Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Inter-service transfer into the Navy from the Marines

Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 2/10/2009

Question
Greetings Ma'am,
I am currently an E-4 in the Marines, and am hoping to transfer into the Navy when my term is over.
My end of active service in the Marines is on October 30th of this year, so basically I have nine months left.
I am wanting to know, how much time in advance should I get with a Navy recruiter?
Being prior service, what will happen once I am in the Navy for the fist few weeks(if all goes well)?
I am in the administration field, but once I transfer, will the Navy keep me in the same field or move me into another one?
Last question; does the fact that I speak another language fluently (Italian)have any importance to the Navy? (The Marines could care less...)
I appreciate your time in answering me and will gladly take any advice that you should have.

Thank You -

Madeline Morrell

Answer
Dear Madeline --

You should begin your discussions with the Navy recruiters as soon as possible. Whether they will accept you as an enlistee will depend on whether they need your skills at your current rank. You have a higher chance of approval, if you are willing to accept a lower rank than you currently hold. Don't offer this immediately, save it and my the offer only if you cannot get your Navy enlistment any other way. They Navy may ask you to change to a specialty they need filled, if you are otherwise qualified for that job series.

If you enlist in another service within three years of your honorable discharge, you will not have to attend basic training again. You will attend some service specific training and specialty training in your field (whether you keep your current specialty or change your specialty).

Although the Navy foreign language and cultural awareness strategy (available at http://www.navy.mil/maritime/Signed_Navy_LREC%20Strategy.pdf) outlines the Navy's plan. I cannot say whether they have a strong need for those personnel with Italian as a language. You will have to discuss that with your recruiter.

Good luck to you. Thank you for your service.