Is it possible to cross over to the Navy from Army?

Question

Is it possible to cross over from the Army to the Navy? My MOS in the Army is a critical skill, and I'm unable to reclass. I'm looking to change my job. If it is possible, will I keep my rank?

Answer 1

Technically, yes. You could request a transfer.



In actuality, it's extremely unlikely. The Army will want you to finish up your enlistment, since they need soldiers so bad. Especially if you are in a critical MOS, but even if you weren't, they just need the numbers. Also, the Navy is overstrength in general - a lot of Navy guys have been offered the choice of leaving the service early, or transferring to the Army! We had a couple of them in my unit last deployment. Even in those Navy ratings where they NEED people, they have more than enough people from the pool of people already IN the Navy, not to mention an 8 month backlog of recruits and more lined up at the recruiting office hoping for their chance.

Answer 2

One of my officers was a formerly enlisted Marine that crossed over into the Navy after going to some officer's program, but then again the Marines are part of the Navy Department. The Army isn't. So in that sense, it seems that it would be very difficult to retain rank switching from the Army to the Navy

Answer 3

Mike is just babbling...yes it is possible to go that direction but that is certainly not the trend. Going Blue to Green is much more common. The Navy rating system is completely different from what we are used to in the Army. It is based on exams and proficiency at your job so I don't know how much rank you would keep...probably only up to E-4 maybe only E-3 because E-4 is the first rung of the Petty Officer ladder and you have to know your job by then. Can you apply for any of the packet MOS's in the Army like 21P, 37F, 38B, or 18X for a change of pace?

Answer 4

not really. Not unless your current MOS translates directly to an undermanned Navy Rating.



otherwise, the Navy doesn't really take Prior Service. and DEFINITELY not if you need to re train in something.

Answer 5

there different branches of the armed forces. you would have to leave and join again, think about going from a cop to a firefighter, you have to start at the start and do the whole physical/tests/background checks etc...

Answer 6

you would have to start from scratch. so no, you wouldnt keep your rank. they have diferent ranks anyway