...he was a tremendous asset to our crew.

Response by SFC Larry Jones made Apr 18 at 2022 5:54 AM

2022-04-18T05:54:19-04:00

Ask anyone answering this question how many years they spent in Recruiting Command. I spent 13. We will give you the most reliable answers because we have seen it, done it, experienced it, or been chewed out for it.

Response by SGT Timothy Posemato made May 12 at 2022 5:27 PM

2022-05-12T17:27:07-04:00

Chances of switching over, zero to none.

Response by MAJ Robert Whitman made May 15 at 2022 5:53 PM

2022-05-15T17:53:06-04:00

I was prior enlisted ANG, commissioned ANG then went to the ARNG after plans for pilot training didn’t work out. This was in the mid-1980s and the Reagan administration.

It can be done. Persistence is definitely required.

Response by TSgt Matthew Covey made May 16 at 2022 7:36 AM

2022-05-16T07:36:35-04:00

I did it in a roundabout way but it is hard to find a recruiter willing to put in the work for you. I wanted to transfer after I ETSed but at the time the Air Force had met its quota for the year so I joined the Air National Guard. I spent roughly 5 years in the Guard until I was able to transfer into Active Duty but the circumstances were that it was right after 9/11 so they were taking any able bodies. I suggest trying to contact a recruiter as soon as possible but they may say there is nothing they can do until you are within 6 months of ETSing. The Air Force does have a quota regardless of what anyone says so if you ETS early in the fiscal year (October thru January) you will have a better chance....and don't let them say you need to do their Basic Training because you do not.

Response by CWO3 Robert Fong made May 16 at 2022 12:11 PM

2022-05-16T12:11:38-04:00

Specialist: Remember, a Recruiter, regardless of service branch is that organizations' "used car salesman." Have you ever heard a used car salesman say, "Don't buy my car?", I bet not. It's all about sales. In most, not all cases they will tell you what you want to hear (timing is rarely discussed or such mundane things such as personnel data and predictors. Above your paygrade. If you want to la5tteral or ship over to another service, I recommend that you do your homework. In the sea service (Navy or CG) we know the strength of the communities (MOS) and therefore we know if Washington will bite our bait or not ahead of time. If a recruiter won't put it in writing, then take it for what it's worth (0). Once you know they want you then strike while the iron is hot, don't procrastinate.

Response by SMSgt Bob Wilson made May 17 at 2022 4:42 PM

2022-05-17T16:42:23-04:00

Anything is doable. What is your MOS? What do you want out of the Air Force that you can't get out of the Army? My advise to you is complete your contract with the Army, get discharge. If, at that time you want to join another branch of the military, go for it.

Response by CW3 Samuel Cook made May 17 at 2022 5:10 PM

2022-05-17T17:10:16-04:00

For Rated Military Aviators from other branches, there is guidebook called Gold to Silver. It’s a very complex procedure for the USAF to accept Rated Aviators & Re-Commission Aviators. Army & USMC are very helicopter intensive. Air Guard/Reserve units do their own hiring, If you get hired, you become unique in having two military aeronautical ratings (Double Wing Club) The USAF makes Rotorheads attend the full course UPT. A fellow Army Warrant Officer, I new got tired of sleeping in Army tents with airline thoughts moved to USAF. He said Fixed Wing UPT was helpful to learn the USAF way do doing things. But got very annoyed with USAF Knick-pick style in flight school as a Rated Student. Retired CW3, USAR

Response by SP5 Kenneth Neubauer made Jun 12 at 2022 5:48 PM

2022-06-12T17:48:37-04:00

Good luck with that. T wouldn't trust an Air Force Recruiter if my life depended on it. I tried to do that 35 years ago in Killeen Texas. If I could have transfered I would have retired from the military but of coarse the recruiter screwed me out of a retirement for the military

Response by Cpl George Matousek made Jun 17 at 2022 6:24 PM

2022-06-17T18:24:00-04:00

A friend from Vietnam, Marines, after he got out, did join the air force and retired from them

Response by 1st Lt Richard Gauthier made Jun 18 at 2022 6:28 PM

2022-06-18T18:28:04-04:00

It is not only probable but very possible. I am not sure of what you need to do based on your specialty but I know several Army enlistees and Officers who have done it.

Response by LCDR Jerry Maurer made Jun 18 at 2022 10:31 PM

2022-06-18T22:31:19-04:00

Really? You'd rather be in the air force? Well, to each his own I guess

Response by SP5 James Elmore made Jun 18 at 2022 10:43 PM

2022-06-18T22:43:00-04:00

Try Space Force; I understand they are looking for a few good aliens.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2022 10:17 PM

2022-06-19T22:17:24-04:00

Work with a good recruiter and ask good questions. Remember, a recruiters job is to put good people in the right situations. They have superiors too and the one’s that know their job are priceless. There’s plenty of salespersons that like to impress with numbers. Make sure the answers to your questions are what you want to hear. It’ll save you headaches later.

Response by AA Loreen Silvarahawk made Jun 20 at 2022 7:36 AM

2022-06-20T07:36:24-04:00

The best thing one should do is to finish your hitch in the Army and then go to an Air Force recruiter.

Response by Lt Col Brett Meyer made Aug 11 at 2022 6:03 PM

2022-08-11T18:03:36-04:00

I did it in 1997. Went from Infantry (15 years) to Air Force Security Forces (13) years.