Posted on Jun 8, 2016
What options will I have when transferring branches (from Marines to Navy)?
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Alright so I'm in the Marine Corps and I've been contemplating going to the Navy. For those who are currently in the Navy, were in the Navy, or have switched branches before, I have a few questions. When I get out of the Corps, I'll be a Sgt (E-5) so when switching branches, will I be able to retain my rank? I'd prefer to go greenside so I can be in the suck with the Marines (always gonna be a Marine), do I have a choice in that matter? Do you ever get a choice of duty station? Any info any of y'all have on this will be very helpful and please feel free to throw in your own personal stories as well. Thanks in advance
Posted in these groups: 
Inter-Service
Inter-Service
Posted 8 y ago
Responses: 9
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Answering your questions from a Former AD sailor and now Navy Reserve.
Depending if there is a rate that is compatible with your current MOS, you may lose a rank. Reason I say this is that I have a buddy who was former Marine went Navy Reserve and converted to an AO (aviation Ordinance) and he went to an E4 (PO3). If there is no availability in the AD side, you may have to resort to Navy Reserve.
If you decide to go AD or Reserve: If you are still wanting to get involved with ground troops, there's options for mobilization, volunteering for deployments, and IA (Individual Augmentee). Whether there is availability is all depending up on the unit you are able to be assigned to and what you have attained (certifications, NECs, etc.)
Regarding to if we get to choose a duty station. Not really. When you are up for orders you contact your detailer and they let you know what's available based on what a unit needs and your qualifications. At that point you may have a couple places available or you might just have one. You are at the needs of the Navy.
As I was Active Duty last year, things have been changing in the Navy (not just the tattoo instruction). From hearing from others who did switch to Navy, the availability is going to be a big issue you are going to have to face. Year Groups (YGs) and available conversion have had a few hiccups. Check with your Career Counselor within your Company/Command and let them know that you want to go AD Navy (if that's your desire). There maybe some paperwork involved and they will give you more information in all the questions you may have; use them, they are there for you.
Hope this helps. Good Luck!!
Depending if there is a rate that is compatible with your current MOS, you may lose a rank. Reason I say this is that I have a buddy who was former Marine went Navy Reserve and converted to an AO (aviation Ordinance) and he went to an E4 (PO3). If there is no availability in the AD side, you may have to resort to Navy Reserve.
If you decide to go AD or Reserve: If you are still wanting to get involved with ground troops, there's options for mobilization, volunteering for deployments, and IA (Individual Augmentee). Whether there is availability is all depending up on the unit you are able to be assigned to and what you have attained (certifications, NECs, etc.)
Regarding to if we get to choose a duty station. Not really. When you are up for orders you contact your detailer and they let you know what's available based on what a unit needs and your qualifications. At that point you may have a couple places available or you might just have one. You are at the needs of the Navy.
As I was Active Duty last year, things have been changing in the Navy (not just the tattoo instruction). From hearing from others who did switch to Navy, the availability is going to be a big issue you are going to have to face. Year Groups (YGs) and available conversion have had a few hiccups. Check with your Career Counselor within your Company/Command and let them know that you want to go AD Navy (if that's your desire). There maybe some paperwork involved and they will give you more information in all the questions you may have; use them, they are there for you.
Hope this helps. Good Luck!!
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So you want to be a FMF Navy Corpsman. Nothing wrong with that Idea or an IDC Independent Duty Corpsman. Can't tell you much. Out of my Realm but if you change your mind and want to be a Navy Spook. I may be able to help in that matter.
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PO1 (Join to see)
Yeah......come to the dark-side; we have cookies under the haze of blue lights and computer screens, lol.
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Simple answer as a former Navy recruiter, unless you can transfer into the Navy into a Rate that meets your current MOS, then you will loose rank. I put in an Army E-8 who went to E-5 in the Navy, as an example. I helped a lot of Army come to Navy, ALL lost rank.
As most have said, the needs of the Navy comes first. IF you really want to deploy with the Marines you are already limiting Navy career fields. I also agree, talk to a Navy Recruiter about your options. No decision to make until then.
Good luck in your endeavor.
As most have said, the needs of the Navy comes first. IF you really want to deploy with the Marines you are already limiting Navy career fields. I also agree, talk to a Navy Recruiter about your options. No decision to make until then.
Good luck in your endeavor.
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Kyle .
I know you posted this over a year ago, sorry, but does that mean that as Marine with an MOS that doesn't convert to a Navy rating, they will be able to choose ANY rating they qualify for? (even if it means losing rank)
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CDR Terry Boles
Kyle
I would think recruiting hasn't dramatically changed since my day. Should you apply to the Navy as a Vet and your MOS isn't available then yes, you should be able to select any rate that is available and you're qualified for. Talk to a recruiter, good luck!
I would think recruiting hasn't dramatically changed since my day. Should you apply to the Navy as a Vet and your MOS isn't available then yes, you should be able to select any rate that is available and you're qualified for. Talk to a recruiter, good luck!
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