What should a prior service USMCR expect when going AD as an Army 11X?

2020-03-22T02:14:10-04:00

I’m a prior service Marine Reservist, going AD Army. I signed a 11X contract and per MEPS liaison in order to do infantry I had to go back to BCT which I’m fine with and I believe it gives me the opportunity to learn the Army way of life. I’m excited but wanted to know, when I would be issued uniforms? What week in BCT would I start training? What to expect as a prior service? Of course I’ll be leaving my ego at the door and expect nothing other than trying my best. Thank you!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2020 2:42 AM

2020-03-22T02:42:23-04:00

You should be issued uniforms within 72 hours of arrival at BCT. Not sure on the other specifics, but if they need you to do Infantry OSUT, be mentally prepared to do it from the start (22 weeks long now if I recall correctly).

Good luck- all of the prior service Marines I've worked with in the Army thus far have proven themselves well.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2020 8:15 AM

2020-03-22T08:15:53-04:00

Did the Army put you in as an E-4 or E-5? It’ll make a world of difference for basic. If you’re a SPC, you’ll likely just be mixed in with the others. If you’re a SGT, you’ll still go through basic but you’ll be in spectator mode most of the time. My platoon had an Air Force E-6 and a marine E-4 when I went through BCT, and that was my experience.

Response by SPC(P) Brandon Jenkins made Mar 22 at 2020 1:36 PM

2020-03-22T13:36:18-04:00

Uniforms are usually issued within the first 48 hrs of reporting to the reception battalion. You can be in this reception battalion anywhere from 2 days to a week before reporting to your training company. As far as being prior-service Marine, your drill sergeants probably wont even know that, so they wont treat you any different. Now, if you are entering the army with more rank because you're prior service, that may be a different story. All it really means, though, is that they will be tougher on you that the rest. Hypothetically, if you were to sham, they would immediately notice it and give you a ton of shit for it. If you are an E4, they will expect you to step up and lead as acting platoon sgt or, at least, squad leader.

Response by SSG Greg Smith made Mar 22 at 2020 2:09 PM

2020-03-22T14:09:11-04:00

I’m in the AIT portion of OSUT right now as a prior service Marine NCO. Go in with a good attitude and willingness to learn and you’ll be fine. You will have time in HHC in prior service holding. Use it wisely and WORK OUT. Not hang out in the barracks and be a weak body, who won’t shut up about being a Marine. I’ve heard stories of prior service marines showing up to army BCT and not being able to do even ten correct push-ups or a single leg tuck. DO NOT embarrass the Corps like that. It’s unacceptable, period. You’ll get issued uniforms within a day or two after getting to HHC. You will go to week 1 day zero of BCT. Some Drill Sgts will hate prior service (due to bad experiences with some) others will like you. Just follow orders and perform and you’ll be fine. Prior service NCOs get some extra privileges, but as an E3 you might get some. Probably not though, it depends on your company. But you’ll definitely be housed with the IET trainees. Good luck and stay strong and positive.

Response by WO1 Craig L Wirth made Mar 22 at 2020 2:35 PM

2020-03-22T14:35:42-04:00

Our uniforms were issued before we even started but. I took a two year break between my first tour of duty and when I went back in ti the army. I maintained my previous rank and went straight to my new duty station. I was issued uniforms after my arrival. No going back to but for me.

Response by SGT Christopher Hayden made Mar 22 at 2020 7:40 PM

2020-03-22T19:40:56-04:00

Chances are, you're not going to be treated any different than any other new Recruit. E3 in the Marine Reserves is great and all, but you're there to become an Army Infantryman. And most Infantry Drills are just going to treat you the same as they would anyone else, since you weren't an NCO. Just go into it with the same attitude you had for Marine Boot and you should be okay, eyes and ears open and mouth shut. Infantry OSUT is challenging, but obviously not something that the majority of people who try it can't do if it's something that have the drive to accomplish. Good luck, dude.

Response by CPT Cavett Ishihara made Mar 22 at 2020 9:41 PM

2020-03-22T21:41:53-04:00

Going back has to do everything with your rank and total AD time after boot camp and your original rating. You should excel and naturally lead because you know the concept. Good Luck!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2020 4:18 PM

2020-03-23T16:18:14-04:00

Should get uniforms whilst in reception before you even begin your training cycle. Yep leaving your ego at the door is advisable. Also don't start yelling the whole “AYE SIR” but other than that you should be at an advantage with discipline and previous military experience. Make sure you PT and motivate your peers. Good luck man

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2020 9:57 AM

2020-05-09T09:57:13-04:00

Hey brother I actually got a question for you instead. How long is it going to take for you to ship out ? I'm going next week to get my new contract as 11X as a Prior Service as well.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2020 4:19 PM

2020-12-17T16:19:44-05:00

Update: Sorry I’ve been busy with training and work. I’m at my first duty station. So for those who wanted to know, what happens is you’ll be taken to the airport from Joe’s where you’ll be bussed to Ft. Benning. You’ll in process with 30th AG and placed in HHC where you’ll in process and issued uniform items. You’ll start osut depending on losing branch of service. I started week 5 of OSUT and graduated on time with no issues. E4 and above are placed in “BEQs” cadre quarters for the entirety of OSUT. E3 are placed with general population. MOS choices are dependent on Army business rules of what is available for prior service. You can also volunteer for 18x or the Option 40 during OSUT.