What's the real reason the Navy and Air Force tends to shun former Army and Marine personnel from joining their branches?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 19:31:35 -0400

I've been approached by recruiters of both branches. They're excited about talking to me until I tell them I'm prior Army. The interest immediately fades, and suddenly they have to go. I have other Army and Marine friends that have experienced the same thing. Is there a stigma that comes with our branches that makes us "disqualified" in their eyes?

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jun 2 at 2017 7:47 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 19:47:23 -0400

SGT Private RallyPoint Member Just a Guess or Two. Maybe their Number Crunchers count Prior Service Army and Marines Differently that doesn't Reflect Well On Them or Maybe the Paperwork is Such a Pain in the Ass dealing with Prior Service Army and Marines as to Not Make it worth their While. I know it Used to Be Possible, My Dept Head at Sugar Grove was Prior Marine Converted to Navy CTO1, He Basically Stayed in the Same Job Field just changed Uniforms.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Jun 2 at 2017 8:25 PM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 20:25:55 -0400

Just spitting in the wind here but it may have something to do with the AF, being a smaller branch, can be more selective in who they recruit. The ASVAB minimum scores tend to be much higher for the AF than Army. The recruiter may (wrongly) assume prior Army and/or Marine members may not meet the cut offs and not want to devote the time or effort into a non-signable individual.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2017 10:21 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 22:21:49 -0400

Probably due to the fact some of my fellow airman think once they hear "Army" or "Marines" the assume the stigma like the MSgt Stated. I would just go to another recruiter if it happened. S

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2017 11:00 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 23:00:40 -0400

I don't think it's so much that you're -Army-, it's just that you're prior service.

Especially as an E-5, it's pretty difficult to bring you in to those branches if you're prior service. Extra paperwork, lots of frustration and hassle-- much easier to simply find a high school kid with no issues. For a while, it actually -was- disqualifying to be prior service and come back in, to answer your final question. It's not a stigma, it's literal recruiting policy.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jun 3 at 2017 1:10 AM

COL Charles Williams — Sat, 03 Jun 2017 01:10:26 -0400

I did not know they did....

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Jun 3 at 2017 3:18 AM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Sat, 03 Jun 2017 03:18:07 -0400

I haven't found any Air Force member that had prior service in another branch of the Armed Forces to be lacking in any areas of their duty performance in My experience. Often they also have additional skills that can be well used by the Air Force and with the constant Air Force training only add to that. Those that qualified in the first place esp if the followed into a career area they already had Military experience in that field seem to excel. If there was an attitude against that, I've never seen it.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Jun 5 at 2017 11:24 AM

Maj Chris Nelson — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 11:24:42 -0400

I would suspect that it is prior service AND NCO.... I was one that went from Army to Air Force....Prior and all!! BUT and this is a huge one.... I went from NCO to Officer. I was a Registered Nurse and the AF needed RNs in a HUGE way. They will bend over backwards to bring you in IF you have the skills they need and want most. Bringing in an Army Infantry to become an Air Force Security Forces isn't going to do enough for them....not for a prior service NCO....

Response by TSgt Tommy Amparano made Jun 5 at 2017 11:48 AM

TSgt Tommy Amparano — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 11:48:34 -0400

I am not sure if this is true with all Army MOS's (I think that is what they are called), but they would stack up different to certain AFSCs. I remember working with some lab folks in the Army and found out they did not do one pretty big part of what we did on the Air Force side. They had a separate AFSC that allowed for that.
I have also worked with prior Navy, Marines and Army in the AF and Air National Guard. When they are new to the AF they always have some sort of "Gawd you have it so lucky in the AF" story. They eventually all assimilate into AF culture. There are a few that still have that "Army" in them. It is definitely not a bad thing. I see a few of those that are more disciplined, proactive, and real go-getters. One big difference in Army/AF culture that I saw in Army people was the whole getting excited about something that is tougher, more difficult, or oppressive in some way. I will admit that AF people sometimes like to complain about adversity until it is time to get the job done, then of course the mission comes first. So from that aspect I definitely liked seeing the Army attitude over the AF, "oh more of this" type of attitude. Of course these are all generalizations based on my experiences and there are exceptions to every case.

Response by A1C Wayne Martin made Jun 5 at 2017 11:55 AM

A1C Wayne Martin — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 11:55:28 -0400

My Training CO at Keesler was prior service Marine Corps. New trainees arriving at Keesler were referred to as "Pingers", at least for the entire time I was there our CO was "The Pinger Lt.".

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2017 11:59 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 11:59:19 -0400

Honestly, I do not remember seeing prior service individuals after basic training, those were young recruits. I worked on the flightline almost all of my career. So, your MOS's would not usually transfer. I think your rank probably has a lot to do with it. I've seen a lot of Guard people that have transferred though.

Response by LTJG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2017 12:02 PM

LTJG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 12:02:36 -0400

They don't. Prior army here... The navy took me in, commissioned me and is sending me off to learn how to fly when the army and marines told me no. Whether they give the same open armed treatment on the enlisted side I'm not too sure

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Jun 5 at 2017 12:10 PM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 12:10:38 -0400

I've read a few posts and guess I got to change my opinion. I always thought it was because we Army and Marines would being lowering the standards of the neighborhood, seeing how we are used to living in the mud, no showers for days on end, eating what ever garbage is put in front of us, and we know how to how to make the grass grow!!

Response by PFC Griff Schoen made Jun 5 at 2017 12:30 PM

PFC Griff Schoen — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 12:30:06 -0400

When I enlisted in 92, I was told AF never took prior service per policy. Didn't apply to me but new a couple prior service guys that tried it. But that was 25 years ago.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Jun 5 at 2017 12:42 PM

MCPO Roger Collins — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 12:42:54 -0400

Some of my best friends came from the Army into submarines. Do your job, handle the harassment you encounter during qualifying and you are gold.

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Jun 5 at 2017 2:32 PM

SFC J Fullerton — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 14:32:49 -0400

It is all about the numbers. All branches, Army included, have restrictions on prior service enlistments. Most of the time, the AF and Navy meet their yearly accession targets with tier 1 applicants (non-prior service high school diploma grad, AFQT 50 or higher.) If that is not enough, they will open up GED's and tier 2 (HSDG 31-49 AFQT), and loosen up their waivers on medical and law. It is not so much that the recruiter is lazy and doesn't want to deal with all the extra work for a prior service applicant, it is usually because the current policy has prior service closed or strictly limited at the given time.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2017 2:43 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 14:43:54 -0400

Currently the Air Force is taking PS applicants. However from other branches is difficult as far as there are limited slots if your MOS doesn't convert into a AFSC. If it does it is not too difficult as long as there are opening in that AFSC and the Functional Manager accepts you. If not then your only option is to cross train. Cross training options are extremely limited.

Response by MCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2017 3:52 PM

MCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 15:52:08 -0400

I've been specifically told by current and former AF recruiters that the other service's prior service folks are too "military" for the Air Force, especially for anyone in Combat Arms. It creates a huge conflict of corporate attitudes between USAF and the PS folks, and "military" is too hard to shrug off and learn the Air Force way of doing things. And, before I get flamed, yes, those were words used by Air Force folks from E-6 to E-9 that I spoke with... to include CMSAF Rod McKinley.

Response by PO3 Steven Stinnett made Jun 5 at 2017 9:23 PM

PO3 Steven Stinnett — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 21:23:29 -0400

When I was in the Navy, a man in my Division (Huntley) started with the Marines, then the Army, now the Navy. His goal was to serve in every branch of the Military, however he was accepted by all branches because he was only an E-3, they would not allow him to change services if he was E-4 or above, this was in 1965...

Response by PO3 Steven Stinnett made Jun 5 at 2017 9:26 PM

PO3 Steven Stinnett — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 21:26:38 -0400

When I was in the Navy (1964-68) a man in my Division (Huntley) started with the Marines, then the Army and now the Navy. His goal was to serve in every branch of the Military, however he was only an E-3, if he was E-4 or above they would not accept a change of service branch.

Response by Sgt Kevin Curl made Jun 6 at 2017 1:47 AM

Sgt Kevin Curl — Tue, 06 Jun 2017 01:47:43 -0400

I tried to get into Air Force after 4 years in Marine Aviation and I was told we don't take Marines with prior enlistment regardless of what your re-enlistment code is .

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jun 6 at 2017 2:02 AM

PO1 John Miller — Tue, 06 Jun 2017 02:02:13 -0400

Have you considered talking to an Air National Guard recruiter? My last job was with an ANG unit (contractor). There were plenty of Airmen in that unit who were prior service Army & Navy. Granted most of them were traditional Guardsmen (1 weekend a month/2 weeks a year) types. But a few of them were also AGR (Active Guard & Reserve). I do know that they had to start off as a traditional Guardsman & compete for their AGR billet.

Response by LtCol George Carlson made Jun 6 at 2017 2:07 AM

LtCol George Carlson — Tue, 06 Jun 2017 02:07:38 -0400

Bottom line: Manpower is a marketplace. Supply and demand create or restrict the opportunities. Many stories attach, but bottom line is if you have skills in demand you get in, if you don't and just basic numbers don't matter, you don't. It applies to all accessions, not just prior service.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2017 9:50 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Jun 2017 09:50:05 -0400

Soldiers and Marines tend to be more vocal and blunt and hurt the sensitivities of Sailors and Airmen?

Response by MSgt Mark Bucher made Jun 6 at 2017 10:05 AM

MSgt Mark Bucher — Tue, 06 Jun 2017 10:05:50 -0400

Because for the most part, Army and Marine MOS's don't translate well into the Air Force AFSC's.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2017 3:03 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Jun 2017 15:03:10 -0400

I agree if you come from the marines or army you are to military for the air force the air force is about going to school, volunteering, and kissing ass to make rank.

Response by PFC Robert Rice made Nov 7 at 2017 2:07 AM

PFC Robert Rice — Tue, 07 Nov 2017 02:07:05 -0500

Not disqualified but overqualified! Physically more fit and mentally sound. Don't ever let them make you feel inferior.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2017 10:13 PM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Nov 2017 22:13:17 -0500

If you look into an Aircraft Loadmaster AFSC you will probably have better luck. Especially in a reserve squadron. I made the jump from green to blue without any problems or any road blocks. We had Lots of Marines and Navy as well. Loadmaster is one of the best enlisted jobs in the Air Force. I got to travel to every country on the globe as an enlisted aviator. Best of luck.

Response by SPC Robert Coventry made Nov 7 at 2017 10:17 PM

SPC Robert Coventry — Tue, 07 Nov 2017 22:17:44 -0500

I think the recruiters are concerned with the prior service, they don't get as many points as fresh meat. I don't think it is the Army, I think it is prior service

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Nov 7 at 2017 11:03 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Tue, 07 Nov 2017 23:03:12 -0500

Prior Service doesn't help their quota, it's a lot of work for very little credit

Response by SFC Christopher Taggart made Nov 7 at 2017 11:16 PM

SFC Christopher Taggart — Tue, 07 Nov 2017 23:16:28 -0500

They don't think we're smart enough!

Response by SN Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2017 5:12 PM

SN Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Nov 2017 17:12:20 -0500

Maybe because it's a pain in the ass to find and equivalent to someone's MOS which can transfer to a Navy Rate. There's a big difference between a truck driver and a deck seaman

Response by MSgt Jim Parsons made Nov 8 at 2017 8:31 PM

MSgt Jim Parsons — Wed, 08 Nov 2017 20:31:19 -0500

I always thought the AF would've been better off if they tried to recruit high performing veterans of other services.

Response by COL Dave Sims made Nov 9 at 2017 6:50 AM

COL Dave Sims — Thu, 09 Nov 2017 06:50:02 -0500

My Dad, a career WWII Marine, used to say : " The Army and the Marines are the Military. The Navy and the Air Force are huge working parties." Grain of truth there - I think.

Response by PFC Billy Kinder made Nov 9 at 2017 1:01 PM

PFC Billy Kinder — Thu, 09 Nov 2017 13:01:08 -0500

I was told that those branch’s don’t have similar mos’s most of the army and marine jobs can be shared between those two the ground force. But let’s say you were a combat engineer and want to go navy the navy has zero jobs where anything you learned or are skilled at would matter. Considering the different temperament and the skills that aren’t transferable they would rather take a new recruit since you would be similar in cost not to mention start at a higher grade as a civilian just what i was told. But yeah i definitely noticed that once they heard prior service army they were like cough yeah um get out

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2017 2:45 PM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Nov 2017 14:45:44 -0500

I’m Air Force now prior army I’ve never really heard this before there’s 2 other guys in my shop one prior marine one prior army that switched around same Time as me

Response by Sgt Tj Jackson made Nov 9 at 2017 6:30 PM

Sgt Tj Jackson — Thu, 09 Nov 2017 18:30:05 -0500

It’s the way promotions are granted in the USAF in a certain MOS. Its very hard to bring in an say E5 that most PS in other branches make in 4 years compared to the AF.

Response by SPC Herman Morgan made Nov 9 at 2017 8:24 PM

SPC Herman Morgan — Thu, 09 Nov 2017 20:24:42 -0500

My MOS never had that issue , had one fellow army Avionics tech go from Army to severing in the Air force on the same airfield in one day . Of course this was back in 94 on Wiesbaden AB

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2017 11:04 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Nov 2017 11:04:23 -0500

Tell them you want to go Security Forces, the’ll let you right in...

Response by 1SG Billy Dawson made Nov 10 at 2017 1:22 PM

1SG Billy Dawson — Fri, 10 Nov 2017 13:22:15 -0500

Envy... clear and simple. Not everyone is cut out to do what Army and Marine Grunts do. You either have it.. or you don’t, and if you don’t, you’re not.

Response by TSgt Ryan Kelly made Nov 10 at 2017 3:54 PM

TSgt Ryan Kelly — Fri, 10 Nov 2017 15:54:53 -0500

The Air Force stopped being run as a military branch and more as a business back in the early 90’s. It quickly got to the point where junior and senior enlisted were on a first name basis and a persons rank was seldom ever said when they addresses each other. The dress uniform even went from a more military style to a suit coat style. I always hated it.

Response by PO2 Lynn Riggs made Nov 10 at 2017 5:35 PM

PO2 Lynn Riggs — Fri, 10 Nov 2017 17:35:13 -0500

I began my career in the Army Reserves, transitioned to Active Navy, went on to NMANG, then finished with the Navy Reserves. No training or paperwork issues.

Response by TSgt Wayne Cartier made Nov 10 at 2017 7:00 PM

TSgt Wayne Cartier — Fri, 10 Nov 2017 19:00:26 -0500

Your test scores normally aren't high enough. Because you qualify only means that you can walk and breathe at the same time and not fall down.

Response by TSgt Wayne Cartier made Nov 10 at 2017 7:00 PM

TSgt Wayne Cartier — Fri, 10 Nov 2017 19:00:38 -0500

Your test scores normally aren't high enough. Because you qualify only means that you can walk and breathe at the same time and not fall down.

Response by SFC Arthur Morgan made Nov 10 at 2017 7:17 PM

SFC Arthur Morgan — Fri, 10 Nov 2017 19:17:15 -0500

Speaking as a former Drill, Majority Airmen would have problems going through stress put on Army/Marine Boots.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Nov 10 at 2017 8:41 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Fri, 10 Nov 2017 20:41:52 -0500

Needs of the service and test scores. You put them in the computer and it spits out the answer

Response by SPC Randy Torgerson made Nov 10 at 2017 9:02 PM

SPC Randy Torgerson — Fri, 10 Nov 2017 21:02:33 -0500

Maybe its because you have been in the military before and they know they can't BS you.... Someone in who was in the Navy probably has the same problem trying to join the Army....

Response by SPC Jose Córdova made Nov 10 at 2017 9:39 PM

SPC Jose Córdova — Fri, 10 Nov 2017 21:39:10 -0500

I went to an AF recruiting center a couole years after I did my 6 years in the arme and the same thing happened to me but they ended up telling me tgat it was because Army and Marines were mentally messed up, that we had too many issues regarding conduct and just following simple orders. So I said "whaaaat?" And he told me, "See, that's what I mean" haha so I just got up and left. No reason to waste time with people that have the wrong mentality about others. Also my sister went through the same scenario.

Response by Sgt Blaine Grannon made Nov 10 at 2017 10:40 PM

Sgt Blaine Grannon — Fri, 10 Nov 2017 22:40:06 -0500

I’ve got a friend that went Marine to Air Force. He has been interviewed a number of times by base officials and shown to excel.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2017 2:03 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Nov 2017 02:03:55 -0500

A lot of it does have to do with it being more difficult to translate skill sets from one branch to another; however if you tell them "I want to be Security Forces" (Air Force) or "I want to be Master-at-arms" (Navy) they'll probably be a lot more prepared to help get your paperwork through. They don't require high ASVABs and when you re-test for your ASVAB (which is pretty likely that you'll be required to) you have a high chance of being eligible.

Also take a look at the critically manned career fields in both branches and tell the recruiter straight out that you're interested in one of them. Command Post in the Air Force is almost constantly low manned and will take any one. You'll need a higher ASVAB, but saying you're interested will definitely get their attention.

In the end? There's a reason you are interested in leaving your current branch, and going to another one...Weather it be Standard-of-Living, Morale level, or just plain personality conflict with your current branch. It's not going to be easy, and if you're serious about joining the other branch; be ready to go where they need you, not necessarily where you want to.

Response by SP5 Jessica Lynch made Nov 11 at 2017 6:26 AM

SP5 Jessica Lynch — Sat, 11 Nov 2017 06:26:18 -0500

I've been turned down by the Air Force twice. Once as a civilian, and again after leaving the Army. (Trying to become a Pilot). After learning that I am prior Army, the recruiter literally laughed in my face. They never really provided a legitimate reason why not. My test scores were/are high. Could just be a coincidence, but I really did get the feeling that I was the red-headed step child in the room.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2017 9:36 AM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Nov 2017 09:36:09 -0500

I recently attended an air force school for load planning. There were Coasties, Soliers, Airmen, and a couple of civilians. The Coasties and Soldiers were blown away by the fact that E4s were referring to E7s by their first name.

Response by SPC Matthew Hoffmann made Nov 11 at 2017 10:57 AM

SPC Matthew Hoffmann — Sat, 11 Nov 2017 10:57:30 -0500

When i thought about going back to the service, the Navy and Air Force only offered the special operations jobs due to me being an infantryman. It's really the only jobs that i could transfer to.

Response by A1C Travis Bourgoin made Nov 11 at 2017 12:01 PM

A1C Travis Bourgoin — Sat, 11 Nov 2017 12:01:22 -0500

Having been in the Air Force and deployef twice to perform the line haul convoys from Kuwait into Iraq, I can see why the Air Force wouldn't want prior Army or Marines. We were Air Force and it seemed that Vehicle Operators were looked down upon in general. Passengers that we were transporting calling us Driver rather than the rank on our sleeve, and they always seemed to look down on us for doing an 'Army' job when doing convoys. The Army might have some strange ways of doing things, but they know that the job of the military, combat arms or not, is to fight and win battles. Not how good your uniform looks and how many volunteer hours you have.

Response by SSgt Andrew Auld made Nov 11 at 2017 4:14 PM

SSgt Andrew Auld — Sat, 11 Nov 2017 16:14:23 -0500

As a former USAF cop my impression is that the AF does anything it can to forget where it came from. It came from the US Army where airman were picked on and made fun of. Awww, right, once it separated it took them about a year to realize it was stuck with Army MPs on their bases and immediately renamed them Air Police. Since then AF cops have been the whipping post of the AF because we are the everyday reminder of where the AF came from. We speak Army, we are the AFs small infantry and many of us are Army trained. Needless to say I have always felt more at home on an Army post than an AF Base, which drives them nuts that we get along with soldiers so well. Hell I’ve been told by Marines after they get a good look at what SPs go through that they have a new found respect for the “sky cops” and what we put up with. Gen. Curtis LeMay referred to AF cops as the AFs red-headed step-children. We are way more disciplined than the rest of the AF who operates (or at least tries to) as a commercial airline. It’s only military when it suits the command staff to slap around troops. Why would they want more? They have enough trouble dealing with its own cops. US Navy seems to share the same attitude. If it were up to me the AF would become a Department of the Army and make the USMC a separate branch, they deserve it it my eyes, they’ve been doing more with less since they were formed. JMHO though FWIW.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2017 6:14 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Nov 2017 18:14:52 -0500

Currently undergoing process conditional release from the army into the airforce in DD Form 368 my contract doesn't end until around may of 2019 but I've had a couple recruiters in my area my chain of command & others help me along the process so it very much so is possible to switch

Response by Capt Tom Peterson made Nov 11 at 2017 6:16 PM

Capt Tom Peterson — Sat, 11 Nov 2017 18:16:21 -0500

A long time ago, just after I got my commission, I worked with a guy at Offutt AFB who was prior service Army and became our unit security officer.

He later went to prison for trying to kill his wife, but I'm pretty sure that was unrelated to his prior military branch. Probably.

Response by Sgt Ron Harris made Nov 11 at 2017 6:40 PM

Sgt Ron Harris — Sat, 11 Nov 2017 18:40:37 -0500

That wasn't so when I was in.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2017 10:16 PM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Nov 2017 22:16:51 -0500

Well I was a 92y in the army and I was able to successfully transfer to the Air Force with the job the job that I wanted. Is a matter of pursuing what you want. My transition took almost 2 yrs

Response by SGT Raymond Barrientos made Nov 12 at 2017 12:09 AM

SGT Raymond Barrientos — Sun, 12 Nov 2017 00:09:17 -0500

It's true, those of us from Combat Arms do not fit in the Air Force mentality. I worked with the engineers from Warner AFB after the floods in 94 when the levies broke from Atlanta to the Florida. They had a young Airmen calling a Senior Master Sergeant by his first name. Seriously! I about swallowed my tongue and when I went to correct the problem, I was informed that it was normal for them. If a young Private tried that with any NCO in the Army or heaven forbid the Marines they would wish they were deaf and had never heard of a first name before or ever again.

Response by TSgt Donald Montgomery made Nov 12 at 2017 9:08 AM

TSgt Donald Montgomery — Sun, 12 Nov 2017 09:08:59 -0500

I've worked with all branches and have very few problems

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2017 9:43 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Nov 2017 09:43:24 -0500

I haven’t seen that. I personally know 10 dudes out of our 45 man shop, that are prior marines or soldiers. We probably have even more on the pilots side of the house.

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Nov 12 at 2017 11:06 AM

SMSgt Thor Merich — Sun, 12 Nov 2017 11:06:57 -0500

I have never experienced a bias against prior service Army and Marines. I guess it depends on what AFSC you are going for in the Air Force. On the ground combat side of the Air Force (Combat Weather, JTAC, Combat Controllers, Para-rescue, Security Forces, and SERE) prior service Army and Marines are welcomed. They already have the basic skills and mentality that is required. Teaching them the “Air Force Way” is easy.

The Air Guard is also filled with former Army and Marine troops.

Response by MSgt Neil Greenfield made Nov 12 at 2017 11:11 AM

MSgt Neil Greenfield — Sun, 12 Nov 2017 11:11:42 -0500

This isn’t really true for the Reserves or Air Guard. That’s the easiest way to get into the Navy or Air Force, if you’re prior service something else.

Response by Doris Collins made Nov 12 at 2017 11:16 AM

Doris Collins — Sun, 12 Nov 2017 11:16:36 -0500

It's being tradition. Started way back. All forces tends to display some level of supremacy.

Response by SPC Christopher Jeremiah made Nov 12 at 2017 12:49 PM

SPC Christopher Jeremiah — Sun, 12 Nov 2017 12:49:57 -0500

I was told by a USAF recruiter that they believe we spent too much time in combat and we now have more psychological differences to the normal airman ...

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2017 1:53 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Nov 2017 13:53:58 -0500

I can’t beleive he said we’re too Military for the military

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2017 3:08 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Nov 2017 15:08:50 -0500

I first served in Marine Corps active duty for 4 years, Marine Corps Reserve for 5 and then switched this year to the Air Force active duty. This being my 3rd experience with recruiters this is what I have gathered from this.

There are approximately less than 200 prior service men/women that make this change in the Air Force each year no matter the prior branch. According to various sources there are at least 900 recruiting offices in the USA averaging at least 2 recruiters per office (being conservative here). My point is that most USAF recruiting offices much less recruiters never have successful processed prior service members.

Of myy fellow Airmen in the PSSSE (Prior Service Sister Service Enlistee) course at JBSA most had been poorly processed, the enlistee had to constantly reach out over months, their recruiters didn't properly do most of their paperwork, etc. I know for me my recruiter was on top it and wanted to recruit me as much as he did anyone else but we had to re-accomplish every form we submitted up
the chain due to the lack of experience and constant new regulations regarding prior service members.

My reasoning leads me to suspect the prior service members flat out scare USAF recruiters. Despite what they say when you ask them have they handled prior service enlistment processes before they probably haven't. When they say 'yes' they most likely mean they have fielded questions before.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Nov 12 at 2017 3:20 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Sun, 12 Nov 2017 15:20:13 -0500

We work and they don't? Would be my main reason.

Response by SGM Charlie Harjo made Nov 12 at 2017 6:48 PM

SGM Charlie Harjo — Sun, 12 Nov 2017 18:48:50 -0500

Ahhh poor snowflakes lol

Response by Maj Marty Hogan made Nov 12 at 2017 6:53 PM

Maj Marty Hogan — Sun, 12 Nov 2017 18:53:01 -0500

I have not seen this personally. Far as being shunned there is an asvab requirement for the AF. There is also a large issue of medical issues. I am speaking for the ANG in the unit I am in. We would take then if they could qualify. I am sure most other units would as well. My gut and experience tell me this is not a oh you're army...no thanks. We have several old grunts and jar heads serving amongst us. Damn good at what they do...but again my experience tells me more to it than you see SGT Private RallyPoint Member

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2017 6:58 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Nov 2017 18:58:44 -0500

My first 7yrs were in the USMC and my last 12 have been in the USAF. I have seen very few Army cross over but my Wing has plenty of Marines, Sailors, and even Coast Guardsmen. But it just comes down to how good you scored on the ASVAB.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Nov 12 at 2017 7:55 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Sun, 12 Nov 2017 19:55:21 -0500

Every read the branch joke on what sucks?. Really a few reasons-1. AF/USN have much more tech positions than AR/USMC- when you till them your branch, they automatically think "cannon fodder". 2. Gung-ho types cause problems with geek types maybe We go around the world, I have AF buds who spent their 3-4 yrs in Minot in a silo. Or the USN folks who may get 2-3 years sea duty and 6-8 years shore duty- we talk of 1-3 deployments in 5-6 yrs. Also we have a tendency to intimidate them I guess. Just let it slide- the Guard of any branch would love to have us.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2017 9:34 PM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Nov 2017 21:34:35 -0500

That’s all crap. They will only take PS in certain career fields. Has nothing with the haters who think it’s a toughness issue. I will put out Cobat controllers and PJ’s against anyone. Sounds like to me there is a lot of Army, and marines who saw the light only a little late.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Nov 12 at 2017 11:23 PM

SPC Erich Guenther — Sun, 12 Nov 2017 23:23:19 -0500

We enlisted ex-Navy and ex-USAF into my National Guard Infantry Unit and they didn't do too well. The Navy guy was constantly complaining and attempting to get transferred to a Navy unit and the USAF guy never showed up for drills hardly. Both were fairly useless as Soldiers.

Response by SSgt Holden M. made Nov 13 at 2017 8:29 AM

SSgt Holden M. — Mon, 13 Nov 2017 08:29:16 -0500

The only thing I can think of is Army and Marines tend to have a lot of tattoos and the Air Force has strict regulations or did as far as I know. And also when this post was posted we were going through a big reduction in force so they might not have wanted recruits that had rank before and would/will expect the same or close to the same rank. There are a lot of variables.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 13 at 2017 9:16 AM

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Nov 2017 09:16:44 -0500

The AF actually pursued prior service army and marines for certain jobs. EOD and Pararescue among a few others as recently as FY 2016 but will only take E-5 and below from my memory.

Response by SSgt Robert Fitzpatrick made Nov 13 at 2017 10:00 AM

SSgt Robert Fitzpatrick — Mon, 13 Nov 2017 10:00:46 -0500

I heard it's because the Air Force colors with crayons and Pryor army and marines will eat them all leaving airmen with nothing to color with

Response by CPL Mikel Zimmerman made Nov 13 at 2017 10:16 PM

CPL Mikel Zimmerman — Mon, 13 Nov 2017 22:16:46 -0500

In my person opinion think it’s because like myself, being former army infantry that they frown upon us for actually giving a damn about how and when things get done. I mean let’s face it. We’re more physically and mentally fit. Switching over to a completely different atmosphere would cause conflicts.

That being said, I also have heard rumors that it’s mainly just the prior service that they aren’t interested in in general, why I don’t know. It kinda makes sense though. It’s a lot easier to mold someone who doesn’t know jack, than it is to re-mold a prior service individual.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 19 at 2017 8:32 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Nov 2017 20:32:30 -0500

I did years in the Navy before I crossed over to the Army back in '06 and I did not notice a big difference between the two, but the Air Force is another story. Apparently we are too brutal and would cause a toxic enviroment

Response by Sgt Tee Organ made Jan 17 at 2018 9:52 AM

Sgt Tee Organ — Wed, 17 Jan 2018 09:52:12 -0500

I was prior Marine and the Navy took me in. I was aviation though so they had an immediate need for me. That seems to be the key navy wise. If you have what they are looking for then they will fight to keep you.

Response by LTC John Russell made Jan 22 at 2018 8:44 PM

LTC John Russell — Mon, 22 Jan 2018 20:44:39 -0500

It's not your stigma, but their fear. Soldiers and Marines DO, and complain in the barracks or among their peers in the unit. Air Farce are vastly more free to run things up the chain of command, as in challenges to authority and whining. Young Navy guys kowtow to The Chiefs Mess, while Army and Marine NCO's for the most part are with you in everything you do in battle and training for battle. They are not superintendents (AF) or Leading Petty Officers (N). Army and Marines are interested in leading at the bottom; the ethos of our brothers in blue maybe not so much. You will be a hard nut to crack and non-conforming as a prior service soldier or Marine. I'm retired Army and worked jointly for years.

Response by PO2 David Ball made Jan 22 at 2018 10:45 PM

PO2 David Ball — Mon, 22 Jan 2018 22:45:08 -0500

Job skills. And ASVAB.. I had to retake mine when I applied for the US Navy. I was accepted with a change in rate(M.O.S.) and went to A Scholl as a AM3. So I guess it's based on those two things..

Response by CH (LTC) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2018 7:16 AM

CH (LTC) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Jan 2018 07:16:43 -0500

If you are in an occupation that they are short, they will recruit you. I have been asked to consider coming into both of those services, but I'm happy and gainfully employed with the Army so there I'll stay

Response by SGT Charles Bartell made Jan 24 at 2018 12:43 PM

SGT Charles Bartell — Wed, 24 Jan 2018 12:43:22 -0500

I have had Air Force Frends that tell me the Air force. Thinks for the most part those of us that have been Army Or Marine before are to hard headed, And we are to agresive. I can not Speak for my fomer Navy Frends. They do not know eather. Considering Both U.S. Army And Marine are used to being away form home for long amounts of time. just like most ships are. I have seen a larg amount of Marines that have joined the Army and a small amount of Navy aswell. From what I have seen the Army ,Navy, And The Marines talk crazy shit about each other. But the Air Force people, excpet the Special ops part of them A.F. talk shit about us like we do them. This is part of the miliatry life and it keeps us most of us Stright in our rolls. No matter if we are P.J's ,Ground pounding Infanrty, Flight crew for any branch. And yes even the Supply people and the cooks no matter how much shit we talk about them, We all need each other to make America strong.

Response by SGT Joseph Alanzo made Jan 25 at 2018 5:01 AM

SGT Joseph Alanzo — Thu, 25 Jan 2018 05:01:53 -0500

THE U.S.MARINES ARE PART OF THE NAVY.

Response by SGT Joseph Alanzo made Jan 25 at 2018 5:12 AM

SGT Joseph Alanzo — Thu, 25 Jan 2018 05:12:34 -0500

I KNOW ALOT PEOPLE WHERE IN OTHER BRANCHS OF THE MILITARY JOIN THE AIRFORCE OR NAVY ARMY USMC.AND COAST GRUD THEY GOT IN THE OTHER BRANCHS GETTING OUT OF THE ARMY OR MARINES all 4 of the MILITARY PERSON IN ONE OR 4 OTHER JOIN ANTHER BRANCHES.

Response by LtCol Brian Ford made Jan 27 at 2018 12:29 AM

LtCol Brian Ford — Sat, 27 Jan 2018 00:29:22 -0500

The real question, of course, is why anyone from the Army or Marines would even think of joining the Navy or Air force?!

Response by PO2 Christopher Foss made Jan 27 at 2018 2:46 PM

PO2 Christopher Foss — Sat, 27 Jan 2018 14:46:47 -0500

It has been a good long while since I was in the service, but, when I was, the problem that the Navy had was that a senior Other Service Member, in time, not necessarily in rank, "knows" how to do things.

Unfortunately, that knowledge may be wrong in relation to the Naval environment. The institutional knowledge you had already accumulated would have to be modified, or, in some cases, completely retaught.

As an example, when you are on dry land, you don't worry about how much water you are using to fight a fire. You just go until the fire is dead. On a ship, any time you fight a fire with water, you are creating a potential flooding emergency.

Response by Capt Al Parker made Jan 27 at 2018 8:07 PM

Capt Al Parker — Sat, 27 Jan 2018 20:07:46 -0500

Could the problem be more looked at from a bullying standpoint! I am sure there is a tremendous amount of "you never did this" or I did this and you'll never have to do it. I always thought of the Air Force as the Gentlemens Service and the Navy as Sea going Bell Hop. Background was Grandfather, Father and Brother were Navy.

Response by Sgt Cesario Briseno made Jan 29 at 2018 3:25 PM

Sgt Cesario Briseno — Mon, 29 Jan 2018 15:25:17 -0500

I was in the USAF in 66/70. We had 2 prior Navy and 2 prior Army in our unit. AC&W. Also had 1 prior Marine and 2 Army in our unit in Nam. Maybe things have changed.

Response by SGT Fredrick Ramm made Jan 30 at 2018 1:28 PM

SGT Fredrick Ramm — Tue, 30 Jan 2018 13:28:38 -0500

Oh Brother, I can write a book on this subject. Back in the day (Vietnam Era) we used to call them "Turncoats". I had the privilege, to work under the ultimate Turncoat (but greatest soldier I ever knew) CSM Edward Lennon...he spent 6 years in The British Army; born in Michigan USA, but like me, he had a British Mother, he enlisted (way) before December 7, 1941. I met him, after he retired from The U.S. Army in 1978 and I asked him, why he never transferred to The American Forces during World War II? He gave me, what I thought, a thin answer: "I was fine, where I was at!"....Thinking: "With The British Commandos?"
Old Ed past away and was buried in Florida. On his grave stone was written: CSM, Korea and Vietnam and date of Birth: put it this way, he didn't turn 18, until September of 1942! Oh, I did give thought, to joining The British Army, maybe I would have been retired and owning my pub in Ireland..yes, dream on!
The Stars and Stripes had front page story, back in 1970, about a guy who reenlisted in the Air Force who was a former Green Beret E-6. A picture of him, walking down the street with E-3 stripes and 3 rows of medals, CIB, Jump Wings, yada, yada, and the double takes where priceless. He did say in the article, he was applying to get his E-6 back.
Had a friend who was a Reserve Drill Sergeant E-6, had enough and transferred to the National Guard, he was up for E-7 and had to go to ANOC...he had to run a lane at ANOC, that he was once In charge of!
Speaking of The National Guard, I later joined the NG; which didn't make to many people happy because I had E-5...a couple of these National Guard Jocks would call me "Cruit"...my reply to that was "Gee, where were heroes like you back 1969?"(this was before the days, when people would thank you for your service, during time of war, a couple of these clowns where still in from the Old National Guard Draft Dodgers Club). Since I was the only guy who served actively (that I knew) with a Regular Army Armored Unit in this NG Tank Unit and I was stuck in the mortar platoon. One little Jock, who had E-5 and a 9th grade education, complained to the platoon sergeant about me. The Platoon Sergeant told him I had more time and grade in E-5 than he had in the chow line!
I have known, many turn coats, in my day. The Former Marines in The Army are just looking for a "Kinder Gentler Service", find there is more of a selection of MOS, looking to leave the brain wash thing behind, and usually they do well in The Army. Some (from many services) are just looking to fill out their 20 years and do well.
On the flip side: Don't forget Joe Basilone served in The U.S. Army before going in to The Marines.

Response by PO2 Jonathan Novak made Jan 31 at 2018 6:18 PM

PO2 Jonathan Novak — Wed, 31 Jan 2018 18:18:51 -0500

I'm a former marine that went into the Seabees (navy combat engineers for those unfamiliar).

The welcoming I got with the Bees was awesome. Not a freakin parade, but respect.

The reason the recruiter snubbed you is prior service enlistments don't count toward their quota. If you're actually considering, contact a prior service recruiter. You'll get no B.S. answers, not like a regular recruiter.

Response by TSgt Stephen Potter made Feb 3 at 2018 11:16 AM

TSgt Stephen Potter — Sat, 03 Feb 2018 11:16:36 -0500

That is not true. I am an Air Force Reserve member. I have a good friend that is a recruiter for our unit. He is prior Army and is a damn good Airmen.
You must have come across an individual that does not represent the true meaning of the USAF. I am prior Navy.

Response by TSgt Stephen Potter made Feb 3 at 2018 11:20 AM

TSgt Stephen Potter — Sat, 03 Feb 2018 11:20:58 -0500

That is not true. I am an Air Force Reserve member and my good friend that is a recruit for our unit is prior Army. You just came across an individual that is not well educated in the real military. If anything they will want you in the unit. The only training that you will need is your specific career field. Go Navy, Beat Army. I am prior Navy.

Response by PO2 Kevin Parker made Feb 4 at 2018 11:40 AM

PO2 Kevin Parker — Sun, 04 Feb 2018 11:40:33 -0500

Never had an issue with Marines. Actually never had an issue with Army either. Served with quite a few Vietnam Army Vets that joined the Navy! The only thing I can think of why a recruiter would shy away from a prospect Army Vet, is because there was a time where the Army let anyone who could walk in under their own power into the Army. Back when the Army just needed bodies. Marine Mos's transfer into the Navy rather easy.

Response by MSgt Jarred Jackson made Feb 5 at 2018 12:18 PM

MSgt Jarred Jackson — Mon, 05 Feb 2018 12:18:38 -0500

Not a direct answer, but perhaps this might help. In my experience, the culture is different. When Marines and Soldiers enter our junior ranks, the practical experience they have developed in the junior ranks appears superior to the common Airman. Soldiers and Marine tend to vocalize their B,G and concerns to Airman in a different, more aggressive, way than the Airman is use to. The AF cultural mindset is also dependant upon the career field you enter. We typically deploy as 1s and 2s (rarely as team or a unit). Most AF "jobs" are administrative or a supportive (defensive) positions. Typically, our officers (pilots, missile crews, etc) drop the bombs and turn the keys for our offensive attack.

Response by FN Shawn Watkins made Feb 6 at 2018 5:18 PM

FN Shawn Watkins — Tue, 06 Feb 2018 17:18:06 -0500

Yeah, I'm Old Navy, I don't have feelings.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Feb 6 at 2018 5:35 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Tue, 06 Feb 2018 17:35:51 -0500

It's just recruiting. Prior service people, regardless of branch, don't count against the right quotas...

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2018 4:00 PM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 16:00:13 -0500

I used to recruit for the Navy. It's nothing personal. It's about budgeting and year-groups. If you are prior service and try to come back in you are going to gain benefits eligibility from a pot of money associated with a year group that starts out collecting at the point you hit 20 years of service, not 20 years from the day you switch services. When you left service the amount of benefits funding sitting in that pot was reduced by you. This is an overly simplified explanation, but in short, it's all about the money. Each service-person's benefits are potentially worth millions if they retire, depending on how long you live and how many you choose to use. That is the reason prior service isn't getting back in. It's not just other services. When I retired last year we wouldn't even take sailors back in to active duty. Might let them into the reserves, but those billets had a waiting list that never made it to zero.

Response by PO3 John Jeter made Feb 7 at 2018 5:01 PM

PO3 John Jeter — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 17:01:12 -0500

I must admit to a hearty chuckle reading this. Nothing derogatory, just amused memories. My ships crew had a few 'OSVETS' amongst them and the havoc they could create was legendary at times. I know we have all heard there's the right way, the wrong way, and the Army/Navy/Air Force/Marine/Coast Guard way. Now toss into the mix any conflict between two service branches with the first two and you can really stir things up. Mostly they were well intentioned, but trying to convince someone that "We do things differently here" can be, well, entertaining at best and hair pulling enraging at worst. My Gunners Mate division received an OSVET who spent two tours in Viet Nam with the USMC carrying an M60. His 'combat maintenance' procedures for our M60's drove our Leading Petty Officer almost over the edge before we all managed to find an accommodation with the rule book procedures. It's funny now, but for a while half the ship was expecting a firefight in our berthing areas at any moment! Our deck dept had a few Army OSVETS that kept things lively for a time.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2018 10:07 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 22:07:47 -0500

You don't high enough ASVAB scores...

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2018 8:16 AM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 Feb 2018 08:16:46 -0500

As a prior enlisted LTC flight surgeon in the MNANG, I can tell you that we have several prior Army and Marine troops in our unit and they have no problem "adjusting" to the Air Force. We also, appreciate the values and the esprit de corp of all of the branches and use it to improve how we accomplish our mission. Everyone has a specific skill set that has been imparted to them over their life and a good commander takes stock of those strengths, weaknesses and personalities and utilizes them appropriately to accomplish the mission. It is a "corporate" thought process that breeds efficiency and it is certainly more desirable than jamming a square peg into a round hole because the damn hole needs to be filled. People are happier and more efficient at their duties when given the best job for their skillset... maybe that's why Army and Marine troops are looking to transition to the Air Force or Navy when they get out of the Army and Marines. That being said, descrimination by recruiters against our Marine Corp and Army friends is bullshit. I for one, love you guys. I enjoy working with you when you come over, but then again, my old man was was a sea going Marine on the USS Hancock 1969-70. I was born into "military."

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2018 9:51 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 11 Feb 2018 21:51:42 -0500

I have been in 2 air national guard units and I have had two supervisors that transferred from marines to air national guard. They both were great and one is extremely intelligence and still helps me so I can attest to no friction between services from my military service 20 years.

Response by SSG Larry R. Jones made Feb 14 at 2018 2:54 PM

SSG Larry R. Jones — Wed, 14 Feb 2018 14:54:23 -0500

Its because, the Air Force was once a vital part of the Army "Army Air Corps" it changed after WWII but back to the real question, it's because Air Force & Navy training is not ment to be as combat ready as the Army & the Marine Corps. We are more straight forward, don't bullish*t around. But look at the BIG PUCTURE....... The Marines NEED the Navy to get them to the beach head, the Army needs the Air Force to drop us in the battlefield. And the Air Force has one of the most defistating weapons the we, the Army & Marines call on when we need air support. The mighty AC-130. or the weilding A-10 Warthog.
The Navy brings in the Tomcat, and other flying war living aircraft, to save our a**'s when we call for them. So the real answer is. We ALL NEED EACH OTHER TO ACCOMPLISH THE MISSION.
Ssgt.Jones
Rangers Lead the Way.........

Response by PO1 Leo Scott made Feb 19 at 2018 12:36 PM

PO1 Leo Scott — Mon, 19 Feb 2018 12:36:59 -0500

SPC Levi Triplett, The high school has no knowledge of what is coming and is easier to train than take some one make them unlearn their methods and learn a new one

Response by SMSgt Keith Klug made May 23 at 2018 9:39 AM

SMSgt Keith Klug — Wed, 23 May 2018 09:39:42 -0400

Because it is too hard to hide the lobotomy scars received from both of those branches...(Just kidding) had to say it as my brother was both a Marine and now in the Army (Active/Reserve/NG). He is now a Lt. Col.

I don't see a reason why, except for numbers.

Response by SSG Lon Watson made Jun 12 at 2019 10:31 AM

SSG Lon Watson — Wed, 12 Jun 2019 10:31:18 -0400

Airforce can take their “dorm rooms”, low standards, and lack of discipline and shove it!!!

Response by SSgt Stephen Mills made Jun 12 at 2019 11:11 AM

SSgt Stephen Mills — Wed, 12 Jun 2019 11:11:28 -0400

I went USMC to the USA then USAF. I never had any problems with the Recruiter.

Response by SFC William Ewing made Jun 12 at 2019 1:18 PM

SFC William Ewing — Wed, 12 Jun 2019 13:18:40 -0400

For the Air Force they are used to the Officers going into combat. At least most of the time.
The Navy has only one mind the ships captain.

For the Army and Marines everyone goes into combat equal opportunity,
Also everyone has to think, a private in the DMZ in Korea must be able to make a split second decision that could start WWIII.

Response by MSgt Dan Calhoun made Jun 12 at 2019 3:09 PM

MSgt Dan Calhoun — Wed, 12 Jun 2019 15:09:34 -0400

I left AD Air Force after 6 years. Tried to go back AD into my prior AFSC and they would not take me. Has nothing to do with being prior Army or Marine, has everything to do with the fact you are prior service. They do not want a fully qualified E5, they want a new recruit. It is much easier to get into the reserve if you're prior service. We have worked with people that had served Active Duty in every other branch prior to getting into the Air Force reserve since I came into the reserve.

Response by Cpl Craig Meaux made Jun 12 at 2019 4:02 PM

Cpl Craig Meaux — Wed, 12 Jun 2019 16:02:59 -0400

I was a aviation ordnance-man on F/A-18s . Same exact job as the Navy . The Navy didn't want me even though I have a 1A re-enlistment code and 2 good conduct medals . Navy AOs like their leaders to be disciplined because we all work with explosives , but I was a Marine so they were not interested .

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2019 4:40 PM

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Jun 2019 16:40:11 -0400

Interesting comments. From what I’m reading below, methinks that it’s about MOS fit. Intel guys probably can cross-deck (in Navy parlance), but infantry/arty ...... wellllllll.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2019 4:47 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Jun 2019 16:47:50 -0400

This can honestly apply to any branch. There will always be limited slots for prior service recruits compared to non prior service.

Response by PO3 Juan J Ramirez Santana made Jun 12 at 2019 6:06 PM

PO3 Juan J Ramirez Santana — Wed, 12 Jun 2019 18:06:28 -0400

I served 3.5 in the Navy after serving 3 in the army with about a year in between.
Didn't see any particular problem.
It was a big adjustment, but nothing unexpected.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2019 6:36 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Jun 2019 18:36:10 -0400

I started out USMC 82 to 86, air wing, 6075 Cryogenic equipment operator. Talked to Air Force and was told that my Mos had been split into three mos's in the AF. I knew to much and would try to do all three. No go. Joined army as Intelligence Analyst, after 8.5 years joined AF as an analyst. It was hard to shake the MC and Army off and at times my co-workers didn't appreciate my way of handling troop situations but some of the oic's did.

Response by TSgt John LaBelle made Jun 12 at 2019 6:46 PM

TSgt John LaBelle — Wed, 12 Jun 2019 18:46:49 -0400

I left the Army in 2000. Met with an AF recruiter before I ETS’ed. He had all the paperwork done. Was an E-5, kept my rank, lost time in grade. Went to school. Totally appreciated the maid service there. Retired in 2012.

Response by CPO Kenneth Reeder made Jun 12 at 2019 7:10 PM

CPO Kenneth Reeder — Wed, 12 Jun 2019 19:10:36 -0400

Actually, I had several former Marines and army personnel in my navy squadrons in the 70's and 80's. The airforce never takes anybody from another service. I tried after four years in the navy in 75. Told I was over the maximum years.

Response by MSgt Bryan Jordan made Jun 12 at 2019 10:35 PM

MSgt Bryan Jordan — Wed, 12 Jun 2019 22:35:21 -0400

I was prior Army and enlisted in the Air Force ... no problem... so I don’t know where you are getting that from.

Response by PO2 Wayne Downey made Jun 13 at 2019 6:32 AM

PO2 Wayne Downey — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 06:32:02 -0400

You guys are way too "Moto".

Response by SCPO Rev. Dr. Thomas Peavy made Jun 13 at 2019 11:46 AM

SCPO Rev. Dr. Thomas Peavy — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 11:46:17 -0400

I served in the Navy, Army was attached to USMC as a Navy Corpsman retired with 25 years active and reserve service. Currently have 18 years in the USCG Auxiliary. Each branch has a culture unique to their history. It is not the uniform you wore, it is what you raised your right hand and swore.

Response by SFC Phillip Allen made Jun 13 at 2019 1:13 PM

SFC Phillip Allen — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 13:13:03 -0400

It’s because the Air Force doesn’t have as many problems meeting their recruiting goals. So they are able to pick and choose who they take in as prior service, you must have a specific set of skills they are looking for, otherwise they don’t need you. All the other comments, I heard this from so and so, I heard that from so and so, it’s just idle chatter. I got my information from several Air Force recruiters that I know personally.

Response by MSgt Billy McDonough made Jun 13 at 2019 1:23 PM

MSgt Billy McDonough — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 13:23:01 -0400

Meh, I would not take McKinley's statement at face value nor apply it across the USAF. I knew him when he was my 'Shirt' back in the day....and well...I'll let my statement stand alone. I crossed from the TX Army Guard to the USAF and had a great career.

Response by SGT Kent Carter made Jun 13 at 2019 1:23 PM

SGT Kent Carter — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 13:23:21 -0400

Nobody can keep up with this sailor, eat yer heart out... air farce!

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Jun 13 at 2019 4:26 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 16:26:08 -0400

Compatibility would be one reason, I don't claim to know jack anything about ships or aircraft. Had I wanted to I would of gone that way. When I became a Civilian Paramedic I looked into being a flight medic for the USAFR, being legally blind in one eye sealed my fate, and I stayed Army.

Response by Col Lyman Faith made Jun 13 at 2019 4:54 PM

Col Lyman Faith — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 16:54:04 -0400

I am not sure what has happened in your situation, but my youngest son served a enlistment in the Marine Corps and is now active Air Guard. He is doing quite well. He is a distinguished graduate of the Security Forces technical training school and has been promoted a couple of times.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2019 6:21 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 18:21:42 -0400

I experienced the same thing going from being a prior service Marine when enlisting in the Army Guard. Largely (and I got this directly from the recruiter) if you're prior service, you're more paperwork for them. For the time it takes to put in one PS guy, they can put in 3 high school kids.

What I observed on my own, is that recruiters also realize that PS people are more suspicious of recruiter BS (I definitely was), and that they can't lie to PS people as easily.

Be especially cautious of the recruiter you're working with, if, as soon as you tell him you're prior service, he says something like, "Well, I won't bull shit ya..." and then goes on about how the good jobs that are currently available are really scarce, and "you're probably just gonna have to take what you can get."

Response by TSgt Rudy Adame made Jun 13 at 2019 7:42 PM

TSgt Rudy Adame — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 19:42:52 -0400

I went from Army to Air Force without any problems in 1979.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2019 4:23 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Jun 2019 16:23:16 -0400

I literally put army and some Air Force in all the time form prior service. I’m a navy recruiter it must be your state specifically. Unless you have a bad RE code or some other issues

Response by Sgt Steve Riffel made Jun 15 at 2019 1:46 PM

Sgt Steve Riffel — Sat, 15 Jun 2019 13:46:41 -0400

I am a former Army SSgt 11-Bravo 50. After 6 yrs I wanted a change because becoming DI did not appeal to me so I talked to an Air Force recuiter and I was in the AF within days. I found several NCO’s in my squadron that were prior service Army, some had their CIBs. No regrets , I loved it, near the end of my enlistment I was seriously injured on duty and had to let my enlistment run out. I must have done something right , I received an AF Commendation medal for my efforts..

Response by LtCol Paul Bowen made Jun 15 at 2019 1:54 PM

LtCol Paul Bowen — Sat, 15 Jun 2019 13:54:29 -0400

Marines tend to take over leadership positions.

A USMC Captain I knew in 1985 became the Adjutant General (AG) for the Montana National Guard.

Another friend cross decked into the Navy and ended up commanding two different F/A-18 Squadrons.

Leadership Happens.

Response by SFC Rick Walton made Jun 15 at 2019 3:20 PM

SFC Rick Walton — Sat, 15 Jun 2019 15:20:18 -0400

I have always said the Air Force runs like a business. Everyone is sir or ma'am. Army/Marines would be a Pentagon. Shaped peg in an apple shaped hole.

Response by PO1 Mike Meehan made Jun 15 at 2019 4:44 PM

PO1 Mike Meehan — Sat, 15 Jun 2019 16:44:37 -0400

Apparently modern policies frown on OSVETS (other service). I worked with a guy who started his career in the Air Force, switched to the Coast Guard, and finished up as a Navy SEABEE. One would think that the services would value the fundamental discipline and leadership skills a veteran, even from another service, brings to the table. They don't like servicemembers switching branches, but they talk about having them all wear the same uniform.....ironic.

Response by SPC Eric McInteer made Jun 15 at 2019 10:15 PM

SPC Eric McInteer — Sat, 15 Jun 2019 22:15:40 -0400

Because in the Air Force the term “military bearing”, is something that’s used in an engine. They don’t want someone coming in and saluting and acting like the Air Force is part of the military.

Response by Cpl Michael Guerin made Jun 15 at 2019 10:59 PM

Cpl Michael Guerin — Sat, 15 Jun 2019 22:59:06 -0400

Can only reason that Army & Marines(like myself) are the ground pounders on the front line & in the sh*t (making us too hardcore) for the Navy & AF that fight the wars at a safer distance

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2019 10:16 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 16 Jun 2019 10:16:11 -0400

I went green to blue 3 years ago with no problems.

Response by SSG Charles Yahnke made Jun 16 at 2019 11:35 AM

SSG Charles Yahnke — Sun, 16 Jun 2019 11:35:03 -0400

The recruiter told me I was 'damaged goods' !

Response by Sgt Tim-Lee Knoetgen made Jun 16 at 2019 8:22 PM

Sgt Tim-Lee Knoetgen — Sun, 16 Jun 2019 20:22:36 -0400

Just a personal observation, but I noticed a lot more people retire from the airforce than any other branch of service. I guess that just goes to show it might be easier in the A/F to do your 20 than any other branch, again just an observance !

Response by PO2 John Resino made Jun 16 at 2019 10:38 PM

PO2 John Resino — Sun, 16 Jun 2019 22:38:10 -0400

a majority of my best coworkers and leaders where either green to blue or they came from some kind of green background. the work ethic is different, they dont do stupid crap and it pisses off the chiefs that have "lots of sea time". mean while the chiefs that have done some time in any green type duty are always respected more.

Response by SSG Herman Bauman made Jun 16 at 2019 11:52 PM

SSG Herman Bauman — Sun, 16 Jun 2019 23:52:35 -0400

My brother spent a hitch in the Army and one in the Air Force. He said the Air Force is a bunch of sissies. His opinion, I never did time in the Air Force.

Response by SSG Michael Tarvin made Jun 17 at 2019 2:50 AM

SSG Michael Tarvin — Mon, 17 Jun 2019 02:50:05 -0400

Army and Marines are "direct action" types, hyper Alpha males used to leading by example instead of by a checklist from a committee.

Response by PO1 Scott Miller made Jun 17 at 2019 7:42 AM

PO1 Scott Miller — Mon, 17 Jun 2019 07:42:06 -0400

I did three branches, Started with the Army, Marine Corps, Navy Reserves, and then Active duty Navy for 9/11 then retirement. After the Marines I called Air Force Recruiter, he told me Marines are not compatible with Air Force Service, then hung up,

Response by PO2 Gerry Tandberg made Jun 17 at 2019 12:35 PM

PO2 Gerry Tandberg — Mon, 17 Jun 2019 12:35:47 -0400

Wow, and let the inner-service rivalry continue. My whole family is well represented by all five branches of the military. I spent six years in the Navy. My father and two uncles served in Navy and Army. I've got shipmates who crossed over from Navy to Air Force and others from Air Force to Navy, and a friend from Navy to Army, and another from Navy to Coast Guard. I'm sure the transition was a challenge for them all. I have a nephew in Army Intelligence, one a Navy SeaBee SCPO, a friends who son was a Navy (not Marine) body guard to a Admiral. None of them would smack-talk their other brothers (and sisters) in arms. Each branch of service has a slightly different mission. In times of war all five branches take casualties. But, I will have to admit my brothers-in-arms who were grunts and ground-pounders in combat indured considerably more difficult day-to-day hardships. In the Navy we got three square meals a day, a decent place to sleep, clean cloths everyday, and safe working environment, but my Vietnam Combat Vet friends were not so fortunate. While working with Vets I noted the number of cases of PTS are much higher with those who served in the Army, primary because during WWII the Army had over 2.5 times as many serving as the Navy, and 16 times larger then the Marine Corps. Today the Army has 456,651 enlisted, Navy 276,276, Air Force 261,193, Marine Corps 182,147, and Coast Guard 32,647. Yes, our traditions are different, and I would likely have a difficult time crossing over to anyone of the other four branches, with the exception of the Coast Guard being the easiest and Air Force next. I absolutely will NOT smack-talk any brother-in-arms.

Response by Lt Col Gary Wilson made Jun 17 at 2019 1:37 PM

Lt Col Gary Wilson — Mon, 17 Jun 2019 13:37:25 -0400

There's a difference in attitude that needs to be understood. The Air Force treats all of its folks as professionals, because they earned that respect due to their intelligence, higher scores on the tests, and training in very technical subjects. Pure physical strength, bravado and bluster aren't needed and are actually counterproductive.

That's necessary, because the Air Force is always in combat against a dangerous foe, called "gravity", even when other folks aren't actually shooting at it. And it's unique in that a much higher percentage of its folks that actually face combat are the officers, but it's the skill of the NCO force that helps keep them alive. This leads to more of a team effort.

So if folks want to come in and can demonstrate that professional skill set in a technical arena, great. But they had better emphasize that in their interview, not how fast they can run or why they wear a buzzcut.

Response by Cpl David Bientz made Jun 18 at 2019 2:39 PM

Cpl David Bientz — Tue, 18 Jun 2019 14:39:42 -0400

They can't stand the idea of bringing in superior military personnel! :-)

Response by SFC Bill Mace made Jun 18 at 2019 3:10 PM

SFC Bill Mace — Tue, 18 Jun 2019 15:10:50 -0400

Most services don't want ANY prior service personnel. The initial 8-year commitment is what they are after.

Response by 1SG Ernest Stull made Jun 18 at 2019 3:53 PM

1SG Ernest Stull — Tue, 18 Jun 2019 15:53:12 -0400

The Navy and AF likes to think they are more professional then the Army and Marines. Just saying.

Response by SgtMaj Kenneth Dillon made Jun 18 at 2019 5:13 PM

SgtMaj Kenneth Dillon — Tue, 18 Jun 2019 17:13:54 -0400

When I was a Marine Corps recruiter, we could not re-enlist prior Marines. It was painful to turn them away. I usually walked them down to the Army recruiter who was a former Marine.

Response by MSgt Herb N made Jun 18 at 2019 6:15 PM

MSgt Herb N — Tue, 18 Jun 2019 18:15:55 -0400

I was prior Army and the joined the AF. I was shocked when a senior NCO told an Airman to pick something up and the individual told him he was not his boss and kept walking. This was in the early 70's.

Response by TSgt Douglas Greenwood made Jun 18 at 2019 7:27 PM

TSgt Douglas Greenwood — Tue, 18 Jun 2019 19:27:11 -0400

Response #1, USAF listen, we have to be told once and we get it. Army and Marines don’t or can’t
Response #2. USAF & USN have minds of their own, they don’t have to be told or directed, they just do what needs to be done without direction. In other words, they think on their feet and reason for themselves.
Response #3. We scored higher on our entry exams.
Response #4. Who gives a rats ass, we have all served or are serving an that’s what really matters, we are the 1% that don’t have to say “I almost served, but, didn’t because”???
USAF (flyboys), USN (squids), USA (ground pounders), USM (jarheads)! USCG (puddle jumpers)proud to have served with all of you.

USAF retired.

Response by PO3 Omari Newell made Jun 18 at 2019 7:38 PM

PO3 Omari Newell — Tue, 18 Jun 2019 19:38:17 -0400

i cant see how thats true i am former navy and i served with five sailors who where former army(3) and marines(2)

Response by Sgt Marcus Boone made Jun 19 at 2019 6:50 AM

Sgt Marcus Boone — Wed, 19 Jun 2019 06:50:37 -0400

Anytime an ego arrives before a person, no matter the branch; there is likely to be an issue.

Response by Sgt Charles Welling made Jun 19 at 2019 4:17 PM

Sgt Charles Welling — Wed, 19 Jun 2019 16:17:13 -0400

Having been in the Department of the Navy as a Marine, I have severe doubts that the Navy would shun a Marine for cross service enlistment. As for the Air Force, what logical reason would they shun a former Marine aircraft mechanic, ground support mechanic, intelligence operator, sniper etc. when they have MOSs for the same or very similar positions. Frankly, I don't believe shunning is general but may certainly pertain to individuals. I could be wrong but it makes little sense to me.

Response by CAPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2019 9:15 PM

CAPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Jun 2019 21:15:21 -0400

You will have to ask a recruiter specifically, but it may be an issue of bringing you in at your current rank into a more “technical” service.

Response by SGM Frank Marsh made Jun 20 at 2019 11:03 AM

SGM Frank Marsh — Thu, 20 Jun 2019 11:03:44 -0400

Response by Spc 1 J W. made Jun 20 at 2019 12:41 PM

Spc 1 J W. — Thu, 20 Jun 2019 12:41:15 -0400

Idk, there are a lot of former Army & Marine Corps personnel in the Air Force Reserve & Air National Guard.

Response by SFC George Simons made Jun 20 at 2019 12:44 PM

SFC George Simons — Thu, 20 Jun 2019 12:44:00 -0400

Actually l think it's because we can pass their PT tests with low quarters on. I know, l did it when l was at Goodfellow AFB for a school.

Response by CPO Chris Kellar made Jun 20 at 2019 1:23 PM

CPO Chris Kellar — Thu, 20 Jun 2019 13:23:37 -0400

That is weird, before I retired the Army was always wanting Sailors to cross over to the Army (Blue to Green).

Response by SGT Ivan Igitol made Jun 20 at 2019 9:07 PM

SGT Ivan Igitol — Thu, 20 Jun 2019 21:07:44 -0400

Lol I like this topic, reading the comment trail reminds me of all the military meme wars I've seen. So I guess the memes tell some sort of truth after all.

Response by Lt Col Paul Gacke made Jun 21 at 2019 8:40 AM

Lt Col Paul Gacke — Fri, 21 Jun 2019 08:40:59 -0400

I’m retired Air Force and married to a retired a Navy/Army retired nurse. (f her career was navy and the other half Army after Desert Storm). The only stigma I worry about is the one that pits us against each other. Every person who raised their hand to take the oath contributes to the total defense of this country in their own special way. If EVERY contribution wasn’t important, it wouldn’t exist so as a prior enlisted turned officer, I hope that everyone in.Rally point will defend the contributions of their brothers and sisters in all branches and stay proud of their of their own as well. What makes veterans special is that common bond of service.

Response by GySgt Richard Morrison made Jun 23 at 2019 12:59 AM

GySgt Richard Morrison — Sun, 23 Jun 2019 00:59:02 -0400

Because they can't handle us Marines. We are too squared away and set in our ways. I just can't understand that if you are a Marine why in the hell would you want to be anything else. You are all ready a member of America's 911 Force. The Best of the Best! GySgt USMC (RET) '65-85.

Response by MSgt Charles Johnson made Jun 23 at 2019 1:03 AM

MSgt Charles Johnson — Sun, 23 Jun 2019 01:03:52 -0400

Ok, that's dumb. I did 3 years 8 months in the Army with 2 consecutive tours in SEA back in 68-70. Joined the USAF in 71, they welcomed me with open arms and have never given me anything but respect for my Army time. Most never even ask what I did, they automatically appreciate the service. BTW, I retired from the USAF after another 17.5 years. Love both branches.

Response by LCpl Gordon Tillman made Jun 23 at 2019 1:48 AM

LCpl Gordon Tillman — Sun, 23 Jun 2019 01:48:51 -0400

must be something new because I served in the USMC 1969 THEN JOIN THE ARMY NATIONAL GUARD 1975 THEN USAFR 1974

Response by LCpl Gordon Tillman made Jun 23 at 2019 1:50 AM

LCpl Gordon Tillman — Sun, 23 Jun 2019 01:50:43 -0400

SERVED ARMY USMC AND USAF NO PROBLEM AT ALL JUST TEST OVER AGAIN FOR THE USAF

Response by CW3 Michael Clifford made Jun 23 at 2019 12:32 PM

CW3 Michael Clifford — Sun, 23 Jun 2019 12:32:25 -0400

No, rather it’s the opposite. I come from a long line of Navy in my home. I was the first to join the Army and also to have made a career of military service. The Navy is full of mind-numbing jobs and none match those of the combat arms and combat support of the Army. The Air Force is below the damn coast guard as a physical endurance requirement in either the Army or Marines. The Air Force also has no need for technical specialist officers, thus they have no need for warrant officers.

Response by LTJG Sandra Smith made Jun 23 at 2019 5:23 PM

LTJG Sandra Smith — Sun, 23 Jun 2019 17:23:01 -0400

Hate to tell folks, and Marines won't admit it, but they are under the Dept of the Navy and SecNav; and have been associated with navies historically for centuries, going back to the Roman Empire, at least! Pretending they're not is absurd, and blocking them from shifting their service is as well.

Response by MSgt Wes Moody made Jun 23 at 2019 10:53 PM

MSgt Wes Moody — Sun, 23 Jun 2019 22:53:17 -0400

No stigma. Just limited openings for prior service individuals

Response by SSgt Donald White made Jun 24 at 2019 12:20 AM

SSgt Donald White — Mon, 24 Jun 2019 00:20:22 -0400

They're not looking for leaders only followers.

Response by SP6 Peter Kreutzfeldt made Jun 24 at 2019 11:29 AM

SP6 Peter Kreutzfeldt — Mon, 24 Jun 2019 11:29:57 -0400

Navy and Air Force have limited "Safe Room" space thus are unable to take on any Marines

Response by CPT Mike Sims made Jun 24 at 2019 11:55 AM

CPT Mike Sims — Mon, 24 Jun 2019 11:55:21 -0400

I once experienced this when I was enlisted - the Air Force would only allow me to become a Combat Controller and the Navy would only allow me to become a Boiler Maker - and I was an M1-A1 Armor Crewmember in the Army at the time. I stayed Army and became an Officer in Air & Missile Defense, then Military Intelligence, then later as a Counterintelligence (CI) Special Agent. When I later served with other Officers from the different branches they told me that Army and Marines are much more rigid and regimented in their leadership, supervisory and management skills... and for the Navy and Air Force - they like more flexible and personal leaders who focus on managing the job that needs to be done and not so much about leading people. I was told that they focus more on a business model approach and less on a military regimented approach. After 9-11-01, for about the first 7 or 8 years, the Navy and Air Force were definitely seeking former Army and Marines - as was the Coast Guard... up until Obama decimated the military and cut funding across the board.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2019 4:00 PM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Jun 2019 16:00:32 -0400

Not sure about this... I was prior-Army, crossed over into the Blue in 1994 and just recently retired as a Colonel had 3 others w/ me that were either Army or Marines...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 25 at 2019 11:21 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Jun 2019 11:21:58 -0400

Seeing that I was active AF March 83 - NOV 89 - and currently in the Army NG...I can honestly believe the difference is that the AF has a "holier than thou" attitude. The Army, everyone is pretty much been through the same thing. in the AF, not everyone has, and most take an upper crust attitude. The saying used to be; when the AF sets up a base, they build a runway, then the golf course, then the O club - then the Officer housing, then the barracks with the left over funds...
In the Army, when you have your 'O's" racking out in bivouac with the "E's" - that says a lot.
Seen both sides, and frankly, I enjoy the Army a lot more.

Response by PO2 James Walker made Jun 25 at 2019 11:39 AM

PO2 James Walker — Tue, 25 Jun 2019 11:39:32 -0400

I worked with the army in Iraq, they did a lot of things half assed and very poorly organized wasted a lot of cash( like running 2 convoys of empty containers one goes north to load stuff and one goes south with empties, this happened all the time), if you think the navy is worried about being butt hurt, it must be a different one than I was in.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2019 1:33 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Jun 2019 01:33:10 -0400

From my perspective, it seems to be a state of mind. Although I am in the AF and have been so for 20+ years (AD and ANG combined), I have always faired better with those more operationally minded (the green side of the AF) or when supporting Army missions. In my area of specialty, there are many who are opposed to anything that resembles military. For years focus has been on needless civilian accreditation, computer based trainings, and additional duties. WE lost who we were and why we exist. There was recently a DOD mandate that rolled out requiring a “standardized” training program and WE have already begun looking for a way to short cut it because some have said, “...we will never do that...”. I have seen too many who have gotten comfortable in the civilianized sections of service and resist anything that resembles anything combat or defense related. It’s a mentality and those who do not share similar often are met with passive hostility. Again...from my perspective and experience.

Response by PO1 Michael Russum made Jun 27 at 2019 9:50 AM

PO1 Michael Russum — Thu, 27 Jun 2019 09:50:43 -0400

As a former Navy Recruiter, I can tell you that the only issue I ever had with former Army and Marines. Trying to get their DD-214 and other paperwork straight. And getting waivers approved.

Response by PO3 James Bobiney made Jun 27 at 2019 1:49 PM

PO3 James Bobiney — Thu, 27 Jun 2019 13:49:41 -0400

I honestly didn't know this was a thing. I was active Army as a Medic and got out and wanted back in but Army wasn't taking prior service. So I went in the Navy as a Corpsman. There was no problem. Worked at the Naval Operations Center Waco, TX. Worked on the Greenside alot since I was a field trained Army Medic. The Marines did indeed call me Doc, also.

Response by LCpl Cody Collins made Jun 29 at 2019 8:41 AM

LCpl Cody Collins — Sat, 29 Jun 2019 08:41:58 -0400

I have personal experience in this area. When the Blackhawk helicopters 1st came operational any United States army I remember the army putting out advertisements for people that want to be Blackhawk pilots. My list ment in the Marine Corps had just ended and I was at home and I decided to pay a visit to the army recruiter I lived in Saint Louis Missouri at the time. The recruiter whether 1st sergeant African American. I walked in and he asked me what did I want and I told him I wanted to join the army before I can finish he pulled out some paperwork and started tell me about the army. I stopped him and said I want to Side out for the Blackhawk helicopter program that was being advertised on TV ,This was back in 83. He asked me did I have any prior Experience flying helicopters I told him no I just finish for years in the United States Marine Corps. His face took a ugly turn after that, I began to tell him that army blue cap would not be a problem for me. At the time I did not know that I did not have to go to army boot camp. I told him I was anxious to sign up and then I want to fly blackhawks what do I have to do? Then he Promptly told me that he would not sign me up because he could not see himself saluting me says I will graduate as a warrant officer. We had some heated words exchange and I promptly left. After that I reenlist it into the Marine Corpse air wing. And the rest is history, In hindsight now that I look back on the army and the Marine Corps I am so glad I realistic into the Marine Corps I have so much more self respect for myself and everyone around me Shows me a healthy dose of respect.

Response by Sgt Larry Howe made Jun 29 at 2019 11:05 AM

Sgt Larry Howe — Sat, 29 Jun 2019 11:05:11 -0400

It because the USAF and USN recruiters know if you had been able to score high enough on your entrance exam you wouldn’t be USA or USMC to begin with. Plus when it comes to USMC the USAF trends to not care for little men with big egos.

Response by SGT Juan Robledo made Jun 29 at 2019 4:39 PM

SGT Juan Robledo — Sat, 29 Jun 2019 16:39:40 -0400

I believe this a bad stereotype by people who have no idea what they're talking about, during my time in the Army I got to train with former Marine and Air Force guys and Army Reservist who went through the same basic training and AIY school, for some reason or another they wanted to experience a different part of the military and travel, I guess the Air Force and the Marine Corps don't travel or PCS as much but good soldiers nevertheless

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2019 8:23 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Jun 2019 20:23:05 -0400

I have never heard of this type of discrimination

Response by SSgt Russell Stevens made Jun 30 at 2019 3:02 AM

SSgt Russell Stevens — Sun, 30 Jun 2019 03:02:24 -0400

When I was in I worked with a lot of prior Army and Marines in the Air Force. Given that my AFSC was classified as a combat AFSC we weren't too choosy about the people we got to work with us and pick up a rifle when needed.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Jun 30 at 2019 6:59 PM

Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen — Sun, 30 Jun 2019 18:59:44 -0400

Pure guess here, but thinking both those services are looking for technology savvy recruits, something the Army isn't noted for.

Response by PO1 William Van Syckle made Jul 1 at 2019 11:58 AM

PO1 William Van Syckle — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 11:58:04 -0400

I don’t see a problem here. I was Army and the Navy recruited me into their service. Had a Great career with the Navy. 17 years in the Navy out of 24 years of service. I had no problem. As I stated before, the Navy came to me. I didn’t go to them.

Response by SSgt Clarence Pennington made Jul 2 at 2019 7:29 PM

SSgt Clarence Pennington — Tue, 02 Jul 2019 19:29:18 -0400

First of all if your sensitivities are hurt by a soldier or marine you don’t belong in the Air Force or in the Navy. Go home where your belong. I was in the Air Force and never resented or threatened by soldiers or marines. I think that some of the reluctance by recruiters may come from the difference in getting promotions. Seems to me soldiers and marines make rank faster than airman and sailors. Therefore it makes it difficult to accept changing branches at the same rank would be more difficult.. I may be wrong.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2019 9:55 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Jul 2019 21:55:45 -0400

IF I had to hazard a serious guess, Id say if you didn't like the Army or the Corps (read pack the gear), you probably aren't going to like the Air Force or the Navy.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 9 at 2019 12:53 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Jul 2019 12:53:37 -0400

16 year career Air Force Recruiter here...Almost all of the comments on here are 100% false. How “military” you are has nothing to do with it. First and foremost, the Air Force is extremely limited on the number of prior service we can bring in and even further limited on what jobs we can bring them into. It all boils down to end strength and career field strength (manning). We have high retention rates in most career fields so there are literally no E-5 and above positions available in most of them. The ones that are available require that you are already fully qualified in the job and won’t need additional training. There are a very select few like Special Warfare jobs that we can bring Prior Service into. If you are interested in those you should contact a Special Warfare Recruiter and not a regular enlisted Accessions Recruiter.

Response by Cpl Kathie Shively made Jul 11 at 2019 7:59 AM

Cpl Kathie Shively — Thu, 11 Jul 2019 07:59:25 -0400

I was active duty Marine Corps and after I was honorably discharged I joined the Air Force Reserves since that was the branch of service located closest to my home of residence. My superiors in the Air Force were happy to have me and often told me that I set a great example because of the discipline that I learned from my time in the Marines. I am very proud of serving in both branches and worked with truly great people in both. This was around 40 years ago so perhaps things have changed since then.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2019 8:21 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Jul 2019 20:21:07 -0400

I went into the Army in Aug 1971, 17 years old. Went to Infantry Training at Ft. Polk, LA spent my time and got out. Joined the Navy in 1976 and stayed in until retirement. Had no problem getting in myself. The adjustment was tough at first being on a ship, etc. Navy isn't as easy as you think it is, believe me.

Response by SSG Shawn Mcfadden made Jul 19 at 2019 1:21 PM

SSG Shawn Mcfadden — Fri, 19 Jul 2019 13:21:00 -0400

Soldiers and Marines are not considered to be "technical" like the other two.

Response by Sgt Ivan Boatwright made Jul 29 at 2019 10:29 AM

Sgt Ivan Boatwright — Mon, 29 Jul 2019 10:29:20 -0400

THIS IS NEW TO MY THINKING AS IN MY YOUTH MANY DID TRANSFER WITH PRIDE. MARINES AND ARMY HAVE DISCIPLINE FROM GROUND COMBAT THAT THE OTHERS LACK IS MY GUESS.

Response by Sgt J Sanborn made Aug 5 at 2019 6:13 PM

Sgt J Sanborn — Mon, 05 Aug 2019 18:13:42 -0400

They're not the sharpest tool in the pouch. The react before they think.
Navy and AF commands what individuals who can think on they're feet and then react appropriately .

Response by CPT(P) Gs Greene made Aug 15 at 2019 10:36 AM

CPT(P) Gs Greene — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 10:36:07 -0400

It's usually because they're not so bright. Which is a generality, not all are, some are very intelligent, but honestly it's an accurate generality. I was in the Army and went into the Air NG and I was bumped down a grade and my Army leadership courses didn't count because they weren't nearly as in-depth and academic as USAF courses. Just the way it is.

Response by PO1 Charles Babcock made Aug 16 at 2019 2:39 AM

PO1 Charles Babcock — Fri, 16 Aug 2019 02:39:28 -0400

its been MANY years since i was in, While i was in we had "friendly rivalry" among the services. At present, im part of a group hang out that has 3 ex sailors 2 ex air force and and 1 ex army. Must be something reasonably new (i got out in '92) because i don't recall any problems with it when i was in.

Response by SPC Greg K. made Aug 16 at 2019 8:21 AM

SPC Greg K. — Fri, 16 Aug 2019 08:21:14 -0400

The Navy and Air Force are both good alternatives to joining the military... And they're just more sensitive. BLOOD BLOOD BLOOD!!! MAKES THE GRASS GROW!!!

Response by CMSgt Marshall Ray made Aug 16 at 2019 11:57 AM

CMSgt Marshall Ray — Fri, 16 Aug 2019 11:57:17 -0400

In my opinion these issues have more to do with self image than reality. I've had extensive experience with members of all the services and for some reason they seem to envy me for my Air Force career. Its totally unfounded, a myth. The recruiters probably find it much easier (less work) to enlist a raw recruit than prior service. Secondly there is a certain paradigm that younger less experienced military personnel ascribe to and that is all the prejudices and misconceptions I hear voiced in this discussion thread. From a leadership perspective we consider the other services essential to national security and hold them in the highest regard. So when you hear someone from another service voice a disparaging remark tell them to stuff it and be proud of yourself and your service to the country you've earned it.

Response by SMSgt Jeff Kyle made Aug 16 at 2019 2:14 PM

SMSgt Jeff Kyle — Fri, 16 Aug 2019 14:14:42 -0400

I didn’t have that problem occur when I joined the AF after serving 4 in the Marine Corps. I couldn’t get back into the Corps because they weren’t taking prior service. I had a RE-1A so that wasn’t the problem. The AF recruiter across the hall from the MC recruiter asked me what my MOS was. After telling him I was a CH-53A/D Crew Chief he looked at a chart in his desk, which stated that he needed HH-53 B/C Crew Chiefs. He then looked at me and asked when I wanted to leave. Tomorrow was too quick but I went direct duty to a HH-53C base after waiting a month and a half. Got zero AF training prior to the assignment, no tech school, no adjusted basic training, nothing. I arrived at the squads with my pink Marine Reserve ID, a flight jacket to keep me warm and a funky set of orders. Good thing I still had the ID ‘cause they didn’t know what to do with the orders.

Response by SGT Matthew Borgula made Aug 17 at 2019 11:56 AM

SGT Matthew Borgula — Sat, 17 Aug 2019 11:56:53 -0400

I was doing the green to blue was going from usar air national guard if it wasn’t for my unit deploying before we knew it and my commander didn’t sign off on it I was going to be joining the air guard as a tech sgt and a f-16 crew chief. I found it seemed like the Air Force command at that base or unit made the difference. Plus I had a prior service recruiter. So I guess it would be all different if maybe going active air force

Response by SMSgt Bob Gearhart made Aug 17 at 2019 9:46 PM

SMSgt Bob Gearhart — Sat, 17 Aug 2019 21:46:07 -0400

Because of the quality of the recruits from other services. Let’s be honest, if you have gotten out, you couldn’t make it on the outside, and now you’re trying to get back in (why not your former Branch), then you probably fall into a group that is less than desirable for enlistment.
The Air Force has combat arms areas. EOD, TACP, SF, etc. there isn’t a fear of “being to military”. There are MOSs in the Marines and Army that aren’t “hardcore”. Why retrain someone that already left one Branch and wants to bring their misery to another.

Response by SSG Eric Blue made Aug 18 at 2019 12:33 AM

SSG Eric Blue — Sun, 18 Aug 2019 00:33:15 -0400

That's a good question. I don't understand that at all. I also don't understand why I qualified for the Air Force when I was joining the military and they put me on the back burner for 18 months. I went next door to the Army recruiter and I was in DEP in about two weeks. There may very well be a stigma that makes Airmen & Sailors think that Soldiers and Marines are "less than" in their eyes. Sucks, in my opinion.

Response by SSG Eric Blue made Aug 18 at 2019 12:43 AM

SSG Eric Blue — Sun, 18 Aug 2019 00:43:31 -0400

God-honest truth, everyone...I don't know. What I do know is that we all supplement one another, in my experience. That and we all look pretty damn good together in uniform at the Medal Of Honor Gala on Liberty Island! I've been to a few of those. An amazing time!

Response by SSG Eric Blue made Aug 18 at 2019 12:50 AM

SSG Eric Blue — Sun, 18 Aug 2019 00:50:13 -0400

One more thing...I don't know if anyone else here believes in God or any other higher spiritual authority, but I do. And when I look back at my life and my career in the Army, I honestly don't believe that having gone into a different branch would have given me the same experiences I've had and yielded the outcome I've received. Every bit of bullcrap I had to put up with during my career made me better and gave me the tools necessary to navigate civilian life & my new career. The lack of support from my seniors and the opportunities stolen from me made me more resilient and more resourceful. I'm not sure that I'd be that way now if I'd had easier times from wishing I was Air Force.

Response by LTC Ken Connolly made Aug 18 at 2019 10:02 PM

LTC Ken Connolly — Sun, 18 Aug 2019 22:02:37 -0400

I thought that Marines are part of the Navy? In any case never heard, before now, the situation described.

Response by PVT Tony Notimportant made Aug 19 at 2019 12:35 AM

PVT Tony Notimportant — Mon, 19 Aug 2019 00:35:25 -0400

The United States Army/ Marine Corp are two branches in comparison to the Air Force/ Navy. The recruiters probably automatically thought “Jesus this guy probably has more deployments and tactical ground training “. Or he or she just didn’t care to put some so disciplined and trained through a soft branch. Unless your part of the Teams or a PJ it’s really no comparison.

Response by LCDR Robert Russnogle made Aug 19 at 2019 1:34 AM

LCDR Robert Russnogle — Mon, 19 Aug 2019 01:34:55 -0400

That is bullshit

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made Aug 19 at 2019 11:28 PM

CW4 Craig Urban — Mon, 19 Aug 2019 23:28:41 -0400

Because in my opinion they are afraid the the ex army and marines will overshadow them. I had a air force Security MSG who wanted to be a army warrant. I told Mel Crandell what was he good at? The CID was not going to bring him in. Not many CID agents. He retired at 20 and went DOD. He made GS 13.

Response by Col John Madison made Aug 20 at 2019 1:48 AM

Col John Madison — Tue, 20 Aug 2019 01:48:13 -0400

Some of this is historical, most often related to the Vietnam "Project 100,000"...AKA as McNamara's Morons. This was a program during the mid-'60s that lowered the standards for military entrance both in IQ and medical standards. No, this didn't apply to the USAF, as the latter didn't participate in the draft. This program hurt the Army, principally, but the Corps had its fodder too. It did lead to troops trying to transfer into other services and that left a stink. Read the book McNamara's Folly. Don't think this hadn't been considered during the spool-up for Iraq.

Response by SGT M. C. made Aug 21 at 2019 8:51 PM

SGT M. C. — Wed, 21 Aug 2019 20:51:46 -0400

Quotas and (some) test scores influence recruiter behaviors. Prior service typically are in a different quota structure -- the recruiter usually will not get the same credit for prior service that they would for a "new" service member. Yes, it's weird but true. There are some exceptions of course -- like medical personnel, etc. By the way, at one time recruiters referred to their quota system as "making box" and it influenced how they were promoted. I would be curious if the recruiter had the resourcefulness to ask what you did when you were previously enlisted -- as that would indicate to him a good deal about what part of his quota you could (or could not) fill. I knew people who were prior service. At the time there was a shortage of certain attributes or experience they had, so recruiters were anxious to speak with them.
There is also a remote possibility that they realized you knew already if you really wanted to go back into the service or not: if you were serious you would have set up an appointment at the recruiting office or followed up.

Response by SPC Randall PeQueen made Aug 22 at 2019 2:05 PM

SPC Randall PeQueen — Thu, 22 Aug 2019 14:05:50 -0400

It's easier to be the coolest person in the group when you hang around with dorks.
Letting Army/Marines in would mess that up.

*shots fired*

Response by SGT Dave Matteson made Aug 22 at 2019 8:50 PM

SGT Dave Matteson — Thu, 22 Aug 2019 20:50:25 -0400

I left active duty Army and joined the Air Guard for 10 years AGR for 4 of that.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2019 8:56 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 Aug 2019 20:56:39 -0400

Sounds like the chair Force is full of chicken craps, I am an Army recruiter and most kids tell me they are joining the air Force cause it is easier

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 1 at 2019 10:34 AM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 01 Sep 2019 10:34:22 -0400

When I was an army recruiter, prior service was a special category that was not always open. Generally speaking, if it was a closed category for us, it was closed for everybody else because their recruiting missions are smaller.

Response by MSgt Lawrence Guidry made Sep 11 at 2019 12:34 AM

MSgt Lawrence Guidry — Wed, 11 Sep 2019 00:34:16 -0400

Sounds like a round of BS, known many who transferred to USAF from Marines and Army, a little comp. is a good thing. Remember others toss jokes at the services, but piss one off and you get all on your ass.

Response by Lt Col Warren Domke made Sep 11 at 2019 2:43 AM

Lt Col Warren Domke — Wed, 11 Sep 2019 02:43:12 -0400

I served in the active Air Force for ten years and spent a grand total of 31 years in Reserve and active capacities and there were plenty of former Army and former Marines who served with me. Generally they were great airmen just as they had been great soldiers and Marines. I'm not sure how the recruiters approach this issue, but my service had a good share of former Army and Marine Corps men and women in both the enlisted and officer ranks. In the end we really all are on the same team, including retirees like me. I can't speak for the Navy, but we had a few former sailors in our ranks as well. You certainly shouldn't be disqualified for being former Army. There may be some issues with taking any prior service from other services. I can't speak to that.
Warren

Response by SP5 John Fitzgerald made Sep 11 at 2019 1:30 PM

SP5 John Fitzgerald — Wed, 11 Sep 2019 13:30:06 -0400

The Armed Forces have branches that require different skills and aptitudes and the make-up of these will naturally be different. The USAF and USN probably attract people who are not enamored of mud, bivouac, eye-to-eye conflict; whereas, the Army and Marine guys have more capacity for physical hardships of their functions, especially infantry division personnel. I (Army) had TDY on several AFB locations and can attest the the USAF has the best mess halls by far.

Response by PO2 Rick Egli made Sep 12 at 2019 2:29 AM

PO2 Rick Egli — Thu, 12 Sep 2019 02:29:27 -0400

How can this be a thing? The Marines are a part of the Navy. Of my 4 years in the Navy, 4 years were spent under Marine commands, Not one ship assignment, and time in a rifle company. Air Force probably avoid Army and Marines because they had different missions, and I always thought they were too snarky.

Response by PFC Jeff Stone made Sep 12 at 2019 7:26 AM

PFC Jeff Stone — Thu, 12 Sep 2019 07:26:17 -0400

Because we would be better at everything except getting manacures

Response by SFC Larry Triplett made Sep 12 at 2019 7:50 PM

SFC Larry Triplett — Thu, 12 Sep 2019 19:50:45 -0400

Us Army folk tend blunt, vocal, and we stand by our Soldiers!!!!!!!! NCO’s will let the Brass know if they are treating a Soldier bad we will let them know if they are messing up and the Air Force and the Navy doesn’t like that.

Response by PO3 Terry Miller made Sep 13 at 2019 6:54 PM

PO3 Terry Miller — Fri, 13 Sep 2019 18:54:57 -0400

I can't speak to recruiting but I can add this: in my 28 years in telecommunications I found that training in the Navy and Air Force provided better candidates than those who applied from the Army. Now this wasn't a large sampling and I never had Marine apply but candidates with either Navy or Air Force training usually became good telecom technicians. I'd give the edge to Air Force for the radio technicians but to the Navy for general electronics.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 13 at 2019 7:43 PM

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Sep 2019 19:43:16 -0400

I really can’t believe Some of the ridiculous responses I’m reading. As a former sailor and Army recruiter I think I have some experience to weigh in on this topic. The reason has nothing to do with military bearing, sensitivity of the branch I question or the vocal nature of any soldier/marine coming from a combat arms branch or MOS. The main reason is most Army and Marine Corps MOS’s doesn’t translate or cross into a Navy or AF rate/mos. When I was coming up on my ETS date I started talking to the Navy Reserve hoping to get on as a reserve recruiter and they were very un interested in talking to me because of my Army MOS. Even though I was prior service Navy I had a shipboard MOS which didn’t translate into the reserves, it’s just very difficult but I assure you it has nothing to do with some of the nonsense I’m reading in this post. Recruiters need numbers, I knew within five minutes if I could get someone in, if I couldn’t I moved on, it was that simple.

Response by SSgt Rick Scharnberg made Sep 14 at 2019 12:08 PM

SSgt Rick Scharnberg — Sat, 14 Sep 2019 12:08:42 -0400

When I joined the Air Force after being in the Marines I had no problems. Vietnam was winding down, so all braches were cutting back, but I had no problems.

Response by SFC Tom Crenshaw made Sep 15 at 2019 3:26 PM

SFC Tom Crenshaw — Sun, 15 Sep 2019 15:26:57 -0400

1: they need worker bees ,not non- coms with no task knowledge stepping into leadership.
Cost, you cost more.
Technical... Not tactical. Show up with some skills on paper i.e. communications tech., Something that fits a job they actually need.

Response by 1SG James Kelly made Sep 15 at 2019 9:51 PM

1SG James Kelly — Sun, 15 Sep 2019 21:51:14 -0400

Scared.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2019 6:43 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Sep 2019 06:43:21 -0400

There are a large number of Marines who cross over into the Seabees, and they do very well. I had two Army recruits in my Navy Boot Camp class in 1995, and they did less well. I joined the Navy in 1995, joined the Air National Guard after active service to get my degree, and rejoined the Navy as an officer after I graduated. I experienced no lack of enthusiasm from the recruiters, but it might be because I knew what I was getting myself into.

The only thing I can think of that might affect this is that ship life is very different from life on land, and servicemembers need to be less reliant on formations and explicit instructions to be successful.

Response by SSgt Robert Jorgensen made Oct 6 at 2019 6:08 PM

SSgt Robert Jorgensen — Sun, 06 Oct 2019 18:08:47 -0400

Air Force & Navy use markers, not crayons! Therefore Army & Marines are not able to fill out the paperwork correctly for enlisting.

Response by SSG Eric Blue made Oct 8 at 2019 10:40 PM

SSG Eric Blue — Tue, 08 Oct 2019 22:40:39 -0400

One of the answers that I didn't but should have was something my AF bro told me. And that is that the perception of Soldiers and Marines wouldn't be smart enough to make rank in the Air Force since all Airmen have to do is test out to make the next rank. He was telling me that as long as you're book-smart, you make rank. Soldiers and Marines all know that technical expertise and tactical execution go a long way in advancing through the ranks. They require self-discipline and patience with self and the environment around you.

Response by SGT Kate Cruse made Oct 10 at 2019 5:09 PM

SGT Kate Cruse — Thu, 10 Oct 2019 17:09:00 -0400

because we are over qualified.

Response by CPO Paul Larsien made Oct 17 at 2019 11:22 PM

CPO Paul Larsien — Thu, 17 Oct 2019 23:22:57 -0400

Well, as a former Submarine swabbie, I'd say it's because they are elitists! I know submarines were, but that was because we were the best!

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 20 at 2019 10:27 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 10:27:40 -0400

Hard to tell. It is a matter of specialties and numbers. A friend of mine was able to transfer his Army Commission as a Captain to the Air Force. After being an ordnance officer for three years Active Army he transferred to the Individual Ready Reserve. While in the IRR he went back to college and became a dentist. The Air Force made him a good offer and he was accepted as a Captain, with no break in service as an Officer. I think a person with a very unique specialty as missile, munitions expert, aircraft mechanic/engineer or medical, the Air Force/Navy could allow a service transfer.
However, I sense that the Air Force and Navy, as a general rule, would rather indoctrinate a brand new person that to change the indoctrination/mentality of a seasoned soldier/marine, unless it is an exceptional MOS or academic preparation possessed by the soldier/marine.

Just my two "speculative" cents.

Response by PO3 D Ingrassia made Oct 20 at 2019 1:17 PM

PO3 D Ingrassia — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 13:17:08 -0400

Marines are a part of the Navy and the Air Force is an offshoot if the army.

Response by Cpl Terry O'Connell made Oct 20 at 2019 3:50 PM

Cpl Terry O'Connell — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 15:50:57 -0400

Quite the contrary. They don’t feel we are disqualified: for no good reason, I believe they feel we don’t think much of them , that is THEY who don’t measure up. There is always the interservice banter and teasing, and I think when it is going in their direction it stings a little too much.

Response by SSG Gerald King made Oct 20 at 2019 9:51 PM

SSG Gerald King — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 21:51:04 -0400

Maybe it is just you. I know of two friends who switched from Army to Navy. One retired a Master Chief and the other retired a Lt. CDR.

Response by Capt Wayne Burden made Oct 21 at 2019 1:10 PM

Capt Wayne Burden — Mon, 21 Oct 2019 13:10:53 -0400

I have to say, after thinking about this (and if it’s really statistically true), I would have to agree with the MCPO below... the Army and Marine training standards, mindset, and culture are probably so foreign to AF folks (don’t know about Navy) that said Army/Marine personnel would be like fish out of water in the AF. I spent 22 years in the AF, both enlisted and officer, and was stationed with the Army on two occasions, in Panama and at Ft. Lee, VA. My guess is the AF would rather take a greenhorn and build them into their image, then take an Army/Marine and try to re-build them. The transition would probably be very tough, especially on a Marine, going from rigid training and discipline to a much more relaxed environment. I’m not an expert on such matters, but just taking an educated guess. As the Army folks I knew used to say, “WHOA!”.

Response by CWO2 David Bertoldo made Oct 23 at 2019 7:41 AM

CWO2 David Bertoldo — Wed, 23 Oct 2019 07:41:10 -0400

I can remember when I first entered the Marines we had what was called career privates these were guys that bounced back and forth from one branch to another But the question might be that they don't get credit or its too much paperwork one of the two

Response by TSgt Wayne Johnson made Oct 27 at 2019 12:49 PM

TSgt Wayne Johnson — Sun, 27 Oct 2019 12:49:26 -0400

I love my Brothers and Sisters in the Army and Marines, and respect them highly. So please Understand what I am about to say. The Army especially and the Marines to a lesser extent are considered to be less mentally capable of the rigors of the Air Force and Navy technology requirements. I am not saying that this is a fact but it is a strong perception.

Response by CPL Joel Alioto made Oct 28 at 2019 6:32 PM

CPL Joel Alioto — Mon, 28 Oct 2019 18:32:11 -0400

I was told by an air force recruiter
" we find most prior service personnel are to uneducated or undereducated to meet the minimal standards that the Air Force requires of all their airmen and airwomen and furthermore they don't have the correct mentality in their behavior patterns, and social attitudes that work well in the Air force" So that was the end of my talk with the recruiter. That was in 1991 right after "desert storm" ended.

Response by LCDR Mike Morrissey made Oct 29 at 2019 3:53 AM

LCDR Mike Morrissey — Tue, 29 Oct 2019 03:53:48 -0400

I trying to think of any Marine who switched to Navy...and I worked alongside both in the Amphibious aka Gator Navy. If anything, they are two very cultures. Case in point...a ship with 300 sailors and 300 Marines cooped up for months at a time and carrying out amphibious training and ops.

The Air Force seldom uses Navy assets. Everything they moved for Desert Storm was done by air...unless somebody got unlucky.

Army only rides from point to point. Such as the 4th ID.

Response by TSgt Ralph Schloss made Oct 31 at 2019 5:43 PM

TSgt Ralph Schloss — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 17:43:19 -0400

Navy had no problem taking me as an Army Spec/5!

Response by SP5 Derick Johnsohne made Nov 3 at 2019 6:44 PM

SP5 Derick Johnsohne — Sun, 03 Nov 2019 18:44:44 -0500

the reason i was given is that when one has been trained successfully in one branch, that training may interfere with training in the new branch, like when reflexes take over .

Response by SPC Franklin McKown made Nov 4 at 2019 3:13 AM

SPC Franklin McKown — Mon, 04 Nov 2019 03:13:55 -0500

Because there is a predatory instinct that isn't really part of the overall USAF mission.I mean WHAT would basic be to a guy who can smoke the DI?
I think the Navy is a better call any way...but all the offered ME was SEALs,at 30...I went back to the Cav.

Response by Cpl Salvador Vargas made Nov 7 at 2019 1:27 PM

Cpl Salvador Vargas — Thu, 07 Nov 2019 13:27:02 -0500

I showed interest in the Air Force after getting out of the Marine Corps in '96. I received a letter in the mail suggesting I wait a year as a civilian before applying in. The letter did state, as a Marine NCO from a combat arm, I had to decompress since there were two distinct styles of "discipline". I wish I had kept the letter, now.

Response by Sgt Tom Verify made Nov 11 at 2019 7:31 PM

Sgt Tom Verify — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 19:31:42 -0500

There could be many reasons. I was separated from AF many years ago as an E-4, up for E-5, if I re-upped. Instead, left and finished my last yr of college. After being out for 3.5 years, went to AF recruiter and questioned about a commission program. I was 28 and told too old as a prior enlisted. No AF. AF recruiter shared office w/Army recruiter who said, "sit right here, son." Took battery of tests, officer board, physical, and was scheduled for infantry OCS, but one catch.....enlist first as a E-2, Army basic, AIT, then OCS, and no guarantee of career field. Became a police officer instead. It's all about the needs of the various services at the time.

Response by PO2 Russell "Russ" Lincoln made Nov 13 at 2019 5:33 PM

PO2 Russell "Russ" Lincoln — Wed, 13 Nov 2019 17:33:20 -0500

I served 4 years USMC, took a 4 year break and enlisted in the Navy for another 11 years. Medically discharged in 95.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 13 at 2019 7:25 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Nov 2019 19:25:32 -0500

I am in the Air Guard and we have people from every branch. Then again we are the adults of all the branch’s.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 13 at 2019 7:29 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Nov 2019 19:29:19 -0500

I am in the Air Guard and we have people from every branch. Then again we are the adults of all the branch’s. 

On a serious note the Navy is very different in how they operate compared to the other branches. I did thinks leadership wise that was encouraged in the Navy that would be frowned on in most other branches.

My observation has always been the Marines are the most exclusive of the branches when it comes to joining as prior service.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2019 12:20 AM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Nov 2019 00:20:46 -0500

SGT Michael Westmoreland, I’ve been retired for 25 years now, and if I’m not mistaken it was the other way around when I first came in the Marine Corps. Especially the Navy and the Army. We’ve been at war since 2001, and still we have problems with recruiting people. Maybe their just scared of you because of all your wisdom and knowledge that they are amazed by you trying to enlist in their branch. Look at it another way. You have too much Gung Ho in you and others like you. Just my professional opinion Soldier. Semper Fi

Response by PO1 Orlando Miller made Nov 14 at 2019 8:09 AM

PO1 Orlando Miller — Thu, 14 Nov 2019 08:09:44 -0500

I went from the Army Reserves (12B) to active Navy (MM submarines), then back to the Army National Guard (97E/L). Plain and simply, the Air Force is soft. I said it, bunch of cream puffs. Yeah, you have a few SP's, but the rest are mostly pansies. You fly me in and out of Kandahar; so, thanks for the lift.

Response by Cpl James R. " Jim" Gossett Jr made Nov 14 at 2019 2:34 PM

Cpl James R. " Jim" Gossett Jr — Thu, 14 Nov 2019 14:34:40 -0500

Because we are FIGHTERS

Response by MGySgt Rick Tyrrell made Nov 15 at 2019 7:38 PM

MGySgt Rick Tyrrell — Fri, 15 Nov 2019 19:38:26 -0500

We are battle hardened. Our rules are a bit harsh for the softer service (Air Force) the Navy does not have issues with this.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2019 8:38 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 Nov 2019 20:38:03 -0500

This isn't a board this is just a forum for service members past and present to ask questions and to express their opinions and experiences, if you don't agree with mine cool if I hurt your feeling's fill out your report.

Response by MSgt Janice Trojan made Nov 18 at 2019 11:21 PM

MSgt Janice Trojan — Mon, 18 Nov 2019 23:21:32 -0500

Not me! Want everyone to serve. I loved being Air Force. but wish I would have tried Marines. (But I like my cushy assignments!) Marines just looked bad ass! Thank you folks!

Response by SSgt Eric Van Pamel made Nov 22 at 2019 8:42 AM

SSgt Eric Van Pamel — Fri, 22 Nov 2019 08:42:48 -0500

I am an 8 yr AF vet, having obtained a mid level NCO status during that time. Before going to Guam I knew little @ the other branches- except that my brother was a boiler tech in the Navy at the time. On Guam I became romantically involved with a Navy gal (Nav cam). There I became friends w many Navy personnel. Also I was a volunteer at the USO lounge, serving coffee and cookies and playing movies for those going onto other places. I met personnel from every branch. A few could not even tell me what they were. The Navy personnel were about the best. But the soldiers and Marines were no different than I. Over my 8yrs I worked with, over, and for many incompetent airmen..many who would not be worth 5 cents as a civilian. (Many were very decent of course.) My daughter is a West Point grad, now a 1st Lt. This inter service rivalry is b.s. My son and nephew are ex Marine. My other bro is an army vet- now an Occupational Therapist. It is all about training and mission. I myself was tough as hell, to be frank- a triathlete who pissed more testosterone each day than most of my fellow airmen produced over a lifetime. I was a decent airman but probably should have entered the army or Marines..or perhaps became a pararescueman? Any midlevel or above Marine or army soldier would make a fine airman. Many, many do!

Response by PO1 Chad Alcock made Nov 22 at 2019 11:22 AM

PO1 Chad Alcock — Fri, 22 Nov 2019 11:22:21 -0500

Like I said earlier, the main reason that Navy recruiters don't like putting in prior service is just the hassle of the process, and the way they count. Prior service didn't count towards goal until they shipped and new recruits counted as soon as they swore in for the Delayed Entry Program.

Response by MSgt Bedell Toro made Nov 22 at 2019 12:12 PM

MSgt Bedell Toro — Fri, 22 Nov 2019 12:12:32 -0500

I believe it has to do with the Army and Marine Corps having the responsibly of fighting the enemy face to face and killing them. While they just pres a button and fire a missile. They also see us as more uneducated and uncivilized.

Response by SFC David Dean made Nov 23 at 2019 5:16 PM

SFC David Dean — Sat, 23 Nov 2019 17:16:31 -0500

Two words; preconceived bias. The notion with respect to Army and Marines is predicated on that notion which is connected to a mistaken belief that both are too authoritative. Some people can disagree with this notion, but I have personally encountered this in both military situations and civilian environments. When I have specifically and directly asked about it; the direct answer comes forth as the aforementioned reason. Most often though you likely will not get a direct reply to your question. You more likely get a nebulous response or a vague answer about your specific question. From my point of view I find this dance to be a bit cowardly. I can deal with truth and not evasiveness. I am not saying I enjoy or like an answer; but I am saying being forthright and truthful is better than obfuscating or outright lies to mask your positions.

Response by TSgt Gerald Wilson made Nov 23 at 2019 7:47 PM

TSgt Gerald Wilson — Sat, 23 Nov 2019 19:47:00 -0500

You're over-thinking it brother. Recruiters are inherently lazy and therefore go for the low-hanging fruit not the difficult cases. Work sucks... Their reluctance to take you, goes to the difficulty involved in putting a prior-service member back in - ANY prior service member due to a blanket policy AGAINST doing it. The Air Force has an almost iron-clad unassailable policy of refusing ANY prior service to include their own. I can tell you this because in 2004, I went BACK in myself. Understand, I was a fully-qualified USAF Reserve flight crew member (C-5 loadmaster) with a current security clearance, NO adverse history, a current PT test, and current medical clearance, asking to return to a CRITICALLY UNDERMANNED field right after 9-11. You would think that would have been pretty simple. Wrong. Very difficult. I finally found a recruiter willing to take the case and indeed, putting me back required a USAF Headquarters-level Exception to Policy waiver after 3 months of bullshit. They did it with GREAT reluctance and 13 years later I retired from AD. LOL So...it's not you or the Army culture or any of the other bullshit fantasy reasons set forth in these answers. It's Air Force policy and nobody knows why they're such douche bags about it. Sorry.

Response by CPL David Rasch made Nov 24 at 2019 5:13 AM

CPL David Rasch — Sun, 24 Nov 2019 05:13:12 -0500

Our(army and Marines) job is to KILL, up close and personal. There are elements of both the Navy(my dad) and Air Force(son) dedicated to security and some other small functions. Now there are combined forces. All in all, it takes time to get up to speed in a new service which is why we were told to change branch meant loss of a stripe. How fast you get it back is up to your performance.

Response by Cpl Al Dee made Nov 24 at 2019 6:19 AM

Cpl Al Dee — Sun, 24 Nov 2019 06:19:53 -0500

Because the Marine Corps and the Army expect their troops to actually act like they are in the military.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2019 8:23 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Nov 2019 20:23:00 -0500

I started my career in the Navy (1993-1997) on a submarine. Then switched to the Army as a Patriot Missile crewman (1999-2005). I wanted to finish my 20 years in the Air Force reserves so I did (2007-2017). Never had an issue with jumping branches, and never was treated differently.

Response by PO1 Richard Nyberg made Nov 24 at 2019 9:30 PM

PO1 Richard Nyberg — Sun, 24 Nov 2019 21:30:49 -0500

I got out of the Army in may 1975, a few months later I went to an Air Force Recruiting office because I heard that I could into the Air Force as an Air police and be enlisted as my present rank as an E5, I talked to the Recruiter and he looked at my DD214 and saw I had 9 yrs Active Duty and told me he couldn't enlist me because I had too much Active Duty. So a few months later I enlisted in the Navy and retired 11 yrs later.

Response by SGT Charles Cameron made Nov 24 at 2019 11:56 PM

SGT Charles Cameron — Sun, 24 Nov 2019 23:56:14 -0500

Personally, I didn't have a problem. Did 6 yrs in the Army as an MP and 3 yrs as a weapons NCO. Changed to the Navy Res. as a Regiment Photographer with collateral duty with the USMC as a Combat Photographer @ Desert Storm preparations. I worked with the AF while stationed in Japan: '70-'72. I didn't enjoy the AF too much. Too soft & contradicting for me...no consistency. With the other 3 branches, I liked the regimentation and logical order of duty activities. I think, that the other branches we are talking about, don't really know how to handle our directness. I've been met with an air of arrogance from their Personnel Depts...treating us like we were a "bunch of dummies" or something...just thinking of the past.

Response by PO1 Kevin Dougherty made Nov 25 at 2019 12:03 AM

PO1 Kevin Dougherty — Mon, 25 Nov 2019 00:03:54 -0500

Could it be the various minimum entrance requirements? Do they look at AVASB scores for prior service? I know USCG is highest, and USAF 2nd, and I think Navy is next.

Response by SSgt Thomas L. made Nov 26 at 2019 2:52 AM

SSgt Thomas L. — Tue, 26 Nov 2019 02:52:55 -0500

Air Force doesn't tend to take any prior service unless you have a needed skill.

Response by Cpl John Cogswell made Nov 26 at 2019 11:15 PM

Cpl John Cogswell — Tue, 26 Nov 2019 23:15:27 -0500

Before I completely go off the deep end on you, I might suggest you reconsider the entire premise of your question. I have seen Marines prior service go both branches without any problems. Can't speak to Army, though. Just dont know many.

I can't help but feel you're trolling up interservice rivalry. Well done.

Response by PO1 Michael Bruner made Nov 27 at 2019 7:51 AM

PO1 Michael Bruner — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 07:51:23 -0500

I've known alotta former Army who switched to the Navy. The Air Force is another story. They're so "incestuous" in their hiring that, when hiring civilians, they prefer inexperienced non-veteran new hires over ones who've served in the Navy, Marines and/or Army.

Response by 2LT Gerald Dominy made Nov 27 at 2019 11:29 AM

2LT Gerald Dominy — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 11:29:03 -0500

Having been USAF and US ARMY and stationed in a USN town and lots of Friends in USN. POLITICS,, if there's one thing I can swear to the Navy in the Air Force is full of politics Good Ol Boy network and some occasionally highly unprofessional conduct. But the Army ain't no saint either the only Branch with little bit of Ethics left about them is the Marines. Ever since we forsaken the moral turpitude clause out of the UCMJ in 66 and 67 I believe we've been declining far too much rank has its privileges has made for a corrupt NCO Corps and even effects officers corps. One other thing that hinders is the general education level of documentation in the branches vary.. Usaf and Navy are written at a higher high school level with some exceptions in some fields say nuclear in the Navy would be one. But the army follows at about 8 th grade level, and the marines even lower. Your best argument would be your ASVAB scores to gain entry in Navy or Airforce.

But to give you an idea of the insanity I was United States Air Force component-level trained in radio communications but when I went to the Army I was in my MOS qualified to walk into 8 jobs inside of Signal Corps. Yet they wouldn't put me there and demanded and insisted that I went the Army School two jockey modules when I'm already trained to repair the modules. And I cant understand trying to hide a signal corps unit in the woods with generators you can hear for 5 miles because of the noise. It's my heartfelt conclusion the Army and intelligence is an oxymoron. And I've seen enough corruption in at least three of the branches to know we've got a moral problem.

Response by SPC William Szkromiuk made Nov 27 at 2019 12:32 PM

SPC William Szkromiuk — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 12:32:37 -0500

Don't forget the Coast Guard. After serving 3 years active in the Army, I wanted to go reserves or guard. I figured I would try something different. Went to see the Coast Guard Recruiter. He basically told me "no thanks". I walked out of the office. It was in a shopping mall. Five minutes later he came walking up to me and told me more. Because a lot of people were enlisting in the Coast Guard to stay out of Vietnam. They rarely took PS, unless you were pilot or medical field. And yes I know there were Coasties in Vietnam. I have a lot of respect for the Coast Guard and what they do.
So, now you know the rest of the story.

Response by SFC Sfc Darwin Maring, USA Ret made Nov 29 at 2019 2:18 PM

SFC Sfc Darwin Maring, USA Ret — Fri, 29 Nov 2019 14:18:52 -0500

It bothers them when they are told the correct way to do things.

Response by SFC George Simons made Nov 29 at 2019 8:47 PM

SFC George Simons — Fri, 29 Nov 2019 20:47:36 -0500

I don't know about the navy. But when l went to school there the Air Force didn't appreciate our take a PT test with a AF classmate. They didn't appreciate our maxing it is low quarters with a mug of coffee in our hands.

Response by SGT Joseph Alanzo made Nov 30 at 2019 2:40 AM

SGT Joseph Alanzo — Sat, 30 Nov 2019 02:40:57 -0500

I Matt many people join the Air Force who where in the army and the marines;;;;;;;,,, the air forcers was part of the army until 1947 and most Bothe the army and the airfare work ever close together

Response by CPL Raul Perez Jr made Nov 30 at 2019 4:26 PM

CPL Raul Perez Jr — Sat, 30 Nov 2019 16:26:55 -0500

Army & Marines have more discipline. We have stronger leadership qualities.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2019 10:40 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Nov 2019 22:40:18 -0500

Especially since our soldier training is more difficult in almost every aspect

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2019 10:40 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Nov 2019 22:40:50 -0500

Especially since the Army is more difficult and better in every way.

Response by PO1 Roger Clites made Nov 30 at 2019 10:50 PM

PO1 Roger Clites — Sat, 30 Nov 2019 22:50:11 -0500

Up until I retired from the Navy in 2006, I served with prior Army and Marines that wanted to try the Navy. Seems anyone that wanted,to join the Navy wasn't turned away.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 1 at 2019 7:58 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 01 Dec 2019 07:58:37 -0500

Y'all already been taught wrong and it's tough as hell to reteach you right. Plus, there's that whole "I scored a thirteen on my ASVAB" thing.

Response by SSG Jess Peters made Dec 1 at 2019 11:17 PM

SSG Jess Peters — Sun, 01 Dec 2019 23:17:23 -0500

I served at a couple mixed Armt and Air Force stations. Seems to me their is a big difference in discipline, with Army standards being much stricter. Maybe the AF and Nave doesn't feel prior Army and Marines would be a good fit.

Response by CPL Sheila Lewis made Dec 2 at 2019 1:55 PM

CPL Sheila Lewis — Mon, 02 Dec 2019 13:55:44 -0500

Mostly about the "prior Service" tag, which it is either "closed" or "strictly limited." How can anyone "close" or "srtrictly limit" someone else's future?

Response by Sgt Mike Lunsford made Dec 3 at 2019 7:07 AM

Sgt Mike Lunsford — Tue, 03 Dec 2019 07:07:25 -0500

Probably the lower IQ :)

Response by SSG Mark Ledford made Dec 3 at 2019 9:29 AM

SSG Mark Ledford — Tue, 03 Dec 2019 09:29:05 -0500

I SERVED IN THE USMC,USMCR,NATIONAL GUARD, US NAVY,ARMY RESERVE & SHORT TOURS WITH ACTIVE ARMY, ALSO IN THE COAST GUARD AUXILIARY WHERE I RECEIVED COAST GUARD MEDALS AND CGAUX. AWARDS, AFTER MY FEDERAL MILITARY SERVICE, I JOIN THE TEXAS STATE GUARD WHERE I ATTENDED THE AIR UNIVERSITY U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY FOR BASIC & ADVANCED NON-COMMSION OFFICER COURSE. STARTED IN THE 1970' DURING THE VIETNAM ERA. IT'S ALL ABOUT FUNDING & MANPOWER. WHEN THE MILITARY NEEDS YOU TATTOOS OR NO TATTOOS THEY WILL COME AND LOOK FOR YOU .GOD BLESS ALL THAT HAVE SERVED AND HAVE A MERRY, MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2019 11:30 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Dec 2019 11:30:26 -0500

I believe each branch of service have a different culture. While serving in the army I met plenty of people who switched branches and all of their priorities in conducting business were different than the standard. I like to refer to this like going to a interview for a position on the private sector. You can have all the qualifications that the interviewing employer needs. However, if she or he does not feel your personality fits their working environment, they may not hire you. Culture does set the tone. It is not right, but it is a determining factor in my opinion.

Response by SSgt Frank Boyd made Dec 4 at 2019 4:59 AM

SSgt Frank Boyd — Wed, 04 Dec 2019 04:59:06 -0500

Maybe things have changed since I was AD AF, but I worked with many former Army and Marine AF folks when I was in. I saw another comment about senior NCOs folks saying it creates a problem because they are too military; doesn't say much about those SNCOs in my book.

Response by LtCol Paul Bowen made Dec 4 at 2019 10:38 PM

LtCol Paul Bowen — Wed, 04 Dec 2019 22:38:09 -0500

The Marines take everything over. They crowd out the weaker specimens.

Response by Sgt Peter McDonald made Dec 5 at 2019 8:43 AM

Sgt Peter McDonald — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 08:43:09 -0500

The Army and Marine Corps are more disciplined and rigid when it comes to military bearing. Also we have a swagger that is borderline narcissistic that the other branches do not have.

Response by MAJ Eric Greek made Dec 7 at 2019 12:12 AM

MAJ Eric Greek — Sat, 07 Dec 2019 00:12:31 -0500

I think the reason, if you read some of the comments here, is that they just assume you are not interested. It is not common for people to switch between branches in any capacity. I have seen it happen, including an Army Captain transferring to the Navy, but it is a deliberate process.

Unless you are following up your declaration of, “I was in the Army,” with a statement of interest about the Air Force or Navy indicated high interest, they just assume you are saying, “I am Army not you guys, OK.” And so they reply, “OK,” and wander away to spend time on someone they think they can recruit.

Response by MSgt James Wright made Dec 16 at 2019 2:07 PM

MSgt James Wright — Mon, 16 Dec 2019 14:07:40 -0500

One thing missing here is the difference in training for technical careers. I was a comm guy (304X0 which became 2E1X1) and we were taught Gen Electronics and then trained on specific equipment in tech school. In the Navy (at least in the early 80's) they were taught theory in tech school and then learned the equipment at their next duty station. Not sure about the other services. Would this difference be the reason, at least for some career fields?

Response by Maj Steven Kleid made Dec 27 at 2019 3:01 AM

Maj Steven Kleid — Fri, 27 Dec 2019 03:01:59 -0500

I enlisted for 2 years active duty and 6 years Reserves in the Marine Corps right out of high school. I vowed not to reenlist, one day, when I got "gigged" during an open ranks inspection for not spit shining my shoes --- the SOLES! Several years later, after college, I got a commission in the Air Force and served for 20 years (without ever spit shining the soles of my shoes). There was one incident when, as an Air Force captain I was visiting Pensacola Naval Air Station and deliberately parked my car in a space marked "Captains Only." (For the uninitiated, a Navy captain is the equivalent of an Air Force colonel). Of course I knew the difference, but when instructed to move my car I refused -- and WON!! Yep, very petty -- but I enjoyed it...

Response by CPL Joseph Elinger made Dec 29 at 2019 2:08 AM

CPL Joseph Elinger — Sun, 29 Dec 2019 02:08:45 -0500

So Army & Marines don't make those pogues look like "vaginas."

Response by SFC Bill Mace made Jan 9 at 2020 11:24 AM

SFC Bill Mace — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 11:24:25 -0500

The Navy and Air Force want the full 8-year commitment. Prior service personnel have already fulfilled some of that requirement. At least that is the story the Air Force recruiter told me when I tried to switch branches.

Response by PO2 Hank Kaczmarek made Jan 10 at 2020 12:11 AM

PO2 Hank Kaczmarek — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 00:11:43 -0500

I wanted to change from Navy to USAF after 4 years---still on AcDu.
AF Recruiters said---You guys have too much trouble with drugs, drinking and U.A.
I told them my record was clean.

They said: We'd rather take someone off the street and teach them or way instead of trying to break you of your bad habits.

USAF can urinate up a line. That was 40 years ago. I've never forgotten it.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2020 4:28 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 16:28:58 -0500

They're soft. Plain and simple. Unless they're in Spec Ops for their respective branches, they're too soft.

Response by SSgt William Self made Jan 12 at 2020 8:42 AM

SSgt William Self — Sun, 12 Jan 2020 08:42:41 -0500

Huh?? I've never been aware of an attitude with Air Force anyway. I can't speak for the Navy but I wouldn't think they would either. I was stationed on small Air Force facilities with both the Army and Marine Corp as the host branch's and never experienced an attitude with either branch toward one another. I have a lot of respect for both Army and Marines. We all fly and salute the same flag. If someone showed you an attitude when they learned you were prior Army, I would say they have a problem. Certainly not you!

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2020 4:58 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Jan 2020 16:58:32 -0500

I’ve served with several Marines and Soldiers who successfully transitioned from green to blue and joined the Air Force, both enlisted and officers. I don’t think that it is what branch that the prior is coming from, but AFSC (MOS) they want to go into. Despite already serving, the individual’s ASVAB score still probably plays a role into acceptance.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2020 5:47 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Jan 2020 17:47:50 -0500

From what I’ve seen over the years it’s little/no problem going Army to Navy/USAF Reserve and evening less issue going Air Guard. AD Army to Navy/USAF is a chore that not many can claim success at. I suppose you could go Reserve then make the jump to AD if it’s important enough.

Response by PO2 Joseph Fast made Jan 12 at 2020 10:12 PM

PO2 Joseph Fast — Sun, 12 Jan 2020 22:12:01 -0500

It probably has to do with culture. For example, in the Navy, I was an IS. I can't stand cross rates (not all, exceptions to every rule). Low IQ, terrible at their job, you have to fix your superiors intelligence reports and they are lucky if the can score higher than a 40 on an advancement exam. They outrank you though. They bring their old rate with them. They get they angry at everything, especially if they understand it (low IQ crap), can't critically think past how their old rate operated, and believe they know everything when it comes to military bearing. They cannot be reasoned with. With my experience with cross rates, I can imagine Airforce personnel don't exactly want hard asses in their branch making life miserable for everyone. I don't blame them. If I had my way, I would kick every crossrate who couldn't score higher than a 40 on their advancement exams back to their old rate and leave the intelligence community with people who have skills in critical thinking and logical reasoning. Also, I'm not saying it's only cross rates, but it's a higher percentage of them.
To be clear, I've had cross rates that I respect and were good at their job. The Airforce might be more willing to take other branches if said people were more likely and willing to accept the Airforce culture.

Response by SFC Sean Stokes made Jan 13 at 2020 7:12 PM

SFC Sean Stokes — Mon, 13 Jan 2020 19:12:00 -0500

Lol I’ve read some awesomely funny answers on this one. The correct answer though is that Recruiting regulations have frequent updates and changes ( sometimes the changes come down daily )That means that sometimes Recruiters can write prior service and sometimes they can’t and in addition Recruiters seldomly get any credit towards their mission or goal or quota for the times when they can write prior service contracts ( the exception is glossary non priors ). Now that I’ve said that here is the other thing to know; A lot of Army and Marine jobs don’t directly translate to the Navy or Air Force ( think Ground Combat MOS’ ).....and when the prior service category is open, it isn’t usually open to retrain the prior service prospects in a new MOS, and that’s because of cost.....Department of Defense doesn’t want to keep spending money to train and retrain the same individuals over and over. Recruiters often work ridiculously long hours to find and enlist qualified applicants. They don’t want to spend their time working on a contract for someone that might be able to join ( in this case prior service ) but probably isn’t......especially when even if the applicant is able to join the Recruiter still isn’t going to get credit for writing the contract. So it really doesn’t have anything to do with Soldiers or Marines being too hardcore or anything like that, but rather Recruiter time management and DoD budget.

Response by Sgt Michael Clifford made Jan 16 at 2020 10:48 AM

Sgt Michael Clifford — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 10:48:56 -0500

I don't know what it's like now but back in the 70's when I got out the recruiters were very happy to get former Army/Marines. Even the Marine reserves were thrilled to get former active duty NCO's into reserve units. Especially from the combat arms. In the 60's and 70's the reserves and the guard were populated by individuals who were trying to avoid active duty and the draft. Their commitment was, shall we say, questionable. Former active duty Marines/Army NCO's were immediately placed in supervisory slots. They tended to be more focused and less inclined to think of the drill weekends and training as holidays.
I know that the reserves have gone 180 degrees since then since many of them have been deployed and now understand that intensive training and discipline may keep you alive.

Response by SSgt Daniel d'Errico made Jan 17 at 2020 3:03 PM

SSgt Daniel d'Errico — Fri, 17 Jan 2020 15:03:59 -0500

Attitude and education level at time of leaving former service.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2020 9:25 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Jan 2020 21:25:02 -0500

I remember interviewing for jobs after I got out in August 1970. I was asked if the 1st Air Cavalry was the one with the big yellow and black patch. Invariably, I’d be told that as a decorated officer and college grad, I had great credentials, BUT they were going to go with the azzhat with three years business experience. Happened repeatedly.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2020 2:14 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Jan 2020 02:14:38 -0500

This tagline just begs for some good jokes....

Response by Maj Dale Smith made Jan 18 at 2020 4:07 PM

Maj Dale Smith — Sat, 18 Jan 2020 16:07:35 -0500

"You want the truth, You can't handle the truth". Most soldiers and marines are great people, do a fantastic job within their MOS, and are patriot shrough and through. Problem here is check the requirements of an MOS for being in the infantry vs. working with nuclear weapons, or information technology and cyber security. Many of the Navy MOS and AF AFSC require an ASVAB score of 90+. If you have prior Army or Marine service, and you would like to cross train, emphasize that you have an MOS (and have it documented) that you have a technical skill above infantry. A HQ job requiring computers, writing and strategic/critical thinking skills would bode you well in the USN or USAF.

Response by SSG Shawn Mcfadden made Jan 19 at 2020 5:40 AM

SSG Shawn Mcfadden — Sun, 19 Jan 2020 05:40:37 -0500

Never heard that one before.

Response by PO2 John Driskill made Jan 22 at 2020 3:21 PM

PO2 John Driskill — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 15:21:36 -0500

I knew former Army members who joined the Navy when I was in from '68 to '78. No one had a problem with their prior service. We always thought of active Air Force as spoiled rotten by their branch of service though.

Response by TSgt Ralph Schloss made Jan 26 at 2020 2:32 PM

TSgt Ralph Schloss — Sun, 26 Jan 2020 14:32:50 -0500

What you have experienced is piss poor recruiters. I served active duty Army '68-71. In '78 I answered an ad in the local newspaper, turned out to be a Naval Senior Chief. We talked, I took the ASVAB, he then talked me out of being a photographer and convinced me to go with Avionics. The best thing I ever did and made for a very successful career in and out of the military. I was always treated well by both enlisted and officers and recognized for my prior service. As a Naval Aircrewman we were often called crude, rude and socially unacceptable. I don't think the Army or Marines had anything over us! lol

Response by MSgt Allen Chandler made Jan 26 at 2020 11:25 PM

MSgt Allen Chandler — Sun, 26 Jan 2020 23:25:23 -0500

I question the underlying assumption that the services discourage people from other services joining up. I know of many people who have change services from the army or the marines to the Air Force. In each case I would say that there was some adjustment because the military culture is very distinctive for each service but I don’t remember anybody having real problems or the services having problems with the people.

Response by SGT William Benson made Jan 30 at 2020 3:29 PM

SGT William Benson — Thu, 30 Jan 2020 15:29:12 -0500

There is a particular culture that each Service attempts to instill in its members (beyond the classic "What does 'secure a building' mean among the Services?") For prior service folks, ingrained mindsets must be unlearned.

Response by CWO4 Ray Fairman made Feb 2 at 2020 1:58 PM

CWO4 Ray Fairman — Sun, 02 Feb 2020 13:58:03 -0500

I served with honor in both the USAFR and USAR between my first 10 years as a US Marine enlisted rank and my last 24 as a USMC officer... I was well received by both services. The sibling rivalry never rose to an ugly level, just the usual ribbing from my comrades who also exhibited a mutual air of respect for our own past experiences

Response by SSgt Joseph Ovady made Feb 4 at 2020 6:59 PM

SSgt Joseph Ovady — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 18:59:28 -0500

It used to be that making rank in the Air Force was next to impossible. A lot of enlisted when they earn there degrees have any easier time making Officer in the Army. The Hierarchy in the Air Force is Acadamy Graduates, OTS, Enlisted, Reservists, Air National Guard. Prior Enlisted who do become Officers almost never make it above Major.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2020 9:05 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 21:05:35 -0500

I went fr a tour in Army to Marines back in ‘77 and it worked fine, but lost rank and had to go through Marine boot camp also.

Response by SGT Charles Bartell made Feb 9 at 2020 9:02 PM

SGT Charles Bartell — Sun, 09 Feb 2020 21:02:25 -0500

Most of us former amry do not have thin skin and joke about most every thing. From banging someone little siter to there mom. Or the super gay humor that freaks some people out.
Then I think for the most part we as a whole are more confident about ourselfs, And somtimes let it show.
I my self am a DICK with my humor, But I make fun of myself just as mush as others.
In most combat arm MOS's you eather get that thick skin and twisted humor or you will be broken. From the shit you see and how you have to live and work.

Unlike most Navy and Air force people.
That is nott to say that they do not have jobs like some of ours.
The Air Force has a lot of spect opp job's that most people do not know about and they fight and die next to our guys.

The Navy has Seals'. Every one knows about them,But who really knows knows about live on a SUBMARINE not seeing the sun for month's at a time with no personal space.
Then the DECK APE'S on carriers they are some of the most dangerous jobs in the navy.
If a Arresting cables snaps people are going to lose legs or die. Same if the bolt or shoe on a cat track breaks. That could kill or move a plain just enough to dumk it in the ocean.

Response by SSG Dave Johnston made Feb 10 at 2020 8:33 PM

SSG Dave Johnston — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 20:33:13 -0500

In the Mid '80's I was assigned to the LA MEPS; we had the same discussion, so; Inter-service rivalry, too disciplined, re-education [stairs are ladders, not stairs, rank insignia recognition] Esprit de corps{once a Marine, always a Marine, regardless of current uniform worn} Over-educated[ this is a jet make it fly vs I'm only allowed to work on Lockheed FE 111's and I can't work on F-22]
The only people that can fix it are assigned to the "Not-Square" building in Arlington Va. and the Texaco men like it that way it is.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2020 3:21 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 16 Feb 2020 15:21:10 -0500

YMMV - 10yrs AD USMC, 15yrs AF Reserve, Retired AF 2006. Army commission - 14 USAR.

All of my AF units were loaded with former Marines and Soldiers. And, all of those people were treated with respect. One of my AF commanders asked me if I could teach for 1SG how to prep a unit for inspection and conduct Open Ranks. I kid you not. My Army units the same. The difference? None of my units in the Corps had a single prior service body in their ranks. It does happen though. Back in late 80’s I dealt with a Marine SSgt who claimed to be a former Army LT. Let’s just say he was technically proficient but was not the ideal recruiting poster Marine.

Response by CMSgt George Barrett made Feb 16 at 2020 4:01 PM

CMSgt George Barrett — Sun, 16 Feb 2020 16:01:28 -0500

In my 31 years active duty I have served with many airmen who came out of the other branches into the Air Force. I attended several Army schools such as the Army Ranger Course and S-4 courses and was treated by some in a negative way, so I guess it works both ways. I was stationed on two Navy bases as well and was treated a lot worse. As an E-9 and a cop, I often had to remind them of the U.C.M.J and what it says about rank!

Response by PO3 Adam Stoflet made Feb 18 at 2020 11:27 PM

PO3 Adam Stoflet — Tue, 18 Feb 2020 23:27:15 -0500

Honestly it comes down to technical training. In the Army/Marines you are an infantryman first MOS second. In the Navy you are your Rate (MOS) first sailor second. To get promoted to Petty Officer 3rd class (E-4) you have to take a 200 question test, with 150 questions based on in Rate knowledge with the other 50 being basic military knowledge such as recognizing other branches ranks and insignias, grooming standards, military history etc. These test follow you all the way up to E-6. After E-6 you then have to deal with Advancment boards that you have almost no input into other than your qualifications and evals. Also in the Navy we have a saying “Choose your rate choose your fate”. For example I as a damage controlman have to know about fire fighting, CBRN, flooding, water tight integrity, aviation fire fighting, gas free engineering (confined space/ air purity) including how to maintenance every single one of those systems and those are just the basics of my Rate (MOS) then I also have to learn about other divisions equipment with in the Engineering Department such as electrical systems, sewage, fresh water, air conditioning, gas turbines, low pressure air systems, high pressure air systems, lube oil systems, propulsion systems, including how to stand watch, monitor and maintain those very systems. The if you want you Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist Pin (ESWS) now you have to learn about the missle systems, radio and communications, electronic warfare, crew served weapons, supply, etc. Longer story short every Rate in the Navy is comparable to 2-3 if not more MOS’s in the the Army/Marines. Also the Navy isn’t very fluid with Rates once you pick one your are stuck with it only in very few circumstances can you ever change it. If you do you almost always have to go back to an “A” school just to get qualified in your new Rate.

Response by MSgt Horace Smith made Feb 20 at 2020 1:33 AM

MSgt Horace Smith — Thu, 20 Feb 2020 01:33:11 -0500

Certainly NOT my experience. I'm retired AF and I served with MANY former Soldiers and Marines. I don't recall a single one of them who wasn't a good Airman.

I'd need to know more about the individuals involved. What was their MOS, service record etc.? I met many of the young men my son served with in the 82nd AB Div and I found them to be above average in every way. They could easily have served in any branch of the military.

Response by SgtMaj Charles Spidell made Feb 20 at 2020 3:33 PM

SgtMaj Charles Spidell — Thu, 20 Feb 2020 15:33:24 -0500

When I talked to an Air Force recruiter back in 1983, near the end of my first enlistment in the Marines, they wanted nothing to do with me because “Marines are too military and don’t adjust well.” Fast forward to 1998, while I was doing a joint tour with the Army at Fort Bragg, the Air Force Liaison approached me several times to ask me if I wanted to transfer to the AF and go into CCT or PJs. I asked why they wanted me now when they showed me away years earlier? He basically said they were having trouble keeping their spec ops units filled, and they wouldn’t have to spend so much money to send me to external schools for trading. I told him “no thanks.” I know several fellow Recon Marines who went to the PJs and very successful careers.

Response by LTC Pete Moore made Feb 20 at 2020 4:18 PM

LTC Pete Moore — Thu, 20 Feb 2020 16:18:03 -0500

We need all the branched mentioned. I joined the Army because it was a good fit for me. The recruiters are worried about their bonus.

Response by Cpl Warren DeMartini made Feb 21 at 2020 8:22 AM

Cpl Warren DeMartini — Fri, 21 Feb 2020 08:22:05 -0500

Lmao, it figures we don’t want to hurt the lady’s ...yeah we’re harsh cause we do the fighting

Response by SCPO Bob Stevens made Feb 21 at 2020 9:09 PM

SCPO Bob Stevens — Fri, 21 Feb 2020 21:09:41 -0500

I’ve known 3 people with prior service when I was in the Navy. 2 Marines and 1 USAF guy. One of the Marines was in my boot camp company, his rank was reduce to E-3 from E-4. At least in boot camp. The 2nd Marine was a prior Staff Sargent grunt. He had blown his knees out and was offered a opportunity to latterly convert over to the Navy with a reduction in rank to E-5 and retrained as an Airframer. When I meet him he was already an E-6 and made Chief not long after. The USAF guy I’m not sure about him. When I ran into him. He was a E-4 Airframer and was still having a hard time adjusting to how we preformed maintenance on A/C. He said he had been in a phase shop in the USAF. He’d never been on a Flight line let alone a Flight Deck to hear him talk. Every time he was assigned a task it seemed his 1st response was always, “that’s not the way we did it in the AF. He was seen as a lazy POS by most of us.

Response by SFC Richard Desrosiers made Feb 21 at 2020 10:04 PM

SFC Richard Desrosiers — Fri, 21 Feb 2020 22:04:45 -0500

My only thought is why?
when I joined the Marines, (it was Boot Camp for the Army) as we learned the Marine Corps history, yes it was geared to the point we were the best. I remember there were many times we supposedly went in and saved the day or cleaned a mess. During all this time I always felt and accepted as common ordinary banter. Just like the banter between sport teams I think it should be looked at as; why they're offended?
I spent 12 years in the Marine Corps(and proud of it) the next 8 were in the Army( and just as proud of being in the Army.
While in the Army, at a school, I was marching my class across the parade field and yes and while doing that a senior(I was able see his rank)soldier yelled out " Say it right, This isn't the Fu*#! Marine Corp". Maybe I should have run to my CO. Sadly, I shrugged it off(simple interservice taunting. I was still adjusting. And proud of it
I didn't spend 20yrs crying.

Response by SPC Mark Dorn made Feb 22 at 2020 11:37 AM

SPC Mark Dorn — Sat, 22 Feb 2020 11:37:11 -0500

Foot soldiers tend to live by exactitudeS. No B.S. is allowed because that can muddle things up and you could die. Being straight-forward is necessary and this style of communication creates a problem For other branches with less disciplined emotions.

Response by PO1 Robbie Bell made Feb 22 at 2020 7:06 PM

PO1 Robbie Bell — Sat, 22 Feb 2020 19:06:08 -0500

I was in the Navy. Then the Army. Then back to the navy. I knew several former soldiers and marines in the Navy. Perhaps your ASVAB scores disqualified you.

Response by MSgt George Fillgrove made Feb 23 at 2020 6:45 AM

MSgt George Fillgrove — Sun, 23 Feb 2020 06:45:00 -0500

NO, NOT TRUE!!!!!

I don't know where this always starts. I'm wondering if it is someone's attempt to keep certain members of a service within in that fold or jealousy over what is perceived about the other services.

I really find this CRAP offensive, given that my TI in basic was former Marine, there were several Army veterans in my Air Force tech school class, and I processed/welcomed members of other services to the Air Force when I was a recruiter. The truth is that there are MOS and AFSC conversion and there are provisions related to reinstatement of certain ranks or grades, and those individuals matriculated very well into the Air Force.

Now comes the question of who's tougher and whose "the tip of the spear," and I would venture to say we all have different duties to perform sometimes at great loss.

We can all learn a lot from the motivations and traditions of each other's service and when blended it helps to build us as individuals. It's time to respect that difference and grow up.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2020 10:14 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Feb 2020 10:14:51 -0500

I had this issue when I got off active duty many years ago. Air Force recruiter was cool until I told him I was infantry and basically told me to get out when I told him I was airborne qualified. I even went to the Coast Guard recruiter about being a rescue swimmer. He was more polite and explained it's difficult to retrain Soldiers who are so ingrained in a specific system. Oh well, back to the Army, lol.

Response by PO2 Ron Burling made Feb 23 at 2020 9:31 PM

PO2 Ron Burling — Sun, 23 Feb 2020 21:31:03 -0500

Have you tried a new deodorant? I've never heard such silliness.

Response by PO3 William Carrien made Feb 23 at 2020 9:36 PM

PO3 William Carrien — Sun, 23 Feb 2020 21:36:58 -0500

Well, I know in the Navy, we are a tad bit more laid back when it comes to formalities. We are more in line with, get the job done right. Formalities take a back seat to everything. That is, unless you are the brass. Lt. Commanders and above fall into the formalities like a hot knife through butter. Just my opinion, but that's how I always saw it.

Response by SFC Larry Jones made Feb 23 at 2020 10:14 PM

SFC Larry Jones — Sun, 23 Feb 2020 22:14:38 -0500

Speaking from a recruiging standpoint, there is not much call, o the active side at least, for prior service people. That might have somet5hing to do with it. During my years of on production recruiting, I had prior service as part of my mission a total of 2 times. I was in Recruiting Command my final eleven years in the Army.

Response by Sgt Thomas Jordan made Feb 24 at 2020 9:41 AM

Sgt Thomas Jordan — Mon, 24 Feb 2020 09:41:20 -0500

I grew up in the Marines and dad wouldn't let me join (after 30 years of combat and 3 1/2 years of Jap prison camp) at 17. He called an Air Force recruiter and I went in. A great education in computers (1962-1966) but WAS NOT THE MILITARY!

Permanent passes and no discipline or respect for the uniform. Many would do their laundry and jam it into a duffel bag and pull the uniform out, wrinkles and all and go on duty looking like HELL!

They might be afraid that the Army or Marine recruits might bring a different culture with them.

I'll be forever grateful for the education that I used for the next 55 years but couldn't stay in because it WAS NOT THE MILITARY!

Maybe others didn't have the same experiences as I did but I'm only proud of serving but not the branch of service.

Response by CDR Mike Haberthur made Feb 24 at 2020 10:01 AM

CDR Mike Haberthur — Mon, 24 Feb 2020 10:01:56 -0500

Ridiculous question. I was an enlisted Marine who accepted a commission in the Navy as an officer.

Response by PO2 Joseph Palmer made Feb 24 at 2020 5:23 PM

PO2 Joseph Palmer — Mon, 24 Feb 2020 17:23:01 -0500

Could the original ASVAB scores of Army/Marine service have anything to do with it? Specifically, the AF is 36, the Navy is 35 while the Marines is 32 and the Army 31. If I was a recruiter and realized the potential original ASVAB number of any given Army/Marine candidate could potentially disqualify that person, then why waste each others time? I do not know what each services current qualifications are for re-enlistment into another branch of service, but I would not rule that ASVAB score in this questions case.

Response by SSG Michael Doolittle made Feb 24 at 2020 10:13 PM

SSG Michael Doolittle — Mon, 24 Feb 2020 22:13:28 -0500

Probably, Marines and Army Veterans are real on the ground combat veterans.... Well a lot of us are

Response by MSgt Ted C Hall made Feb 26 at 2020 9:01 AM

MSgt Ted C Hall — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 09:01:00 -0500

There IS quite a different corporate attitude between the AF and other services. However I've never, as a tech type, had a problem with any prior service folks from any branch. A year long tech school tends to smooth the change. I've had to work around Army officers I'd bet against having a successful transition to the Air Force. Lts who were convinced their lonely little bar allowed them to speak the infallible truth. That wouldn't work in a service where officers with an English degree depend on highly skilled techs to know how to keep things working, an NCO corps that supervises the day to day stuff, and enlisted folk that send out our pilots to fight in the best maintained weapons systems on the planet.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2020 11:02 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Mar 2020 11:02:43 -0400

I see a lot of very false and very presumptive information for responses. I can only answer for the Air Force here, so the Navy will have to step in and answer their own.

Prior Service for the Air Force, even if you were in the Air Force, separated, then decided to come back, is one of the most difficult process for recruiters. There are lots of extra steps, waivers are involved, and we are at the mercy of money, that sets the caps of how many prior Service can join. Over the last 5 years, I've seen the numbers start where it seemed like plenty to go around all the way down to only 125 Prior Service slots worldwide this Fiscal Year. As soon as the program opened in October, there were already 75 people with their applications submitted. There are rumors that next Fiscal Year we will be even lower. To make things even more challenging, the biggest push has been for Direct Duty, meaning switching branches but into the same job that you were already trained to do. Saves money since the AF doesn't have to pay for you to go to job training again. Sorry, Army... We don't have "Laundry and Clothing" as a job.

It sure makes it hard being right next to a major Army post, where we get huge numbers of Soldiers desperate to escape the Army, but still keep their benefits. (For real, I didn't know Laundry and Clothing was a real military job until we had 2-3 soldiers come in to apply to switch!) Unfortunately, we have to turn lots away and the recruiters' hands are tied.

Air Force recruiters are outnumbered... A LOT... by Army and Marine recruiters, and even the Navy has more than we have. If you were given the cold shoulder, most likely it was because the chance that you were going to be accepted were either extremely slim, or none at all.

As far as the Soldiers and Marines being "too military," the Air Force actually sends prior Service from other branches to a 2 week course to help "acclimate" service members to the Air Force way of life and work.

So, yes... We tend to be more "corporate," yes we are a bit less military in the way some things are done, but that has no bearing on why the recruiter seemed to run away.

Response by PO1 Mike Wallace made Mar 12 at 2020 10:30 AM

PO1 Mike Wallace — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 10:30:24 -0400

As a recruiter I was happy to help other service vets join the Navy. It was certainly a lot easier to get a guy in with a DD214 than one with a HS diploma! I can't help but think it may be personal bias. In a great many cases people changing services whose prior service was in the same mos/nec would get an advanced rank. Lots of recruiters thought it was inappropriate which meant we lost some good people. I worked in an office where all 4 services had their own shop and they all had folks who had problems with other service enlistees.

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

Lt Col Kevin Calhoun — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 09:16:48 -0400

I experienced the same thing when I went to the Air Force officer recruiter to take a shot at OTS. When I told him I was prior Army enlisted (and actually still in the Army Reserve), his whole attitude changed. He told me that, as prior Army, the odds were very low for getting picked up by the OTS board. Never told me why though. Anyway, when he saw that I had a Master's in Mathematics, he perked up a little and said, "Well, let's see how you do on the AFOQT (Air Force Officer Qualification Test) and we'll reengage." After slaying the test (99th percentile), he put in my package and I was picked up on the very next board.
So, while I have no definitive answer, based on his verbal and non-verbal communication I would say that the Air Force has low expectations when it comes to prior Army folks. If you can somehow transcend those expectations, they will welcome you.

Response by MSgt Joseph Holness made Mar 23 at 2020 1:02 AM

MSgt Joseph Holness — Mon, 23 Mar 2020 01:02:50 -0400

LOL! Myself being former US Army for about 8-yrs before I joined the Air Force, I initially didn't get any flak about it when I joined. I did get a lot of... "This isn't the Army Sergeant" comments when it came to carrying out my AFSC and other duties. What did work in my favor in their eyes was that I was a 19E & 19K ie Tanker in the Army and my military license (which was loaded with tracked & non-tracked vehicles and equipment I was qualified to operate) carried over to the Air Force. Because of this, I went on many special assignments and details that required trained & licensed personnel on "unique equipment" that your average Air Force guy and / or gal just didn't have or get the training and experience on like I did. Same held true for my experience & qualifications with small arms, heavy weapons and mines that I received while in the Army.

Response by Maj John Rivero made Apr 6 at 2020 3:00 PM

Maj John Rivero — Mon, 06 Apr 2020 15:00:23 -0400

When I went from Marines to AF it was about what you did while in the Marines more than anything else.Grunt 0311/0331 seemed to get more crap than AirWing Marines.

Response by LCpl Cody Collins made Apr 8 at 2020 11:20 AM

LCpl Cody Collins — Wed, 08 Apr 2020 11:20:37 -0400

The same thing happened to me many years ago. The Air Force recruiter told me at the Marines
are too disciplined and strict and will have a hard time fitting in with the more relaxed atmosphere of the Air Force.

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2020 7:23 PM

1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Apr 2020 19:23:29 -0400

Being in the Air Guard, I can tell you that we have plenty of Airman that were Marines (well, once a Marine, always a Marine), Soldiers, Sailors as well as Coast Guardsman. I don't see our recruiters not recruiting qualified personnel regardless of what prior service branch they were in. I can tell that one of my best friends in the guard (prior Army) told me the that the worse thing the Army ever did for him was "to send him to an Air Force Base!".

Response by TSgt Dave Beem made Apr 12 at 2020 3:01 AM

TSgt Dave Beem — Sun, 12 Apr 2020 03:01:18 -0400

Having been an airborne pathfinder FIRST and having switched services to the USAF in 1983, they were actually LOOKING for folks from all 3 services and I had a TI (DI to you army guys) who was also prior service Army. He told me straight up that I'd have trouble because we're too blunt, coarse and realistic. But he also said that was WHY they were actively recruiting us at that time. They needed "outside the box" thinkers DESPERATELY at that time. And they got us and promptly regretted it. Yes men, we're not. Nor do we suffer fools gladly. IN my case, not at all and my performance reports proved that I didn't tolerate incompetence in those above me, nor working for me. When political correctness came along, well, if you don't like my "I wish all the ladies" cadence, don't sing!

So when they drummed a bunch of us out in 2007 (the year they had to can 40,000 out of the USAF, while NOT canning the jobs they did (and then whining later that they had a shortage of SNCO's and mid level NCO's as well)? Us army grunts have a saying..."don't shoot yourself in the foot, dumbass"!

So today, the Navy and USAF are looking for Yes MEN butt kissers, not real people with real ideas. Everything cycles. In ten or 20 years they'll be looking for guys from the other services again. And they WILL take you prior service guys, but its a lot easier getting out and then back INTO another service versus transferring while on active duty. Paperwork from hell. But if you do a little reading, I THINK you can still bypass test thru USAF basic if you're in reasonable shape fitness wise.

And for you ground pounders out there, I went from AIRBORNE to chairborne and thank you, in Bosnia, I slept in mud with the rest of you. In Iraq I got kidnapped off the plane by old army buddies who saw my name and remembered I was still sniper qualified (back when they were having fun poaching USAF guys right off the plane at Bagram and getting away with it. Even though I was prior service and could still shoot better than 90% of the guys I had to work with, I was the guy on point, all the fricking time. Didn't matter what I did, how tough I was, they gave no respect. Even when I saved their lives. (some of those guys were so unobservant as to be oblivious to their surroundings. Snipers are trained to be VERY observant.) Plus I was older than most of them too. I was not impressed with the title of "Gramps". But I'm sure they had worse ones lined up. But at the end of the tours they always said "not half bad for a chairborne". Huh. And I was jumping out of perfectly good airplanes when they were in diapers or not even born yet. Amazing what they let kids get away with today..lol

Response by Lt Col Dan LeGere made Apr 13 at 2020 10:17 AM

Lt Col Dan LeGere — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 10:17:56 -0400

I have served in the air force and the Air National Guard and been fortunate to have have served with the and have good friends that have been former Marines and Soldiers. That have brought great experiences to the units and the fight. It has been a great pleasure to served next these fine folks.

Response by SMSgt Cary Baker made Apr 13 at 2020 4:01 PM

SMSgt Cary Baker — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 16:01:07 -0400

I can't speak for the recruiters - but I served 28 years in the Air Force and had the great privilege of working with many airmen who were prior army and marines. It could be a bad recruiter.

Response by SSG Omar Ruiz-Canales made Apr 13 at 2020 5:02 PM

SSG Omar Ruiz-Canales — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 17:02:40 -0400

Most Marines and Army have a tendency to not let go of the old be hard mentality, and then we're put in a situation where we're not required to beat what we want to say to into our subordinates heads, because they were trained to take that beating a little harder than the Navy or Air Force.

Response by Cpl Brett Wagner made Apr 30 at 2020 1:23 PM

Cpl Brett Wagner — Thu, 30 Apr 2020 13:23:45 -0400

I was a Marine from 1979 to 1983 and then joined the navy in 1986. I was offered Nuke school but I chose conventional ET an advanced electronics rating with 42 weeks not counting "C" school. Maybe this is a new thing with the navy at the time USAF said they were not even taking prior service AF. Could just be one of those situations but I did not experience what you describe. I also attended my "A" school with another Marine and one person who was former army.

Response by MSG John Duchesneau made May 3 at 2020 1:25 AM

MSG John Duchesneau — Sun, 03 May 2020 01:25:38 -0400

They don't need them.
The Air Force typically has no trouble recruiting and little trouble with retention. They don't need, and probably don't want, retreads from the other services. (Although I have known a few who have transferred from the Army National Guard to the Air National Guard.)
The Navy doesn't want to have to retrain a member of another service who 1. probably has no skills directly transferable to the Navy and 2. is used to a different culture and lifestyle. Find out how big a recruit's locker is in Navy boot camp and you will begin to see the difference in culture.
The Marines might take someone who is prior service but they will have to start from square one. (i.e. the yellow foot prints at Parris Island.)
The Army will take prior service if they need them. If Marines are willing to put up the Army's "low standards" they tend to do well. Prior Navy and Air Force have to do a lot of adjusting but I've seen very few of them in the Army so I guess they are not interested.
You might as well make the best of the Army. If the Active Army won't take you, join the Army Reserve or National Guard and try to get into the AGR program. You get to be on active duty but you won't have to leave your state during your career - except for training and deployments, of course.

Response by MAJ Gary Davis made May 6 at 2020 6:29 AM

MAJ Gary Davis — Wed, 06 May 2020 06:29:24 -0400

I've always (generally) thought that the Navy and Air Force required a lot more technical jobs than the Army or the USMC. And that was the reason it is easy to be ex-Navy or ex-USAF and change to the Army or Marines, but exactly opposite when it came to ex-Army or ex-USMC trying to join the Navy or Air Force. Of course, it all depends upon the person's intelligence and MOS. I could very well be wrong with this line of thinking.

Response by MCPO Russ Ross made May 6 at 2020 11:30 AM

MCPO Russ Ross — Wed, 06 May 2020 11:30:38 -0400

I know this is an old post, but it just popped up in my feed so I’ll answer for you from the Navy’s perspective. It will be a little lengthy. I just retired from the job that approves or disapproves these requests....it’s called Enlisted Community Manager (ECM) for the Navy. Your problem sounds like a recruiter problem but I will explain a bit:

You go to a recruiter, do all that paperwork, that paperwork gets sent to Recruiting HQ, the package is staffed through their office(s) and sent to the ECM for the job you are interested in. We (ECM) make a determination based on many different things, rank at time of separation, time in service, background experience, Year Group you fall into, and current manning (just to name a few). Let’s discuss those listed above.

Background experience: If you have zero official knowledge/experience about the career field you are looking to join (in this case let’s say “cyber” I would have to sent you at a journeyman paygrade to apprentice level training hoping you make it through. And I have to rank your package against other people in the same situation that may have more experience then you do.

Rank: if you were an E5 at time of separation with 10 years service time and request to come into the Navy as an E5 to a job that performs Cyber “stuff” and you were an Army infantryman, I expect you to perform at the journeyman level....but you have ZERO experience; not a good start....I could deny the request or “counter-offer” to bring you in as an E4. Which brings me to the next discussion point; time in service

Time in service: As stated above if you are E5 w/10 years of service, I have to get you through bootcamp, through “A” school and “C” school, security clearance (to include access to facilities depending on where you go and your background) and to a command to work at an apprentice level; most of our folks are high level journeyman or master level skills at this point. By then you have about 3 years before you reach High-Year Tenure (HYT) and then you are separated (again). Going back to the situation above, if (with no experience) I counter-offer for you to be an E4, I have to give you an HYT waiver. This leads us to the next topic of Year Group.

Year Group: Year Groups are calculated fiscally; 01October to 30 September. If you joined the army between 01OCT2004 and 30SEP2005, your year group is 2005. I would look at my Manning for the YG 2005, if I were undermanned (bc recruiting didn’t meet the mark or more Sailors separated than expected) then I would move to the next decision point. However, if you did 10 years, and got out 4 years ago, you would now be calculated as a 2009 year group (bc everything stopped when you got out). we manage our jobs based on overall manning I would look at my numbers/percentages, but we also have an optimal goal for each year group.

Now, I say it sounds like a recruiter problem bc based on your initial question, it sounds like you didn’t submit a package, which is the problem. If you did, and I didn’t get that assumption, then my post above explains the process. My recommendation is to go to the recruiter, figure out your YG, and then go to the below link to find a job that your experience/interests fit and look at the overall Manning %, Manning for your YG, and for your requested paygrade. Just me...if you have been out more than 2 years, I would not expect to come back in at the same paygrade UNLESS you have significant proven work experience in that field.

https://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/enlisted/community/Pages/default.aspx

I hope this helps.

default.aspx

Response by SP5 John Fitzgerald made May 6 at 2020 11:42 AM

SP5 John Fitzgerald — Wed, 06 May 2020 11:42:49 -0400

Have not heard of reverse with USAF or Navy personnel migrating to Army or Marines. Why would that be?

Response by PO1 John Hudson made May 6 at 2020 4:18 PM

PO1 John Hudson — Wed, 06 May 2020 16:18:54 -0400

Why would anyone want to go from the Army, Marines or Coast Guard to the Navy or Air Force except for a vacation from having too much expectation and responsibilities thrust on you.

Response by SFC Harry Britt made May 7 at 2020 9:33 AM

SFC Harry Britt — Thu, 07 May 2020 09:33:55 -0400

I ran into the same thing when I had a break in service. The reason the recruiters back away is that all their recruiting missions are based on putting 1st time enlisted people in. They get NO CREDIT for putting a prior service individual in so you are not a priority for them to meet their mission. It has nothing to do with your former branch it has everything to do with them spending time that they could be using to make their mission numbers coz you get a negative NCOER if you don't make their mission.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2020 7:37 PM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 May 2020 19:37:03 -0400

Not sure they do. I was prior service Army and just recently retired after 23 years in the AF. My OTS class (95-01) had several prior service Army, Navy and Marines in it

Response by Capt Mark Miller made May 8 at 2020 12:20 AM

Capt Mark Miller — Fri, 08 May 2020 00:20:18 -0400

Something else is going on.

Response by SFC David Pope, MBA made May 8 at 2020 2:52 PM

SFC David Pope, MBA — Fri, 08 May 2020 14:52:32 -0400

When I was a SSG in the army, I had a Air Force Master Sgt offer me a fulltime slot in his unit in Chicago. I was promoted to SFC a year later in my unit, and my wife said hell no to living in Chicago, when we have Zion National Park in our back yard. They were a combat coms unit, and i was commo for 11 years before going field artillery. We also had a lot of guys transfer from Army National Guard to Air Guard and Coast Guard with no problems.

Response by AA Karen Dietrich made May 8 at 2020 5:42 PM

AA Karen Dietrich — Fri, 08 May 2020 17:42:27 -0400

My former husband was a marine and is now Air Force. My brother was navy then marine then army. It has to do with the person not the branches.

Response by MSgt Jon Sorensen made May 8 at 2020 10:30 PM

MSgt Jon Sorensen — Fri, 08 May 2020 22:30:04 -0400

For several years, post 9/11, both the USAF & Navy recruiting goals were intentionally dropped to assist the Army (primarily) with it's recruiting goals. One of the easiest 'disqualifiers' was being prior service (even prior USAF and/or Guard/Reserve). And, I hate to admit this, but the minimum "academic" qualifications for both the USAF and Navy are considerably higher than those of the Army or Marines. There were a few recruiters that believed if you had met those qualifications earlier, you would have joined then... I probably sent my fellow recruiters (mostly Army) almost a dozen prior-service folks per year... during a time when the Army was paying cash incentives when your recruit graduated Basic. However, other branches/recruiters did not qualify for the payments.

Response by LCDR S R made May 9 at 2020 9:11 AM

LCDR S R — Sat, 09 May 2020 09:11:08 -0400

The recruiters don’t get credit for prior military.

Response by PFC James Edward VERNON jr made May 9 at 2020 3:11 PM

PFC James Edward VERNON jr — Sat, 09 May 2020 15:11:12 -0400

THE TRAINING AND "DISCIPLINES" ARE VASTLY DIFFERENT.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2020 5:42 AM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 10 May 2020 05:42:47 -0400

marines and army have lower standards when it comes to asvab scores compared to the navy and Air Force.... I still know a couple dozen marines who have come to join the navy after a break in service

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2020 6:48 AM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 10 May 2020 06:48:50 -0400

Just more paperwork to do.

Response by SSG Gregg Mourizen made May 11 at 2020 1:52 AM

SSG Gregg Mourizen — Mon, 11 May 2020 01:52:13 -0400

The only spots, the Air Force would offer ma, as prior service, was Para Rescue and Forward Observer. By the time I got myself in shape for the PT test, I crossed over the age limit. That was late 90's. They would also go back and forth on accepting other branches.

Response by SGT Michael Hearn made May 11 at 2020 6:36 AM

SGT Michael Hearn — Mon, 11 May 2020 06:36:00 -0400

It should not matter where you served your prior service

Response by SSgt Frank Lanford made May 12 at 2020 6:38 PM

SSgt Frank Lanford — Tue, 12 May 2020 18:38:28 -0400

Wow !!!!, THIS is a VERY interesting subject, but as for my view, I have friends and relatives in ALL of the services, My Brother is a Retired Marine Gunny Sgt, his two sons are both in the Air Force and one of my nephews just promoted to MSGT, AND MY youngest Son, is going to be graduating from Air Force Basic Training this Thursday, with his next step going for a Security Forces, Blue Beret and Badge, just like his father did 38 years ago, and yes I am very proud of him. Further, I have friends that are Generals, Full Colonels, CWOs, CPOs, Corporals and Airmen etc., and WE all like to joke with each other about which service is better, but the bottom line is that WE ALL take the exact same Oath to Protect & Defend THIS Nation, soooo IF someone served in ANY actual Armed service, and they want to better themselves by changing services, then they should always be welcomed in ANY other service. AND I would also point out that in my era which was the early 1980s, Air Force Basic Training was NOT as "Military" as it is today, in fact watching my son's curriculum and his progress over the last 8 weeks, I am actually very impressed at how much more "Military" Air Force Basic Training has become, HELL they actually carry non-functional M-4s from the very beginning of Basic Training, unlike in my day (the early 1980s), during which (other than for actual qualification), we didn't get to carry even dummy guns until after basic and well into the Security Police Academy. So as to how Army & Marines are treated by recruiters?, well being an Air Force Cop, I have always welcomed "more" Military discipline rather than less, so in MY book I say bring on the Marines & Soldiers and welcome them into the Air Force and the Navy, any time and anywhere. God Bless ALL of those who have Served WE THE PEOPLE and THIS Great Nation.

Response by SGT Dan Theman made May 12 at 2020 9:21 PM

SGT Dan Theman — Tue, 12 May 2020 21:21:59 -0400

It’s very complex to explain but I’ll try.
Army and Marines are Men and Women.
Navy and Air Force are petulant children.
Hope that’s in layman’s terms y’all can grasp.

Response by Sgt Robert Lombard made May 13 at 2020 10:40 AM

Sgt Robert Lombard — Wed, 13 May 2020 10:40:16 -0400

My notion is that soldiers and marines who have personally been in direct combat are more likely to have experienced 'attitude modification'. I've known a few Vietnam vets who were bush marines or army special forces who, um, ventured into the bush in small groups, and 'made contact'. Just why this tendency would bother the policy makers I don't know; policy makers have tended to not explain themselves to me.

Response by LTC George Sucher made May 14 at 2020 4:14 PM

LTC George Sucher — Thu, 14 May 2020 16:14:32 -0400

This doesn’t make any sense and those who share this attitude towards their Army and Marine Corps brothers should wake up to the fact that to honorably serve crosses ALL branches. This is the military not a social grouping that promotes stereotype behavior.

Response by LTC George Sucher made May 14 at 2020 4:17 PM

LTC George Sucher — Thu, 14 May 2020 16:17:16 -0400

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2020 4:26 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 May 2020 16:26:06 -0400

Recruiters have "quotas" they have to fill. The "quota" for P>S> (priors) is usually zero. THe one for NPS (non priors) is much higher. Its nothing personal, but when you are on company time well...

Response by SSgt Randall Matheny made May 14 at 2020 5:46 PM

SSgt Randall Matheny — Thu, 14 May 2020 17:46:28 -0400

During my 8 years in the USAF I knew numerous airmen from former branches. One of my TIs at Lackland was a former Marine. I am wondering why a recruiter would approach you, when they are typically approached by prospective recruits. Your problem must be an individual thing.

Response by MSgt Keith Stover made May 14 at 2020 9:14 PM

MSgt Keith Stover — Thu, 14 May 2020 21:14:30 -0400

Maybe in some AFSC’s people might get butt hurt, but Security Forces will bust your balls with the best of them. The question should be asked, “Why do former Army and Marines enlisted want to join the Air Force, if we’re such pansies”?

Response by TSgt Gary McPherson made May 15 at 2020 11:42 AM

TSgt Gary McPherson — Fri, 15 May 2020 11:42:56 -0400

I have friends that had NO trouble switching branches' left the Marines and went into the USAF with no trouble at all.The recruiters got credit for me and my service counted.Only difference was I did NOT have to go through USAF boot camp.

Response by CPO Charles Helms made May 15 at 2020 12:01 PM

CPO Charles Helms — Fri, 15 May 2020 12:01:02 -0400

In my job in the Navy I didn't need some blow hard from the army or a marine rifleman coming into my world with a know it all attitude! In my world that gets people killed! You're assigned a buddy and required to remain with him at all times on the flight deck! We taught our new guys to hold on to the float coat and follow the instructions given to them by the airman they were assigned! Because to a flight deck from the Army is a whole different world!! That's why I didn't want ground pounding grunts!! Anyone from Marine or Army air maybe!!

Response by SSgt William (Bill) Pangrass made May 15 at 2020 2:14 PM

SSgt William (Bill) Pangrass — Fri, 15 May 2020 14:14:33 -0400

The reason I was given, many years ago, is that they don’t want to get stuck with their retirement when they can’t get a full 20 years out of them. Therefore anyone with more than 4 years in another service would have a hard time transferring.

Response by TSgt Don Dollinger made May 15 at 2020 2:41 PM

TSgt Don Dollinger — Fri, 15 May 2020 14:41:04 -0400

I believe its because of the difference in culture. Spent many years in multiple joint service billets and usually would have a couple of Army E-6s to do the same thing I was doing as an AF E-5. An Army Lt Col told me that the reason was of the difference in our managerial training, he said that they be training their E-6s stuff the AF taught us as E-3/4s. Thats not to be taken as a slight, a different skillset is needed to accomplish the different missions. IMHO: The AF Enlisted Corp has a little less of a "Warrior" attitude as very few of us fight the battle, we send our officers to do that. So while you are bivoucing we are receiving tecnical training

Response by Cpl John Henninegr made May 15 at 2020 3:07 PM

Cpl John Henninegr — Fri, 15 May 2020 15:07:03 -0400

AN Air Force recruiter told me that two years of Active Duty in the Marines made me ineligible for the Air Force. I said "Why, because when I tell someone to do something I expect them to do it?" He said "Yeah, something like that."

Response by SPC Edvard Svanoe made May 20 at 2020 7:38 PM

SPC Edvard Svanoe — Wed, 20 May 2020 19:38:40 -0400

Army and Marines get it done while the others are on the run. Once flew an AF General Officer to a meeting because the weather (Typhoon) was scaring the Airdales... Certainly didn't help their image.

Response by MAJ John Douglas made May 21 at 2020 1:30 PM

MAJ John Douglas — Thu, 21 May 2020 13:30:07 -0400

Soldiers and Marines not as politically correct as the Navy and AF want them to be?

Response by CDR William Kempner made Jun 21 at 2020 1:50 PM

CDR William Kempner — Sun, 21 Jun 2020 13:50:36 -0400

Some time ago, I saw something that made me smile on here regarding the four branches. They said that there were two branches of the service- the Army and the Navy, with the Marines being a cult (easy there, Devil Dogs, righteous Navy here-we love ya!!) and the Air Force being a business! (smile). As an ex-Capt USAF Combat Control Team Officer (Master Para/ATC), there is some truth to that itf you look at people in procurement and other very business oriented roles, though the people on the "sharp end" -pilots/aircrews, CCT, PJs, SOWT, TACP, maintenance guys, even Missiles, are plenty military. I have worked with all branches, including USCG, and all have a strong work ethic, just in a different way. I met a guy recently who went from Marine Air Wing into the Air National Guard (Rescue Group)-it was a good fit. Much depends on the training and the mindset of the individual. Recruiters can be close-minded, based on experience, but everyone is different. Those who knew me in USAF, and later saw me in USN said USN was a better fit. I personally admire soldiers and Marines for being able to deal with lousy situations and make the best of it. Most of them are like that. Ultimately, it depends on the individual.

Response by CW4 Robert Seamster made Jun 22 at 2020 10:45 AM

CW4 Robert Seamster — Mon, 22 Jun 2020 10:45:13 -0400

(Full Disclosure: I recruited for the Army for 45 months. Retired CW4, 131A) The reason the Navy and Air Force don't tend to be as interested in prior service Army and Marine Corps veterans has a lot to do with their retention strategies based on their overall authorized end-strengths and their job training philosophies. Both of those services are smaller relative to the Army (though obviously larger than the MC) and focus their recruiting much more on new applicants vs prior service. Both Navy and AF have longer promotion timelines and their Job Training schools both tend to be significantly longer than Army MOS training. The Army philosophy being more OJT focused whereas Navy and AF tend to need their younger personnel to hit the ground running out of their respective schools. This training philosophy just doesn't lend itself to recruiting large numbers of Prior Service applicants where they would come in at a higher rank but not the same level of experience or training as a Sailor/Airman who had come up through the ranks. This isn't to say you never see crossovers from Green to Blue but they just don't focus their efforts there. Additionally, The AF in particular has down sized on multiple occasions in the last two decades. Services don't tend to look for Prior Service applicants during RIFs since they are trying to reduce personnel expenditures and those are your most expensive applicants since they will be due higher salaries due to rank and time-in-service.

Response by SFC Carl Olney made Jun 22 at 2020 12:57 PM

SFC Carl Olney — Mon, 22 Jun 2020 12:57:08 -0400

Ok my 2 cents. Well here is why they kind of look the other way. Army here so I will comment on marines first. Well, the only reason I call a Marine is if I want something broke. I don't care if it is a hilltop, a house, or a person. That is their job and they are damn good at it. The only thing I don't call a marine for is to borrow one of my vehicles. Trust me they will break that too. And well the Army is simple we just like to blow shit up. And were damn good at that too. Now for the Navy and Airforce. Well, they have expensive toys and they don't want the Marines to break them. And they don't want to Army to blow their shit up. That is the best way I can explain it.

Response by PO2 Patrick Dwyer made Jun 22 at 2020 3:53 PM

PO2 Patrick Dwyer — Mon, 22 Jun 2020 15:53:09 -0400

Navy & Marines are alway in competition for dominance. When Marines are told they are Dept of the Navy. The usual return from a Marine: Yes we are the Men’s Dept. or Marine refer to Navy as Marine Ubers. LOL as a Navy Corpsman I spent 3 yrs with 2nd Mardiv as a grunt Corpsman, wore their uniforms, deployed to the field, trained where they trained. The relationship of Marines to sailors is a love hate relationship. My Marines were great. Did not cut me any slack but when I needed something they were right there.

Response by Pvt SanJuana Méndez made Jun 22 at 2020 11:39 PM

Pvt SanJuana Méndez — Mon, 22 Jun 2020 23:39:36 -0400

My brother, career Marine, wz blessed. After retiring from Corps, couldn't fine suitable (don't know what his former MOS wz) work in civilian market. He had no trouble becoming Naval shore patrol for another hitch.

Response by SPC Willie Lott made Jun 24 at 2020 2:29 AM

SPC Willie Lott — Wed, 24 Jun 2020 02:29:02 -0400

Prior service is more vocal and season to perils of Military. They probably know you want go for the tactics that they will employ.

Response by SGT Bob Knox made Jun 24 at 2020 9:17 AM

SGT Bob Knox — Wed, 24 Jun 2020 09:17:32 -0400

The army and Marines is to hard core for them it's a totally different mind set in the Air Force and Navy have you ever noticed the Marines and army call each other brother I have never heard the navy or airforce say that they live in a different world than ground forces

Response by SGT Bob Knox made Jun 24 at 2020 9:18 AM

SGT Bob Knox — Wed, 24 Jun 2020 09:18:29 -0400

But having said that they both have saved my ads ......

Response by Cpl Jack II Mosher made Jun 26 at 2020 3:21 PM

Cpl Jack II Mosher — Fri, 26 Jun 2020 15:21:29 -0400

semper fi

Response by SSG Rob Lawrence made Jun 26 at 2020 4:07 PM

SSG Rob Lawrence — Fri, 26 Jun 2020 16:07:09 -0400

I went in the reverse direction. I went into the Army from the Navy. Due to the fact I was out of the Navy less than 2 years, the Army did not send me to boot camp. After I joined the Army I was sent directly to my Advanced Individual Training unit, which was the Infantry MOS. This led to me having some real problems on the rifle range. The first day on the range I was pulled from the firing line because I had no idea how to even put a magazine into the M-16 rifle. When our company commander found out about my lack of knowledge regarding the M-16, I was immediately given training on the operation of the M-16 before I was allowed back on the firing range. The incident on the rifle range took place over 40 years ago, but I am willing to bet if I could find my former company commander today, he would remember that day at aft Polk, LA. I was the squid who couldn’t shoot straight.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2020 6:24 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Jun 2020 18:24:29 -0400

I'm not sure as to the how or why. All I know is than when I tried to go Air Guard from the Army the recruiter told me that I wasn't qualified to work on anything dealing with aircraft or electronics. I told him to look at the title of my Army MOS: "Aircraft Armament and Electrical Systems Repairer". He stumbled and stammered in a total loss for words mumbling about scores and sometimes they weren't accurate. End result was I stayed Army green and kept working on attack helicopters.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2020 5:01 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 27 Jun 2020 05:01:24 -0400

Unless you're in the National Guard, it's easier for you to transfer in the Air National Guard because basically they have they same state mission.

Response by PO3 Dennis Kordes made Jun 28 at 2020 9:16 PM

PO3 Dennis Kordes — Sun, 28 Jun 2020 21:16:15 -0400

That has never been my experience.

Response by MSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2020 1:31 PM

MSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Jul 2020 13:31:55 -0400

I would say it about dollars which makes the most sense! one retraining cost the service money! two where to insert that prior service person into the training cycle. three those two services have no true mechanism for the action to do the insertion of prior service members. real world reasons why they don't crave prior service personnel like the Army or Marines!

Response by SMSgt Bob Wilson made Jul 8 at 2020 4:43 PM

SMSgt Bob Wilson — Wed, 08 Jul 2020 16:43:38 -0400

I had a supervisor in the Air Force who came from the Marines. I saw no difference in him than any other supervisor. Also, I'm worked for Naval officers, and found Zeros are Zeros [no matter the branch]. I don't understand the reluctance of one service bring a person of another service into this branch.

Response by SSgt Catherine Segovia made Jul 12 at 2020 10:44 AM

SSgt Catherine Segovia — Sun, 12 Jul 2020 10:44:47 -0400

I’m an Air Force veteran and was stationed temporarily on an Army base for school. I couldn’t believe how rude, crude and socially irresponsible the Soldiers were. It seemed a majority’s goal was to get drunk after school. I was sure glad to get off that base. I wouldn’t want a majority of the army classmates to be stationed with me.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2020 1:36 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Jul 2020 13:36:06 -0400

Is t the real question “why the hell would a Soldier or Marine even want to join the Navy or Airforce after getting out?”

Response by SPC Lynda Gates made Jul 22 at 2020 1:07 PM

SPC Lynda Gates — Wed, 22 Jul 2020 13:07:51 -0400

Those wusses can't hold a candle to us!

Response by Maj Dale Smith made Jul 22 at 2020 4:55 PM

Maj Dale Smith — Wed, 22 Jul 2020 16:55:34 -0400

CPO Michael Hatten (below) pretty much nailed it. There are few ground pounding jobs that translate easily into the USAF/USN. In addition, the Army & USMC will take individuals with lower ASVAB scores than the Navy and Air Force. Education and mechanical inclination/engineering play a key role in the AF and USN. The blur between the survices is getting much smaller with technology, as the USA and USMC must now understand and use GPS at the element level to be able to execute their MOS. Your list of MOS qualifications and fitreps should play an important part of cross training into the AF or USN.

Response by MSgt James Bowers made Jul 22 at 2020 6:09 PM

MSgt James Bowers — Wed, 22 Jul 2020 18:09:41 -0400

A.F & Navy have a more technical focus. More MOS for Army and Marines tend to be ground troupe focused. From my perspective it's not disqualified but simply requires a new look at the ASVB testing scores.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2020 5:23 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Jul 2020 17:23:52 -0400

New wokeism.....when an Admiral is applauded for a Commencement address on making your bed.

Response by Cpl Mike Guinane made Jul 24 at 2020 11:52 PM

Cpl Mike Guinane — Fri, 24 Jul 2020 23:52:22 -0400

As a Marine I was in the better part of the Navy, why would I want to be anything less and
Why would I want to become an" Up in the air....Junior Bird Man". Earning my Air Crew wings and 5
air medals in Viet Nam as a door gunner worked for me.

Response by Dwayne Willis made Jul 25 at 2020 6:59 AM

Dwayne Willis — Sat, 25 Jul 2020 06:59:45 -0400

Because the Navy and Air Force’s standards aren’t as high as those of the Army and Marines?

Response by SFC James Jones made Jul 25 at 2020 9:27 AM

SFC James Jones — Sat, 25 Jul 2020 09:27:07 -0400

I went to a Air Force recruiter and said I wanted to join the AF. Told them I was prior Marine Corps with nine years service. He said I had to much time in the Corps to join the AF.

Response by 1SG Charles Simpson made Jul 26 at 2020 3:35 AM

1SG Charles Simpson — Sun, 26 Jul 2020 03:35:28 -0400

Simply put, they are afraid of us. Army soldiers and Marines represent that point where the rubber meets the road. We stand face to face with the enemy to do our fighting while the air force and navy hang back until they get orders to move on to another spa to wait for another "mission". You can win a war tithout a plane or a boat but you can't win a war without a rifle and a flamethrower. basic facts you can take to the bank.

Response by SrA Lisa Hunt made Jul 26 at 2020 2:55 PM

SrA Lisa Hunt — Sun, 26 Jul 2020 14:55:13 -0400

Short & sweet: we work smarter not harder in the AF & Navy. We also put more emphasis on rank through being book smart & most likely sit in the classroom more than other branches. It's different level brain work & why we have ASVAB scores.

Response by SN David Tomisin made Jul 26 at 2020 3:10 PM

SN David Tomisin — Sun, 26 Jul 2020 15:10:14 -0400

I served on board the USS TRUXTUN CGN-35 from 1981 to 1986 and we had a lot or prior Army on board

Response by SSG Derrick Iozzio made Jul 26 at 2020 9:34 PM

SSG Derrick Iozzio — Sun, 26 Jul 2020 21:34:47 -0400

I could be off, but when I served as an Army recruiter (many moons ago), our "target" was male high school graduates. 3 out of the 4 branches in our office had the same target, the AF was never there (honestly!). So it could be that the Navy and AF have a target demographic for their recruiting mission.

Response by LtCol Paul Bowen made Jul 26 at 2020 10:30 PM

LtCol Paul Bowen — Sun, 26 Jul 2020 22:30:56 -0400

Marines take over everything.

We are more competitive and we like winning, a lot!

Response by SPC John A. made Jul 26 at 2020 10:32 PM

SPC John A. — Sun, 26 Jul 2020 22:32:36 -0400

What;s the real reason prior army wants anything to do with the Air Force or the Navy?

Response by SN John Wampler made Jul 26 at 2020 11:43 PM

SN John Wampler — Sun, 26 Jul 2020 23:43:58 -0400

Could it be that dog faced pony soldiers just don’t look good in AF Blues?

Response by PO2 Tony Divito made Jul 27 at 2020 10:15 AM

PO2 Tony Divito — Mon, 27 Jul 2020 10:15:28 -0400

In the 1980’s we had several former Marines in the Navy. Many were Vietnam Veterans finishing their 20 year military career. They were usually Gunners Mate, Aviation Ordnanceman or Master at Arms. The one’s I served with had Purple Hearts and opted for a less ridged work environment. They were the most laid back Petty Officers that kept junior enlisteds out of trouble.

Response by Sgt Thomas Ivanoff made Jul 27 at 2020 6:17 PM

Sgt Thomas Ivanoff — Mon, 27 Jul 2020 18:17:32 -0400

They are trying to meet a quota. You have been trained to do different work and have a different attitude than the AF is looking for. I am sure you will be welcome with open arms by servicemen from the AF and Navy at the legions around the country or at the Bars too. The amRecruiters are working with certain guidelines. They are not the representation of those that served. I have three brothers that were army, one brother that was a marine and a Father that was Navy and I was Air Force. We do not shun any for the branch of service they served. We may have given them crap for taking the easy road m. though. Guess which branch that was... Not AF. Yes we are all proud to serve this Great Nation. Anyone out there able to say they had more brothers serve?

Response by Lt Col Leo Shockley made Jul 27 at 2020 9:49 PM

Lt Col Leo Shockley — Mon, 27 Jul 2020 21:49:56 -0400

Did they even ask you what your job/ MOS was?

Response by PO1 William Van Syckle made Jul 27 at 2020 10:01 PM

PO1 William Van Syckle — Mon, 27 Jul 2020 22:01:04 -0400

I have to say, the Navy came to me and I was an Army Veteran. They made me an offer that I could not refuse. I stayed in the Navy until I retired with 24+ years total service. Did you have a skill they were looking for in veterans? I could not get into the USCG because the only skill they had for veterans was a meteorologist and I did not have the math skills for it. No, I think you did not get picked up because of your mos at the time.....

Response by MSgt Thomas Welch made Aug 3 at 2020 1:03 AM

MSgt Thomas Welch — Mon, 03 Aug 2020 01:03:30 -0400

As a Former Active and then Guard/Reservist I can't recall thinking there was a stigma to prior Jar heads or Grunts The men I worked with are stand up men. but then I would not be welcome in the new air force either. We cussed, drank, and acted like men. didn't care about feelings unless you smashed your finger.But then C E S actually fixed BLDGs and equipment then.

Response by Maj A. Clark made Aug 17 at 2020 3:49 PM

Maj A. Clark — Mon, 17 Aug 2020 15:49:43 -0400

You might see that from recruiters since they know that you will see through their BS. But the same would go for any recruiter, from any branch. As for problems within the services, I have been in 3 of them and never saw any problem. When I was active Navy, we had many former Marines and Army troops serving with the fleet or in specialty units. ( EDO, SeaBees , divers and so on) The Air Force side is more like a club. We had all sorts of other service veterans on the Air Force side who were usually older and who may have been injured in their prior branches. It was a good place to stretch out the time to retirement age. But the A.F. is often very frustrating for other service branch members. The first time a bird Col calls you by your first name can be rather confusing...

Response by SMSgt Alex Medina made Aug 27 at 2020 11:20 AM

SMSgt Alex Medina — Thu, 27 Aug 2020 11:20:54 -0400

Years ago, many years ago, I was told by an Air Force recruiter that it's because of the different training the Army and the Marines get. It's hard to re-train them into the Air Force way. But like I said, this was YEARS ago!

Response by SSG Danny Anderson made Aug 28 at 2020 12:55 PM

SSG Danny Anderson — Fri, 28 Aug 2020 12:55:43 -0400

I think it's because of the standards that Army and Marines carry that would conflict with Navy and Air force standards plus the Army and Marines are more battle focused than the Navy and the Air Force.

Response by Capt Frederick Holderman made Aug 28 at 2020 4:15 PM

Capt Frederick Holderman — Fri, 28 Aug 2020 16:15:08 -0400

Because soldiers and marines have combat arms training and mindset.
Therefore tend to be impatient with those who do not.

Response by Capt Wayne Burden made Aug 29 at 2020 11:46 AM

Capt Wayne Burden — Sat, 29 Aug 2020 11:46:17 -0400

Well, you want to know the REAL reason?? Are you sure?? I’ve read numerous comments here from both sides of the fence. The Army group’s comments tend to demean the other side... no real substance there though in answering your real question. My background, 14 years enlisted, 8 years officer, all Air Force. I was stationed and worked with Army personnel in Panama and trained with Navy personnel in Mississippi. I know my answer will make many unhappy, but you asked for the real reason why the recruiters were suddenly busy and not interested. Bottom line, in my opinion, Army and Marine personnel are trained killers and historically follow orders to the letter, sometimes to their own detriment. You have been molded to that image by your training and environment. I believe AF/Navy recruiters would rather take a lump of fresh un-molded material and create the airman/sailor they want. Most AF/Navy folks are in more advanced and “cerebral” positions and are not trained to confront an enemy on the battlefield. Less physically fit as a whole, no doubt, but makes more judgement calls, thinking outside of the box when required. Sometimes orders are seen as a guideline, not written in stone. Depends on the situation. So, as I said, probably many will disagree with my assessment, and that’s ok as none of us have all the answers. For good or bad you would have had better luck with the AF/Navy recruiters if you had no prior service. It may be that overall, there’s been issues in the past with trying to assimilate Army and Marine personnel into the Borg Collective. The nannites don’t work so well on you.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 29 at 2020 5:48 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Aug 2020 17:48:54 -0400

That is garbage! I was in the Air Force Security Forces for 23 years! During my time, we had plenty of former Marines and Army soldiers join our branch of military service! They went on to have fantastic careers! Maybe, it is the timing of their attempts to join and the personnel who are supposed to assist them, that create those challenges (aforementioned about the recruiters)! Regardless, thank you all for your fantastic service and support!
GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!

Response by PO2 Hank Kaczmarek made Aug 30 at 2020 4:28 AM

PO2 Hank Kaczmarek — Sun, 30 Aug 2020 04:28:58 -0400

40 years ago I was thinking of joining another branch.
The Air Force told me --we don't take sailors and Marines b/c they drink too much and have UA problems. We don't take soldiers b/c they're not smart enough. We'd rather take someone off the street and teach them OUR way instead of trying to deal with the problems of members of other branches.

Response by SPC Michael Szumowski made Aug 30 at 2020 7:11 AM

SPC Michael Szumowski — Sun, 30 Aug 2020 07:11:56 -0400

I had the opposite, I went from the Navy to the Army. I had a command Sargent major, that I had only meet once on check in to my unit and two times when I was his duty driver. When I was up for promotion my packet seemed to be missing documents or never arrived. When a staff Sargent walked my packet through is when I found out The Command Sargent Major was the one holding up my Promotion packet for two years because he did not like me being former Navy. Heck I even went and got a letter of acceptance from a unit CO and 1st Sargent that could use my MOS's and he denied the transfer. So this issue goes both ways.

Response by MSG David King made Aug 30 at 2020 12:24 PM

MSG David King — Sun, 30 Aug 2020 12:24:18 -0400

Because Soldiers and Marines have standards that the rest cannot possibly attain. It makes them look bad.

Response by SPC Daniel Rule made Aug 30 at 2020 12:44 PM

SPC Daniel Rule — Sun, 30 Aug 2020 12:44:11 -0400

I was told by the air force recruiters before I joined the Army that I could change to Air Force after 7 years. After my 7 years came I spoke to the same Air Force recruiter (I had his office number) And he told me that he lied, I was now considered “untrainable by the Air Force” because I had joined the Army for more than 1 day.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 30 at 2020 12:59 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 30 Aug 2020 12:59:29 -0400

My theory is the following:

1. We were NOT smart enough to get into the Air Force; and,
2. Navy you have have social skills; such as ship board dancing skills, which allow you to dance with the Marines ...
3. I am of course kidding ... I have NO idea ....

Response by CW5 Robert Arms made Aug 30 at 2020 10:17 PM

CW5 Robert Arms — Sun, 30 Aug 2020 22:17:55 -0400

The realistic answer is one they will deny and is the reason I left the Air Force for the Army in 1984. The AF was becoming a corporation, not a military service. You had to be kind, considerate of everyone’s feelings, and kindness took priority over discipline and the mission. I continued seeing that over the years of my Army career: calling superiors by their first name, the uniform that looked like a suit instead of a uniform, priorities of what the best hotels were on TDY/RON. During one mission with AF C-5 support, the had an engine problem. Within 20 minutes, the AC decided they would RON and wait for parts to come in. We had an aircraft full of Blackhawks and crews waiting to go home from a deployment. The C-5 crew already had their bags collected and were ready to leave the acft. Our Blackhawk maintenance officer convinced the Flt Engnr to let him take a look. Less than 10 minutes later, the problem was fixed. The AC was pissed, but had no excuse not to continue with the flight home. Our location, by the way, just happened to be in a well-known Caribbean resort area. It is this attitude with which I see the problems. If it gets them great PR, they’re all for it. If there’s one glory, eh! There are exceptions, of course, but most of the time, .....

Response by CW5 Robert Arms made Aug 30 at 2020 10:18 PM

CW5 Robert Arms — Sun, 30 Aug 2020 22:18:52 -0400

Correction: That was 1974, not 1984.

Response by SFC Howard Holmes made Aug 31 at 2020 12:42 AM

SFC Howard Holmes — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 00:42:27 -0400

It all depends on what's going on in the other services. I am not certain about the Navy, but the biggest problem with being a career airman is the difficulty of attaining rank. They need to have the rank pyramid going, so if they keep bringing in Army and Marines as E-3, 4 and 5's, it jams the lower ranks from promotion. If recruiting isn't going well for those branches, and there is a purge in the middle to upper ranks, things open up and they are more receptive to prior service members. I would recommend going in to the Air National Guard and then trying to get in to the Air Force through that path, or go AGR.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 31 at 2020 3:01 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 15:01:02 -0400

Most of us can already read. ;-)))

Response by MAJ Bruce I. made Aug 31 at 2020 3:10 PM

MAJ Bruce I. — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 15:10:40 -0400

I'd be curious to see what all recruiters attitudes were towards otherwise qualified former members of foreign military forces (allies obviously).

For instance: Legion Etragere (French Foreign Legion), Bundeswehr Heer (German Army), UK Army, etc.

Response by CPT William Jones made Aug 31 at 2020 11:52 PM

CPT William Jones — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 23:52:48 -0400

Navy and Air Force MOSs are more technical, while Army and Marine MOSs are more people oriented...IMHO, (in some cases, not all) it is more difficult for former Amy & USMC to transition to the highly specialized or technical fields found in Navy & USAF. Not putting any of the services down, just my observation over the years...of course you now need to think how the US Space Force now fits in to all this (dang space monkeys).

Response by CPO Jack De Merit made Sep 1 at 2020 3:00 AM

CPO Jack De Merit — Tue, 01 Sep 2020 03:00:30 -0400

I have never heard that before. The Navy and the Marine Corp are brothers under the same command. There should not be any reason for one branch of the service to shun another.

Response by SSG Richard Rushing made Sep 1 at 2020 12:21 PM

SSG Richard Rushing — Tue, 01 Sep 2020 12:21:23 -0400

Usually, the RA and USMC personnel
an read, write and have fathers...

Response by PO1 Tom Follis made Sep 1 at 2020 2:47 PM

PO1 Tom Follis — Tue, 01 Sep 2020 14:47:39 -0400

All the negative comments about going from marine/soldier are really funny. For the most part, I don’t think anybody in the AF or Navy are really all that concerned about someone’s prior service. My question would be, if your life is so great and wonderful in the Army/Marines, why would you want to go AF/Navy? Probably couldn’t conform to higher “Standards of Naval Tradition”?

Response by SSgt Christopher Clinton made Sep 2 at 2020 3:09 PM

SSgt Christopher Clinton — Wed, 02 Sep 2020 15:09:57 -0400

I worked with an Army guy that transferred in to the AF. Never had conflict. My best friend went Air Force to Army due to job opportunities. It is less of which branch is better/worse and more a case of comparing apples and oranges.

Based on what I have seen it comes down to training, mentorship and ego. If the individual is adaptable and their ego stays out of the way then they will transition fine. Training must be adequate and mentorship will help the service-person feel at home in their new branch.

There is always the challenge of changing old habits...the longer one is in a particular branch, generally the more habits and adjustments have to be modified. I am curious what precedent these opinions (assumptions?) that Army/Marines are too 'military'. It may be time to question the status quo because as SFC Tim ODonnell mentioned, the diverse experience usually is an asset in any branch or organization of service.

Response by SSgt Chuck Keneagy made Sep 2 at 2020 4:54 PM

SSgt Chuck Keneagy — Wed, 02 Sep 2020 16:54:35 -0400

BravoSierra

Response by SFC Bruce Smith made Sep 4 at 2020 3:57 PM

SFC Bruce Smith — Fri, 04 Sep 2020 15:57:30 -0400

I’m an old cavalry scout and I tried to go from green to blue after desert storm. The recruiter was happy to assist until I told him my MOS. The language went from eager to accept to them not taking any prior service, especially Army because we weren’t disciplined enough. I disciplined his ass the same way my grandfather did me growing up. That definitely negated switch.

Response by Sgt Jim Mullins made Sep 6 at 2020 9:20 AM

Sgt Jim Mullins — Sun, 06 Sep 2020 09:20:19 -0400

Never heard of Marines being called "Crayon Eaters"?? Where did that come from?

Response by PO2 Stephen Cline made Sep 13 at 2020 6:37 AM

PO2 Stephen Cline — Sun, 13 Sep 2020 06:37:18 -0400

IMO If they approached you, they are looking to fill their quota.

Response by MSgt Rob Teinert made Sep 13 at 2020 1:57 PM

MSgt Rob Teinert — Sun, 13 Sep 2020 13:57:00 -0400

technical vs physical career fields

Response by AA Loreen Silvarahawk made Sep 21 at 2020 9:50 AM

AA Loreen Silvarahawk — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 09:50:51 -0400

There has always been "animosity" between the branches but when it comes down to the nitty gritty - if one's life is in danger you react and save that person regardless of what they wear.

Response by SSG James Stodola made Sep 21 at 2020 10:48 AM

SSG James Stodola — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 10:48:04 -0400

As far as the "real" reason, I have no clue. I initially joined the Air Force and stayed for 6 years. I wanted other experiences and other skill sets so I transferred to the Army and served for another 28 years. There is always a certain level of joking, ribbing, and such between the services, it is what keeps us healthy mentally. My vet friends run the full service gamut and we are constantly throwing crap at each other. I have noticed after having some time under my belt that the Air Force has been moving closer to the civilian corporate way of thinking and doing, and it seems to be a nicer more friendly environment. I see it a lot when I go to the local AFB near me for random visits. Army Forts, and Posts, seem to present a more "down to earth" environment and experience. The general appearance of the individual facilities casts a stark contrast right off the bat. AFB's seem to be all "chrome and glass", whereas Army installations are more old school brick and mortar as it were, still classy, but an older look. And you can definitely see or I should say hear the differences in the conversational tones as well. The Air Force appears to be more "refined" a bit in their speech habits and the Army and I'm sure the Marines are much more blunt and to the point, and do not mince words. So I guess you could say that someone from the Army or Marines, or even Navy, might just stand out in a crowd very easily just based on listening to them. I personally have always been a blunt person, raised by a hillbilly who said what they meant in no uncertain terms, and you couple that with having a considerable amount of Irish and Scottish genetics, I'm not too "user friendly" in terms polite speech. It really may well be one of the reasons why the AF shies away from prior service, and there could be others as well. I can only speak from my personal experiences on this.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 27 at 2020 10:03 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Sep 2020 22:03:53 -0400

I looked at both after my first enlistment. Both stated coming in as an NCO without going through their schools posed a problem with those already in. Also, AF said only positions available to me, or any Soldier would be Security Force or PJ.

Response by TSgt Jack Manigold made Oct 5 at 2020 10:16 PM

TSgt Jack Manigold — Mon, 05 Oct 2020 22:16:30 -0400

When I left the Marine Corps and joined the Air Force, a lot of Marines did the same at that time. I think more than the Air Force was ready for. The biggest issue that hit a lot of people that transferred was the fact that they could not adapt (or refused to adapt) to the Air Force's way of doing things. They tried to be Marines wearing an Air Force uniform. I believe that is why the Air Force and Navy tend to stay away from the former Army and Marines that try to cross over. They want Airmen and Sailors, not Marines and Army personnel trying to play the part.

Response by PO2 Louis Fattrusso made Oct 6 at 2020 3:39 PM

PO2 Louis Fattrusso — Tue, 06 Oct 2020 15:39:09 -0400

The feeling of exclusivity in both those branches. Air Force families are having a hard time adjusting to sharing housing with the Army families. In the Navy, it’s an issue of them being outsiders. Many sailors are proud of the Navy and protective of its culture and history.

Response by CMSAF George Nowery made Oct 6 at 2020 10:04 PM

CMSAF George Nowery — Tue, 06 Oct 2020 22:04:58 -0400

I've worked in joint service assignments for 16 years and 5 years with Army liaison on board. That's in addition to starting out at Pope Field on Ft Bragg. At Pope Field there was a squadron filled with ex-82nd Airborne. They were airborne combat controllers (now called JTACs). USAF basic training was then 13 weeks in 2 phases, and one of my instructors in the 2nd phase was a former Marine. I have encountered many prior service airmen who started in a different branch. The Army was always recruiting in our mess halls; the Air Force did not do that. The kind of people the AF wants that are servicing in other branches might themselves not be so eager to transfer. I have worked side-by-side with a number of Army Warrants doing the same job I did as an E=7, 8, and 9. I have a cousin who worked his way uip through the ranks, then through the Warrant grades and retired as a Major. Lots of Army MOS's offered an opportunity for WO. These might be the people the Air Force seeks, but they choose not to transfer. Tfhe USAF does have higher entry requirements, and little need for combat arms people. I worked with a lot of people from the Army's old ASA, and I can tell you, if you are a multi-lingual crypto linguist with skills in critical languages, the Air Force will take you. That said, we have too many air forces, at least 4. Missions are muddled. I've even worked flights of Coast Guard-1 overseas (more than once). One Air Force would be enough for most missions (including being assigned to a ship). If not that then maybe the Aiir Force should go back to the Army (or the Army could joing the Air Force).

Response by SPC Scott Domogalla made Oct 7 at 2020 9:56 AM

SPC Scott Domogalla — Wed, 07 Oct 2020 09:56:43 -0400

I think it has to do with the mind set of each branch and their missions. One major difference between our militaries and other countries militaries, is our militaries are taught to respect rank and follow orders, but yet think on their own in a work together attitude. With that, the Army and Marines understanding of this is in the parameters of on a battlefield. Navy’s and Air Force’s battlefield is not close or they are not directly on it. Their battle fields are far away; their mind set is how to rain down death and destruction targets they can’t see. Army and marines make you the biggest baddest, squads/teams of death and destruction. Where Navy and Air Force, make you the squads/teams of insuring death and destruction from far away. And in that, Navy and Air Force rely on technical proficiency and an overall understanding of the battle field. And Yes Army and Marines have MOS’s that are technical proficiency and overall understanding of the battle field, but both go into a more hands on battle field mentality, because if your unit is destroyed or you no longer get what is needed, like missiles, then you thermite everything and you become the squad/team on the battle field. And there are MOS’s in the Navy and Air Force that are battle field oriented, that is not the general rule. I don’t know if I explained my belief well enough, but each branch has it’s mission, and what is important to each mission is different. And that mind set is easier to change or be more fluid in different branches of the military.

Response by TSgt Charles Zarza made Oct 7 at 2020 10:20 AM

TSgt Charles Zarza — Wed, 07 Oct 2020 10:20:17 -0400

I've been in the AF 17 years combined active duty and reserves. I know for the reserves there is a lot of prior enlisted from all branches, to the point of I'd say the reserves is 50% prior AF and 50% prior other branches. I will say that the AF tends to not need people, so there a lot more picky about taking new people. I've even experienced this within the AF for promotion opportunities, they just don't need people. My guess is this is probably what you experienced with the recruiter, he talked with you, but he really only needs a couple of people to meet his quota. The AF is way, way, way, smaller then it was 20-30 years ago.

Response by GySgt Terrence Fry made Oct 7 at 2020 6:28 PM

GySgt Terrence Fry — Wed, 07 Oct 2020 18:28:06 -0400

We had a former Drill Instructor SSgt transition from the Marines to the Air Force pararescue (PJ's) when I was stationed in Iwakuni Japan in 2001. Depends on what you want to do I guess.

Response by PO3 Harry Quinn made Oct 9 at 2020 10:02 AM

PO3 Harry Quinn — Fri, 09 Oct 2020 10:02:52 -0400

This is an odd question posed, each branch has a purpose to fulfill. We are all branches of the same mighty tree. I say everyone from all branches are welcome.

Response by SPC William Szkromiuk made Oct 25 at 2020 10:35 AM

SPC William Szkromiuk — Sun, 25 Oct 2020 10:35:04 -0400

You can include the CG in this too. I got the same funny look. Was told we don't need any new personnel at this time. Huh:-)

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2020 12:32 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 31 Oct 2020 00:32:54 -0400

Not a recruiter but I served with multiple prior service Army guys and a few Marines, they were all cool and seemed like a good fit.

Response by SSgt Jr Woodard made Nov 2 at 2020 7:46 PM

SSgt Jr Woodard — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 19:46:16 -0500

I must have been one of the lucky ones. I went from Army to Air Force with no issues.

Response by PO2 Paul Dempsey made Nov 8 at 2020 11:58 AM

PO2 Paul Dempsey — Sun, 08 Nov 2020 11:58:32 -0500

Tend to have lower scores ASVAB or police records. Chuckling

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2020 6:55 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Nov 2020 18:55:20 -0500

There is no shunning. 12B30 and 19D for 11 years. Switched as a MedTech in 2011. I scored a 75 on the ASVAB in 2001 and back then all I wanted to do was fight for my country.

I didn't have a problem joining into the Air Force and had no regrets embracing the suck. I love my per diem and weekends off when work is done. Both sides have a reason for doing what they do especially not pissing off Airmen who control the Nuclear Triad and billions of dollars of equipment is a pretty good reason not to treat them like combat arms. If you want that same embracing of the suck feeling, go PJ, TACP, or Security Forces. The majority of combat arms, let's be truthful now, score less than a 50 ASVAB. That's definitely not what the Air Force or Navy wants and needs

Response by MSgt Janice Trojan made Nov 13 at 2020 1:04 AM

MSgt Janice Trojan — Fri, 13 Nov 2020 01:04:46 -0500

Nah I have fellow Air Force that were prior service. Love them all. We are a special breed. All veterans.

Response by SGT Dan Theman made Nov 13 at 2020 2:34 PM

SGT Dan Theman — Fri, 13 Nov 2020 14:34:56 -0500

I truly believe we’re strong willed, we speak our minds and don’t play games. We work hard and play hard.
No offense for my brethren but let’s be real they’re a lil prissy...

Response by PO2 Lawrence Janiec made Nov 13 at 2020 6:18 PM

PO2 Lawrence Janiec — Fri, 13 Nov 2020 18:18:51 -0500

I love how the top responses were those that were more or less with the answer "because we're better than they are" instead of looking for other possible reasons.

When I was on active duty in the 90s, there were strict requirements for time in rate in order to advance. I was required to be E-5 for 3 full years before even taking the test for E-6. I advanced quickly to E-5 and was wearing it at 23 months. Yes, that is FAST for the requirements set as they are. That being said, the EARLIEST I could have gotten E-6 is 5 years into my first term. Well, theoretically 4.5 years in if someone did it a hair faster than me, which was theoretically possible.

However, I talked to people who said they were E-7 in the Army in less than 3 years. Yes, I even read a post about it on another thread on this forum, which only confirmed that it was something that the Army did and wasn't just something made up as Stolen Valor.

Now consider these all together. People who come from a branch of the military where flying up pay grades is the norm might not fit in where the advancement is strictly limited based on time.

Response by Sgt Brandon Wilson made Nov 13 at 2020 7:56 PM

Sgt Brandon Wilson — Fri, 13 Nov 2020 19:56:22 -0500

I was Marines and went to TACP in the Air Force. A lot of us were prior service. They liked us because we lived in the mud. It was difficult at times with other AFSC’s (MOS’s) because they couldn’t relate. I remember going to admin and hearing them talk about the crazy guy running around base with a backpack (fully loaded ruck) and a gun. It happen to be me doing a 10 mile ruck. (2hrs flat) that was a fun convo!

Response by SPC Bill Ratajczak made Nov 13 at 2020 9:06 PM

SPC Bill Ratajczak — Fri, 13 Nov 2020 21:06:31 -0500

Whining and complaining aren't compatible with the Army and Marines?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2020 3:00 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Nov 2020 15:00:18 -0500

Even in the Army Prior Service personnel are hard to work with putting them back into the Army. If it wasn't for the higher mission requirements I wouldn't process one at all

Response by SP5 Mark E made Nov 14 at 2020 7:23 PM

SP5 Mark E — Sat, 14 Nov 2020 19:23:11 -0500

While flying to Texas back in 2001, I sat next to an Air Force recruiter and we got to talking. I was surprised they weren't accepting prior service Army or Marines and I asked him why. He said, "No offence, man .... but you guy's are assholes." I had no rebuttal.

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Nov 15 at 2020 11:34 AM

Sgt Dale Briggs — Sun, 15 Nov 2020 11:34:32 -0500

Maybe it’s more of an MOS thing, if you work on weapons systems, or in Air Wing maintenance , why not? Can’t imagine they’d be interested in direct combat MOS unless they’re for Security Forces. But the missions are completely differently too, if your MOS compatible I can’t see why there’s no interest, but really the AF or Navy doesn’t need a guy who can work mortars or artillery.

Response by MAJ A C made Nov 15 at 2020 12:23 PM

MAJ A C — Sun, 15 Nov 2020 12:23:15 -0500

Your few individual experiences (which I doubt) have nothing to do with any trend or policy of being "disqualified".. you need a lot more data to think that's a thing.
Prior service is always less ideal than new raw recruits because they have to "break" you of bad habits. Not only that, they have to wonder why you got out (discipline? Couldn't hack it? ect) and wonder if that'll be an issue again.

Response by CPL Raul Perez Jr made Nov 15 at 2020 5:26 PM

CPL Raul Perez Jr — Sun, 15 Nov 2020 17:26:12 -0500

Army & Marines have more military discipline, and trends to have esprit de corps. That’s my take. Infantry leads the Way.

Response by Maj Dale Smith made Nov 15 at 2020 6:22 PM

Maj Dale Smith — Sun, 15 Nov 2020 18:22:14 -0500

This is a generality and stereotype which recruters need to get over. A generation ago the average soldier and marine would have had an ASVAB score in the 60s or low 70s. If your AF/USN recruiter is interested, lead with your 90+ ASVAB score and tell him/her that you were in Division intel using remote sensing equipment and providing classified briefings to flag officers. Something along those lines and they will take you in a heart beat. The other would be any foreign language skills you might have. We're not talking Spanish here, Farsi, Pashtu, Mandrin etc would be #1 on the hit parade. The other is that although when someone in the Army said JUMP, you jumped, but in the AF & Navy, you are allowed to jump and ask "How High" when half way up. These two services are more proactive vs. reactive. If you are a Ranger or Airbourne, you equate to an Air Force PJ or a Navy Seal.

Response by SSG Bob Teachout made Nov 15 at 2020 8:56 PM

SSG Bob Teachout — Sun, 15 Nov 2020 20:56:00 -0500

Is it because we would be considered a re-enlistment and not a first enlistment?

Response by PO1 Mark Peterson made Nov 15 at 2020 10:49 PM

PO1 Mark Peterson — Sun, 15 Nov 2020 22:49:21 -0500

My experience in the Seabees is that we preferred former Marines and Army in our ranks over anyone else.

Response by CPO Eugene Gillam made Nov 15 at 2020 11:17 PM

CPO Eugene Gillam — Sun, 15 Nov 2020 23:17:21 -0500

I was a Navy recruiter in the early 80’s and believe me, it didn’t matter to me if you were prior Army/Marine/Air Force...if you were qualified you were going in! I personally don’t know a single recruiter at that time who would have turned away a warm body who wanted to enlist.

Response by PO1 Kevin Dougherty made Nov 15 at 2020 11:41 PM

PO1 Kevin Dougherty — Sun, 15 Nov 2020 23:41:07 -0500

Can't speak to the AF, but for the USCG, and I assume USN as well, there is a huge difference in culture and tradition. Back when I was a young pup, we required prior service, (excepting the Navy), to go through a modified boot camp to hopefully relearn the basics. You may know how to kill me 10 ways, with or without a weapon, and how do dig a foxhole, but you ain't going to have much use for those skills when you're in 40' seas and the stuff is hitting the rotary ventilating device. Also perhaps, it's simply that the ASVAB standards are higher for Navy, AF and CG.

Response by SMSgt Bob Wilson made Nov 16 at 2020 12:33 AM

SMSgt Bob Wilson — Mon, 16 Nov 2020 00:33:55 -0500

I did not know Navy and Air Force tends to shun former Army and Marine personnel. I've worked for both Army and Marine personnel and find them a little "head strong" but I found it depends on the relationship and being on the same footing. Most maintenance people are "head strong"; it does NOT matter what branch of the service you are in.

Response by PO1 Warren Jameson made Nov 16 at 2020 12:39 PM

PO1 Warren Jameson — Mon, 16 Nov 2020 12:39:20 -0500

It's not that they don't WANT people from the Army or Marines, it's that they don't want people trained in a different way. There is nothing wrong with training soldiers or marines "to do" without question (lives rely on that type of response). Navy and Air Force need the critical thinking ability, and don't want to train the army/marine out of someone.

Response by MSgt Manuel Smith made Nov 16 at 2020 3:18 PM

MSgt Manuel Smith — Mon, 16 Nov 2020 15:18:26 -0500

If the person trying to crossover has a special skillset, like IT/Cyber, medical or meets the needs of an AF career field that has shortages, there shouldn't be a problem. If they don't meet that criteria, I can see problems trying to crossover. The AF is parochial in its mindset.

Response by CAPT Michael Toleno made Nov 16 at 2020 3:31 PM

CAPT Michael Toleno — Mon, 16 Nov 2020 15:31:25 -0500

In 32 years (28+ commissioned plus 4 years as a midshipman) in the Navy, I have not heard of this. I have known many Navy personnel with prior Marine Corps and Army service, and they were never belittled or shown disrespect for their prior service in those branches. If anything it was a source of interest that they had had a different experience. I'm sorry that you have experienced this.

Response by TSgt Barry Schoolcraft made Nov 17 at 2020 9:50 AM

TSgt Barry Schoolcraft — Tue, 17 Nov 2020 09:50:32 -0500

I don't think that's always true. I was in the Air Force, and I'd much rather work with Army folks than Navy. During my service, i deployed 3 times....and all 3 times I was at sites where I and my fellow Airmen had to fix communications equipment errors made by Navy folks. All 3 times. With Army folks, they were always willing to work with me and not claim to be right when they definitely weren't. But don't get me wrong...we're all on the same team here.

Response by SGT Thomas Price made Nov 17 at 2020 4:29 PM

SGT Thomas Price — Tue, 17 Nov 2020 16:29:07 -0500

Did they know your MOS before they lost interest?

Response by PO2 Kathleen Thompson made Nov 18 at 2020 12:36 PM

PO2 Kathleen Thompson — Wed, 18 Nov 2020 12:36:45 -0500

As a veteran of both the Air Force and the Navy Reserve, I'm appalled by some of the comments I've read here. My father was with the 36th Infantry Division in Europe during WWII and my mother was one of the first Women Marines in 1943. We are the U.S. military regardless of branch of service and should be proud of the service we give. I joined the Service in 1966 because women wanted equality and that meant doing my part in the military too. We can be much better than this everyone.

Response by PV2 Joseph Prudhomme made Nov 18 at 2020 10:18 PM

PV2 Joseph Prudhomme — Wed, 18 Nov 2020 22:18:52 -0500

Without us "mud and blood stompers", i.e. Army and Marines, there is no "Military"... You can have all the Drones and long range Missiles ya want but it's still the ground pounders that makes it happen

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2020 1:44 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Dec 2020 01:44:26 -0500

As a prior Navy recruiter, I can tell you exactly why this happens. First, the Navy divides its recruiting force into enlisted, officer, and prior service. The PS recruiters are only goaled with reserve contracts, so they have no incentive to spend much time on anyone hoping to switch branches but remain on Active Duty. The regular enlisted recruiters can technically write PS contracts to AD, but most of them don’t even know this and would have no idea where to start. We also don’t have much of an incentive to work with PS applicants for several reasons - (1) the vast, vast majority of PS applicants who contact us separated on unfavorable terms and have numerous complicating factors that would require mountains of paperwork and long waiver processes; (2) even when we write a contract for a PS applicant, they don’t count towards our monthly goal; (3) most PS applicants end up losing rank and are unhappy with their limited job options.

Despite all of this, I wrote several PS contracts for former Soldiers and Marines and never met any recruiter who had any animosity towards them... it’s purely a matter of effort and incentives. Lazier recruiters won’t put in the work, especially if they need to find someone who will get them to goal rather than spin their wheels on someone who has a 25% chance of getting in at some unknown point in the future.

Response by SSG John Justin made Dec 17 at 2020 10:03 AM

SSG John Justin — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 10:03:33 -0500

I served 9 years active Navy, I've worn the Navy uniform and Army uniform and also the Marine uniform as a Navy fMF corpsman. I had no problems.

Response by SSG John Justin made Dec 17 at 2020 10:05 AM

SSG John Justin — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 10:05:24 -0500

I spent 9 years active Navy, spent time wearing the Navy, Army, and Marine uniform as a FMF navy Corpsman. I've had no issues and was accepted by all. I am now military retired. It would have been easier however if i'd had some initial orientation when I went army.

Response by ENS Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2020 2:26 PM

ENS Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 14:26:30 -0500

Don't tell me that, I'm prior USAF and just applied for Navy OCS :(

Response by PO2 Alexander Gonzalez made Dec 17 at 2020 6:38 PM

PO2 Alexander Gonzalez — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 18:38:07 -0500

I don't know about the Air Force but for the Mighty Mighty Navy you gots to be cool like Top Gun to come in from another branch. So if you ain't like Maverick you can't come in, sorry Army. USMC vets are not trying to go from that beautiful Nutcracker uniform to sport the Cracker Jack. Air Force service men/women rarely get out because why would anyone leave such awesome accommodations. The Air Force is like being stationed at the Ritz-Carlton. Now for prior Coast Guard vets, I guess they can leave the canoe club to hang with the real sailors.

Response by MSG John Duchesneau made Dec 17 at 2020 11:11 PM

MSG John Duchesneau — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 23:11:17 -0500

The real reason is - they don't need them.
Each service has its own culture and, naturally, prefers prior service members from their own service.
The Army - traditionally having the hardest time of all services in recruiting - is usually willing to take qualified prior service members from other services. This is more out of necessity and not so much desire.

The Marines, if they are having a hard time meeting their quota - will sometimes take prior service but with a big catch - they have to go through Marine Boot Camp and enter at a grade or two below their prior service rank. If you want to be a Marine - you have to start at the bottom.

As to the Navy - the Navy is very different from the Army and they probably don't want to go through the trouble of having a soldier unlearn everything he knows - for the simple reason that very little in the Army applies to the Navy. Bear in mind that the Army and the Navy have different names for a toilet - and that's just the beginning. As to Marines - the Navy sees the Marines as being stupid and undisciplined (just a stereotype but it does influence attitudes) and doesn't want try to teach them a new way of life.

Which brings us to the Air Force. The Air Force, due to its high quality of life and the fact it treats its airmen as adults, has the easiest time finding recruits and has, by far, the highest reenlistment rates of the services. The result is that they simply don't need to recruit prior service members, so they don't.

Response by SGT Thomas Labine made Dec 18 at 2020 12:39 AM

SGT Thomas Labine — Fri, 18 Dec 2020 00:39:08 -0500

It's because the others are not disciplined!!!

Response by SGT Michael Hearn made Dec 18 at 2020 1:27 AM

SGT Michael Hearn — Fri, 18 Dec 2020 01:27:48 -0500

Hello brother veteran
My oldest brother was a Marine, He could have been the bulldog mascot.
My family has served for generations the way I see it no one should you any shit about prior service. Just tell them, Welcome home brother,

Response by LtCol Paul Bowen made Dec 19 at 2020 4:30 PM

LtCol Paul Bowen — Sat, 19 Dec 2020 16:30:52 -0500

The Marine Corps and Army leadership cultures crowd out the weaker forms, and take over.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2020 3:34 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 20 Dec 2020 03:34:40 -0500

Speaking as a recruiter, it's probably because Army and Marines get broken more, and even if not broken they tell you to claim everything for the VA when you ETS, so it is hard for us to pass MEPS getting back in.

As far as "being too military" that kinda reminds me of the puritans. They claimed to come her for religious persecution (like they say the AF says no) which is only really mildly true. The puritans were such dicks doing their own religious persecution that they were kicked out of multiple countries for not playing nice with the locals (like Soldiers and Marines acting smug and superior to the AF)

Response by SMSgt Robert Ramsay made Dec 22 at 2020 12:18 AM

SMSgt Robert Ramsay — Tue, 22 Dec 2020 00:18:14 -0500

I was in or over recruiting for the Air National Guard for over 20 years. Your comment isn't correct and actually disappointed Rally Point would make this a title to a story. It has nothing to do with feelings. I worked joint service and in combat. There are military personnel in all branches that are out spoken and get their feelings hurt. In the Air Guard we took every Army or Marine if eligible. The issue was ASVAB, Moral and Medical disqualifications. For Active duty look at how many Prior Service each branch can take. The Army is much larger and has more challenges with recruiting. Their door is open for more troops. The Air Force is limited and only consider personnel with experience in the career field or other needed skills. Now don't say I am in my feelings. I don't care if you have an opinion just research the facts first. We will see who is in their feelings on how this is replied to.

Response by Lt Col Warren Domke made Dec 22 at 2020 7:16 PM

Lt Col Warren Domke — Tue, 22 Dec 2020 19:16:18 -0500

First, I am not a recruiter and never have been. I served in the Air National Guard, active Air Force and Air Force Reserve over a period of 31 years and began enlisted, but finished as a commissioned officer. And I can't speak for the Navy. It's a totally different service. But when I began my Air Force connection a huge number of our people were prior Army with a few Marines and Navy thrown in. Most of them blended in very well. Nearly all our senior NCOs and senior officers were prior Army, most with World War II or Korean War combat experience. The Air Force was blessed to have these people to steer a fledgling service in the right direction. Today's Air Force and Navy are highly technical services, but the discipline of the Army and Marines are definitely an asset. Our recruiters are looking for people who will not only serve well, but who will grow technically and militarily. They also want people who can adapt to our way of doing things. And we don't want anyone from another service telling us how to run our own service. Recruiters are looking for people who will be an asset and who will succeed in whatever specialty they have. These can be Army or Marines. But these services can produce people whose attitudes don't adapt well to a more technical service, and that could be the problem. Hope that answers your question. It will be interesting to see how the Space Force recruiters handle these issues!

Response by PO1 Robert Wikert made Jan 1 at 2021 1:27 PM

PO1 Robert Wikert — Fri, 01 Jan 2021 13:27:54 -0500

The military is the military, each and every branch has it's place and job in the scheme of it all. No branch is superior to the other. Arguing this kind of BS is like two whores arguing about virginity. Get over yourselves and work together. In the end we are all United States Military Veterans, and deserve the distinction and benefits that come with that title. Being a 20 year Vietnam era Vet, I have seen the bias, and even hatred, that the average American can give to us who have served and protected the rights they enjoy due to our service. Lord knows that can be hard enough on all who have put their lives in harm's way to protect those rights. At this point in our history we are finally receiving some of the recognition we deserve for our service, no matter what branch we served under. So sit back and enjoy that, and when you see another brother or sister service member, regardless of branch, thank them for there service and and go on about your business.

Response by SFC Tracy Donahoo made Jan 3 at 2021 10:37 AM

SFC Tracy Donahoo — Sun, 03 Jan 2021 10:37:32 -0500

Recruiting commands value non-prior service more than prior service regardless of branch.

The USAF tends to have even fewer slots for prior service.

Response by CWO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2021 4:05 PM

CWO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Jan 2021 16:05:39 -0500

Didn't think that was a problem. Never tried tho...

Response by Sgt Donald Daugherty made Jan 18 at 2021 10:25 AM

Sgt Donald Daugherty — Mon, 18 Jan 2021 10:25:36 -0500

When you come to the USAF from another branch, you are looked at as an outsider, and until you show yourself worthy. All creatures fear the unknown.....

Response by PO2 John Harker made Jan 18 at 2021 12:35 PM

PO2 John Harker — Mon, 18 Jan 2021 12:35:53 -0500

I thought it had more to do with the technical stuff. In the Navy you're handling critical machinery day in and day out. Not to say Soldiers or Marines aren't capable of that, some of 'em are sharp as a tack but the chain of command doesn't see it that way.
The Navy does have ground forces, though, and the "military" shows up in those guys and gals quite a bit.

Response by SrA James Cannon made Jan 19 at 2021 7:28 AM

SrA James Cannon — Tue, 19 Jan 2021 07:28:33 -0500

I’ve never heard of this. I’ve served in the Air Force with a few folks who were prior Army and Marines. Not many of them, though. None of them were above E-4 when I knew them. I don’t know what their prior service ranks were or if they had to go down any rank to come in.

Response by SFC Stephen Everett made Jan 19 at 2021 2:55 PM

SFC Stephen Everett — Tue, 19 Jan 2021 14:55:36 -0500

Leadership and DoD need a Conversation about this subject. I hope they’ll be some type of immediate change. Be honest the reason, that both Armed Forces rejects former Army and Marines is leadership, experience, and they are prior service. Which that soldier can make a quick rank. It’s not their fault but whatever shows on their military records it will show how outstanding that soldier can be. I had Soldiers which came from different Armed Forces. As a senior Noncommissioned officer I was very proud to have them on my team. Take care, leaders.

Response by Sgt Carey Osieczanek made Jan 21 at 2021 1:56 AM

Sgt Carey Osieczanek — Thu, 21 Jan 2021 01:56:26 -0500

The Air Force is just like the Army---except it's for intelligent people. Nuff said.

Response by Cpl Archie H. made Jan 21 at 2021 8:40 AM

Cpl Archie H. — Thu, 21 Jan 2021 08:40:29 -0500

I feel we need to look at this snub with a little humor. I think it is all about jealously/envy! (wink) I agree with the poster who said Army and Marine veteran; if rejected maybe be seen, being blunt. Maybe this is true, but I also feel both the US Air Force and the US Navy suffer from lack of war heroes, the Air Force since Vietnam had trouble finding heroes. Jealous of our heroes. In the past it was the fighter pilot. The Fighter Jock’s light was brighter. But fighter pilots today have less of a bright light future in the US Air Force, and maybe the US Navy because of technology. This is possibly why in my opinion; could be; why the Space Force was created. The Air Force for example did not at first support the A 10; only after an angry John McCain had harsh words for the Air Force did it endorse the A 10. The A 10 platform for them, was below their high technical lofty status. In other words no glamour. Even though many claim the A 10 is considered the best support in a fight protecting the grunts on the ground. The Navy in recent past and also today use the Navy Seals in public relations role, and of course the Medical Corpsman with Marines as heroes, because no real sea war, or sea battle has taken place since World War Two. I have been told by Vietnam vet and a former corpman an example. To look at Naval heroes displayed in photos and deeds at their Navy Training Facility in Illinois, most if not all post WW 2 are Seals, and navy corpsman attached to marines. I am a little perplexed why sailors today use bright blue camouflaged dungarees, or BDU’s as their work uniform. Seems to me this is not going to help rescuing sailors whose work uniforms blend with the seawater. Ditto for the US Air Force work clothes! How are they going be seen in the ocean, or rescued when they have to abandon ship? Same can be said about the US Air Force blue work uniform? In Vietnam my life was saved by the B 52, the simple Piper Cub bird dog aircraft, and Puff the Magic Dragon gunship. All flown by faded into the scenery soft spoken heroes. My life is today possible because of the humble medical corpsman of both Navy and Air Force. A side note I read awhile back where the Marines were deployed somewhere bivouacked living in the mud; on a distant troubled nations road. One day they they were given the order to move out the US Air Force was arriving wanting to build a golf course.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2021 11:58 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 11:58:32 -0500

Probably a culture mismatch between the branches. Can’t fit a square peg in a round hole. Each branch inculcates its culture into new members. If you’ve already had a certain branch’s culture instilled into you, it’s probably rather difficult to remove a d replace with the new branch’s culture. Plus, Navy and Air Force are really just Uber for Army and Marines

Response by SPC Kenneth James made Feb 2 at 2021 10:39 PM

SPC Kenneth James — Tue, 02 Feb 2021 22:39:08 -0500

I know I encountered both branches on our way going to Honduras we went by ship and for 6 days we still did pt and not one sailor was doing pt they had beards and boy some were kind of big the second was we went to Newburgh ny to train the cadets at west point and we stayed on Stewart airforce base they actually called the officers by their first names and I am not even mentioning the Fratenazation well I guess I just did lol Army is definitely different

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2021 7:49 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Feb 2021 07:49:39 -0500

It’s literally only because we are allotted a certain amount of prior service every year, and those slots get filled extremely fast because there is a high demand. Even Air Force with a break in service are considered prior service and struggle to get back in.

Any other reason that’s brought up is for ego boosting and based in feelings, not facts.

Response by PO1 Kevin Dougherty made Feb 15 at 2021 12:40 PM

PO1 Kevin Dougherty — Mon, 15 Feb 2021 12:40:29 -0500

I suspect it's because the culture is so much different and many of the specialties do not transfer over well, especially for the Navy and USCG. When I was in the CG, prior service had to go through an abbreviated boot camp to learn the culture and terminology. Not sure if that included Navy or not. I served with several former USN types who had lateraled over, but never thought to ask them.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2021 12:58 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Feb 2021 12:58:18 -0500

I couldn't fit in when I joined the Air Force... after my five years of active duty Army. There was some kind of wall between me and them, so I left early. People in the army are more open in my opinion.

Response by SFC David Pope, MBA made Feb 16 at 2021 6:57 PM

SFC David Pope, MBA — Tue, 16 Feb 2021 18:57:23 -0500

When I was an army SSG, I was offered an Air Force MSgt slot because of my commo background. My wife put a stop on that when she found out we would have to move to Chicago. I picked up my E-7 a year later without having to move.

Response by SFC Steven Barry made Feb 16 at 2021 11:32 PM

SFC Steven Barry — Tue, 16 Feb 2021 23:32:41 -0500

Because it requires a complete retraining from the ground up because they are different martial cultures -- in the sense that Air Force and Navy do not have a martial culture.

Response by SPC Franklin McKown made Feb 17 at 2021 1:49 AM

SPC Franklin McKown — Wed, 17 Feb 2021 01:49:31 -0500

Fear the predators...

Response by SSG Jeffrey Monk made Feb 17 at 2021 5:37 PM

SSG Jeffrey Monk — Wed, 17 Feb 2021 17:37:49 -0500

I had the same thing happen with the Air Force but the Navy Recruiters really went to bat for me they were working on a school date for SWCC until President Bush's Iraqi Surge went into effect. Heck they even wrote an spoke to DA trying to get me recall papers squashed. But alas the Army won and I was back in Iraq a few months later.

Response by SFC James Jones made Feb 19 at 2021 10:36 AM

SFC James Jones — Fri, 19 Feb 2021 10:36:30 -0500

I did my first 9 years in the Marine Corps. I talked to the Air Force, told them Marine Corps 9 years and he told me to much time in the Corps. So I talked to the Army and completed by 20 years.

Response by SMSgt Michael Gleason made Feb 19 at 2021 5:11 PM

SMSgt Michael Gleason — Fri, 19 Feb 2021 17:11:59 -0500

I think "shunning" may be more perception than fact, as long as the Prior Service (PS) personnel meet the requirements. There ARE "rank issues" and the respective "next branch" (AF/Navy) requirement for PS applicants to repeat THEIR (AF/Navy) branch's basic training - something at which most PS applicants "bristle"! Many of those issues can be "mitigated" by joining the Air Guard, Air Force Reserve, or Army Guard or ArmyReserve<-(?). The Guard has a "Try One" program - try it for just a year, no basic training, E-5s and below keep their rank (but lose their time in grade), retain retirement credit, get issued uniforms, and attend a tech school if their MOS doesn't directly convert to an Air Force Specialty Code (I can't speak to Navy Reserve requirements in those regards). For many PS applicants, it's an "easy door" into another branch. If they don't like it after their Try One year, they are free to "seek opportunity" elsewhere!

Response by Maj Robert Larkowski made Feb 23 at 2021 11:12 AM

Maj Robert Larkowski — Tue, 23 Feb 2021 11:12:06 -0500

Heck I had no issue with the Army or Marines joing the AF!

Response by LCpl Jose Lugo made Mar 11 at 2021 9:56 AM

LCpl Jose Lugo — Thu, 11 Mar 2021 09:56:52 -0500

The old guard and the new guard are totally different. DOD are looking for new young recruits to instill different values and new military way of life

Response by SSG Ray Elliott made Mar 14 at 2021 11:31 AM

SSG Ray Elliott — Sun, 14 Mar 2021 11:31:39 -0400

I've been in both the Navy and Army Reserves, but I can't speak for the Airforce. I'm sure part of the issue at least for the Navy is that there are things covered in Navy Basic Training that aren't covered in Army Basic Training. Navy Basic prepares you to be a sailor, you learn things you need for shipboard life like Firefighting aboard ship. People reentering the military usually aren't keen on doing basic training in another branch, but you also don't want to bring in a junior NCO and put him on a ship that doesn't know anything about shipboard life.

Response by PO1 RIchard Petty made Mar 14 at 2021 8:48 PM

PO1 RIchard Petty — Sun, 14 Mar 2021 20:48:08 -0400

I have reviewed a lot of the responses to your question and some I agree and some not, but that is my opinion. But, one thing I know that I have found out is that Naval Aviation Tech can't join the Air Force and do the same job we are over qualified because at "O" Level we do everything. Also, they have a certain number of prior service that can enter also, they look at what your rank was and how you can progress to attain a certain rank by certain also your pay will be much higher. I know a guy who did tens years got for a few years and came back in and did his full 20 years.

Response by PO1 David M Burns made Mar 14 at 2021 11:28 PM

PO1 David M Burns — Sun, 14 Mar 2021 23:28:14 -0400

It is "new" navy in action! they do not want individuals who think for themselves and are capable of taking necessary action! they don't teach the the new recruits to think for themselves, it is monkey see, monkey do!

Response by SP6 Peter Kreutzfeldt made Mar 15 at 2021 10:47 AM

SP6 Peter Kreutzfeldt — Mon, 15 Mar 2021 10:47:42 -0400

I did 3 years in the Army and 2 of them in the Nam 67-70. For the world of me I am not able to understand why anyone would want to spend any more than 3 years in any branch especially now days

Response by HA Jace Gallagher made Mar 15 at 2021 4:04 PM

HA Jace Gallagher — Mon, 15 Mar 2021 16:04:30 -0400

Prior service recruits do not count towards quotas like fresh recruits do. Also, with prior service, there is much more paperwork to sort through, especially with former Marines.

Response by SMSgt Robert Patterson made Mar 15 at 2021 4:34 PM

SMSgt Robert Patterson — Mon, 15 Mar 2021 16:34:04 -0400

I worked as a recruiter for 15 years. The Prior Service allocations each year were miniscule. In a year the squadron might see 2 or 3 openings for prior service. My squadron served the Gulf Coast region from Texas to Mississippi.

Response by CW4 Charles Dawson made Mar 15 at 2021 10:44 PM

CW4 Charles Dawson — Mon, 15 Mar 2021 22:44:49 -0400

I remember an old saying, "If you didn't like the Army, you could join the Marines. If you didn't like the Marines, you could join the Army. If you didn't want to join any military organization, you could join the Air Force or Navy.

Response by HN Gary Walker made Mar 15 at 2021 11:51 PM

HN Gary Walker — Mon, 15 Mar 2021 23:51:42 -0400

I think that maybe the training received in AF and Navy is a bit more advanced. I could have gone as an E-4 Corpsman to the Army and they would have made me an E-6, Of course, this was in the '80s and much has changed. I Took care of My Marines too and I never met a one that thought about coming over to the Navy! LOL

Response by Capt Mark Miller made Mar 16 at 2021 2:29 AM

Capt Mark Miller — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 02:29:19 -0400

That's funny. When I was in we had former Army and Marines join the USAF, even a former Israeli Tanker. 1970s to 80s. I know a guy today who served in all the services except for the Shipboard Navy. A stereotypical myth is the basis for this statement???

Response by Sgt Darrell Clauson made Mar 16 at 2021 2:54 PM

Sgt Darrell Clauson — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 14:54:50 -0400

It's because we steal their women.

Response by MSG Loren Tomblin made Mar 17 at 2021 9:36 AM

MSG Loren Tomblin — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 09:36:07 -0400

Most probably because Army and Marine veterans tend to demand more responsibility and fewer breaks. LOL

Response by MSgt Thomas O'Rourke made Mar 17 at 2021 6:48 PM

MSgt Thomas O'Rourke — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 18:48:25 -0400

I served in the USMCR for 6 years and then joined the New Jersey Air National Guard where I served for 20 years, and my Marine Corps service was always an asset for me. I really think it depends on the person and not the branch of service.

Response by PO3 Claude j Hilliard made Mar 17 at 2021 7:38 PM

PO3 Claude j Hilliard — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 19:38:40 -0400

I am Navy and was stationed with Devil Dogs so i would rather be with them then Air Force.

Response by SSG James Stodola made Mar 18 at 2021 11:58 AM

SSG James Stodola — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 11:58:45 -0400

This one is hard to say specifically as there may be many reasons for this "alleged shunning". I originally was in the Air Force and then moved over to the Army for reasons that I liked being outdoors more and yes in the field. I was a Security Policeman in the USAF and moved to the MP branch in the Army. Not a big transition you may say and rightfully so. I did learn a lot of skills in the USAF and many transitioned to the Army. The Army did however increase and improve those skills into other areas, i.e. battlefield operations being one, something I would not have received in the USAF. So all in all my experience was positive in nature. The bluntness and vocality came with me as I was always like that. Over my career of 34 years, I was fortunate to work with Marines and Navy personnel in various ops, mostly training, but still a valuable earning experience. The USAF these days does seem a bit, well let's say a bit more "refined" in nature as opposed to the Army and Marines who have retained the bluntness factor al through the many changes we have seen. I had a few friends who came from the Marines over to the Army, and the first thing they mentioned was the diminished levels discipline across the ranks, to which I did not disagree. It was terrible then, but now I think it is worse. I think a good portion of it depends on what job you hold or take during the transfer, which could lead to these attitudes. For example if you were to come from a quite "high speed low drag" unit as we called the more tactically proficient soldiers, and then come to a unit or section that is not as such, you may experience some levels of being the outcast along with that of being the new guy. I don't think it is as bad as some say, but the bottom line will rest with you and the attitude you put forth in your new unit or section.

Response by SrA Tracy Leviner made Mar 19 at 2021 3:31 AM

SrA Tracy Leviner — Fri, 19 Mar 2021 03:31:24 -0400

I served in the Army in Germany from 1985 to 1989 at Ramstein Air Force Base as a Chaparral Missile Crewman . After a long time of missing the Military , a friend of mine who was in the Air Force Reserve talked to me about going into the AF Reserve and I did from 2001 to 2007 as an Apprentice Pharmacist .
My funny story goes like this . The Army Officers got together and decided they wanted to have better relations with the Air Force at Ramstein . Some of us were assigned to work with the Air Force for a week at various locations and jobs . I was assigned to an Air Force Captain at Headquarters USAFE . The first day I went around with him and really didn't do anything , but talk a little and watch what he did and almost like his bodyguard .
The next day I show up and his Secretary tells me I'm not needed today and I can have the day off . I spent the day running around base to stay busy and not return back to the barracks . The next day I show up again and again the Secretary tells me I can have the day off , he doesn't need me . I told her I am assigned here and I am supposed to work with him and I don't want to get in trouble with my Commander by not doing my job .
She tells me , " Honestly the Captain is intimidated by you and he doesn't want to work with you . " " We will tell your Commander that you did a good job and you reported everyday on time . " So after that I was free to do what I wanted the rest of the week , so I would leave the barracks in my BDU's and change at the gym and get on the bus to go off base and spend the day having fun .
I didn't really have that problem in the Air Force Reserve . I guess I had been out so long that I wasn't as rigid as I was as a kid . I didn't of course have to go to Basic Training for the Air Force , but I did go to Tech School . Of course there I was put in charge of the class when the Instructors weren't around and they weren't with their TI's at Sheppard Air Base , Texas .

Response by SGT Joseph Dutton made Mar 19 at 2021 7:58 PM

SGT Joseph Dutton — Fri, 19 Mar 2021 19:58:27 -0400

I don't think they turn a blind eye or a death ear so much. The Air Force & Navy tends not to recruit prior service members to include their own veterans mostly if their ranks is up to par. However if their ranks start dropping then they may take a second look and or if a MOS is critical in declining. Another factor the Navy & Air Force is that they would rather invest in new boots and not old boots. Don't give up & Keep Trying. Oh! there is a back door by enlisting in the Navy / Air Force Reserves or Air Force National Guard and after a few years or so apply for a transfer to active status. Coast Guard is out because they only want new boots.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2021 7:59 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 21 Mar 2021 19:59:35 -0400

The Navy and the Air Force feel chagrined when they meet people who have actually done more than bitch about only having one Burger King on base for 6 months during their "deployment". In reality its too hard to de-program the mentality from the other branches out of the individual.

Response by 1SG Brian Adams made Mar 22 at 2021 10:24 PM

1SG Brian Adams — Mon, 22 Mar 2021 22:24:31 -0400

AF does not like PS from any branch. My theory in this? Having recruited myself for over 15 years and conversed with Naval and AF recruiters, it us all about culture. AF is known for needing much higher asvab scores to join. They like to boast a civilized culture rather than hard core Marine/Army fostered organizations. As far as the Navy? I have never had or heard of any problem with the Navy and Army/Marines interchanging branches as prior service...hoooah!!

Response by CPT Keith Celebrezze made Mar 22 at 2021 11:27 PM

CPT Keith Celebrezze — Mon, 22 Mar 2021 23:27:46 -0400

Jealousy

Response by SSgt James Carter made Apr 2 at 2021 10:01 AM

SSgt James Carter — Fri, 02 Apr 2021 10:01:02 -0400

Things have sure changed, in the '80s all branches welcomed each other and it was common to be invited to not get out, but try a different life for a while.

Response by MSgt Currie C. made Apr 4 at 2021 5:02 PM

MSgt Currie C. — Sun, 04 Apr 2021 17:02:23 -0400

First I need to put on my "782 gear".
"There are only two Armed Forces in America. The U.S. Army and the U.S. Navy. The Air Force is a corporation and the Marines are a cult." HA! HA! JOKE! JOKE!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2021 5:29 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 09 Apr 2021 17:29:03 -0400

Probably some of us come in bragging about about stuff we have never done. When most likely they could not cut the mustard in the other branch

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2021 12:23 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 10 Apr 2021 12:23:57 -0400

It is well known across all branches that
most Soldiers and Marines aren't as intelligent as Airmen and Sailors. As an example, the minimum score on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test is 25 for the Marines. Why would the Navy and Air Force want to lower their standards to accommodate some crayon eaters and their "well, in the Army we did it like this" siblings?

Response by CW2 Michael MacInerney made Apr 11 at 2021 6:08 AM

CW2 Michael MacInerney — Sun, 11 Apr 2021 06:08:26 -0400

I worked at an AF Materiel Command base as a civilian senior logistics manager and the AF personnel that worked for the contractor were noticeably on edge when I received their performance briefings. The contractor supervisor said his people thought I was too hard on them during the briefings. There were also numerous AF active duty people that thought an Army civilian should not get the position, only AF military or civilians deserved such a position. Then there were the AF people who worked with the Army and their Special Ops who had a very different attitude. I also worked at positions at small bases with the Army and those people did not like an outsider coming in and getting any position above a GS-6. They worked for decades with only friends, locals, and people in their higher HQ getting jobs at their ammunition plant. So I guess what I am saying is that sometimes the bad (sadly) side of human nature takes control of people in any of the services and they tend to shun outsiders and see them as a threat to their stability.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2021 12:43 PM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 11 Apr 2021 12:43:44 -0400

I'm former Army and transferred seamlessly into the Navy. I was welcomed with open arms. So, I'm not sure where this might be happening. Maybe it's because I'm a reservist? Or because I was a 92Y going to Logistics Specialist? Maybe it's just a regional thing.

Response by SSgt Ricardo Lugo made Apr 11 at 2021 10:33 PM

SSgt Ricardo Lugo — Sun, 11 Apr 2021 22:33:20 -0400

We the warriors of are nation can not believe everything we hear thru third parties, media or any communication resources; until we collaborate the information thru reliable sources. I hope this is isolate situation that could happen in the Arm forces organization. I believe that all branches of the arm forces enforces the Total Force Vision of the Department of Defense. Every soldier is train in this wonderful vision (Total Force Vision). The history of are Defense Organization has proven that we operate as a Total Force Organization; and I believe that this vision is indivisible. So no matter from what branch you belong to; nobody can shun you; because this vision (Total Force Vision) will always unite us as warriors from the Home of the Brave. Hopefully God and the Department of Defense will address this issue if its happening in some level of the Arm Forces Organization. So God help us to be always united and preserve national defense doctrine and global/space reach; for the sake of are great nation USA.

Response by PO1 Christopher Gómez made Apr 12 at 2021 8:47 AM

PO1 Christopher Gómez — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 08:47:46 -0400

I don't know this to be true for sure but I would assume it is because you are prior service. As far as I recall from my limited time doing recruiting, recruiters don't get credit for prior service recruitment. So, it has less to do with which branch you came from and more to do with the fact that you are prior service. When I talked to an AF recruiter he didn't give me the time of day because I was prior service and that was how he explained it to me as well.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2021 2:14 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 14:14:45 -0400

Since I've served with many Army and Marine Corps veterans in the Navy, I'm puzzled by this contention. It certainly doesn't appear to me or my Navy brothers and sisters who served in the Army or Marine Corps that there is a prejudice against those services. I've known far fewer former Air Force personnel in the Navy. I've not been a recruiter, but it strikes me their interest might fade because they realize they'll need to find a billet for someone who is not at an entry-level paygrade.

Response by MSgt Scott Gaston made Apr 14 at 2021 8:39 PM

MSgt Scott Gaston — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 20:39:38 -0400

It has nothing to do with sensitivity. Anytime I’ve hosted an Army or Marine unit as an Air Force 1Sgt after blowing my 4th left eardrum and being grounded from Combat Aircrew , I’ve never heard so many compliments. Maybe they don’t think you can adjust. I know it can’t be your ASVAB score as I nearly aced mine and after I retired my Son outscored me by 1 point and still went 10th Mtn Div?!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2021 8:56 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Apr 2021 08:56:18 -0400

It's because they don't receive credit for prior service. That's what an AF recruiter told me in the office bc I was prior service Army at the time and they told me it was bc they don't receive credit for prior only initial recruits

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2021 12:38 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Apr 2021 12:38:49 -0400

Old dog new tricks, depending on the timing this almost across the board. Most of the time I was recruiting the Army was not accepting prior service. My best guess is you are have already been indoctrinated, much easier to mold a fresh piece of clay vs one that has already been given a shape. It is not the recruiter that is disqualifying you, it is the latest recruiting message. I seriously doubt that it is because of personality conflicts. There were many periods while I was in where the other branches were taking from the active force to fill a need.

Response by SSgt Bennett Sanders made Apr 15 at 2021 3:04 PM

SSgt Bennett Sanders — Thu, 15 Apr 2021 15:04:58 -0400

I haven't experienced that at all. I left active duty in the Marine Corps, and then joined a local Air National Guard unit. There were several other Marines already at the unit, as well as Sailors and Soldiers. Of course, my transition was from active duty to Air Guard, so it may not have been the same for you.

Response by PO1 Larry Sirmans made Apr 16 at 2021 5:54 AM

PO1 Larry Sirmans — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 05:54:33 -0400

Not sure I really agree with that, at least not in my day. I was prior Army before joining the Navy. Never really had any stigma against me due to being prior Army. In fact because I was prior Army the Navy felt I was more able to “translate” for the Marines as a forward observer. Though I have heard stated a few times that the Air Force is more like a corporation than a conventional military force in its institutional mindset.

Response by SFC Kory Schaubhut made Apr 16 at 2021 2:15 PM

SFC Kory Schaubhut — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 14:15:02 -0400

We lower the property values...

Response by SSgt Daniel d'Errico made Apr 16 at 2021 11:40 PM

SSgt Daniel d'Errico — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 23:40:46 -0400

I believe it concerned promotion and re-education for prior enlisted. For ARMY personnel they would have to think like humans (kidding) and learn not to salute every jeep that drove by them. This also concerned those in the infantry, not calling for artillery everytime it rained on base. But I kid you . As for NAVY types, a bedbis a bed and not a rack. Floors are not decks and a captain is not a double barred LT.

Response by CPO Michael Hatten made Apr 17 at 2021 8:06 PM

CPO Michael Hatten — Sat, 17 Apr 2021 20:06:41 -0400

Air Force and Navy have a different basic concept than the Army and Marines. In the Army and Marines, the basic weapon is the individual soldier working within his squad. In the Navy and the Air Force, the basic weapon is the ship or plane. The individuals are operators and technicians.

The differences in the two cultures can be hard to overcome when someone goes from one service to the other.

Response by PO2 Steven Russell made Apr 18 at 2021 2:09 PM

PO2 Steven Russell — Sun, 18 Apr 2021 14:09:36 -0400

My dad was a career "bootstrap"Marine retiring after 3 wars, including Vietnam, as a Captain. My father-in-law retired as a light Connel from the Airforce. His last active duty was essentially an office worker which continued as AF civil servent from which he also retired ("doible dipping"

Response by CPO Eugene Gillam made Apr 19 at 2021 11:15 AM

CPO Eugene Gillam — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 11:15:05 -0400

As a former Navy recruiter I can say unequivocally that if they are qualified that we will enlist them....think QUOTA, QUOTA, QUOTA!

Response by Sgt Sharon Lewis-Waites made Apr 19 at 2021 2:47 PM

Sgt Sharon Lewis-Waites — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 14:47:15 -0400

I am Air Force & my brother is Marines. We were raised by an Air Force Father, 26 years.
When my brother left for basic he had a loving, kind personality and when he came back he did not. His first action was to attack the brother that is between us, he beat him up. When I asked why, he told me because I can now. Although he was older than this brother he was always smaller. I always thought it was because he was born premature.
When he changed MOS to become a Photo interpreter he had to attend an Air Force school. I joked with him he was getting artificial intelligence. He didn’t appreciate the joke. Claiming that he had to ride his bike in the code when he took his entrance exam. While I was living in Sunny California with my husband when I took the test.
I believe that some people of a weaker mind can not handle the training the Army and Marines dish out. They don’t know how to shut it off. Whereas; for myself the Air Force training was thorough without being completely mind binding. My father’s words to me before I got onto that plane for basic was “It’s more mental than physical”.

Response by SPC Will Thorson made Apr 21 at 2021 11:21 PM

SPC Will Thorson — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 23:21:02 -0400

It's not a stigma. The air force just isn't the same as the army or the Marines. It's more technical across the board. My son us in the air force and the amount of training he has for his job is crazy. Add in the air force just isn't very big so they are very choosy who they enlist. The army is massive compared to the rest of the services. Think of it this way, the air force is a civilian technical job in uniform. They don't need (for the most part) A type personalities like the infantry and armor and artillery do. They have to be picky.

Response by SPC Stephen Wierzbicki made Apr 27 at 2021 1:14 AM

SPC Stephen Wierzbicki — Tue, 27 Apr 2021 01:14:04 -0400

It's Not Disqualification, the Other 2 branches, Navy & Air Force believe that We Are More Vocal with Our Opinions ie. Question the Orders that are given to us. The Air Force & Navy Are Sheepish, in nature. While the Army & Marines Will Not Blindly Follow an Order.

Response by PO1 William Van Syckle made May 4 at 2021 12:36 AM

PO1 William Van Syckle — Tue, 04 May 2021 00:36:35 -0400

I was prior Army and the Navy came to me. Said I had a skill they needed. I stayed until I retired with a total active service of 24+ years. Had no problem getting in, but did have a problem making rank.....

Response by SSgt Randall Matheny made May 13 at 2021 9:48 PM

SSgt Randall Matheny — Thu, 13 May 2021 21:48:06 -0400

Not a problem in the old days that I am aware of. My TI at Lackland was a former Marine. I knew numerous good Airmen who were former Army and Marines during my tenure from '71 to '79. It's a shame if its a problem today

Response by MSgt Christian Sepúlveda made May 13 at 2021 9:52 PM

MSgt Christian Sepúlveda — Thu, 13 May 2021 21:52:36 -0400

I went to avionics tech school with a former Marine. . .who worked Marine C-130s. Good hire.

Response by PO1 Bob Timm made May 14 at 2021 12:56 PM

PO1 Bob Timm — Fri, 14 May 2021 12:56:35 -0400

Marines are a department of the Navy and some are still assigned to ships. In my Navy as punishment Marines were sent down with us snipes most never came back and really were abunch of wimps in my world.

Response by SrA John Monette made May 14 at 2021 3:12 PM

SrA John Monette — Fri, 14 May 2021 15:12:57 -0400

lack of intelligence?? just kidding

Response by SPC William Szkromiuk made May 15 at 2021 10:33 AM

SPC William Szkromiuk — Sat, 15 May 2021 10:33:31 -0400

Air Force and Navy don't understand the 24 hour clock that the Army and Marines use. A prior service from these branches would always have to translate to " big hand on 4 and little hand on 6" for the Air Force. And for the Navy you have to translate to " jingle bells" or something like that. :-)
Thank you all for your service.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2021 10:49 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 May 2021 10:49:28 -0400

About 6 or 7 years ago, you wouldn't have had as much problem trying to go Air Force, we had quite a few openings at that point. Over the years, the Air Force started getting more restrictive as retention keeps going up, and end strength needs have dropped. This Fiscal Year (and for the next 4 from what I heard) we only get 50 Prior Service positions available worldwide. Even in that number, it's only in certain career fields or requires very specific qualifications. Whoever tells you that you are "too military," or "under (or over) qualified" is just plain ignorant. It comes down to end strength, numbers in each rank, and most importantly, money. Usually, coming from a different branch, you would need to go through training for one of the Air Force's career fields, which costs money. And let's face it, E1-E3 is a lot cheaper that E5+. The only reasons a recruiter won't jump at the opportunity to work a Prior Service should be there are literally no openings that FY, which usually happens within the first 3-4 months of the FY, and even then, there is already so many applications submitted, that even if you submit your paperwork on time, it's still practically a lottery that you will make the cut that year. At this point, other branch recruiters outnumber Air Force recruiters by such a high amount, they simply have to focus on the applicants that are going to have them reach their mission, and those applicants that *might* get picked up the next Fiscal Year get worked in any free time they might have.

My best suggestion would be to talk to the Air Force Reserves and see what they are able to offer you if you are wanting to join the Air Force as Prior Service.

Response by MSgt George Fillgrove made May 15 at 2021 4:16 PM

MSgt George Fillgrove — Sat, 15 May 2021 16:16:58 -0400

Since When? NOT TRUE!!!! That's really childish.

The only reason would be that the MOS or Navy rate may not transfer, requiring the individual to retrain into into a new specialty. There is a regulation with hundreds of MOS' and rates, allowing the conversion into a related AF specialty. I ought to know because I was a recruiter for seven years and did it numerous times with enlistment packages.

My training instructor in basic training was a former Marine. During my career, I came upon numerous officers and enlisted individuals who started in other services. We might kid each other, but when it came down to completing the mission, we worked as a team.

Some times there are odd things that occur in these instances, like a prior service member having to repeat basic training. Some times they have to go to tech school. I had two prior service Army E-5s in my security police class. They wore no rank, badges or ribbons in tech school, but were instant E-5s at graduation. I served alongside other prior service members and the experience was mutually beneficial. I learned as much from them as they learned from me.

You might want to try another recruiter.

Response by CPL Tabatha Combs made May 15 at 2021 5:13 PM

CPL Tabatha Combs — Sat, 15 May 2021 17:13:19 -0400

I've thought about reenlistment under a different branch. Specifically the Navy. I'm a LCDR daughter brought up in a Naval household and enlisted into the Army National Guard for Nevada and have been out since 2016. Does anyone know what the requirements would be to be accepted. My MOS was 92Y.

Response by 1SG Richard Cummins made May 15 at 2021 11:48 PM

1SG Richard Cummins — Sat, 15 May 2021 23:48:56 -0400

Point of Fact answers….. We don’t sugar coat anything

Response by Cpl Jeff Ruffing made May 16 at 2021 8:37 PM

Cpl Jeff Ruffing — Sun, 16 May 2021 20:37:19 -0400

It’s our intense mode. I had a problem when I went from the Corps to the Army.

Response by PO1 Brian Sweeney made May 16 at 2021 9:33 PM

PO1 Brian Sweeney — Sun, 16 May 2021 21:33:41 -0400

I served in the Worlds Greatest Navy for 15+ years and am the son of 2 WW2 US Marine
Veterans. My brother is a Air Force Veteran. I have 2 nephews 1 a Marine and the other Army. And my own son a Marine. I have had to come to the conclusion that the Worlds Greatest Navy is the far more intelligent branch. That's why.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2021 11:10 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 16 May 2021 23:10:17 -0400

I never had an issue reenlisting in the Navy. I was prior Marine Corps and Army Reserve. I spent my last 12 years in the Navy. Maybe the fact that I was a linguist had something to do with it?

Response by Col Robert Lucania made May 17 at 2021 2:57 AM

Col Robert Lucania — Mon, 17 May 2021 02:57:06 -0400

Interesting discussion. I’d say from my experience working 36-years active duty Air Force enlisted and officer and 7-years Army civilian, it depends leadership involved. In the Air Force, I never worked in a non-professional unit. Every unit held military standards and core values, Integrity First, Service Before Self and Excellence in All We Do.

During my first 4 years I served in intense units, Security Forces Strategic Air Command and Air Force Honor Guardsman in Military District of Washington. Afterwards I served in medical units with leaders continuing to uphold military values. When you watch an 18-year old Airman save a life in the emergency room or 25-year old responsible for refueling two billion dollar aircraft and lives of two crews while 30,000 feet, it's humbling. My time with Army as a civilian and during joint ops while on active duty was no different. I’ve worked with outstanding Army leaders and Soldiers who love their country and service.

Over the last 4 decades I’ve watched military move toward corporate structuring in both services (back in the day we called it occupationalism) with moves toward increased and valued civilian contract positions. I’ve always had strong feelings about “The Soldier and the State” and continual Professional Military Education. Later as a senior officer this proved beneficial since there is truth that we operate with many corporate entities and need to know our company as any CEO. This includes our national responsibilities and our differences from the civilian corporate world.

Response by Maj Major Ted C. Mc Neel Sr. USMC Retired made May 17 at 2021 3:38 PM

Maj Major Ted C. Mc Neel Sr. USMC Retired — Mon, 17 May 2021 15:38:11 -0400

They believe we will rock their boat, airdales do have it easier, eccept maybe their pilots of all types of aircraft. Navy/Marine Corp Pilots have it harder, i.e., landing on Carriers.

Response by AN John Denekar made May 18 at 2021 7:44 PM

AN John Denekar — Tue, 18 May 2021 19:44:58 -0400

Service members from the army and marines tend to have a chip on their shoulders, and think they are better because they have more combat training.

Response by PFC James Edward VERNON jr made May 19 at 2021 5:23 PM

PFC James Edward VERNON jr — Wed, 19 May 2021 17:23:35 -0400

IT HAS GOT TO BE "DISCIPLINE", IT IS HARD TO TELL A SUBORDINATE TO DROP AND GIVE YOU 25 WITH A BOOT IN YOUR A--. THAT MAY OR MAY NOT HAPPEN, BUT THE RULES ARE SURELY "DIFFERENT". THE "UNIFORM MILITARY CODE" IS NOT THAT "UNIFORM". IT IS "INTERPRETED" VERY "DIFFERENTLY".

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2021 8:50 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 May 2021 20:50:42 -0400

No idea what you’re referring to. E6 in the army boarded in the Air Force and had no problem

Response by SSG Jack Scott made May 19 at 2021 9:35 PM

SSG Jack Scott — Wed, 19 May 2021 21:35:44 -0400

Not really for the Navy side of the house they will take Marines as we are actually part of the Navy. Back in 2007 while working as Police Officer with 25yrs I thought about reenlisting and did as a Marine with over 9yrs into the Army. I first approached the Navy as all my family are Navy several Generations. The Navy gave me a great offer for the master of Arms field AKA MP. Plus all my rank and my time in grade like I never left and would pin E6 pretty fast. But I also raked to the Army who offered pretty much nothing lose of rank but a damn good combat MOS Guaranteed me to be deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan. So as a Marine I just couldn’t see my add on a destroyer or Carrier safe and sound. So I joined the Army reported as a Spc with over 9yr of Service. I met my CSM the first day told him my story and he said we have to do something about this. 20 months later with some board wavers was standing tall as a SSG. I more than likely would have made Petty Officer First Class in about the same time but I prefer the be in Country on the ground. Now the Air force will NOT touch a Marine at all no matter if they are looking to join after just a 3yr Contract. I was told we don’t mesh well with the Airmen and can be too abrasive. I can see that I made a Rookie Cry once at the PD, got called into my Capra Officer for that one. Stop acting like a Marine SGT as if I could just turn it off dealing with 19yr old Kids right out of criminal justice training.

Response by PO2 Steven Michaeli made May 20 at 2021 7:58 AM

PO2 Steven Michaeli — Thu, 20 May 2021 07:58:53 -0400

Having served in all four uniforms I think I can answer this one. The Navy and Air Force are known for pushing the limits of uniform regs: long hair, long belts, barely shined boots. Plus thay give ribbons for things that the other two don't. You get a ribbon for passing basic? For weapons quality? There's a lot of negative peer pressure there. In the USN and USAF if you're high, tight, and squared away you get made fun of and bullied. In the USA, and USMC, if you look like a dirty clothes pile and need a hair cut you get made fun of and bullied.

Response by SFC Sfc Darwin Maring, USA Ret made May 20 at 2021 5:02 PM

SFC Sfc Darwin Maring, USA Ret — Thu, 20 May 2021 17:02:20 -0400

We tend to get off our asses and get the job done.

Response by Sgt Ron Bowen made May 21 at 2021 7:02 PM

Sgt Ron Bowen — Fri, 21 May 2021 19:02:12 -0400

That was never the case in my era. My TI was a former Recon Marine from Vietnam. The Navy pilots were always more friendly on the flightline. And the combat control squadron always had a lot of soldiers and grunts.

Response by TSgt Loren Pierce made May 22 at 2021 11:54 AM

TSgt Loren Pierce — Sat, 22 May 2021 11:54:38 -0400

Because the don't have intelligence to serve with those two fine groups of individuals

Response by COL Frank Siltman made May 22 at 2021 2:26 PM

COL Frank Siltman — Sat, 22 May 2021 14:26:25 -0400

We have higher military standards.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2021 5:32 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 May 2021 05:32:26 -0400

A little background first: 69-73 Army LRRP, then Aero-Scout, then an S3 REMF,
73-89 civilian,
89-91 Mech Inf ANG.
91-07 AFRES 605, 2T2 with several 30, 60, 90 and 120 day deployments and of course wonderful annual tours.
Drill week-ends with ANG Mech Inf we were always assholes and elbows from Friday nigh or early Saturday morning t to Sunday evening. Annual tours; we might get a cold shower and a chance to visit the PX during the two weeks.
The Air Force Reserve(-:
When I switched to Air Force Reserves I was more than welcome. I kept my Rank, E5.
At 1700 Saturday, the end of my first day in AFRES I went back to my room, had a shower and went to the BX and the NCO club, got a good night sleep in a nice warm bed. Showed up for sign-in 0800 Sunday. My first AFRES annual tour I had 3 days off in Osan and a room downtown.
With great respect I came to consider the Air Force as kind of like being in the military and kind of like a working vacation.
One curiosity I did notice in AFRES; we had many troops who had been Army, Navy, Marines and of course active Air Force. But I never met anybody who came form the USCG to AFRES. I did work with some folks from the USCG a few times. They seemed to always be happy.

Response by LTC David Howard made May 23 at 2021 9:52 AM

LTC David Howard — Sun, 23 May 2021 09:52:10 -0400

My question is why would anyone that had served in the Army even want to be in the Air Force or Navy? They already were a part of the premier military force of the nation, along with their helpers in the Marine Corps, so what would be so enticing as to want to wear the sailor's cap or the bus driver blue uniform? Just asking.

Response by SSG Timothy Lanham made May 24 at 2021 9:08 PM

SSG Timothy Lanham — Mon, 24 May 2021 21:08:29 -0400

I was close to the end of my first hitch in the Army. Went to talk to AF recruiter about joining the Air Force. I was told that the AF does not like to take people from any other branches, in fact they don't like to take AF back. He said there was a waiting list of over 1000 AF members wanting to get back in.
I just decided to stay in the Army instead of trying Navy and getting turned down again.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2021 10:40 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 May 2021 22:40:38 -0400

First off it’s very rare that Marines and Soldiers attempt to cross over into the Navy and Airforce. I have only met one Marine that crossed over to the Airforce.

So therefore since it’s such a rarity it’d never tough to find an answer on this.

Response by PO3 Kenneth Heller made May 27 at 2021 7:50 PM

PO3 Kenneth Heller — Thu, 27 May 2021 19:50:38 -0400

Hahahaha that is funny I’m a BM 3 and was part of the gator navy little creek had 300 jar heads on board and they were the best to party with I never had my feelings hurt

Response by SGT Stan Setliff made Jun 2 at 2021 8:48 AM

SGT Stan Setliff — Wed, 02 Jun 2021 08:48:05 -0400

I was wanting to go to Para Rescue AF from the 82nd. 1987. Honest to God, the recruiter told me there was too much aggressiveness imbedded. He even tried the "you'll have to give up a couple of E grades". Finally told me that he just wouldn't purse it any further. Well, thanks alot.

Response by Sgt Heriberto Salinas made Jun 3 at 2021 5:40 PM

Sgt Heriberto Salinas — Thu, 03 Jun 2021 17:40:35 -0400

When I was already out of the Air Force, I actually visited my recruiter. He said that prior military service members didn't count towards filling their quota. So, to push the paperwork through, it was not to their advantage, but viewed more like a waist of time.

Response by PO1 Don Rowan made Jun 12 at 2021 12:47 PM

PO1 Don Rowan — Sat, 12 Jun 2021 12:47:01 -0400

Interesting.... they were permitted when I was in. Wonder when that started????

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2021 7:26 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Jun 2021 19:26:50 -0400

I spent 6 years in the Idaho Army national guard and am currently working on finishing my 14th year in the Air Force Reserves. When I tried to join Active Duty AF I was told they weren't looking for prior service. Not sure if this helps

Response by PO1 Charles Coffee made Jun 23 at 2021 8:28 AM

PO1 Charles Coffee — Wed, 23 Jun 2021 08:28:02 -0400

It all comes down to leadership! I was a Hospital Corpsman in the Navy. When I was assigned to the Marine Corps, the leadership focuses on the troops, not the service. Navy leadership or lack of, were more managers. They manage the people, not lead! The hard core military attitude to do it right, over the Navy let's wait and see what happens, and ignore the enlisted! I served more than half of my career with the Marine Corps, just because the leadership was more effective!

Response by Lt Col Paul Boley made Jun 25 at 2021 8:45 PM

Lt Col Paul Boley — Fri, 25 Jun 2021 20:45:53 -0400

It has been my experience that the USAF takes almost no prior service onto active duty. Even USAF.

In my 28 years in uniform and now 10 years as a civil servant, I've only known of two (both from the Army)

Response by SPC Lyle Montgomery made Jul 20 at 2021 4:37 PM

SPC Lyle Montgomery — Tue, 20 Jul 2021 16:37:33 -0400

I can't understand why a Marine or Army soldier would want to join the Air force or Navy anyway. It seems like a step down to me

Response by CPT Robert Hoffman made Jul 30 at 2021 4:53 PM

CPT Robert Hoffman — Fri, 30 Jul 2021 16:53:06 -0400

Bad mouthing other branches of the service is considered "sport". I am an "Army Brat", I grew up at West Point, but that was not my source of Commission. I was fortunate to have served in positions where I was attached to Air Force and Navy units and have worked closely with Marines and Coast Guard units. I have spent time working with them in my two tours as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam. Our missions are different. Because of that our living conditions are different. Even within the Army, Aviators were looked at as "soft" because they did not live in conditions as bad as the "GRUNTs" in the field. Air Force aircraft need runways and more sophisticated facilities than those for a UH-1 or OH-6A. We would all prefer that Navy ships get us where we need to go, rather than sink en route. Most of us that have been transported on a Navy ship have found the food to be excellent. As a paratrooper, I would prefer that the aircraft I was going to jump from gets me to where I needed to go, rather than having to jump out when mechanical problems forced me to go out. The Coast Guard people I worked with on the Point Class Cutters in Vietnam went places I would never have expected them to be able to. If I was going to be going into combat on the ground, I would be very happy to have a Marine unit by my side. Everyone was a professional that I worked with, and for the most part, enjoyed the "sport". "Go Army, Beat Navy"

Response by Sgt Laura Campbell made Jul 31 at 2021 1:38 AM

Sgt Laura Campbell — Sat, 31 Jul 2021 01:38:54 -0400

Having been in the Air Force & having family members in all branches of the service ( except Coast Guard), I think they are a bit prejudiced because they think the Air Force & Navy ( not jointly, the AF believes they are smarter) recruit people with more brains. I have since seen that certain jobs in each service take brains. When I was testing to join the military, I only had a GED. I tested a 97 on the (old scoring system) ASVAB. With a low of 45 on mechanical & all others 80 & above, I would still be acceptable. 1981. I was waiting for the recruiter in the office & overheard the Marine recruiter talking about getting a waiver for a young man. The lowest ASVAB ( pretest total like my 97) that they accepted was 30. The young man got a 29, & they were arranging a waiver so he could join.
My son is in the Army, as was my son-in-law. My son-in-law got his BA while in the Army, working full time. He does coding now for apps, he is very smart. The AF also runs their branch VERY differently than Army. You would need to learn all new ranking system, as well as getting used to a different workplace atmosphere. When I was in, we did our physical tests once a year.

Response by SFC Terry Murphy made Aug 4 at 2021 8:54 PM

SFC Terry Murphy — Wed, 04 Aug 2021 20:54:00 -0400

Towards the end of my first enlistment, I went to an AF recruiter. I told him I wanted to go Combat Control or Para- Rescue. As soon as he found out I was Infantry he told me that I couldn’t enlist into the AF because there wasn’t a cross match MOS. He said if I was a cook he could put me in, but not as an infantryman.

Response by SGT Kent Carter made Aug 8 at 2021 12:33 PM

SGT Kent Carter — Sun, 08 Aug 2021 12:33:14 -0400

Personally, when I was in the navy, the airfarce didn't like us sailors for bein too rowdy!

Response by SSG Bill McCoy made May 23 at 2022 1:20 PM

SSG Bill McCoy — Mon, 23 May 2022 13:20:38 -0400

Aside from culture or tradition issues between services, I would think an Army or Marine MOS would make a difference. Infantry? Excluding their respective special combat branches, most Navy or USAF MOS's are not a good fit or a grunt/ground-pounder. I would think that either branch would take a soldier or Marine with high EER scores; a high GT score who is also MOS skilled in technical fields or medical specialty MOS's for example.

Response by SSgt David M. made May 23 at 2022 1:26 PM

SSgt David M. — Mon, 23 May 2022 13:26:44 -0400

OK, I ETS'd from the US Army in 1981. This was after 7 years of active duty US Army and almost one year US Army Reserve Duty. My intent was to join the US Air Force. I spoke with the US Air Force Recruiter and was informed that as I had served more than 5 years in the US Army I would have to do a year in the US Air Force Reserve. I thought OK, I can do that! I joined the local US Air Force Reserve unit, did my year of reserve time and again went to join the US Air Force! I took all the test and passed with high marks! This time the US Air Force Recruiter tells me that in order to get into an Active Duty Air Force Unit I would need a 5 level in my skill set. I was a Auto-pilot Repair Technician and only had a 3 level via training at Canute AFB that very year, 1982. The recruiter suggested that I complete the training via correspondence school. I spoke with the Personal folks ordered my training package and got to work. It was not difficult to complete one book after another. I was about five chapters away from finishing my final book when during a weekend training I was injured by improperly moving tool boxes from a truck and placing them in a storage room. I tore the muscles in my back and spent the next two years on continuation of duty (Disability). I went to the US Air Force Hospital at Mather AFB several times a week for treatment of my back injury. I then received a letter from my Commanding Officer that I was to report for duty for my weekend drills. I asked why the change from not having to attend drills as per the direction of the personal office and the former Commanding Officer? I was then informed that those direction were in error! I said OK and started attending drills but was then told that I could not sign in as I was still on continuation of duty. Two months later I received another letter, this one from the General in charge of the Medical Review Board. They had gone over my medical history and determined that due to the back injury that I was no longer able to do my job and I would be 'Severed' from Service. Two weeks later I received my Honorable Discharge from the US Air Force Reserve. It all worked out for the best in the end but I would rather not have damaged my back as it is still painful to do anything and I have to watch what I lift or do. No more down hill skiing, no water skiing, no heavy lifting, well the list goes on and on. I just go careful into the night! LOL ;-)