inter service transfer Inter service Transfer

[CrayonEater1121]

I plan on doing an inter service transfer to the army after my enlistment is up in the Marine Corps. I want to eventually become a warrant officer and a pilot. My GT was 123 if that makes a difference. Is it feasible to do that straight from enlisted Marines or should I do something more like helicopter repairer and then apply for warrant officer school/helo pilot? Also how hard are the tests? Any recommendations?

[PhrogGuy]

It is absolutely feasible to go straight over. I would even argue that is is easier. Once you get out, you have to deal with a normal run of the mill recruiter. I was SMCR and had to go through that process. Took me the better part of 2 years from first contact to selection. I had friends that cross-decked from active duty. They did it in about 6 months. You will will have get some input from other dudes and dudettes that asked for an inter-service transfer from active duty. But, I can help some if you choose to go the other route. I doubt the process has changed much since I crossed over in 13-14. 
 

SIFT isn’t that bad, if you study the content and understand the strategy of the test. There are infinitely more study guides out now then when I took it. It had just been implemented when I did it in 13.

 

I would absolutely not enlist and then try submit a package from within. Life will inevitably happen and you will probably be bumping up against the active duty service limit which will require a waiver.

My .02. Happy early birthday!

 

Semper Fi

[zaurus]

The most difficult part in the WOFT process is finding the right recruiter in being selected. The graduation rate hovers around 95%. The Army should permit you in wearing pilot wings thru training since damn near everyone graduates.

 

 

[jkray]

21 hours ago, PhrogGuy said:

I would absolutely not enlist and then try submit a package from within. Life will inevitably happen and you will probably be bumping up against the active duty service limit which will require a waiver.Semper Fi

This 100% make the warrant packet and get selected before coming over. I also came from the SMCR with no break in service, so not exactly sure if there are any differences to AD but there are plenty of Marines who did it. Ask any questions you may have

[CrayonEater1121]

7 hours ago, jkray said:

This 100% make the warrant packet and get selected before coming over. I also came from the SMCR with no break in service, so not exactly sure if there are any differences to AD but there are plenty of Marines who did it. Ask any questions you may have

Last time I went to optometry they said my vision was 20/60 but 20/20 w/ glasses. Is there a waiver for that or could I possibly get lasik or prk in service? I don’t have enough time left in the marines to do it (11m and they want 12 and I’m leaving on a UDP next month). The army also has their own medical stuff so I was told my packet to get approved for lasik wouldn’t transfer over since we use the Navy. 

[jkray]

Don’t quote me on this, but I believe the cutoff for needing an eyesight waiver is 20/75. Either way yes there is a waiver and as long as you can be corrected to 20/20 you should be fine.  And yes you should be able to get PRK once you’re flight school complete.
 

When I was doing my physical, I called up the nearest ARMY flight clinic and asked what they needed for part 1 stuff. I got the exams/labs etc. done using Navy medicine and sent them all the paperwork since it was a 3.5 hour drive. I then scheduled my part 2 only with the Army Doc took, leave and drove up to get the Army physical, that way there was no confusion about transferability or anything. 

[zaurus]

Interesting inter service transfer story. Back in 1996, a West Pointer (1993) OH-58C pilot transferred to the Navy. His Naval flying career is in the F-18 community. What's so interesting, he is NOW the Commanding Officer of the USS Eisenhower CVN 69.

Another Army aviator done good. He should be on the Admiral list shortly after his command.

Even looks like a old crusty CW5 but he is not wearing hIs Army aviator badge in his official photo. He should know EVEN jet pilots need heroes.

I wonder what strings he pulled. But then again, he is a West Pointer and they do have a secret handshake.

[Luckylife64]

It’s not as hard as you think. Super easy and chill transfer if over. Get started early on medical, SIFT and DD368 if your still in service. only bad part is recruiters not forwarding the proper paperwork for your current rank and then MEPS demotes you. 
 

[AriX17]

On 10/28/2021 at 4:57 AM, zaurus said:

Back in 1996, a West Pointer (1993) OH-58C pilot transferred to the Navy. His Naval flying career is in the F-18 community. What's so interesting, he is NOW the Commanding Officer of the USS Eisenhower CVN 69.

To say I'm shocked is to say nothing 😲