What's it like to switch branches from Army to Air Force?

2019-11-04T19:03:17-05:00

I've been enlisted in the Army for 5 years and my contract will be ending soon. I want to pursue a degree in Business Administration and apply for AFROTC.

What is the Air Force like compared to the Army and what are the people like? Is it worth it to change and learn how a whole new branch works?

Can you share what made you switch and if you regret your decision?

Response by LTC Eugene Chu made Nov 4 at 2019 8:36 PM

2019-11-04T20:36:43-05:00

Talk with AFROTC cadre at your future school. They will have info to explain cultural difference.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Nov 4 at 2019 8:55 PM

2019-11-04T20:55:12-05:00

People are people no matter what branch or where you go. You are going to have the good with the bad.

The worth is going to be up to the individual to decide. There are no extra benefits. An E-1, E-2 etc., still gets paid the same, you still have people over you and under you. The uniforms will change as will some of the customs and techniques. Promotions come slower in the Air Force but tend to stick, vs the Army where it is easy to get rank and easy to lose. You have to test for your rank in the AF.

The Air Force is all in the rear with the gear except for a few jobs. Whereas as the opposite is the case with the Army. The Air Force deploys and has field exercises and the like, but they are more cushy. AF is more formal.

The physical standards are also a lot less in the Air Force. PT Test? What PT test.

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Nov 4 at 2019 11:22 PM

2019-11-04T23:22:58-05:00

I've served in the Marines USMCR, Army , ARNG and Air Force Reserve.. Air Force was more relaxed and less formal. I jumped back and forth many times mostly Reserve and Guard... changing is easy.. I did not obtain a promotion though as I was mentally ill and suffered many head injuries.. USMC and Army crippled me. I had 16 good years... 1974 to 2004.. broken time.. date of rank 1980..I held a 7 level in the Air Force..AFSC Air Cargo...

Response by SFC Bill Snyder made Nov 5 at 2019 1:06 PM

2019-11-05T13:06:39-05:00

Just remember, the grass is always greener on the other side, but......Seriously good luck.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2019 9:25 PM

2019-11-05T21:25:54-05:00

Shocking. AF is way more laid back in many ways, and more professional and to the pint in others. I switched from Army EOD to Air Force EOD in 99, same job but much different in the way in got done.

Response by MSgt Bill Miller made Nov 5 at 2019 9:59 PM

2019-11-05T21:59:08-05:00

I started out in the Army, 12C, but switched gears to USAF and did another 23 years , primarily as an Engineer there as well. My Army time opened doors for me I would have had to fight for without that special experience, and I managed that into a fairly unique career path. There will be some mind blowing moments culturally, but nothing you cant adapt to.

My advice would be to keep those things that separate the services, extreme discipline vs a bottom up culture for example, and appropriately apply both methods as needed. There may be times when the zoomie method isn't effective, so go ground-pounder! Maintaining your personal standards, i.e. grooming, dress and appearance, customs and courtesies, will go a long way to making you stand out from the crowd. Your Army Awards and Decs will start a lot of conversations as well.

As mentioned before, enlisted rank will not come as fast in the AF, but the dark side should be fairly equivalent. One things for sure, at least it was, if you loose one in the AF, it's gone! It was pretty much a one mistake game when I got out in 08. The general standard of living is better, no doubt about that. My CW4 Father-in-Law (my old PL) visited us once, I was an E-6 living in base housing; he couldn't believe an EM lived there. Same is true during deployment, and unless you're a Field Grade there won't be much if a difference in accommodations. If you really want to be coddled, get yourself some aircrew wings, that's a whole different ball game!

Response by SSG Darrell Peters made Nov 5 at 2019 11:23 PM

2019-11-05T23:23:40-05:00

Do not have a break in service. If your enlistment for the Army is ending I presume that is active duty you still have IRR time to serve. If any service offers you a commission or you obtain one from ROTC it will not be difficult to transition.

Response by SSG James Funaro made Mar 6 at 2020 9:48 PM

2020-03-06T21:48:04-05:00

AF people are great. Just don't come over and tell us we're doing things wrong, and give us the " this is how we did it in the Army" stories. Man, I hate that. Remember, the AF has a different mission than the Army, and you may find the discipline, habits and culture foreign to your Army time, but just don't point it out all the time. Just go with the flow and enjoy the better standard of living and you'll love it.

Response by Lt Col Kevin Calhoun made Mar 16 at 2020 9:37 AM

2020-03-16T09:37:33-04:00

I was Army enlisted for 13 years before going to OTS and getting my commission in the Air Force. Let me start by saying that the two services are more alike than you would expect. Remember, the Air Force's roots are Army Air Corps and we used to be part of the Signal Corps ages ago. So you should find the transition to be fairly easy.

That said, I found the Air Force generally treats its personnel better and that includes the families. On average, Air Force facilities are newer and better maintained--to include housing and MWR venues. After basic/OTS nobody marches. The atmosphere is more relaxed, the room doesn't come to attention when an officer walks in (unless Colonel or above). However, people seem more respectful to one another via their interactions as opposed to rigid observation of certain customs and courtesies. That's not to say customs and courtesies are not observed-saluting, yes sir and yes ma'am are still expected and required. Fraternization is still punishable by UCMJ, etc.

I know that may sound confusing, it's just different and hard to explain. While I enjoyed my time in both services, I have to say transferring to the Air Force was one of the best decisions of my life.

Response by SPC Greg Doss made Apr 15 at 2021 1:15 AM

2021-04-15T01:15:44-04:00

It's probably akin to having a m to f sex change

Response by Lt Col Brett Meyer made Aug 11 at 2022 6:08 PM

2022-08-11T18:08:33-04:00

I made the switch after 15 years in the Infantry. Switched into Security Forces and loved it. Most stuff is joint these days and so it I’ve you a leg up on single service personnel. Ended up on a lot more deployments with the Air Force though