You are here:

Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Switching from Marine Corps Reserves to Army ROTC/National Guard SMP

Advertisement

Expert: - 11/11/2009


Question
Hello John,

I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in July of this year and was planning on taking a semester off from college to attend basic training and the school of infantry. I decided this fall that I was going to take a couple of classes through the military science department at the college I attend to prepare me better for the rigors of basic training because I was unsatisfied with the level of preparation the DEP program was giving me. I am now in a predicament because I would much rather be able to contract with the Army ROTC and participate in the Simultaneous Membership Program than report to my Marine Corps ship date (Jan 11th 2010) and miss next semester. I have already talked to the ROTC/SMP recruiter and sent a request for separation in written form to my Marine Corps recruiter but it seems like nothing is happening. I havent received any notification of anything and my recruiter wont pick up/return my phone calls. I was wondering if you could tell me how or if I could speed up my separation from the Marine Corps DEP or if that is even a probable option? The ROTC recruiter here told me that in the worst case I could just not show up to my Marine Corps shit date but I have heard that has serious reprocussions on enlisting at a future time in another branch of the Military. I also do not believe in breaking commitments in such a rude way so I am trying to be honest and sort this out. If there is any advice on how you think I should handle this process it would be much appreciated. I just feel like I would be much better treated in the Guard and eventually the Army and would like to possibly get part of my school paid for.

Thank you

Answer
Not showing up to ship will have little to no effect on future enlisting.  It happens all the time.  Since we are still all volunteer and you don't actually join until you ship, you are fine.  You will not beable to Join SMP or any other branch until the USMC discharges you from DEP.  But it has zero effect on future military life.

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

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

John L

Expertise

I am a National Guard recruiter , been doing it for seven years and am a subject matter expert on qualifications for National Guard and I keep up to date on Regular Army regs and programs. I was in the Navy for 4 years and have 13 years in the Guard. I will not sugar coat my answers to you. They are usually short and to the point. If you need more in depth, ask me. Because each situation is different, alot of times you need to actually talk to a recruiter and let them evaluate your situation in person, by looking at your documents, issues etc. If I suggest this, it would be in your best interest to do so. Finally...thank you for your interest in serving this great nation of ours. Very few people can actually make the cut to serve let alone choose to do so. So thank you for wanting to and hopefully you will get a chance. Whatever branch you choose, thank you and good luck.

Experience

13 years Guard experince, combat missions and homeland missions. 7 years recruiting. I have been a platoon sergeant and squad leader. Mentor to new recruiters and recruits.

Education/Credentials
Recruiters course and advanced courses in recruiting

Awards and Honors
Top recruiter in district for FY 2008. Nominated for recruiter of the year for 2010.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.