7 answers
Ryan
Student
Suffolk, Virginia
1
Question
Updated
492 views
Transferring from one military branch to another?
Hi,
I am currently serving in the Virginia Army National Guard. I joined the Guard because it offers substantial money for education, allowing me to serve part-time while pursuing my degree without incurring debt. I am nearing the completion of my community college education and have clear goals for my future military and civilian careers.
I intend to complete at least one active duty contract in order to pass down the GI Bill benefits to my children. Following this, I aspire to join the Marine Corps and serve at least one active duty contract with them. While I am not looking to pursue a long-term active duty career at this time, I am committed to serving in a way that supports my educational and professional aspirations.
Could you provide guidance on how to transfer to the Marine Corps at the end of my current contract without experiencing a break in service? Additionally, would it be more advantageous to go active duty Army instead? After completing my active duty contract, would I be able to transition back to the Army National Guard without a break in service to continue serving to then begin my civilian career?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
7 answers
Cale Corbett
Operations Management/Program Management
3
Answers
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Updated
Cale’s Answer
Ryan, these are great questions you should be asking a couple of Army and Marines recruiters. You want to make sure that the 'story' you are told by one Army recruiter matches the one you are told by another, and so on. You are what I'd call a "live one" and they will tell you pretty much anything you want to hear in order to sign their contract. What happens to you later - several steps into your plan - is of no consequence to them.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6075
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Ryan,
It sounds like you have a well-defined plan for your military and civilian careers.
Here's some info to help with your transition:
Transfer to Marines (Inter-Service Transfer):
Option 1: Lateral Enlistment Program (LEP): This program allows qualified enlisted soldiers to transfer to the Marines before your current enlistment ends. You'll need approval from both the Army National Guard and the Marines. Talk to your Guard retention NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer) and a Marine recruiter for details and eligibility requirements.
Option 2: Delayed Entry Program (DEP): If LEP isn't an option, consider the DEP with the Marines. You'd enlist in the DEP while finishing your Guard contract, ensuring a smooth transition to active duty Marines with minimal break (if any).
Important Points:
Meeting Marine Requirements: The Marines might require additional training depending on your MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) in the Guard and their needs.
GI Bill Benefits: You're on the right track! Completing one active-duty contract (4 years typically) qualifies you for full GI Bill benefits to pass on to your children.
Active Duty Army vs. Marines:
Consider Your Goals: Both offer active-duty opportunities. Research career paths and training programs in each branch that align with your future aspirations.
Talk to Recruiters: Discuss your goals with both Army and Marine recruiters. They can explain active-duty enlistment options and potential post-service transition paths back to the National Guard (Army or potentially even Air National Guard).
Break in Service:
By planning ahead and utilizing LEP or DEP, you can minimize or potentially avoid a break in service during your transition.
Additional Resources:
Army National Guard: https://www.nationalguard.com/
Marine Corps: https://www.marines.mil/
GI Bill: https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/
Remember, this is a big decision. Talk to your unit leadership, retention NCO, and recruiters from both branches to get the most up-to-date information and ensure a smooth transition that meets your goals.
Good luck, Ryan!
God Bless You,
JC.
It sounds like you have a well-defined plan for your military and civilian careers.
Here's some info to help with your transition:
Transfer to Marines (Inter-Service Transfer):
Option 1: Lateral Enlistment Program (LEP): This program allows qualified enlisted soldiers to transfer to the Marines before your current enlistment ends. You'll need approval from both the Army National Guard and the Marines. Talk to your Guard retention NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer) and a Marine recruiter for details and eligibility requirements.
Option 2: Delayed Entry Program (DEP): If LEP isn't an option, consider the DEP with the Marines. You'd enlist in the DEP while finishing your Guard contract, ensuring a smooth transition to active duty Marines with minimal break (if any).
Important Points:
Meeting Marine Requirements: The Marines might require additional training depending on your MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) in the Guard and their needs.
GI Bill Benefits: You're on the right track! Completing one active-duty contract (4 years typically) qualifies you for full GI Bill benefits to pass on to your children.
Active Duty Army vs. Marines:
Consider Your Goals: Both offer active-duty opportunities. Research career paths and training programs in each branch that align with your future aspirations.
Talk to Recruiters: Discuss your goals with both Army and Marine recruiters. They can explain active-duty enlistment options and potential post-service transition paths back to the National Guard (Army or potentially even Air National Guard).
Break in Service:
By planning ahead and utilizing LEP or DEP, you can minimize or potentially avoid a break in service during your transition.
Additional Resources:
Army National Guard: https://www.nationalguard.com/
Marine Corps: https://www.marines.mil/
GI Bill: https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/
Remember, this is a big decision. Talk to your unit leadership, retention NCO, and recruiters from both branches to get the most up-to-date information and ensure a smooth transition that meets your goals.
Good luck, Ryan!
God Bless You,
JC.
Reema Patel
sales associate
86
Answers
Greenwood, South Carolina
Updated
Reema’s Answer
Transferring from one military branch to another?
Hi,
I am currently serving in the Virginia Army National Guard. I joined the Guard because it offers substantial money for education, allowing me to serve part-time while pursuing my degree without incurring debt. I am nearing the completion of my community college education and have clear goals for my future military and civilian careers.
I intend to complete at least one active duty contract in order to pass down the GI Bill benefits to my children. Following this, I aspire to join the Marine Corps and serve at least one active duty contract with them. While I am not looking to pursue a long-term active duty career at this time, I am committed to serving in a way that supports my educational and professional aspirations.
Could you provide guidance on how to transfer to the Marine Corps at the end of my current contract without experiencing a break in service? Additionally, would it be more advantageous to go active duty Army instead? After completing my active duty contract, would I be able to transition back to the Army National Guard without a break in service to continue serving to then begin my civilian career?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
Hi,
I am currently serving in the Virginia Army National Guard. I joined the Guard because it offers substantial money for education, allowing me to serve part-time while pursuing my degree without incurring debt. I am nearing the completion of my community college education and have clear goals for my future military and civilian careers.
I intend to complete at least one active duty contract in order to pass down the GI Bill benefits to my children. Following this, I aspire to join the Marine Corps and serve at least one active duty contract with them. While I am not looking to pursue a long-term active duty career at this time, I am committed to serving in a way that supports my educational and professional aspirations.
Could you provide guidance on how to transfer to the Marine Corps at the end of my current contract without experiencing a break in service? Additionally, would it be more advantageous to go active duty Army instead? After completing my active duty contract, would I be able to transition back to the Army National Guard without a break in service to continue serving to then begin my civilian career?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
Isabel Dominguez
Student
101
Answers
Corning, California
Updated
Isabel’s Answer
Hi Ryan!
Shifting from the Army National Guard to the Marine Corps can be done seamlessly, without any break in your service. The key is to liaise efficiently between your current unit in the Army National Guard and a Marine Corps recruiter. These professionals are there to guide you through the transfer process, ensuring all your qualifications and prerequisites are in order.
When it comes to comparing active duty in the Army versus the Marine Corps, it boils down to your personal career aspirations and which branch aligns better with them, including the benefits they offer. Generally, you can transition back to the Army National Guard right after your active duty contract concludes, again without any service disruption.
This experience will be invaluable, not only for your military career but also for any civilian roles you might pursue in the future. Remember to consult with recruiters to plan out the specifics.
Shifting from the Army National Guard to the Marine Corps can be done seamlessly, without any break in your service. The key is to liaise efficiently between your current unit in the Army National Guard and a Marine Corps recruiter. These professionals are there to guide you through the transfer process, ensuring all your qualifications and prerequisites are in order.
When it comes to comparing active duty in the Army versus the Marine Corps, it boils down to your personal career aspirations and which branch aligns better with them, including the benefits they offer. Generally, you can transition back to the Army National Guard right after your active duty contract concludes, again without any service disruption.
This experience will be invaluable, not only for your military career but also for any civilian roles you might pursue in the future. Remember to consult with recruiters to plan out the specifics.
Steward "Tony" Pacheco
Minister, USMC Vet, John C. Maxwell Cert. Coach, Trainer, Speaker, Teacher, Straight Shooter
113
Answers
Kyle, Texas
Updated
Steward "Tony"’s Answer
Ask yourself this profoundly serious question: Am I Willing To Give My Life To Defend The Constitution Of These United States For America? I Say "For" As The USA Corporation Is Now Dissolved & If You Understand Our True History You Will Get It. We Are In A War For Our Lives, But It's Not A Traditional War, Like What We See In Movies Or Video Games. I Am Sure The Virginia NG Trained You Well.
To Serve Our Country In Maintaining Its Sovereign Position In This Global Realm May Require Ultimate Sacrifices. Are You Willing To Make That Sacrifice? Because Those That Are, Are Worthy Of All The Benefits Afforded Them For Their Patriotic Service To The People Of Our Republic.
Your Service To Virginia NG Is Indeed An Honorable Position Among The Brave Men & Women OF Virginia Who Have A History Of Solid & Unselfish Service To Their Communities. This Next Step Of Yours Is Critical For Our Republics Survival. As A Patriot & A Marine Corps Veteran, I Would Suggest The United States Marine Corps (Obvious) For Its Superior Training & Conditioning OR The United States Space Force For Its Superior Technology & Direction As The Central Command For All Branches. The Two May Eventually Be Merged From What I Am Hearing.
Thats My Suggestion For You Brother & Hopefully You'll Find Boot Camp Entertaining Once Again lol.
The Learners Will Be Fully Equipped For A World That Has Yet To Be, While The Learned Will Be Fully Equipped For A World That Once Was,
Wallace D Wattles
Semper Fi! Semper Supra!
Make It Happen!
To Serve Our Country In Maintaining Its Sovereign Position In This Global Realm May Require Ultimate Sacrifices. Are You Willing To Make That Sacrifice? Because Those That Are, Are Worthy Of All The Benefits Afforded Them For Their Patriotic Service To The People Of Our Republic.
Your Service To Virginia NG Is Indeed An Honorable Position Among The Brave Men & Women OF Virginia Who Have A History Of Solid & Unselfish Service To Their Communities. This Next Step Of Yours Is Critical For Our Republics Survival. As A Patriot & A Marine Corps Veteran, I Would Suggest The United States Marine Corps (Obvious) For Its Superior Training & Conditioning OR The United States Space Force For Its Superior Technology & Direction As The Central Command For All Branches. The Two May Eventually Be Merged From What I Am Hearing.
Thats My Suggestion For You Brother & Hopefully You'll Find Boot Camp Entertaining Once Again lol.
The Learners Will Be Fully Equipped For A World That Has Yet To Be, While The Learned Will Be Fully Equipped For A World That Once Was,
Wallace D Wattles
Semper Fi! Semper Supra!
Make It Happen!
Tess Rodriguez
Military Program Specialist
1
Answer
Lexington, South Carolina
Updated
Tess’s Answer
Such great questions! I have been an Air force reservist for 14 years within Human Resources so I can offer MANY options and advice. Let me start with breaking down your questions.
I intend to complete at least one active duty contract in order to pass down the GI Bill benefits to my children. Following this, I aspire to join the Marine Corps and serve at least one active duty contract with them. While I am not looking to pursue a long-term active-duty career at this time, I am committed to serving in a way that supports my educational and professional aspirations.
- Have you thought about looking for ADOS/MPA orders while in the Army National Guard to accrue your active-duty time to get your GI bill? Many Guard organizations need additional support due to low manning to maintain the day-to-day tasks and prep for the monthly weekend warriors. The best way to do this is networking. Asking around to see who is offering orders. We have this opportunity within the Air Force reserves and even offer remote work depending on the MOS (AFSC for Air Force). We advertise our's via Talent Marketplace to reservists to apply for.
Could you provide guidance on how to transfer to the Marine Corps at the end of my current contract without experiencing a break in service?
- You can transfer to Active duty at any point in your guard contract. It is called a "conditional release", as long as your supervisor and Commander approve it. You would first work with the reserve recruiter to start the conditional release process in which the recruiter will work with you and your leadership. The conditional release is typically good for up to 6 months to allow the in-processing into the Active duty systems to transition you. I would advise continuing your guard weekend's to accrue points for a good year incase your transition to AD goes longer than expected if a guard retirement is the end goal.
Additionally, would it be more advantageous to go active duty Army instead?
- This is completely a 'you' question to answer. Any AD component you use choose will get you to the 36 months to get the GI bill. Now its a question of which branch and mission you are more drawn to. Network with people from all branches to gauge the culture and how they've managed to attain their education goals, work-life balance, and overall happiness is very important for a well rounded decision.
After completing my active duty contract, would I be able to transition back to the Army National Guard without a break in service to continue serving to then begin my civilian career?
- Yes, reach out to a recruiter within 6 months of your DOS (date of separation) from Active Duty to start looking for reserve/guard positions. Once a position has been identified and chosen, the recruiter can ensure your DAS (date arrived station) will be the day after your DOS.
Hope all of this was beneficial information!!
I intend to complete at least one active duty contract in order to pass down the GI Bill benefits to my children. Following this, I aspire to join the Marine Corps and serve at least one active duty contract with them. While I am not looking to pursue a long-term active-duty career at this time, I am committed to serving in a way that supports my educational and professional aspirations.
- Have you thought about looking for ADOS/MPA orders while in the Army National Guard to accrue your active-duty time to get your GI bill? Many Guard organizations need additional support due to low manning to maintain the day-to-day tasks and prep for the monthly weekend warriors. The best way to do this is networking. Asking around to see who is offering orders. We have this opportunity within the Air Force reserves and even offer remote work depending on the MOS (AFSC for Air Force). We advertise our's via Talent Marketplace to reservists to apply for.
Could you provide guidance on how to transfer to the Marine Corps at the end of my current contract without experiencing a break in service?
- You can transfer to Active duty at any point in your guard contract. It is called a "conditional release", as long as your supervisor and Commander approve it. You would first work with the reserve recruiter to start the conditional release process in which the recruiter will work with you and your leadership. The conditional release is typically good for up to 6 months to allow the in-processing into the Active duty systems to transition you. I would advise continuing your guard weekend's to accrue points for a good year incase your transition to AD goes longer than expected if a guard retirement is the end goal.
Additionally, would it be more advantageous to go active duty Army instead?
- This is completely a 'you' question to answer. Any AD component you use choose will get you to the 36 months to get the GI bill. Now its a question of which branch and mission you are more drawn to. Network with people from all branches to gauge the culture and how they've managed to attain their education goals, work-life balance, and overall happiness is very important for a well rounded decision.
After completing my active duty contract, would I be able to transition back to the Army National Guard without a break in service to continue serving to then begin my civilian career?
- Yes, reach out to a recruiter within 6 months of your DOS (date of separation) from Active Duty to start looking for reserve/guard positions. Once a position has been identified and chosen, the recruiter can ensure your DAS (date arrived station) will be the day after your DOS.
Hope all of this was beneficial information!!
Reema Patel
sales associate
86
Answers
Greenwood, South Carolina
Updated
Reema’s Answer
Shifting from one military branch to another, such as the Army National Guard to the Marine Corps, is achievable but requires careful planning and understanding of specific procedures. Here's a practical guide based on your circumstances:
Moving to the Marine Corps from the Army National Guard
Timing and Preparation:
Start mapping out your transfer early, preferably a few months before your existing contract with the Army National Guard concludes.
Reach out to a Marine Corps recruiter to express your interest and kick-start the application process. They can offer personalized advice based on your circumstances.
Prerequisites:
Each military branch has unique transfer requirements. Generally, you must satisfy physical, educational, and administrative standards. As you're close to finishing your community college education, make sure you have your transcripts and other essential documents at hand.
Transition Alternatives:
To avoid service interruptions, think about moving directly from your Army National Guard contract to Marine Corps active duty. This might require aligning your contract termination date with the commencement of Marine Corps training or duty.
Benefits of Initially Going Active Duty Army
Service Continuity:
Starting with an active duty contract in the Army could offer more streamlined transition options. You can fulfill your commitment to pass on GI Bill benefits and gain valuable military experience.
Career and Educational Advantages:
Active duty service can unlock extra educational prospects and career paths. It might also offer wider experiences that can aid your future objectives.
Returning to Army National Guard After Active Duty
Re-enlisting in the Army National Guard:
If you choose to rejoin the Army National Guard post your active duty contract, you usually have choices to re-enlist without a service interruption. Collaborate with your Army National Guard unit and personnel office during your transition to ensure smooth reintegration.
Civilian Career Shift:
Leverage your military experience and education benefits to bolster your civilian career objectives. The GI Bill can offer financial aid for further education or training, which can boost your civilian career opportunities.
Action Steps
Engage with Marine Corps Recruiter: Get in touch with a Marine Corps recruiter promptly to discuss your objectives and the transfer process.
Liaise with Army National Guard: Keep your Army National Guard unit updated about your plans and ensure all administrative obligations for your current contract are met.
Organize Documents: Compile all required documents, such as transcripts, service records, and identification paperwork, to aid the transfer process.
Strategize for Transition: Strategize your transition timeline wisely to avoid service interruptions and ensure a seamless switch between branches.
By strategizing in advance and maintaining an active stance, you can efficiently manage the shift from Army National Guard to the Marine Corps while aligning with your educational and career goals.
Moving to the Marine Corps from the Army National Guard
Timing and Preparation:
Start mapping out your transfer early, preferably a few months before your existing contract with the Army National Guard concludes.
Reach out to a Marine Corps recruiter to express your interest and kick-start the application process. They can offer personalized advice based on your circumstances.
Prerequisites:
Each military branch has unique transfer requirements. Generally, you must satisfy physical, educational, and administrative standards. As you're close to finishing your community college education, make sure you have your transcripts and other essential documents at hand.
Transition Alternatives:
To avoid service interruptions, think about moving directly from your Army National Guard contract to Marine Corps active duty. This might require aligning your contract termination date with the commencement of Marine Corps training or duty.
Benefits of Initially Going Active Duty Army
Service Continuity:
Starting with an active duty contract in the Army could offer more streamlined transition options. You can fulfill your commitment to pass on GI Bill benefits and gain valuable military experience.
Career and Educational Advantages:
Active duty service can unlock extra educational prospects and career paths. It might also offer wider experiences that can aid your future objectives.
Returning to Army National Guard After Active Duty
Re-enlisting in the Army National Guard:
If you choose to rejoin the Army National Guard post your active duty contract, you usually have choices to re-enlist without a service interruption. Collaborate with your Army National Guard unit and personnel office during your transition to ensure smooth reintegration.
Civilian Career Shift:
Leverage your military experience and education benefits to bolster your civilian career objectives. The GI Bill can offer financial aid for further education or training, which can boost your civilian career opportunities.
Action Steps
Engage with Marine Corps Recruiter: Get in touch with a Marine Corps recruiter promptly to discuss your objectives and the transfer process.
Liaise with Army National Guard: Keep your Army National Guard unit updated about your plans and ensure all administrative obligations for your current contract are met.
Organize Documents: Compile all required documents, such as transcripts, service records, and identification paperwork, to aid the transfer process.
Strategize for Transition: Strategize your transition timeline wisely to avoid service interruptions and ensure a seamless switch between branches.
By strategizing in advance and maintaining an active stance, you can efficiently manage the shift from Army National Guard to the Marine Corps while aligning with your educational and career goals.
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