So I’ve been in for about a year and a half and am considering going Marsoc but just have a question for you guys. Could you guys go from Marine Corps to Army? I mean I’m really proud to be a Marine and don’t know if I can go switch branches. What would you guys feel about that yourself or how would you feel about other Marines that did that? This won’t change my mind but was just curious what other people thought.
I am a living example of changing services and what circumstances arise in doing so. First of all everyone’s experience will be different based on their motivation, devotion to their original service, or unforeseen life obstacles. I started my career in the late 70’s with Co C 1st Ranger Bn 75th INF. There was no Regiment at that time. I was a motivated hard charging 17 year old, and I ate every bit of Ranger life up. Due to my Fathers failing health and eventual passing I was discharged after only a little over a year in the Bn.
It was devastating to lose my father, but my Plt , Co, Bn, too!! We were farmers and I’m the oldest son, so I went home and took care of business. When all was clear I rolled the idea of joining the Corps. as it was a family thing, but more over, I felt like my “class, brothers” had all moved on and I was some what ashamed of having to leave to begin with.
I opted to start fresh in the Corps...Boot Camp #2 at the Island and the whole nine. But what I had learned in the Ranger Bn. in that short period Advanced me well beyond my peers. I went to 1/8, Volunteered for 3rd Recon, went to Oki, and got pulled from Co B to be an instructor at NTA. We’re talking ‘81 here. I got into Sniping and ended up the only Marine to run all of the schools in between deployments, Wars, and working with sister services building up their programs. I did get sent to D.I. School where I was the first Sniper to be Honor Grad. You know how big a deal they make that.
I got into SOTG and my job as Chief Of Special Missions Branch, ( I had already put the Sniper Schools together) allowed me to do even more “ outside the box” training and operations. I’ll close by saying that everywhere I went, or school I attended, or taught, I always referred back to my short time in the Rangers! I went back in 93-94 for an MTT for the Regiment when I had the school at Quantico at the Ranger Snipers Request.
We changed Jump SOP’s, Taught the Barrett etc... and wore them out!! They just asked for more! I was glad to see things had not changed since the 70’s.... Sorry for a long reply, but you need to make a big decision! Which ever way you go give it all you have!
