Joining Air Force after already being in the Army!

[Nad200317]

Is it even possible to join the Air Force after already doing your 4 year enlistment in the Army and currently being in the Army Reserves. I would like to join the Air Force and continue my career in Armed Services, just not in the Army. Is there any regualtions or anything I would need to know about trying to get in? Any help or suggestions would be good. I just would like to be informed by more then just the recruiter that I just started to get into contact with at the moment. If it is possible to do let me know. Thank you.

[CrustySMSgt]

It is possible, you'd likely lose rank... but it is done all the time. Get with a recruiter & you'll get all the info you need.

Good luck

[ChiefAD]

You will need to get a DD form 368 request for conditional release from your unit and higher signed then go to the AF recruiter.

[Nad200317]

Reply to CrustySMSgt:

I talked to the recruiter on the phone today. He said I was pretty much SOL. Said there was only oppotunities if I was like Special Forces qualified with perfect vision. If this is done all the time is he just not informed of it or is he just giving me the run around?

[Nad200317]

thank you for your responses I got clarification that I was disqualified because my 68W or Health Care Specialist does not carry over into the Air Force and I was DQ from the 5 opportunites for cross training due to me being color blind. I was told to check back next October to see if the Regs change on who they are letting in. It just kinda sucks that just because I joined the Army first that I can not be just be over all re-trained to be an Airmen.

[chief0299]

Nad,

Don't let these roadblocks get you down. I was in the Army National Guard for 4 years. When I went to the Air Force recruiter, I was told that the Air Force wasn't taking any prior service members and my 11C wouldn't cross over to anything the Air Force had. She somehow found a loophole, I was able to re-take the ASVAB, pass everything at MEPS and I joined the Air Force as non-prior service. I was a Spc and had to drop one to E-3 (A1C). No biggie for me. Stick to it if you really want in. If your recruiter isn't answering your questions, find another recruiter that will get you in!

Good luck!

[yankeesr1962]

I can give you my 2 cents worth here. Even though I have never served in the Army or tried to cross from one branch to another, I served on active duty for 10yrs from 82-92. I got out and pursued school, received a AA degree and pursued a great job in the semi conductor industry. I worked at a plant as a maint tech for 7 yrs when 2 weeks prior to 9-11 I was laid off. I went straight to the recruiter after 9-11 and they laughed me out the door. I wasn't going to take NO for an answer and knew that if I wanted in bad enough, I could. Well 11 months after I started this pursuit, I was able to rejoin the USAF in 2002. I needed 3 waivers to make it back, but I did! Don't take no for an answer and as the Chief said, go to another recruiter. One thing you have to keep in mind is that recruiters don't look at prior service as a viable alternative. They are there to recruit the 18 yr old HS student. Thats their money maker so to speak. They have little interest in you, and quite frankly don't want to waste their time on you. However, if you want it bad enough, and bug them until they are sick of seeing you, (as I did) it can happen. I made it a point to go down to their office EVERYDAY and ask and kept asking those questions until I got what I wanted and that was back in the USAF. Keep at it, it can work!!

[ringjamesa]

Nad,

Don't let these roadblocks get you down. I was in the Army National Guard for 4 years. When I went to the Air Force recruiter, I was told that the Air Force wasn't taking any prior service members and my 11C wouldn't cross over to anything the Air Force had. She somehow found a loophole, I was able to re-take the ASVAB, pass everything at MEPS and I joined the Air Force as non-prior service. I was a Spc and had to drop one to E-3 (A1C). No biggie for me. Stick to it if you really want in. If your recruiter isn't answering your questions, find another recruiter that will get you in!

Good luck!

That my friend is illegal as hell-unless, you have completed less than 84 days of AD, you are considered PS.

To the original topic, you aren't really disqualified based oon your MOS not transferring. The way it works is pretty simple. The AF gets a certian # of slots for prior service applicants every FY. Those are in selected AFSCs (our version of an MOS), if you are not qualified or willing to go into one of those.....then you a SOL. There are some exceptions made but not many. Keep checking periodically because the list of AFSCs availible does change periodically throughout the year. Depending on what you scored on your ASVAB, you might want to retest. Also, one loophole you might be able to use is to get your color vision tested somewhere else-Army, Navy, etc... If you pass, the recruiter might be able to submit it to MEPS and that would make you eligible for more jobs. Generally getting it done by a civilian Dr. is a waste of time and $ because MEPS generally won't accept them but I know for a fact that the Navy is VERY liberal with giving a pass for CV and DP when MEPS has failed someone.

[egree035]

I'm trying to request a conditional release from the Army (active component) to join the Air Force or the Air Force Reserves. The Air Force Recruiter tells me that it's possible but she doesn't know what Army Regulation governs that request. I've searched through numerous regulations, but still come up with nothing. I would like to see it and be able to prove that this can be done in writing before I submit my DD form 368 and my memorandum requesting a conditional release to my Chain of Command. Any advice?:confused:

[haseltonk]

I'm in a similar situation, but am out of the reserves at this time. A loophole I found after talking to an active duty and AFR recruiter wa that I could join the reserves, reclass into whatever mos I wanted, then after I was through tech school I could join active duty I wanted since I would already be in the AF. Hope that helps...

[ringjamesa]

Before you get too excited about that, ADAF does still limit the # of PS folks they take per FY. Yes if you are in the AFR, your chances are better than if you are coming directly from the Army but it is still no guarantee.

[AF Chief]

Come on down!

[alanizfam14@hotmail.com]

Would I be able to join if I was in the army and did't finish basic training due to complications?I'm thinking of joining the Air Force.

[ringjamesa]

Would I be able to join if I was in the army and did't finish basic training due to complications?I'm thinking of joining the Air Force.

not enough data my friend. Why were you sent home from Basi? how long were you in basic? what was the characterization of your discharge? All of these are relvant questions that you whould be prepared to answer. No one gets sent home for "complications."

[LOAL-D]

not enough data my friend. Why were you sent home from Basi? how long were you in basic? what was the characterization of your discharge? All of these are relvant questions that you whould be prepared to answer. No one gets sent home for "complications."

Well complications is a pretty broad term....

[ringjamesa]

Well complications is a pretty broad term....

I have seen literally thousands of 214s and discharge/separation orders, I cannot recall a single one saying the person was being discharged for "complications."

[loader67]

Don't bother, the USAF will be the Army Air Corps in a few more years.... Seriously, I think it's if they have some slots open. I came in from the ARNG after 4 yrs, 10 months. Went from E-4 to E-3. No big whoop. Course that was a few years ago.

[Combat correspondent]

I joined the AF after USMC. I got demoted so expect to. The USMC and AF always (almost as a hard-fast rule) demote anyone who crosses over. Other than that, you should be able to find a way in.

[Roll_Tide]

I did it; I was active duty in the Army from 99-03 and join the AF in 04. What the other people are saying is true; your MOS has nothing to do with you being disqualified from joining, just joining with the same job. I was a 77F and I’m now a crew chief, so it is possible. The only thing I found was that it’s a lot harder for a recruiter to get you in as a prior service so they tend not to try, especially if they don’t need you for their quota. I would keep bugging the recruiter, ask him to show you in writing where it says you can’t enlist (not enlist with a specific job just enlist) and the ask him the waiver process for being a prior service enlistee

[Yggdrasil]

From the looks of it, if the Air Force took everyone that applied, the Air Force would be mostly disgruntled prior Army.

Trying to go from Army to Air Force appears to be like trying to have sex with a beautiful woman who is already surrounded by five other guys trying to do the same thing. What makes you think you're going to pull it off, when others are trying to do the same - and it's not working for them? What makes you better than the others?

Or maybe some people don't mind being one of the six men gawking at a woman who won't give them the time of day.

[silkywilky]

From the looks of it, if the Air Force took everyone that applied, the Air Force would be mostly disgruntled prior Army.

Trying to go from Army to Air Force appears to be like trying to have sex with a beautiful woman who is already surrounded by five other guys trying to do the same thing. What makes you think you're going to pull it off, when others are trying to do the same - and it's not working for them? What makes you better than the others?

Or maybe some people don't mind being one of the six men gawking at a woman who won't give them the time of day.

Why the hell are you even bother to put your 2 cents worht in, which by the way your 2 cents are'nt worth anything especially since you are not in the air force.

I ran into several prior service army people who were entering the air force back when I was just entering the army and that was 7 years ago. They are still putting in prior service today, I don't knpw how time consuming or diffcult it may or may not be but it is still happening.

[mattrut]

Im in a similar situation...I was in the army reserves my entire career (8 yrs.) only active duty time was my deployment (about 14 months)...I have been out since feb. 2008. Recruiter says my MOS (88N) does not cross. I understand the prior service issue, but reading up on the Air Force website I'm considered previous service and would be treated as a new recruit. Recruiter asked for my RE Code from my dd214, but as a reservist I did not received dd214 when I ets'd, I received discharge orders or release from my unit. Is there any recruiters who can give me some advice on how to go about this?

[dan5522]

You should have received your DD 214. You may want to contact your old unit and ask them what happened to it. You can also go to the NRPC (National Personal Records Center) and request a copy.

[dan5522]

On a side note i wish it was as easy as you say to get back to AD, i tried sevearl times, had a good RE/SPD, good AFSC and nothing derorgatory in any of my files and was shot down. Good luck trying to come back. I went Air Force Reserve and became AGR because Active Duty shot me down several times. (best thing i ever did!)

[silkywilky]

On a side note i wish it was as easy as you say to get back to AD, i tried sevearl times, had a good RE/SPD, good AFSC and nothing derorgatory in any of my files and was shot down. Good luck trying to come back. I went Air Force Reserve and became AGR because Active Duty shot me down several times. (best thing i ever did!)

You said that you went AGR? Is that active duty but in the air national guard? forgive my question, I know that in the national guard or army national guard one can be what is called active guard where I think it's basicly like actie duty when it comes to pay and all but one is in the guard instead of the regular compentent.

Can you write more about the AGR if you don't mind? I am trying to myself get back into active duty but not in the army. Anything you can give or information would be greatly appreciated, thanks

[dan5522]

Sure can, AGR is Active Guard Reserve, it is basically exactly the same as active duty but you belong to the Reserve or Guard. I am an Air Force Reserve AGR, stationed overseas right now, i get to PCS, have my family with me and enjoy everything that i missed from traditional active duty. Every single benefit that active duty has i have, only i fall under the Reserve Command. When i hit 20 i collect an AD retirement, medical and everything else. All your AD time, if you have any, counts toward AGR retirement. Reserve time counts towards pay time. Let me know if you have anything else. Thanks!

[mattrut]

Thanks for the reply...so I should have a DD214 even though I was reserve? The only DD214's I have received were when I left training or deployments. I received discharge (honorable) when I left my unit, but that's it. I will definitely check. I spoke with the recruiter here, he said I needed an RE Code 1 to be able to reenlist.. I also considered the route you took of going reserve, then active. Is it as difficult to go AF reserves?

[dan5522]

Not difficult at all, find the closest Reserve Recruiter to you and speak with them . As far as all the paperwork just get with the reserve recruiter and go from there. Good luck if you do go this way, as i said it was the best decision i made.

[silkywilky]

Sure can, AGR is Active Guard Reserve, it is basically exactly the same as active duty but you belong to the Reserve or Guard. I am an Air Force Reserve AGR, stationed overseas right now, i get to PCS, have my family with me and enjoy everything that i missed from traditional active duty. Every single benefit that active duty has i have, only i fall under the Reserve Command. When i hit 20 i collect an AD retirement, medical and everything else. All your AD time, if you have any, counts toward AGR retirement. Reserve time counts towards pay time. Let me know if you have anything else. Thanks!

So you still get to PCS to other duty assignments/locations as though you were in the active duty but while in the AGR? How different are the assignments?

This sounds like a much better end of the deal. Now this is AGR for slots and jobs other than a recruiter for the reserves correct? How does one go about enlisting in the AGR?

I know I'm asking quite a bit of questions there, I hope that you don't feel like you're being bothered. Thank you for your input .

[dan5522]

No problems. As far as PCSing to other duty assignments, I do get to PCS but have only one PAFSC and that is my job 8R000, recruiter. My assignments can range from being in a mall in a recruiting offiw to being on base as an in-service recruiter. This is AGR, one of the first requirements is that you are a member of the Reserve or Guard. Once you have a position there you can apply for positions advertised. Pretty much any AFSC has AGR, the easiest one to get is recruiter in the Reserve, I cant speak for the Guard. I literally applied in September and was in my own office after Tech School in April. Hope that helped.

[ringjamesa]

Thanks for the reply...so I should have a DD214 even though I was reserve? The only DD214's I have received were when I left training or deployments. I received discharge (honorable) when I left my unit, but that's it. I will definitely check. I spoke with the recruiter here, he said I needed an RE Code 1 to be able to reenlist.. I also considered the route you took of going reserve, then active. Is it as difficult to go AF reserves?

Yes you have a 214 but it isn't really relavant. You have one from when you went to Basic Training and Tech School and if you deployed, you have one from that. What your recruiter will need to see is your separation order.

[Yggdrasil]

Why the hell are you even bother to put your 2 cents worht in, which by the way your 2 cents are'nt worth anything especially since you are not in the air force.

No, but unlike those in the Army, I'm in service where people are actually content with their quality of life. Which, by the way, is the source of motivation for those trying to make the "switch," no? That doesn't mean that I have to find it any less amuzing than someone in the Air Force would.


I ran into several prior service army people who were entering the air force back when I was just entering the army and that was 7 years ago. They are still putting in prior service today, I don't knpw how time consuming or diffcult it may or may not be but it is still happening.

Yeah, but what you didn't see is how many people the Air Force rejected in comparison to the number that they took.

[chucksnee]

Yes you have a 214 but it isn't really relavant. You have one from when you went to Basic Training and Tech School and if you deployed, you have one from that. What your recruiter will need to see is your separation order.

Are you thinking about the 1059......your DD214 is the last item you recieve when you are seperated from the Army....your seperation orders mean nothing when it goes to coming back in. There is a code at the bottom that says if yuo are eligable.....

I retired with 21 years in the Army....I only have 1 DD214 and it was issued on the to me in April of this year...

I have several 1059's for completing schools.....

And to the OP you must have copy number 4 of the DD214, others mean nothing .....

[dan5522]

Yes you have a 214 but it isn't really relavant. You have one from when you went to Basic Training and Tech School and if you deployed, you have one from that. What your recruiter will need to see is your separation order.

Thanks Ring, I missed the part that he was Reserve.

[ringjamesa]

Are you thinking about the 1059......your DD214 is the last item you recieve when you are seperated from the Army....your seperation orders mean nothing when it goes to coming back in. There is a code at the bottom that says if yuo are eligable.....

I retired with 21 years in the Army....I only have 1 DD214 and it was issued on the to me in April of this year...

I have several 1059's for completing schools.....

And to the OP you must have copy number 4 of the DD214, others mean nothing .....

Nope. I said separation orders...I meant separation orders. I said 214 when I meant 214. As a Reservist, the only time you get a 214 (certificate of release or discharge from Active Duty), is when you are released or discharged from AD-just like for someone that is Active duty. The difference is that a Reservist is only Active duty in Basic Training, AIT, deployments, or any other time they are called to AD. Unless their ETS is the same as when they get off AD, they will not get a 214 when the retire, separate, or are discharged from a Reserve Component.

[chucksnee]

O.K. relax.....I did not realize that you got a 214 everytime you left active duty....as a reservist....

So when you get out as a reservist you do not get a 214? just seperation orders?

[ringjamesa]

O.K. relax.....I did not realize that you got a 214 everytime you left active duty....as a reservist....

So when you get out as a reservist you do not get a 214? just seperation orders?

Exactly correct. Most people that have never been in the Reserve don't realize it because unless they are a recruiter or a personnelist, they really have no reason to...

:D

[chucksnee]

Exactly correct. Most people that have never been in the Reserve don't realize it because unless they are a recruiter or a personnelist, they really have no reason to...

:D


Thanks for the info.....I never would have though that....

[mattrut]

Exactly correct. Most people that have never been in the Reserve don't realize it because unless they are a recruiter or a personnelist, they really have no reason to...

:D

Thanks that is what my old unit told me, so how can I make the ADAF recruiter realize this. They told me they HAVE to know my RE Code...if I dont get a DD214 when I leave, does that mean I would not have an RE Code?

[ringjamesa]

Check out AFI 36-2001 table 9.1
http://www.e-publishing.af.mil/shared/media/epubs/AFRSI36-2001.pdf
What you need isn't a 214. You needs a Points credit summary or a statement of service.
note 6 may also be of intrest;
In some instances, such as reservists performing initial AD for training and members of the Coast
Guard, a DD Form 214 is not furnished. In these cases, a statement of service from the respective
component is required. Contact HQ AFRS/RSOPA for unusual circumstances.
and note 10
When requesting a statement of service, the applicant should also request the narrative reason for
separation, primary specialty code, and grade held at time of separation. NGB Form 22 (undeleted) may
be used to verify service for the pay and grade in which separated and the reason for separation if it is in
a narrative form.

Hope that helps.

[mattrut]

That's a huge help...honestly. I will be contacting my old unit and obtaining a statement of service.

[silkywilky]

No problems. As far as PCSing to other duty assignments, I do get to PCS but have only one PAFSC and that is my job 8R000, recruiter. My assignments can range from being in a mall in a recruiting offiw to being on base as an in-service recruiter. This is AGR, one of the first requirements is that you are a member of the Reserve or Guard. Once you have a position there you can apply for positions advertised. Pretty much any AFSC has AGR, the easiest one to get is recruiter in the Reserve, I cant speak for the Guard. I literally applied in September and was in my own office after Tech School in April. Hope that helped.

Hey, I have few more questions to ask if you don't mind. I'm currently preparing to retake the ASVAB for entry into the Air Guard or AF reserve, right now I'm leaning toward the Guard. The Air Guard recruiter I spoke to was very helpful in many ways, which was surprising to me compared with the AD ones. According to the recruiter I only needed to raise my line scores nd not my overall ASVAB scores, I'm trying to rise my mechanical 17 points,lol. One of my questions was how long or is there an time limit, as in 3 year commitment for you to serve as a recruiter before you have to go back to just regular reserves or can you stay an AGR recruiter until it is your time to retire?

My other question is, you mentioned that you became recruiter after you finished tech school. Now as a reservist or guard, one is on "active duty status' while enrolled into tech school, correct? Is tht for 1 to 2 or 3 years straight or,?

I really appreciate your help and hope I'm not bogging you down with my questions. Thanks ,