Leaving Marine Corps for the Army?

[dohnuts58]

I am coming up on the end of my contract in about a year. Due to the 20 grand personelle cuts that are coming, and the fact that I have 2 BN ninja punches with loss of rank, I am relatively sure that I will be forced out because service limitations. For anyone that can advise, will the Army possibly take me? Not trying to step on any toes, but it kinda feels like trading down. I have greatly enjoyed my time in the military, and am about half way to retiring, and would rather not throw away everything accomplished with my entire "adult" life

 

[kraigWY]

Re: Leaving Marine Corps for the Army?

Trade Up

"GO AIRBORNE"

 

[pale horse]

Re: Leaving Marine Corps for the Army?

I am sure some branch will want a man who served his country faithful . Men willing to bleed for us all are getting less now days . Good luck and thanks for faithful service the past years Kim

 

[boom2336]

Re: Leaving Marine Corps for the Army?

Well how close are you to service limitations. That will play a part in other branches willingness to accept ya. I wouldnt look down on other branches though. I have worked some really squared away Sailors and Airmen. If you can get accepted into the Army you should look into getting into EOD. Its a fun job.

 

[High Binder]

Re: Leaving Marine Corps for the Army?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: boom2336</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> EOD. Its a fun job. </div></div>

Our definitions of "fun" are way different.

When my contract was up, I thought about making a move from the Navy to the Marines (figured it would be an easier swap than going to the Air Force/Army) but I took my DD-214 and went to school instead. I never pursued it more than simply thinking about it so I don't know if it was even possible. Now looking at the current state [insert leadership name here] I'm glad I bailed, even though I've been stuck in school for countless years which is under even worse leadership.

Just something to think about, hope it gives you some perspective.

 

[427Cobra]

Re: Leaving Marine Corps for the Army?

Go back to school with the thanks of a grateful Nation!

 

[ZLBubba]

Re: Leaving Marine Corps for the Army?

Some good advice here. I'd say do both, go get your degree, and then decide if you want to go back as an officer having seen the enlisted side of the house. You'll never go wrong having an education.

 

[Redmanss]

Re: Leaving Marine Corps for the Army?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dohnuts58</div><div class="ubbcode-body">...would rather not throw away everything accomplished with my entire "adult" life</div></div> I think you're looking at it the wrong way. While I can see what you mean, you're not throwing it all away by leaving and going into a different sector of employment. Instead you're taking what the Marine Corps has instilled into you and applying it to further advance yourself.

Me personally, I left after 14 years of service and tripled my pay while still doing what I love with a hell of a lot more freedom. I didn't get into trouble, I wasn't forced out, or anything like that. Instead I was a Gunnery Sergeant coming off a successful recruiting tour who could have written my own ticket. There were several family related reasons for my leaving then and not finishing out the last six years for "retirement", but I haven't regretted it a single day since. None of this would have been possible without my time in the Corps, including taking every promotion I've applied for since.

Basically, look into your other avenues available. Education, Law Enforcement, government contractor, etc are all possible, and none of it is throwing away what you've already accomplished. Believe me, Marines shine in the civilian sector. You'll do just fine.

 

[Blanco0621]

Re: Leaving Marine Corps for the Army?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: boom2336</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> I wouldnt look down on other branches though. I have worked some really squared away Sailors and Airmen. </div></div>


Other people have different reasons for joining a certain branch of the military whether it be family tradition or other things, but we as military brothers should always respect the other US Armed Services. I too have worked with some very honorable and locked on Navy Corpsman and Soldiers.

On another note, your service goes a long way in the civilian world. People know that your disciplined and will add value to virtually any company or organization. If you decide to go to school you will see some of these clowns that take it for granted and just piss it away. My advice, use that to your advantage and burn every dollar of the GI Bill to get yourself into career that you will thrive in. If the Army is where you WANT to go then make the best of it and stay hard chargin!!!

Semper Fi Brother!!!

 

[LRS_Ranger]

Re: Leaving Marine Corps for the Army?

Hey, I am an army recruiter (because God hates me and Ranger branch whored me out) and if you are interested in your options, PM me with your contact info and I'll give you a call.. a lot depends on your MOS and rank right now..

 

[18Echo]

Re: Leaving Marine Corps for the Army?

Depending on how long you have left till 20 I would try and get into the army. It will be closest to what you are used too. But if you have 10 years or more in the corp you NEED to stay in one of the branches to hit your twenty. You'll pick up your benefits and retirement, then think about going to school or getting a job. Looking for a job now would be tuff on the outside.

 

[Switchblade]

Re: Leaving Marine Corps for the Army?

Screw Army man, go for a job as a Riverine! Think an upgraded version of all the fun you saw in Apocolypse Now, then of course there are the Coastie Boarding Parties, cutlass drawn, yelling pirate slang as you take down drug runners...so much more fun stuff out there to do. Give it some thought.
Semper Fiii

 

[Mike]

Re: Leaving Marine Corps for the Army?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Switchblade</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Screw Army man, go for a job as a <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">WOLVERINE</span></span>! Think an upgraded version of all the fun you saw in Apocolypse Now, then of course there are the Coastie Boarding Parties, cutlass drawn, yelling pirate slang as you take down drug runners...so much more fun stuff out there to do. Give it some thought.
Semper Fiii</div></div>

+1

I loved Red Dawn too but I don't think Russia is really an invasion threat anymore so he may have to move to Idaho.

 

[DP425]

Re: Leaving Marine Corps for the Army?

You could always move to the reserves (marine) or guard (army) and hit up some school. If you're over half way, it will contribute to a pretty good retirement when you hit 60.

Could also sit in the reserve component while you go to school- call it a little break, then go back on active (marines or army) once you get your degree. Can't hurt your promotion potential and would set you up really well for when you get out. Granted it won't directly transfer 1yr of reserve for 1yr of active but at least you'll still get some creditable retirement time while you're going to school.

Seems to me you have a lot of options available assuming you're record wasn't dinged too badly.

 

[VJJPunisher]

Re: Leaving Marine Corps for the Army?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mike</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Switchblade</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Screw Army man, go for a job as a <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">WOLVERINE</span></span>! Think an upgraded version of all the fun you saw in Apocolypse Now, then of course there are the Coastie Boarding Parties, cutlass drawn, yelling pirate slang as you take down drug runners...so much more fun stuff out there to do. Give it some thought.
Semper Fiii</div></div>

+1

I loved Red Dawn too but I don't think Russia is really an invasion threat anymore so he may have to move to Idaho.</div></div>

whatchu talkin bout willis? Red Dawn is coming in 2012!

now that our leader Patrick Swayze died of AIDS we need a new Commander though, and yes huh an RPG will take down a Hind-D. I am prepared, I sewed me cornhole shut so the spetznaz cant implant a tracking device in there

 

[High Binder]

Re: Leaving Marine Corps for the Army?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: VAJayJayPunisher</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Patrick Swayze died of AIDS </div></div>

Pancreatic cancer.

 

[marduk185]

Re: Leaving Marine Corps for the Army?

hes not dead...i have it on good sources that he was a annunaki scout and has simply returned to nibiru to report on our reactions to his prophetic theatrics. in any case they left us chuck norris so the reptilians and owl 'tenders can bring it.

 

[dohnuts58]

Re: Leaving Marine Corps for the Army?

i would like to go the o route, but with njp for hazing i donno if i would get accepted

 

[SuckitTrebek]

Re: Leaving Marine Corps for the Army?

I thought about it myself to maybe to warrant officer in the Army when I finished up.

Could never bring myself to do it though, I'd have felt like a pussy for the rest of my days. To each his own.

 

[1stIDvet]

Re: Leaving Marine Corps for the Army?

We had a ex marine come into our unit in the army, he literally switched branches with almost no time off in between. He was accepted well and stated that there was just as much BS in both services. There was also a navy guy that came into the army and he wasn't so well liked for some reason. If you wanted to stay military and you run the risk of getting forced out, why not switch to the army? I know there's a big "whose more tough" match between the branches, but both have members that have died in Iraq and Afghanistan fighting the same enemy on the same battle field.


As far as getting out and going to school. I am currently doing that and living off the GI bill, its good and all but I miss the military and I miss being able to afford shooting when I want. You can get an education while active.

 

[dohnuts58]

Re: Leaving Marine Corps for the Army?

i have also considered doing something federal, like atf, dea, whatever part of the alphabet soup you want to insert. problem with that is i would have to have my degree already completed......

 

[LostMarine]

Re: Leaving Marine Corps for the Army?

as one that made the switch, but for other reasons, id say get your degree is top priority. If your trying to stay Active, i dont know if they will take you, as they are coming under cuts as well. If forced to get out, but under honorable. look into the guard/reserves, that way you can still keep most of what you earned, and when the time comes and you have the oppurtunity to get back into active, you will still have the time/service/grade/training to go with it. as well as its much easier to go from guard-active than from completely out to active.

but a 10yr e-4 is not going go smoothly..

 

[ranger1183]

Re: Leaving Marine Corps for the Army?

I am writing this with the mindset that you are the Average Joe American that works hard, but is not especially gifted in any particular field that will allow you to put make a lot of money over the years.

My advice is if you like, or can at least tolerate the military lifestyle then get into the Army as fast as you can. Then be the best Soldier that you can.

Do NOT piss OFF the chain of command.

Do NOT piss ON your fellow soldiers.

Hopefully you will be able to get into a career field that you enjoy.

You have experience working in a smaller organization that is thus able to have higher overall standards of conduct, physical fitness, appearance, etc.

Knowing those facts and flapping your gums about those facts are two completely different things. Think "Humility" and realize that someone might be jealous or feel threatened job-wise by your past experiences. Keep your head down and your mouth shut as far as being a Marine.

I recommend your goals be to serve your country, and to serve well while you complete your time for retirement.

I will tell you this, there is no better retirement for the Average Joe out there than a military retirement. Half of your base pay for the highest rank you held after 20 (or 25) years.

The economy is crap, and package retirements like the military offers are almost unheard of in today's world. In the civilian world, you are competing for work against hords of chinese who make a dollar a day and have no retirement or health insureance plan.

Be smart and you will get a monthly check for the rest of your life that will allow you to keep a roof over your head and put some food on the table.

Be dumb and you will worry about doing those things for the rest of your life.

 

[BountyHunter]

Re: Leaving Marine Corps for the Army?

Spend every day you can in the Ed Ctr taking CLEP and end of course tests. You can easily have an associates completed without taking one class. Either way you go, transfering or getting out, that will work in your favor.

BH