Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Transfers within the IRR

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Expert: - 7/14/2010


Question
I am a prior service active duty Marine (8 years), with "traditional" reserve/drill/annual tour service in the Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve, with slightly more than two additional years of active duty accumulated.  I will soon be transferring to the IRR (USAF) after 21 years of service, at the rank of E-7 (held for 3 years).  Not ready to retire yet.  Is it possible for me to transfer into the USMC IRR from the USAF IRR?  If so, can I expect to lose a few stripes in the transfer?  Call it what you will, but my USMC blood runs too deep.  I'd rather have the option of going back to and retiring from the Corps if possible.  -Semper Fi.

Answer
David:

 I seriously doubt it my friend.  I faced the same issue, and in the end, decided to stick it out with the 'Guard.   As a buddy of mine told me, the check doesn't say "USMC" or anything else on it, just 'DoD'.  

 I never investigated it further, but if you are dead serious, might want to see a recruiter.  Again, since you are over 20, I highly doubt it's possible.  But it would answer the question for certain.

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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