Expert: Howard Lorenz - 3/10/2008

Question
Hey, i know you were in the Airforce, but you said you know people who can help if you are not sure of the answer. So, here are my questions. I am currently in the U.S. Army Active duty. How easy would it be for me to go from the Army to another branch such as the Coast Guard? If I even can, would my years served in the Army follow over to the new branch towards a twenty year retirement? Lastly, would i be able to keep my pay-grade? Thank you I really hope you can help, i do think you are the best equipped expert to answer these questions.

Answer
Justin...

There are alot of parameters that are involved in the questions that you ask...I have been in the Air Force for 19+ years, but I served 2 years in the Army first.... so the answer to the first question is yes the time served carries over from service to service....even into a civillian government job. its called Total Federal Military service time.

The answer to the question about crossing services. The rules are different for each service and its based on needs of that service that will rule the decision you getting into any of them. I know that I said that I can get the information, but for this specific answer requires you going into the recruiters office and giving that person your information. For basic regulationary questions...Yes I can get those who work with them to find me an answer. Since you getting into the Coast Guard or any other branch is dipictive of what lays in your history....Information that I do not have.


In a nut shell... Yes time transfers, rank...not usually, but sometimes they will work with you, depends on the need to get you in. Secondly, go the recruiter and jerk the info out of their mouths...The reason that I say this is that the need for prior service members depends on the "Present" need for PS troops at the time you wnter the office....It changes regularly.

HW