Posted on Jun 8, 2016
What options will I have when transferring branches (from Marines to Navy)?
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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
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Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 9
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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!!
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!!
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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.
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PO1 (Join to see)
Yeah......come to the dark-side; we have cookies under the haze of blue lights and computer screens, lol.
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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.
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.
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Kyle .
I know you posted this over a year ago, sorry, but does that mean that as Marine with an MOS that doesn't convert to a Navy rating, they will be able to choose ANY rating they qualify for? (even if it means losing rank)
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CDR Terry Boles
Kyle
I would think recruiting hasn't dramatically changed since my day. Should you apply to the Navy as a Vet and your MOS isn't available then yes, you should be able to select any rate that is available and you're qualified for. Talk to a recruiter, good luck!
I would think recruiting hasn't dramatically changed since my day. Should you apply to the Navy as a Vet and your MOS isn't available then yes, you should be able to select any rate that is available and you're qualified for. Talk to a recruiter, good luck!
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Sgt (Join to see) , 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.
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Sgt (Join to see)
I seem to be a tad bit lost on what you're attempting to say. Can you clarify just so I don't misinterpret what you may mean?
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1stSgt (Join to see)
A US Navy corpsman is qualified for nothing when they get out. The civilian sector does not recognize their training and there is no equivalent in civilian medicine. You may want to try premed first and then try becoming an MO but have the Navy pick up the tab. But it is your decision and I do wish you luck with it.
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1stSgt (Join to see)
"Make sure you understand you desired end result before you do this" - Know where you want to be when your military career is over.
"How your rating will translate" - Rating is Navy for MOS "HM3", surprisingly, there is no civilian equivalent to a Corpsman.
Sorry I wasn't more clear in round 1. Semper Fidelis.
"How your rating will translate" - Rating is Navy for MOS "HM3", surprisingly, there is no civilian equivalent to a Corpsman.
Sorry I wasn't more clear in round 1. Semper Fidelis.
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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.
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Sgt (Join to see)
I don't want my MOS. That's part of the reason I want to go Navy is because my plans for when I get out are medically related and the Corps doesn't have anything in that focus. Isn't the National Guard just the reserves?
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SFC(P) (Join to see)
I get it. Your best best is to talk to a Navy Career Couselor (or local navy recruiter) and they can look up your enlisted classification code and see what it crosses over to in the navy.
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MSgt (Join to see)
Sgt (Join to see)
Yes, the National Guard is a reserve of the Army or the Air Force but differ by having a dual role. Not only their federal role but the National Guard can also be called into action by their respective state governors for natural disasters etc. You could also have more options with the Army or Air Force with your intentions in the medical field.
Yes, the National Guard is a reserve of the Army or the Air Force but differ by having a dual role. Not only their federal role but the National Guard can also be called into action by their respective state governors for natural disasters etc. You could also have more options with the Army or Air Force with your intentions in the medical field.
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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
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Sgt (Join to see)
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!
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!
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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.
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.
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Sgt (Join to see)
Thank you. I know in the Marine Corps, you can trade orders with someone as long as they are in the same MOS so that you can go to preferred duty stations. Is that allowed in the Navy? Aside from that, how did you enjoy the Navy? It's likely changed since you were in but I still would like your opinion on it and all.
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PO2 Aaren Johnson
Got out in 2009....I love the Navy. In my opinion, you should tall to a recruiter and check into (if you haven't already) post-secondary schools. Remember, the Naval Reserves are an option and with medical training as a doctor or Registered Nurse you can receive a Commission
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Sgt (Join to see)
The Marine Corps wasn't what I thought it was going to be honestly. With my recent realization of what the Marine Corps actually is and what my role would be, I just don't think it's something I'll enjoy and want to be a part of. I've spoken to many greenside docs and they all seem to enjoy what they do. They work with Marines a lot, something I don't want to lose, and they get to do more Marine like things than most Marines. I also think that the Navy will give me an edge in life whereas the Marine Corps does not do that. What I want to when I get out is medically related and that's something the Marine Corps can't help me with and the Navy at least will give me some idea of what to expect when I get out.
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Sgt (Join to see)
I've also considered the Air Force but it's highly unlikely that I'd work with Marines and that's something I don't want to give up. Plus their "deployments" aren't in the thick of it like Marines and greenside docs are.
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Sgt (Join to see)
Sgt (Join to see) - I understand that you want to join the Navy to be a Corpsman (Doc), which are highly respected by all Marines! After your service, you will work in the medical field. I wish you great success!
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