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Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Switching Military Services
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Question
QUESTION: Jason,
My question is similar to a previous question you answered but slightly different circumstances. Here is the previous question link: http://en.allexperts.com/q/Careers-Military-Army-1483/Army-USMC.htm
I enlisted in the Army Reserve on July 1, 2008. I ship out to Fort Benning on September 4th. I have since realized that I would prefer to join the Navy Reserve or even possibly Navy active duty. However, as a Reservist I have been listed as "assessed" into my unit instead of being listed as a "Delayed Entry" Soldier. Can I still change my mind an join the Navy?
Also, if I decide to stick with the Army, how does one switch from one Service to another while enlisted?
ANSWER: Peter:
First, once you've completed boot camp, you are basically "in" and will be unable to switch without much difficulty, therefore it's easier to do prior to making that final commitment. Talk to a navy recruiter, ASAP, and explain what you want to do. They should be able to help you take care of the issue. It will require some paperwork but you should be able to do it.
Jason
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thanks for the answer Jason.
Just to clarify, if I do continue with the Army, complete Basic Training, and my Advanced Individual Training, is it possible to switch to another service down the road? My current commitment is 3 years Army Reserve. How long until I am up for re-enlistment and will the process be easier to switch then or still very difficult?
Peter:
Well nigh impossible once you are that far in, until your initial commitment is done. It's not absolutely unheard of, but very, very, difficult. Once your initial commitment is over with, then you can transfer to another branch.
One thing, the reserves are different in many ways, not the least of which is interservice transfers. It *may* be possible to transfer to another reserve component (such as the guard), but you would have to talk to a recruiter about that option.
Jason
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Answers by Expert:
Jason Grabill
Expertise
Questions relating to US Marine Corps; rank, awards, uniforms, career choices. I can also help people spot and expose fakes (people pretending to be Marines or have awards they didn`t earn). Considering the Marines as a career? Or another branch, like the Air National Guard? Drop me a line. HOWever..know that I am NOT a recruiter. I can offer my expert opinion and advice, but can't (and won't) over rule what a recruiter says, they are the 'on duty' expert.
Experience
Infantry Rifleman, MOS 0311: 3 years. Marine Barracks Security (Marine Barracks, Annapolis, Maryland(not Embassy Duty): 3 years. Parachutist: MOS 9962: Got my wings in August of 1984.
Intelligence Specialist: MOS 0231 10 years working as an Intelligence Analyst with a Fixed Wing Fighter Squadron, Force Service Support Group, and at Headquarters, Marine Corps. Field Radio Operator: MOS 2531. Served as a Platoon Sergeant in a Communications Platoon assigned to MEU Service Support Group 24 (Special Operations Capable). Did a hitch in the Army reserves as an 11B (Infantryman), 3 years. Finished out my career in the Air National Guard as a BioEnvironmental Engineer MOS 4B3X1, did that for a few years.
I"ve been collecting and selling Marine Corps and other military uniforms, medals, and field gear since I was 8 years old.
Organizations
United States Marine Corps Logistical Company.
Publications
I was an Editorial writer for Marine Corps Times from 1998-2000.
Education/Credentials
Extensive library of research materials relating to uniforms, medals, and equipment of the military and the Marine Corps. 22 College credits, Community College of the Air Force. Certified Historical Interpreter.
Awards and Honors
Kosovo Campaign Medal w/1 star
Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with 4 stars.
Numerous other unit awards.
I was on duty on 9/11 at HQMC, near the Pentagon, and responded to that location to try and lend a hand if needed...
Past/Present Clients
United States Marine Corps Historical Company, Guardian Security and Investigations, lead Investigator for 'Stolen Valor' cases.
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