Will I retain my rank of Sgt from the Marine Corps when I transition into the National Guard?

Sgt Adrian Jones — Mon, 19 Mar 2018 08:21:58 -0400

Morning, I am looking at enlisting into the National Guard, to finish up my degree. I have been told that it is possible that I might lose at least (1) rank. But I would get it back quickly, to me that is a non-starter. I earned the rank of Sgt and moreover Sgt of Marines, to drop down to E-4 is a slap in the face. I might be looking at this the wrong way, but I would like to hear from anyone that has moved from the Marine Corps over to the National Guard.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2018 9:09 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Mar 2018 09:09:47 -0400

You will very likely be able to keep your rank, especially if you have completed the Resident Sergeants Course which is the lowest course the Army will accept as an equivalent to Basic Leaders Course. Basic Leaders Course is required to be completed in order to promote to SGT(or keep the rank if you are grandfathered in). I've heard of some Marines keeping their rank of SGT, and then being given a set amount of time to complete BLC in order to keep their rank. Only a recruiter can tell you for sure, as the rules are always changing.
I'm more confused about the Sgt of Marines comment though. Are you implying that being a Sgt of Marines is superior to being a SGT of Soldiers? You may want to go Marine Corps Reserves instead if so. Best of luck.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2018 12:18 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Mar 2018 12:18:15 -0400

Sgt Adrian Jones A previous post that covers this topic. You have been out since February of 2014 according to your profile, so that might be a factor.

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/do-you-lose-rank-going-from-active-to-national-guard

Do you lose rank going from Active to National Guard? | RallyPoint

I am an E-5, I was active duty for about 5 years before I joined NG. I was promoted to E-5 in the NG. I went to WLC(now BLC) on active duty in May 2010. Will I keep my rank as an E-5 or will they try to take me down 1?

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Mar 19 at 2018 12:49 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Mon, 19 Mar 2018 12:49:25 -0400

We had a young Marine come in back in '94 they made an E4, but he received his 5 back within 6 months.

Response by SPC David Willis made Mar 19 at 2018 1:03 PM

SPC David Willis — Mon, 19 Mar 2018 13:03:02 -0400

We had a couple in my unit that lost rank. Its understandable to not be happy about it, but at the end of the day either the rank or being in the military is more important. I'm also not sure what Army NCOs you had spoken to but in the Infantry, Sergeants are looked at with a lot of respect and are also the back bone of their units.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2018 3:31 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Mar 2018 15:31:24 -0400

Marines don't normally lose their rank coming to the National Guard. I have worked with numerous marines over the years (a lot seem to go guard after leaving the corps), and none of them lost their rank. I will say if there is any possibility of this, the NG recruiter will let you know. Your enlistment paperwork before you sign will also say what rank you are being brought in as, so there shouldn't be any surprises. As a sergeant coming into the Army for the first time, just know things are not the same as the Marines. Also know that every Army unit is different and the guard itself is a different animal altogether.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2018 7:08 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Mar 2018 19:08:53 -0400

Depends on the MOS but usually yes. Ask your recruiter and look at your contract.?

Response by MSG Joseph Dutton made Mar 19 at 2018 9:55 PM

MSG Joseph Dutton — Mon, 19 Mar 2018 21:55:04 -0400

Most of the Marines i know who had transitioned branches retained their rank. I think i ran into a couple who had to drop one grade initially coming in but got the stripes back quickly. For the most part i don't think you have anything to worry about unless your recruiter is not working with you; they normally do not get credit for bringing prior service in vs brand new boot so sometimes the amount of work to make sure you are taken care is not their. Remember you are in charge of your career make sure you push for it otherwise do not assume it will be just an automatic thing. Hope this helps.

Response by Sgt Jmeans M made Aug 27 at 2019 11:35 PM

Sgt Jmeans M — Tue, 27 Aug 2019 23:35:58 -0400

Yes You keep your rank as a Sgt. Because you are better trained than most E7 in the guard, you have had more command experience, leading troops, ect.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2020 10:58 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 22:58:46 -0400

I was in the Marines for 12 years, selected to GYSGT)E7, had CPL and SGT course done and staff academy. I was a plt Sgt two tours to Iraq. Had to get out due to family issues, joined the Army National Guard they made me a SGT/E5 had to go to BLC and ALC (Army's cpl and sgt's courses) been in the Guard for 5 years and I'm still an E5. All the Marines I know that are now in the Guard have been bumped down one to two grades.

Response by PO2 Waylon Swartz made Feb 20 at 2021 4:30 AM

PO2 Waylon Swartz — Sat, 20 Feb 2021 04:30:53 -0500

I believe that the bottom line comes down to two things; the needs of the service (ANG), and your MOS. Great advice below.