Enlisted Marine to Enlisted Army SF

[HeavyRuck]

I just contacted the Army recruiter (SORB). He informed me that I would have to wait until I get back stateside to get a conditional release from the Marine Corps to enlist into 18X. Atleast now I have reassurance that I will still be in the military and that I won't be kicked to the curb if something were to happen, I would just go back to my command and get a, "thanks for trying!" The bad thing is, is now I have to wait 2 years before I get back stateside. I am glad I put in my reenlistment package just in case!

 

[SemperMoto]

Grizzlystr- No, I had practically no time left in the Corps. I sent that paperwork up with 3 months left on contract, while in the reserves.
It was still a long process, and I had to push my command every step of the way to get it signed.
If your going to try and switch, be prepared for backlash from your chain of command... All the way up. ( I had to go up to a Brig. Gen.)

 

[Grizzlystr]

Christ almighty that sounds like a hassle.. I don't understand the whole admin side of things, but would they just have to give all you shit to the army? Would I be better off or just as well off getting my paperwork, getting out then enlisting in the army? Rather than going through the trouble while I'm in the Corps?

 

[SemperMoto]

It definately was a hastle, but if you have alot of time left on your contract then why not look more into MARSOC? There are also MARSOC guys on this forum. Look some of them up and ask them about it. If you have a lot left on your contract, thats probably the way to go.

 

[pardus]

Christ almighty that sounds like a hassle.. I don't understand the whole admin side of things, but would they just have to give all you shit to the army? Would I be better off or just as well off getting my paperwork, getting out then enlisting in the army? Rather than going through the trouble while I'm in the Corps?

A word of warning, remember once you are out, you are out. Recruiters don't tend to like enlisting prior service. It makes things a little risky with trying to get back in. Not saying it's impossible, obviously it happens, but I know of several people that tried and couldn't get back in.

 

[SemperMoto]

Pardus is definately right! And with so much left on your contract, MARSOC is worth looking into. Not trying to sway you either way, but it would definately be an easier (admin wise) route for you. Ive had a lot of friends have problems getting back in, and some of them were very good school trained snipers.
Not to mention the hastle from your chain for being a "traitor" for going to the Army. (at least I did)
If you do get out, make sure you have time left in the IRR, I have heard this is the only way to get back in... I am also not a recruiter, so that is just what Ive heard through people trying to get back in. Take it for what its worth lol
Best bet is to talk to your carreer planner about the MARSOC or SF route, and to talk to recruiters.

 

[Grizzlystr]

I never thought of it being an issue getting back in, considering you're already trained up and don't suck money out of your desired branch for basic training.

I have looked into Marsoc a bit, wave tops more or less. The reason I'm leaning towards the Army is I've been recommended to go that route. I've been told that Marsoc is dealing with a lot of leadership issues with higher ups. (This is not what I know, only what I've been told by various Marines, some a reliable source and some from the "underground").

I also don't particularly agree with the rank structure of the Marine Corps, specifically the First Sergeant/Sergeant Major movement throughout the Corps, and I don't like their ability to influence an MOS they've never been in before. I know I'm a young buck and am still learning every day, but it's just an observation and opinion I've made thus far.

 

[AWP]

I never thought of it being an issue getting back in, considering you're already trained up and don't suck money out of your desired branch for basic training.

I have looked into Marsoc a bit, wave tops more or less. The reason I'm leaning towards the Army is I've been recommended to go that route. I've been told that Marsoc is dealing with a lot of leadership issues with higher ups. (This is not what I know, only what I've been told by various Marines, some a reliable source and some from the "underground").

I also don't particularly agree with the rank structure of the Marine Corps, specifically the First Sergeant/Sergeant Major movement throughout the Corps, and I don't like their ability to influence an MOS they've never been in before. I know I'm a young buck and am still learning every day, but it's just an observation and opinion I've made thus far.

The grass in't always greener, it is only perceived as such. The SF Regiment has undergone a lot of changes in the last decade and some SF soldiers don't like them, but I'll let our vetted members chime in because that isn't my place. The thing is, once you cross over you're "in it to win it" because there's no going back.

Good luck.

 

[dmcgill]

Don't let anyone sway you from what drives your heart.

I got out of the Navy and enlisted into the Marine Corps as prior service, and that was as the war was winding down. Three states told me no way it's not going to happen, so I went home and they told me the same thing. So I decided to live at the recruiters office, and help them with every single mundane task I could. Just be present and contribute. I just told them I was there for them and I wasn't going anywhere until I became a Marine. When I got a job to pay the bills, I would go to work 8-5 then spend 5-8 at the office helping with Poolee's and getting shit ready for the next day. My personality ended up rubbing off on them and I went from "no way sorry bud" to "you leave in two weeks, thanks for the help". The reality of it is recruiters can do whatever they want. If they want you, and you meet the qualifications for service, they can take you. It might take some time, but they can make it happen.

Put your head down and drive on. Think of people in history. Had they listened to the people who told them "no" they never would have realized their goals.

The degree to which you apply yourself is going to be the ultimate measure of your success.

Good luck brother.