What options will I have when transferring branches (from Marines to Navy)?

2016-06-08T01:12:45-04:00

Alright so I'm in the Marine Corps and I've been contemplating going to the Navy. For those who are currently in the Navy, were in the Navy, or have switched branches before, I have a few questions. When I get out of the Corps, I'll be a Sgt (E-5) so when switching branches, will I be able to retain my rank? I'd prefer to go greenside so I can be in the suck with the Marines (always gonna be a Marine), do I have a choice in that matter? Do you ever get a choice of duty station? Any info any of y'all have on this will be very helpful and please feel free to throw in your own personal stories as well. Thanks in advance

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2016 1:16 AM

2016-06-08T01:16:20-04:00

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member What is your reasoning for wanting to go to the Navy?

Response by PO2 Aaren Johnson made Jun 8 at 2016 2:22 AM

2016-06-08T02:22:00-04:00

Yes, you get to retain your rank.
No, you don't have a choice...Needs of the Navy! (IF you go SPECWAR, SeALs, EOD, SpecBoat, Riverine, Assault Craft, Fleet Diver, you will stand a better chance...oh and Hospital Corpsman)
Duty Station = Needs of the Navy, Dream sheet 1,2, & 3, No.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jun 8 at 2016 3:03 AM

2016-06-08T03:03:56-04:00

So you want to be a FMF Navy Corpsman. Nothing wrong with that Idea or an IDC Independent Duty Corpsman. Can't tell you much. Out of my Realm but if you change your mind and want to be a Navy Spook. I may be able to help in that matter.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2016 7:36 AM

2016-06-08T07:36:54-04:00

Answering your questions from a Former AD sailor and now Navy Reserve.

Depending if there is a rate that is compatible with your current MOS, you may lose a rank. Reason I say this is that I have a buddy who was former Marine went Navy Reserve and converted to an AO (aviation Ordinance) and he went to an E4 (PO3). If there is no availability in the AD side, you may have to resort to Navy Reserve.

If you decide to go AD or Reserve: If you are still wanting to get involved with ground troops, there's options for mobilization, volunteering for deployments, and IA (Individual Augmentee). Whether there is availability is all depending up on the unit you are able to be assigned to and what you have attained (certifications, NECs, etc.)

Regarding to if we get to choose a duty station. Not really. When you are up for orders you contact your detailer and they let you know what's available based on what a unit needs and your qualifications. At that point you may have a couple places available or you might just have one. You are at the needs of the Navy.

As I was Active Duty last year, things have been changing in the Navy (not just the tattoo instruction). From hearing from others who did switch to Navy, the availability is going to be a big issue you are going to have to face. Year Groups (YGs) and available conversion have had a few hiccups. Check with your Career Counselor within your Company/Command and let them know that you want to go AD Navy (if that's your desire). There maybe some paperwork involved and they will give you more information in all the questions you may have; use them, they are there for you.

Hope this helps. Good Luck!!

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2016 7:46 AM

2016-06-08T07:46:27-04:00

The army may have your MOS and you might be able to move over without loosing tank. If you look at the Army National Guard it is made up of a lot of Prior Service Marines.

Response by CDR Terry Boles made Jun 8 at 2016 9:59 AM

2016-06-08T09:59:00-04:00

Simple answer as a former Navy recruiter, unless you can transfer into the Navy into a Rate that meets your current MOS, then you will loose rank. I put in an Army E-8 who went to E-5 in the Navy, as an example. I helped a lot of Army come to Navy, ALL lost rank.

As most have said, the needs of the Navy comes first. IF you really want to deploy with the Marines you are already limiting Navy career fields. I also agree, talk to a Navy Recruiter about your options. No decision to make until then.

Good luck in your endeavor.

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2016 10:38 AM

2016-06-08T10:38:04-04:00

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member , don't forget that being a corpsman does not translate into civilian. It is not always greener or in this case bluer, on the other side of the fence. Make sure you understand you desired end result before you do this and how your rating will translate.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2016 9:47 PM

2016-06-10T21:47:24-04:00

I did a conditional release from the Air National Guard when our unit was being deactivated to enlist in the Navy reserve. They had a program that took civilian and/or military experience into account for a rate in the Navy. I went into the Sea Bees and also retained my rank. I know now with all the forced reductions things could be a little more difficult. My advice would be to reach out to a Navy recruiter and learn your options. Good luck and Semper Fi Marine!

Response by PO2 Dax Hall made Apr 11 at 2020 1:43 AM

2020-04-11T01:43:09-04:00

I went from the Marines to the Navy after 6 years in the Corps. I left the Corps as an CPL E-4 and was reduced to Airman E-3. You can't be an undesignated Petty Officer in the Navy you have to have a rating and if your MOS doesn't convert then your back to E-3. I signed for AIRRs. Helo SAR which put me back to E-4 PO3 in 6 months after completing NACCS, ARSS and A School. My suggestion would be to enlist for any of the Special Warfare/Special Ops rates if your MOS does not convert. SF