2006-09-28 07:39:13 · 9 answers · asked by confused23 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
Yes, under certain conditions.
Occasionally the services will institute a ban on taking prior service from different service branches (and even their own, for that matter). This is how many former Marines end up in the Army. The restrictions have eased up in recent years because of the personnel shortages, but there are conditions that prior service must fulfill.
Programs such as "Blue to Green" (an invite for Navy or Air Force personnel to join the Army, if I remember right) are out there and make the process easier. Of course, a servicemember must fulfill his or her contractual obligations first before switching services. And even then, it can be a difficult proposition: I flirted briefly with leaving the Army infantry and joining Air Force security police. I couldn't get through to the recruiting branch no matter how hard I tried, and this was in 2004. The Air Force, being the smallest of the service branches and perceived as the most "comfortable", gets to pick and choose.
If you're in the Army now, you'd better have a really good reason for throwing away your current rank and starting from scratch in services that all promote based on competitive examination. It's probably more productive to reclass within the Army than to switch service branches, but if your heart is set on it because you'd like to be stationed close to home, for instance, good luck.
2006-09-28 11:47:44 · answer #1 · answered by Nat 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, inter-service transfers are pretty common as long as you satisfy your current obligation.
Two things you might one to consider. One is that enlisted and NCOs transferring to other services typically take a reduction in grade. Second, promotions in the USAF are the slowest of all the branches...the Army being the branch with the fasted potential for promotion.
If you are an officer the transfer is at the same rank...always. I know its not fair but there a specific reasons why that I haven't the time to go into. Also one person mentioned that they are reducing the officer corp by 1300. If true, it must be in reference to the USAF as the army is in need of junior officers.
Either way, if it is you that is considering changing services...best of luck.
2006-09-29 00:25:59 · answer #2 · answered by iraq51 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
once you have completed your Active Obligation of service, you can apply to a different Branch. Currently, however, the AF is not accepting Other Service Vets.
2006-09-28 16:04:21 · answer #3 · answered by Mrsjvb 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not until you complete your contract with the Army. If you owe them 3 years, you give them 3 years.
Then you can join the AF.
2006-09-28 14:42:55 · answer #4 · answered by powhound 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hey it's a good idea if you are enlisted. If your an officer don't. They are cutting 1300 oficers right now. but in a few years they will realize they cut to many and will go nuts trying to get officers.
good luck
2006-09-28 15:59:02 · answer #5 · answered by Kendra Q 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. Happens a lot.
2006-09-28 14:40:44 · answer #6 · answered by andalucia 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes you can,
after you fiish your contract and training you can talk to your superior officers and tell them whats going on, and for what reasons, but then you have to start all over again.
2006-09-28 15:15:31 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, they do it all the time!!
2006-09-28 14:51:44 · answer #8 · answered by cantcu 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
technically yes, but it's not always easy.
2006-09-28 14:50:31 · answer #9 · answered by DOOM 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋