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

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Expert: - 9/23/2007


Question
QUESTION: I am an Airman (E-3) in the US NAVY. I have completed 2 years on my enlistment and have decided I want to transfer to the Marine Corps. Is there any way to do that without having to get out and re-enlist, losing all of my rank and time served?

ANSWER: Drew:

  Right now, there is no way to transfer from the navy to the Marines.   There is the "blue to green" program, but it pertains to the army and not the Marine Corps.  That's the bad news.

 The good news is, you can go into the Marine Corps with the E-3.  If you make your crow, you'll likely lose it for six months but get it back rather quickly as your 'time in service' will still count toward promotion.  You'll also have to attend USMC Recruit training.  The army does the same thing, BTW.

 Hopefully, that helps with your decision.

Jason

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I knew about the Blue-Green program, I was just hoping there was one for the Corps. So you're saying I could get out in 2 years, re-enlist and would be E-3 with my 4 years of previous service still intact? What if by that time I was E-5 because I took the E-4 exam Thursday and 2 years is a lot of chances to make E-5. Or is there any way to get out early to do it, not having to wait the 2 years? Also, ive been working on my degree. If I obtain my bachelors and join the Marines as an officer, would I still keep my time served?

Answer
Drew:

 Yes, when you EAS, you would keep the E-3 and the time in service, but not the time in grade.  You would not be an E-5.  

 If you joined as an officer, yes, you'd keep your time.  Federal service time no matter where served in the military transfers, you never lose that.  

 As far as I'm aware, there is no way at present to leave the Navy early to "go Marine", unless it would be through one of the officer programs.  You might consider BOOST or another such program.

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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