From Army to Marines

[Deadbroke]

I'm a Soldier looking to join the Marines.I was wondering first do the Marines take prior service?.If so here is my plan I want to ETS out of the Army spend about a year on the sideline in then get back into the game.I will be 27yrs old will that be to old?.Also I heard the coast that you go to basic training on is most likely the coast you will get staioned on is this true?.

[Gunny_2862]

Deadbroke,
Prior service is also accepted, but the we as Marines require all prior service to go to our boot camp as you know already. No, 27 years old is not too old to join, once you get to be 30 years old I believe is when you would need waivers for your age.
As far as going to boot camp, that has nothing to do with the coast you get stationed on. It might play a small part, but the needs of the Corps based upon your selected MOS will determine where you will be placed, and of course an guarnteed options you might get from the recruiter when you enlist.
If you have any other questions, let us know.
-Gy D

[RETSGTMAJ]

We would welcome you aboard regardless of what prior service you were in. When you try the others and come to the best, we always have room for you. It may take a few adjustments, but you will be fine. I would not wait a year to come back in. Things could change in that year and also, being out of the military for that long a period may have an effect on that beltline. Personal appearance is one of the things the Marine Corps is estremely proud of. Take care and thanks for your past honorable service.

[Deadbroke]

I have Army education ie Correspondence Courses,will that transfer over?.

[SSgtAllen3381]

I have Army education ie Correspondence Courses,will that transfer over?.

It should, we have a prior Soldier in our shop and I do believe his transferred. Not sure about his medals and badges though; just in case you ask.

[bane17]

So i'm in a similar situation.. i joined the army a few years ago..because of convenience pretty much..im tired of it..thinkin about going to marines.. only problem is i'm about to be an e-5.. what will they bring me down too e-3? and im also infantry. what would my chances of being a grunt in the marines.

[SSgtAllen3381]

So i'm in a similar situation.. i joined the army a few years ago..because of convenience pretty much..im tired of it..thinkin about going to marines.. only problem is i'm about to be an e-5.. what will they bring me down too e-3? and im also infantry. what would my chances of being a grunt in the marines.

If I'm not mistaken, YES, you will be an E3 (Lance Corporal) once you graduate Boot Camp. The chances of going Infantry in the Corps...VERY GOOD.

[Silver Fox]

An E-3? I always heard you started at the very bottom regardless, you'd just promote faster because of your prior leadership experience.

[Yggdrasil]

Going from another service to the Marines? If you're married, or enjoy your current standard of living, don't do it - financially, you wouldn't be able to afford it. You're gonna get busted down to E1, and get your E3 back after boot camp... and you're probably an E5 or E6 by now.

And by the way, the service you've already completed will still count against your high year tenure in the Marines. Being an E3 with at least four years of service.... that's being set up for failure.

[SSgtAllen3381]

An E-3? I always heard you started at the very bottom regardless, you'd just promote faster because of your prior leadership experience.

Not always the case. A buddy of mine came out of Boot Camp a Lance, he was prior Navy. A Sgt in my shop came out a Lance also and he was prior Army. Now, I'm sure there have been cases of others coming out a PVT/PFC, but their Recruiters must not have done right by them. A Recruiter can give more info on that, if this person decides to go talk to one.

[bane17]

Damn. Thanks Ygg. Hadnt thought about some of that.. Just tired of the army, always wanted to be a marine so it sounded good to check up on. I thought bein busted down 2 grades would be alright...but its really not at all, that's actually a lot of money. Anyways I appreciate it. Maybe ill just do SF or somethin. pretty much the same right? lol :cheers:

[Yggdrasil]

Damn. Thanks Ygg. Hadnt thought about some of that.. Just tired of the army, always wanted to be a marine so it sounded good to check up on. I thought bein busted down 2 grades would be alright...but its really not at all, that's actually a lot of money. Anyways I appreciate it. Maybe ill just do SF or somethin. pretty much the same right? lol :cheers:

Tell me something: Why is it that so many people in the Army appear to wish they had chosen another service? Sailors, Airmen, and Marines seem to be fine where they're at.

[LeaderOfMarines]

Even if you were 33 but had 6 years of prior service from another service you would still be eligible. They would count your age (33) minus the years of service (6). So to the MC you would be 27. You woud go in as a PFC. You could get a GOP (Geographical Option Preference) if you qualify....that will help out with your coast selection.

[THORSHAMMER69]

Being an E3 with at least four years of service.... that's being set up for failure.

Not necessarily. He would still get quicker promotions due to service time points in his cutting score. It's a matter of motivation too. He's older and more mature than most E-3's so he might do well on meritorious boards too. Anything is possible. Either way it goes, good luck.