Interservice transfer?

[truetotheend]

Lets see...After high school I tried to enlist to go active duty Marine Corps but was denied several times because of a surgery i had when i was 8 (now 20) to remove a blockage i had that developed in one of the drainage tubes in my kidney (despite numerous letters from my doctors and surgeons). I have recovered 100% and have had absolutely no problems since then and have participated in many sports. Anyways, it had always been my dream to become a Marine and after i was turned down for about a year i decided it was time to go to college instead. While in school i met some friends who were in the Army National Guard and wanting to be in the military myself, i decided that i would talk to a recruiter and see if i had a chance of enlisting with them (i figured if i got in i could go active duty upon completion of my degree). So i met with the recruiter and after about a week he was able to get me a waiver for the "problem" that prevented me from joining the Marines. Well this past summer i completed my basic training and AIT down at Fort Benning, Georgia. The thought of being a Marine has still been on my mind although i like and respect the Army. I have a few relatives in the corps and would like to join them. Is it possible for an interservice transfer to take place? Ive researched it a little bit and havent come up with much info. I was thinking about transferring to a Marine reserve unit until im done with school. I understand that i would have to complete basic training again and the thought doesnt bother me. If this is possible how would i go about doing this and who would i talk to? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[FMRAM]

Welcome. How much more time on your enlistment and how far are you in college?

 

[invertedflyer]

I met a couple Army recruits when I was in boot, its definitely possible. It depends on how much time you have left on your contract, and if the Marine Corps. will respect the waiver that got you into the Guard. Since you are in college you may want to consider being a Marine Officer. They offer a program that sends you through OCS during the summer (Platoon Leaders Class - PLC) ...

 

[truetotheend]

Thanks to everyone thats responded so far. I have 2.5 years left in school, but i have about 4.5 left on my contract with the Guard. I thought about being an officer, but right now at my age enlisted is more fun and i would like to do it for a while before i have to assume the responsibility of running platoons and such as an 2LT. But its definately a possibility for me when i get married and need to settle down in the future. Any ideas on where to start with this or should i talk to a recruiter first? Thanks

 

[Steve Wilkins]

I thought about being an officer, but right now at my age enlisted is more fun

How do you know? Have you ever been an officer? Note: rhetorical question

...and i would like to do it for a while before i have to assume the responsibility of running platoons and such as an 2LT.

Don't miscontrue the notion that having that responsibility could not or would not be fun. You'd probably be surprised.

But its definately a possibility for me when i get married and need to settle down in the future.

That will all happen naturally in good time. When you are ready to be a leader, it won't matter whether you're married or not. On the flipside, just because you get married doesn't make you ready to lead.

Any ideas on where to start with this or should i talk to a recruiter first?

Nothing wrong with talking to a recruiter. But it doesn't sound like you're ready for that at this point. Just keep working your ass off in school. Major in something that you really really enjoy and excel in it.