Transferring Military Branches

Hey, quick question for any military folks out there - if a person is already in one branch of the military, how easy/hard is it to change branches? What's the process like?

Transferring from one branch of the military to another, commonly known as a branch transfer or inter-service transfer, can be a complex process. It's not an outright easy or fast process, but it's certainly possible.

The first thing to note is that you'd need to be near the end of your current enlistment or commission period, as you typically can't switch branches in the middle of an active contract. Therefore, timing is an essential factor.

Next, you'll need to obtain a conditional release, or a DD 368 form, from your current branch of service. This document essentially states that your current branch is willing to release you, provided you are accepted into the branch to which you wish to transfer. Obtaining this form can be challenging and may require a degree of persistence—it often requires approval from several levels of your command chain.

You would then need to go through a recruiter for the branch you want to switch to. This can be a similar process to when you first enlisted or commissioned; you'll have to meet the requirements of the new branch, which may include physical fitness standards, ASVAB scores, and possibly going through a new Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) session.

Furthermore, each branch has its requirements and MOSs (jobs), so it's quite plausible you would need additional training to learn your new job within the new branch.

Remember, approval for an inter-service transfer is never guaranteed and is largely based on the current needs of the military. If the branch you plan to leave is undermanned or the one you wish to join is oversaturated, your application might be denied.

It's wise to talk through this process with both your current command and potentially a recruiter from the branch to which you wish to switch to gain insight into the feasibility and timing considerations. They can provide detailed information and help guide you through the steps based on your unique situation.