When going into a different branch of the military do you have to start from the bottom again?

Question

My husband served in the Marine Corp from 1989-1994 and was honorably discharged..He is now ( after all these years) signing up with the Army..He left the Marine Corp as an E-6 ..Will he have to start again from the bottom or do you start where you left off?

Answer 1

these people do not know what theyre talking about, the Marine Corps exclusively lets you keep your rank when you transfer service, and you dont even have to do basic training of the other branch, he should remain an E-6, and he should be exempt from Army BCT.The Army is more than happy to take former Marines and Marine NCOs often switch service because they want to fly a helicopter as a warrant officer.However if you are switching from a branch into the Corps they make you start as an e-1 or an e-2 and you HAVE to do Marine boot camp, as nobody who hasnt completed that has no place calling themselves a Marine.

Answer 2

He should be able to keep his pay grade...

Answer 3

It would depend upon your enlistment and inter-service agreement.

Answer 4

He will retain the rank of NCO. Whether it is E-6 or not depends greatly on the job and how he works the contract. Some MOSes won't let you come in above E-5 and some will. They can waiver the E-6, so tell him to push for it.

As for basic training, the old rule was if  you'd been out five years or more you have to repeat BCT for the Army. HOWEVER, now they have a four week "Warrior Transition Course" for prior service. Pretty simple, just helps re-integrate one back into the service and into how the Army works.

Hope this helps.

For the little Coastie: I'm not guessing at all. Did I say "I Guess" anywhere in my statement? It's best not to speak when you don't know what you're talking about. Have a great day!

Answer 5

Yes, he will almost have to start at the bottom again.

The break in service was just to long.

Although he might be able to get E-3

But he will probally have to do basic training again.

Answer 6

yup its sad be he has to i no this guy in the navy that was a E-7 and went into the army as a E-3 so sad and he deserved to be higher n rank he severed in the golf war and stuff  

Answer 7

You know who can answer this question correctly - your husband's recruiter.  Anyone else is just guessing.