Changing Branches

All enlisted slots start at E4 on the AFRES/Air Guard side. NCO ranks vary based on slots, but they normally keep you at the same rank provided their is a slot.

Many of the AFRES/Air Guard folks I know are former Army/Marine. It is a different mind set, but a very doable change.

WRT skills transferrable to the civilian side, it is true that the AF does have a lot of AFSC that do. Find what your interested in, find an AFSC that matches and a unit that has it.

I switched from the Army to the Air Force. I value both experiences, but never regretted my transfer.

I definitely echo the need for a Recruiter here, but go in informed about what you would like to do in the next chapter of your service. If you would like to retrain, this would be a perfect opportunity. Change your branch, your MOS (AF=AFSC), etc.

One thing I will add is to think carefully. Give thought to your long term plan. Because although no one has a crystal ball, making several changes in one's career (lily-padding) may come across as indecisive and unreliable.

You have a really exciting opportunity to reinvent your career and truly do what will make you happy to get up and go to work every day! :)

I made the switch from Navy to Army. I never regretted it. They are 2 different mindsets. I was able to work with soldiers as a leader and it was exactly what I wanted.

If you are not happy as a lanyard puller try a different MOS. Changing commands make make all the difference in the world. Especially in the guard where the good ol' boy system is still alive and well.

I would also talk to the Air Guard recruiter. Sometimes they are not even looking for combat arms guys. I would explore all your options.