Posted on Mar 31, 2017
Is it possible to serve in multiple branches of the military ?
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I have this weird fascination of being the "jack of all trades" as a civilian i did things from cosmetology, to truck driving and allot in between. I recently just swore into into DEP (army) and already making plans to see if I can cross train into other MOS fields and eventually after my contract to other branches (USMC? Navy? Air Force)
Anyone here serve in 2 or more branches? Any tips?
Anyone here serve in 2 or more branches? Any tips?
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 250
You are not in yet! There is always a chance you might appreciate your first MOS! STEADY! Do not jump too quickly. Time and a little experience solve many doubts. You might look for "Jessica Lynch's” book. She tells how MT was in Iraq. And, how she was a POW!
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SSG Dave Johnston
SGT Jinger Jarrett - That's possible, however my knowledge came from 3years assigned to the LA MEPS from '86 to '89. Direct Branch Service transfers might only happen in the Osciffers Corps, all others please ETS prior to REUP.
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MCPO (Join to see)
Served USCG first, then "cross-decked" to the Navy. I was a Boatswain's Mate, so it was a lateral move. otherwise you usually get knock notch in grade. Or so it was when I was active 40 years ago.
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PFC Cinnamon Hack It is possible to serve in multiple branches and some RallyPoint members have served in multiple branches. Master your current MOS before you request to cross train into other MOS's. If you like the Army, I would stay there rather than moving to another branch. I would encourage you to use your educational benefits.
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CPL Timothy Coffey
I served in both the Army and the Navy reserves, I had an Uncle who served in both the Army and Air Force. Basics of service are the same, just small learning curve. I wanted to Go Air force, but got mixed up with some TCE contamination in Army and ran out of Health, not really any advantage to doing this except for a change. And Air Force has much better dining facilities than Army.
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SSgt J.D. Bowser
Keep this in mind. When you cross into another branch sometimes it slows down progress towards advancement in rank. Also learning customs and courtesies may put you behind the power curve but switching branches should be considered only after weighing out the PROS and CONS. I did it out of wanting to deploy often. I was looking at the bonuses and career advancement options that would help me when I left the military.
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SSG Paul Carrier
I can second that multiple MOS comment.
By the time I had 20 years in I had had 4 different MOS, admittedly 3 of they were career progression related, 45B-45L-45K but by the time I retired I had picked up three more MOS.
By the time I had 20 years in I had had 4 different MOS, admittedly 3 of they were career progression related, 45B-45L-45K but by the time I retired I had picked up three more MOS.
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PO3 Leo Zacher
I served 4 years in the Navy during the Vietnam Era 1973-77 and made it the PO 3rd class. I later served one year in the Army National 1985-86 and was a Buck Sergeant. I then Joined the Air Force Reserves 1986-91 and made it to Staff Sergent and accomplished the feat of serving in the military during two wars. Vietnam War and Gulf War Operation Desert Storm.
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I have dealt with Folks who were marines or Air Force and Came to the Army ...
some times there is a lag in training or Qualifications ...
Start with One and do your Best for Now... and Down the road when you are getting ready... then Look at Moving to another branch...or Changing MOS's...
some times there is a lag in training or Qualifications ...
Start with One and do your Best for Now... and Down the road when you are getting ready... then Look at Moving to another branch...or Changing MOS's...
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SSgt Christopher Brose
CPO Bill Penrod - You are vastly overstating your case. Being a prior service Marine isn't a walk in the park, but it's definitely doable. I not only did it, I did it at the age of 35 1/2.
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PFC Cinnamon Hack
I've already talked to them about prior service. It all depends whether they are accepting it or not at the time, so I can't really get my answer now because who knows if they will be in a couple years. The Marines at the recruiting office I specifically go to told me that they always take prior service from other branches in, and it was easier coming in from another branch than coming back in as a previously enlisted Marine.
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SFC (Join to see)
There is definately a lag in training when I switched over. The Army did not send me to AIT because I was a Supply Sgt in the Marines as well. It was horrible the Army is completely different from the Marine Corps and I definitely could have benefited from that training.
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SGT A Scott
I specifically remember many people who were in the air force before the army. For some reason I met several ex air force that were in their first year into the army. I knew a girl that did 4 years in navy, spent a year discharged and enlisted into army because a certain medical job she wanted wasn't available in navy for re-enlistment but was available in army. I was in basic training reception with a guy who just finished several years in air force and went straight from air force discharge directly into army. No idea why but I guess if it's an option and your time is up, why not try another branch? They're all significantly different experiences, rank system, rules of conduct, PT, obviously army and marines offer infantryman jobs that many desire for excitement and experience. Often I hear of married couples both in different branches will get into the same branch together so they can be together on the same base.. Obviously an army airborne husband at ft Bragg NC would have a tough time being with his wife working at Whidbey Island near Seattle as a financial clerk so she finished her enlistment and enlists in the army, chooses an mos most likely to be placed at ft Bragg or just find out jobs in need at Fort Bragg, take that MOS and join Army then request duty station be ft Bragg.. They grant requests like that all the time for married couples
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