What should I expect as I transition from the Marines to Army Cav Scouts? What are some do's and don'ts?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 31 Jan 2017 10:41:04 -0500

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2017 11:06 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 31 Jan 2017 11:06:56 -0500

Don't bring the hardcore mentality that Marines have to the Army. Bring your professionalism.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Jan 31 at 2017 12:12 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Tue, 31 Jan 2017 12:12:02 -0500

If you have combat experience, don't wear your Marine patch on an Army uniform. It is, by regulation not allowed. Many who come over assume a combat patch is a combat patch it is only authorized for Army patches and soldiers who were attached to Marines in Certain circumstances. Learn your equipment, some of it may be new to you, get a -10 manual (operators level, commonly referred to as a "dash 10") and learn about it, how to troubleshoot it when it goes down. If you are in a Bradley they are good pieces of equipment when taken care of. The Army and USMC have two different missions, try not to dwell too much in the USMC past, it gets annoying to those around you.

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Jan 31 at 2017 2:44 PM

SFC J Fullerton — Tue, 31 Jan 2017 14:44:24 -0500

For starters, you will need to learn a new lingo as we have a different set of terminology for everything than what you are used to. The only NCO's that you address differently than just "Sergeant" are CPL's, 1SG's, and Sergeant Majors. For the most part though, you will find a lot of things are just the same. You will be welcomed into your unit, and nobody is going to think of you any different for being a prior Marine. In the Army, everybody's shit stinks so there are no superiority complexes (for the most part).

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2017 6:49 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 31 Jan 2017 18:49:07 -0500

Prior service Marines have been some of the best soldiers I have served with. If you can get over the fact that the Army isn't the Marine Corps, you'll do just fine. In my experience Marines get a little extra respect. The only thing I saw once was a guy who just couldnt shut up about how much better the Marine Corps was. It didn't bother me (my mindset was, "yeah and so are Rangers; but we are what we are,") but some guys got tired of it. I think that was what some of the other comments about not trying to bring the Marine Corps in were angling at.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2017 9:07 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 31 Jan 2017 21:07:22 -0500

Your professionalism will be an asset coming over.

You will have to learn a few terms and a slight difference in rank. For example the Marines I know call their Staff Sergeants their full rank Staff Sergeant. That's not wrong in the Army but you usually only call an Staff Sergeant a Sergeant in general conversation.

The same applies to Sergeant First Class and technically Master Sergeant, however many Soldiers typically call a Master Sergeant by their full rank as a show of respect for the rank.

A First Sergeant will be called First Sergeant and a Sergeant Major and Command Sergeant Major will be called Sergeant Major though I imagine you already knew that.

You may be allowed to wear your awards and certain devices on your Army Service Uniform (ASU) from the Marines. I would check to be sure but the Army is a bit more accepting about the awards of other branches. While I was in Basic we had 3 Sailors switching over and they were all allowed to wear their former Navy ribbons and badges.

Response by GySgt Charles O'Connell made Feb 2 at 2017 11:16 AM

GySgt Charles O'Connell — Thu, 02 Feb 2017 11:16:29 -0500

Don't!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2017 2:22 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Feb 2017 14:22:44 -0500

Don't say Ooo-Rah. Lmao. Just a little light humor

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2017 9:11 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Feb 2017 21:11:45 -0500

First, get commissioned as fast as you can, your Marine background will definitely make you an asset to any unit. Be ready for the comments " You know better than that" every time you make a mistake so you dont get to use the excuse of LT didn't know. Other than that, what appears to be really easy to take the initiative and get it done becomes a bureaucracy in some units or people look at you like they never thought of it. Get used the to the whining about how tough things are and soldiers get upset when you yell at them or get the hand going. Also, things have to be fair and everyone gets put on work detail instead of the lowest ranking soldiers. On the bright side you will be sought after for tactics and ability to look at a map and provide an accurate assessment of what the enemy is going to do. Oh one other thing it took me 3 years to get the attitude toned down. You are either going to love it or hate it. Good luck.

Response by MAJ Raymond Haynes made Feb 7 at 2017 2:09 AM

MAJ Raymond Haynes — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 02:09:25 -0500

After being both enlisted and commissioned in the Marine Corps, I transferred to the Army National Guard as a CWO-2. I never really told anybody about my Marine background, but the word seemed to spread throughout the unit. When asked why I transferred from the Marines my standard answer was "To be the best Army Warrant Officer, I can be" I eventually was turned back into a Captain, then promoted to Major, and the same mindset held true. When you make the decision to switch from one service to another, never loose your pride for your former service, but realize that your new service deserves the same respect, pride, and 100% effort, that you put into your original branch. The job you do and the people you lead deserve nothing less, and your professionalism as military member will naturally show through.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Mar 5 at 2017 2:22 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Sun, 05 Mar 2017 14:22:17 -0500

When I went to School, and granted that was a long time ago, the term " applies to," meant only to those mentioned. An older version of 670-1 actually described that only the Army wears Shoulder Sleeve Insignia, therefore only the Army wears Former Wartime Shoulder Sleeve Insignia. But As I read the opening of AR 670-1 21-17 Shoulder Sleeve Insignia-former Wartime Service it is in my humble opinion very clear "Only applies to Soldiers who are/were assigned" no mention of Marines, Sailors, Airmen, Coast Guard, that is as straight forward as it gets. So if a CSM said that to me, I would tell him to get a refund on his hooked on phonics. Far to many people want to be in the "In Crowd" and wear stuff not authorized, as for the awards authorized I cry "BS" on this one, and consider this myth, Busted!

21–17. Shoulder sleeve insignia–former wartime service
a. General. Authorization to wear a SSI indicating FWTS applies only to Soldiers who are/were assigned to U.S.
Army units that meet the following criteria in subparagraph (1) below:

http://www.apd.army.mil/pdffiles/r670_1.pdf

r670_1.pdf

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Response by SSG Erik McKinster made Jun 5 at 2017 3:44 PM

SSG Erik McKinster — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 15:44:46 -0400

Was good to go for me... Got dinged at BNCOC (Staff NCO school) for having a Marine "twang" when I called cadance, but my soldiers loved it.

Minor stuff, yes terminology. Greeting of the day isn't Good morning sir, but the units motto, Hooah, etc... Going Cav scout means you'll need to make sure your purse matches your shoes... Or you could be a FiSTer... LMAO. Good luck brother.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2017 3:51 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 15:51:27 -0400

You'll have to start using silverware in the chow hall.
Grunting, farting and yelling ooorah will no longer pass for intelligent conversation.
Your equipment will no longer be older than you are.
PT will still suck, just in a different way.

Response by SFC Lawrence Born made Jun 5 at 2017 5:24 PM

SFC Lawrence Born — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 17:24:51 -0400

The single most outstanding soldier I have ever served with was a prior service Marine rifleman who came in the Army to be a combat medic. We were both support soldiers in a CAV unit and I trusted my medical care to him long before the useless PA we had. He was the absolute epitome of professionalism in every way. He would do anything for HIS troops. I PCS'd and didn't see him for 7 years. Low and behold I get assigned to a SFG(A) Group and am in the office one day when I hear a familiar voice yell "Born?" Holy shit!! He had gone to SFAS, the Q course (18D) and was getting ready to do Team Sergeant time as a SFC(P). Now he is a SGM select and I am more than proud to call him a friend.

Response by SFC Louis Eisenhauer made Jun 5 at 2017 5:43 PM

SFC Louis Eisenhauer — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 17:43:36 -0400

Mazel Tov!!! You are moving up in the world. This decision shows you have brains and in The Oldest and Largest Branch you will be able to use them
...well, maybe. Good Luck Brother, Shalom

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Jun 5 at 2017 6:44 PM

SSgt Boyd Herrst — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 18:44:26 -0400

I served in the AF and retired on Disability after 14-1/2 years. I had jobs at some different restaurants working as a Chef(I
also have accredidation as a Chef having gone to Culinary school via a cmty college. I worked the line at various places and emphasized keeping one's work area clean(clean as you go).. it made
Cleaning at the end of the night or shift
Much easier. S'times getting a little trashy
Can't be helped(NOT!). I'd get a line-backer and have them go through getting all the little patty papers ( I put a end to them and had 3d lb meatballs in the draw and we'd pat out as we went.. a lot of product would be in tubs with a drain board in them.. we'd have the linebacker refill out of them for the line.. just because we had to work fast.. not too fast(haste makes waste).. a few guys complained I was too meticulous. I said one could be
Neat and still get the job done in an efficient manner. I expected cooks to come on the line looking professional..
with good hygiene and if they hang later and are still decent looking in uniform(a few gravy stains..)don't have a prob with that.. guys would say I was too stuck on looking professional even after a hard day of night's work. I aid I know your good ,
But people look at you and mold an impression of you in their mind I tell them.
Nobody wants to eat food made by a sloppy cook.. they then get the impression the line, kitchen are nasty also.
I'm proud of where I work and I like being able to show s'one through our facility, especially one that's clean and professional looking . Giving that good impression the first time is important because it will bring them back. Some can hack it, some can't.. The ones that can't hack don't get much of an endorsement .. minimal .. they show up.
Work habits need Improvement.. etc.,
Manager signs off on it backing me . .
Maybe a greasy spoon place might hire them.. some said my mentality was too hard corps.. I was proud of that being an Air Force Vet..

Response by GySgt Mike W made Jun 5 at 2017 7:23 PM

GySgt Mike W — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 19:23:26 -0400

You die a little inside every day?

Response by SSgt David Jacoby made Jun 5 at 2017 7:52 PM

SSgt David Jacoby — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 19:52:41 -0400

I went from the Marine Corps to the Army back in the '80s. Was made to go through basic again though the Drill Sergeant's knew of my back ground so wasn't hassled. It will be what you make of it but they are both different in the way they approach situations.

Response by SGT Johnny Owens made Jun 5 at 2017 8:52 PM

SGT Johnny Owens — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 20:52:42 -0400

Continue being a good Marine, good Marines make good soldiers.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2017 8:54 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 20:54:32 -0400

Sgt James Gould- Is there an update to this post. I'd like to hear how the transition from Marines to Army Cav is working out. I have some recommendations also.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2017 9:35 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 21:35:36 -0400

You're gonna be totally floored at how fucking lax it is. It's pretty much a free for all in the U.S. Army anymore. Just be sure to not act like a Marine anymore. Act like a 2 year old child that doesn't get his way and you will fit right in. If you do that then you will get promoted, thrown in the stockade for a couple months and then come out a millionaire because of all the book and movie deals. Easy as pie.

Response by CW5 Randall Hirsch made Jun 5 at 2017 10:19 PM

CW5 Randall Hirsch — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 22:19:04 -0400

The Marine Corps was instrumental in my success in the Army Guard. The drive and determination we were taught helped insure my success. It helped me overcome some serious obstacles. I got knocked down a couple of times, but I got back up and moved on to better things.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Jun 5 at 2017 11:12 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 23:12:17 -0400

EMBRACE THE SUCK!

Response by CH (CPT) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2017 6:59 AM

CH (CPT) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Jun 2017 06:59:14 -0400

My unit has several prior USMC.

Response by Cpl Elijah Gordon made Jun 6 at 2017 7:54 AM

Cpl Elijah Gordon — Tue, 06 Jun 2017 07:54:04 -0400

My buddy transferred from a Marine Tank Scout to a Cav Scout. He said in some ways it was harder but for the most part it was about the same. Marines send their Plt Sommandars to the Army Scout School anyways (or at least they used to) so it wasn't that much of a difference. From what he said, the Cav Scouts were good to go. And in my experience you take Army units individually...some are locked on and some are bags of ass.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2017 8:39 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Jun 2017 08:39:33 -0400

The Cavalry is a proud organization with a lot of history. Don't knock the Stetson or spurs and definitely don't make comparisons to the Infantry.

Response by SGT Gabriel Brown made Jun 6 at 2017 10:33 AM

SGT Gabriel Brown — Tue, 06 Jun 2017 10:33:43 -0400

I spent five years in the Marine Corps infantry, two appointments with them, was a contractor in Afghanistan for sometime, and then switched over to Army infantry because I got a wild hair in my ass. What I found is that we are more similar than most Marines would like to admit.

Here are the cons:
The lack of discipline will make your eyeball twitch, hearing people call a staff Sergeant a Sgt will make your head want to explode, and the fratinization problem is enough to make every vein in your neck pop. Couple that with the overwhelming political correctness that plagues the army and you'd think it a recipe for disaster. The esprit de corps varies from unit to unit as opposed to being the same across the board. Some units will have as much ferocity as what you're used to in the Corps Infantry, others will make you want to throw up.

The pros:
Most of them are more curious than anything as to our way of doing things. They want to compare and contrast, figure out what works best, and actually implement it. From my experience, the whole "this is the way we've always done it" doesn't really apply. If something can be done better or more effectively then they're all about it. They also have quite a few tricks of their own that will surprise you. Sure, you'll get a lot of crayon eating jokes etc., but it's all in good fun. I don't think I have ever had anybody talk crap and actually mean it. Their equipment is good to go, and the first time you pull a 240L out of grease you'll know what heaven feels like. They really seem to appreciate the specialized infantry MOS expertise that we bring over, and will pick your brain for knowledge.

One interesting side effect that I had, was that I developed a profound respect for squared away soldier. In the Marine Corps, you don't really have a choice but to be squared away. The ramifications for not being squared away are usually very drastic. That being said, it's not the same in the army. You can be a complete turd And still manage to have a career that ends after 20 years and a rocker or two. That being said, when you see it squared away soldier know this: he squared away because he chose to be. He's made a conscious effort to hold the standard even though he could get by without doing so. To me, this garners a whole new level of respect. It's by their own sheer dedication of will that they're squared away, and speaks volumes about their character.

You will find that Spc's are just Lances with a better paycheck, but are up to their usual shenanigans. And just like lances, they are the backbone of the unit. The mafia (the underground) will know what's shaking and moving, and will make or break a squad.

It's going to take you a minute to break the habits that the Marine Corps has instilled in you. After all, you were indoctrinated. Not all of it will fade, try to make sure that it's the good parts that don't. Most likely, you'll find another prior Marine in your unit, and he'll help you through your transition. Also, you're awards will all transfer over, but the order of them may vary slightly.

All in all, it will likely be a positive experience. I was by no means a motard in he Corps, but to the army I certainly was at first. It's that different. You just have to tone it down to right about where you feel like you'd get lifed out in the Corps. That seems to be where the army is comfortable.

Your professionalism (proper greeting of the day, Marine Customs and courtesies) will be a bit foreign to them, but they will appreciate it. I still call Ssgt By his full rank. They'll tell you not to, but once I explained that being a Staff NCO is a big deal, and that I feel disrespectful when calling them just Sgt, they understood and actually liked it. I think they liked the fact that it was recognized And respected as an accomplishment worth differentiating. Also, don't freak out when you see Staff NCOs that are squad leaders. This is normal in the Army. Freaked me out to see a Ssgt holding a billet that was typically held by Lcpls and Cpls.

A few last notes: they call their poncho liner a "Woobie". It's the dumbest damn thing. I've been converting them as steadily as I can though.

That's all I've got. Good luck.

Response by SSgt Stephen Mills made Jun 6 at 2017 12:46 PM

SSgt Stephen Mills — Tue, 06 Jun 2017 12:46:01 -0400

I went from the USMC to the Army and USAF. It was a bit of a shock when I went Army. I always had a fear in the back of my mind that when I called a SFC or Ssgt just Sgt that it was a set up and I would pay for it. On the other hand I was called Jarhead in every Army unit I was in. I took it with pride. Just take what you learned in the Corps and apply it to the Army. Just don't be an ass about it. Be open to learning what the Army has to offer. Combine it all and you'll be fine.

Response by SSG Chris Morrison made Jun 6 at 2017 1:31 PM

SSG Chris Morrison — Tue, 06 Jun 2017 13:31:23 -0400

Make sure you tell every soldier you meet you ARE a marine and about how much better the corp is.

Response by CW4 Angel C. made Jun 6 at 2017 2:27 PM

CW4 Angel C. — Tue, 06 Jun 2017 14:27:26 -0400

Depends on what your job in the Marines was and what your attitude toward the Army is.

Response by MSG Brian Pauley made Jun 6 at 2017 3:45 PM

MSG Brian Pauley — Tue, 06 Jun 2017 15:45:44 -0400

Don't do it

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2017 5:32 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Jun 2017 17:32:50 -0400

I served with a number of former Marines in the guard and we busted their b**** but it was all in fun! We served in Iraq with many of them and they are our brothers no matter what branch they were in!

Response by SSG Grant Hansen made Jun 6 at 2017 8:48 PM

SSG Grant Hansen — Tue, 06 Jun 2017 20:48:37 -0400

I was Army Guard (88M, you call them Motor T) and we were assigned to the 1st Marines, 1st FSSG when we were sent to Iraq. It was really easy to work with those guys once we both learned some of the different terms we each used.

You should have no problem fitting into your new unit. Just be sure to take some time to figure it out and don't think that just because something is different it's wrong. It's just different.

Response by SFC Wesley Arnold, Jr made Jun 6 at 2017 11:22 PM

SFC Wesley Arnold, Jr — Tue, 06 Jun 2017 23:22:45 -0400

Disappointment ... Don't do it ... anything but CAV ( lol )

Response by SPC Nolan Pitti made Jun 7 at 2017 7:42 AM

SPC Nolan Pitti — Wed, 07 Jun 2017 07:42:11 -0400

Hey I'm the saw gunner in the picture

Response by MAJ Luca Luca made Jun 7 at 2017 8:08 AM

MAJ Luca Luca — Wed, 07 Jun 2017 08:08:35 -0400

As with anything, be good at what you do. After that broad stroke of genius advice, everything else will be straight. The lingo is different, no more "Aye, Aye Sir" or the other obvious Marine jargon, but if you can learn that, you can learn the Army yap too. As long as you are good gear, don't knock how great the Corps are compared to Army, it should be smooth operation. There isn't any animosity between the two branches passed sibling rivalry and there are plenty of other guys on the same boat so it is common. The other thing, this is key, now that you are in the Army, use your words and inside voice, we have manners here.

Response by SGT Derek Wynne made Jun 8 at 2017 2:57 AM

SGT Derek Wynne — Thu, 08 Jun 2017 02:57:23 -0400

Do get your head on straight. Don't act like you know what's going on because the moment you think you do you don't. I had a regimental safety officer Chief Warrant Officer3 Elig. He had been a marine enlisted. Did his time. Decided he wanted to be a soldier. He said it was quite different being a Marine then it was being a soldier and he wasn't even a scout. He flew Blackhawks. I had even seen during training at Fort Knox soldiers who had been in service and were seeking a new MOS. They even said scout training was nothing like they had ever seen. 19 Delta training is described as the hardest basic MOS in the army. So my suggestion to you is to expect the worst and prepare for the worst because if you were doing this in Fort Knox you would be going up heartbreak and agony the two hills that you wouldn't even want to drive up let alone ruck

Response by LTC Mathew Beckstead made Jun 8 at 2017 8:40 AM

LTC Mathew Beckstead — Thu, 08 Jun 2017 08:40:07 -0400

I transferred from the Marines to become an Army Officer. I would not say the transition was smooth. There is a huge difference in mindset. Going infantry to scout is less of a leap than infantry to Military Police. Traditions are of course different. Army doesn't place such almost Godlike status in the NCOs. Officers are much more involved in training. But given the chance to go to war with Army or Marines, I go to war with the Army.

Response by LCpl Larry Compton made Jun 8 at 2017 3:40 PM

LCpl Larry Compton — Thu, 08 Jun 2017 15:40:58 -0400

If you leave the army to try to become a marine you will go through marine boot camp- I served w/4 prior army people & all left marines because it was too difficult for them- but I did serve with a green beret sgt. & he was awesome

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Jun 8 at 2017 5:30 PM

Sgt Wayne Wood — Thu, 08 Jun 2017 17:30:29 -0400

Lower standards

Response by SSG Steven Mangus made Jun 8 at 2017 5:51 PM

SSG Steven Mangus — Thu, 08 Jun 2017 17:51:27 -0400

You will be Cav..nuff said..

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2017 8:42 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 Jun 2017 20:42:16 -0400

When we got our Marine we loved his ability to "repurpose" equipment.
We needed to clear a path... we asked for an axe.. he found a chainsaw.. love our Marine.

Response by Sgt Mike Quinn made Jun 9 at 2017 4:46 AM

Sgt Mike Quinn — Fri, 09 Jun 2017 04:46:22 -0400

I did 10 years in the Corps and got out I really missed the service and eventually joined the National guard. The hardest thing for me was the responsibility of the same ranks. In the Corps I was a platoon Sergeant as a Sergeant and in the Army I was a team leader.

Response by SGT Lisa Fields made Sep 22 at 2017 7:58 AM

SGT Lisa Fields — Fri, 22 Sep 2017 07:58:18 -0400

Best leaders and battles I had in the army were prior marines maintain the same discipline and values the corps taught you and you will be all right.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2018 11:01 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 27 Jan 2018 11:01:49 -0500

Don't wear a Marine patch as a combat patch, AR 670-1 hath spoken. Other than that, as a cannoneer, things will be different in Scout world. Tons of different weapons to learn, math will be your friend for route zone and area recons, yo also now get to be on the other end of the fire mission, directing the rounds instead of loading the gun. Lots of walking, running, driving, the Scouts is like they took 40 other MOS in the Army and smashed em together, lil bits of infantry, MP, engineers, arty, tankers, signal, transportation, and more all rolled into one.