Why is that when I transferred from the USMC to the AF, my skill level is like I’m a new troop that just graduated tech school?

2021-04-22T07:45:35-04:00

I served almost 6 years in the Marines and held one mos, why is that when I transferred to the AF, my skill level is like I’m a new troop that just graduated tech school?

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2021 8:16 AM

2021-04-22T08:16:29-04:00

my guess would be there are going to rate your skill level based on demonstration of knowledge and ability.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Apr 22 at 2021 8:31 AM

2021-04-22T08:31:58-04:00

Did your Marine Corp MOS translate to your AF AFSC. Most of the Services, in my experience, treat prior service enlistees about the same as they do AIT grads until they see different.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Apr 22 at 2021 8:43 AM

2021-04-22T08:43:23-04:00

If things haven't changed from my time in uniform.... Your skill level is based on OJT certifications, completion of CDC's (if any), and may even have minimum rank requirement. For example, in my own 1N5X1 AFSC, I couldn't upgrade from 1N551 to 1N571 until I was promoted from SRA to SSgt and couldn't get 1N591 until MSgt.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Apr 22 at 2021 10:22 AM

2021-04-22T10:22:26-04:00

You are a giant question mark walking through the door to them. They have no idea about your work history, training, knowledge or experience and because you are from a different branch they have no way of knowing. If you had a list of Air Force schools under your belt they could relate because it is something they are familiar with. Don't take it personal. Just do the job and show them you know what you are talking about. Everything else will shake out in the process.

Response by MAJ Rick Howard made Apr 22 at 2021 11:01 AM

2021-04-22T11:01:39-04:00

Then tech school should have been a breeze. Your first duty station should be able to see if your leadership background fits into there operations and you will excel.

Response by MSgt Don VandeBogert made Apr 22 at 2021 11:59 AM

2021-04-22T11:59:04-04:00

If you haven't, read your CFETP (found on e-Pubs still I believe). It explains the upgrade process and timelines. You may be the best at the job, but still must complete the requirements outlined in your AFSCs CFETP. No way around it. The only thing you can speed up, typically, is CDC and OJT requirements. Time requirements will remain.

Also, I'm sure you take pride in being a Marine. Might I suggest you also take pride in being an Airman and update your profile to reflect you are now an Airman?

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2021 2:33 PM

2021-04-22T14:33:53-04:00

What was your old MOS, and new one?

Response by MSgt Mark Bucher made Apr 22 at 2021 5:47 PM

2021-04-22T17:47:25-04:00

Because you have to go through the AF skill level upgrade training. Don't feel bad or slighted, I had to do it as a TSgt when my career field was combined with another. I went from a 7 level down to a 3 level overnight. Had to do two sets of CDC's back to back. What a pain. Anyway, you're far from unique

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2021 8:28 PM

2021-04-22T20:28:25-04:00

Don't feel bad. I got reclassed in the Army and ended up having to teach part of the course anyway. I told the CO that I had taught this particular course for several years and wrote all of the exams and lesson plans. Could I take some leave during that part of the training. The answer was no and you get to teach the class. WTF.

Response by SMSgt Bob Wilson made Apr 23 at 2021 1:01 AM

2021-04-23T01:01:57-04:00

What was your MOS and did it convert to a AF AFSC? Steven has many of the answers. I did have a Army E-5 who came into the Air Force. He reported in as an E-5 [SSgt] who had a skill level of 3, Apprentice. I took him approximately 18 months to acquire his 7-level [supervisory] skills. On the job his was an apprentice and treated like one. After approximately 9-months he achieved his 5-level skill and his technical expertise allowed him to work without oversight. Once he got up to speed, he became a valuable asset to the shop. I sure you are in the situation. Best of luck.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2021 7:48 AM

2021-04-23T07:48:14-04:00

I switched from USMC to Air Force too. Did they make you 3 level when you transferred? It sounds like you got to skip Air Force tech school.

Air Force has a different system. They have skill levels gained from formal on-the-job training and written tests called CDCs, which are like our MCIs. You have to catch up on all that, as well as the Air Force's professional military education like Airman Leadership School, NCO Academy, etc so you're eligible for promotion. I spent my first year taking these back to back to get them out of the way.

Response by Cpl David Lear made Apr 24 at 2021 7:33 AM

2021-04-24T07:33:02-04:00

Because the Air Force thinks they’re better than everybody else