Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Switching from Marines to Navy

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Expert: - 1/18/2009


Question
Hi,
My husband is currently enlisted as a SGT in the USMC as a 1 division marine band member. The other day he brought up maybe switching to the Navy. I am wondering what goes along with this. I have heard things from you cant do it at all to yes and he will get a promotion, also are there any BIG downsides to doing so.. he said he would wait until his enlistment is up next year and then enlist into the navy.. would that be the thing to do?
Oh, also would he keep his time served toward his retirement goal? or would he start over since he is switching services

Answer
Sammy:

 All his time that he's already done counts towards retirement.  Not sure of any downsides, he wouldn't have to go through recruit training for the navy.  Not sure on the promotion, bandsmen are handled differently amongst the services, so talking to a Navy recruiter would likely be his best option there to get the right information.  He'll have to wait until his enlistment is up, that's a given, but also the best way to go.

Jason

Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard

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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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