Feedback request.

USAFDefender · 10-03-2004, 02:27 AM

I currently am a Staff Sergeant in the USAF as a Security Forces member. I've been thinking alot about the future and what I want to do. Currently, after a stay at Kaneohe MCH, I've began to seriously consider crossing over to the USMC. It's what I originally wanted to do, but chose the AF because they could ship me out faster. My father was a Marine and retired after 22 years as a MSgt.

What I would like from you Marines is some input as to what you think about this decision? I believe I will be happier around a more military, professional brotherhood. Am I falling victim to the "grass is greener" syndrome? I've talked briefly to other Marines and they tell me I should stay in the AF, that I don't know how lucky I am. They are still proud to be Marines, but don't think it wise to cross over from the USAF.

I'm going to talk to a recuiter on Monday, but would just like some imput from you guys.

TejanoRey · 10-03-2004, 01:02 PM

I've met many USAF guys that did cross over...no complaints from them...we have many Marines that crossed over to USAF and other services but have always kept their pride in Marine Corps...as a matter of fact...I recently bumped into an Airlines Pilot...he has USMC button on his uniform...he told me he did 4 years in the Corps and then went Army and retired as a Warrant Officer...but he never claims it only claims USMC..there IS alot of pride in that uniform...

everywhere you go the grass seem to be greener....its up to you to decide what best suits you...

Beowulf · 10-03-2004, 01:06 PM

My Dad was in the Airforce, and after he retired he told me that he regretted not joining the Marines...I say go for it, why the hell not?

**Vulture6** · 10-03-2004, 06:09 PM

Be advised - you WILL have to go to boot camp, and you WILL lose rank.

USAFDefender · 10-04-2004, 04:45 AM

That's a good copy. I figured as much. I'll have to have a sit down with the recruiter. Depending on how quickly I'll be eligible to pick E-5 back up will be a huge factor in my decision. While I've always felt I should have been a Marine, I now have a family to support and taking a paycut to sit at E-3 or E-4 for a few years isn't an option.

Thanks for all the input. Even if I never do become a Marine, you Marines will always have my utmost respect and I consider you all my brothers and sisters just the same.

Field_Sailor · 10-04-2004, 06:57 AM

Just get into a more tight knit unit in th AF. The AF has its Brotherhoods also.

USAFDefender · 10-04-2004, 06:36 PM

Indeed. And that's the problem. Brotherhoods within the Air Force. Cliques. Elitests. I respect and the envy the fact that the brotherhood for Marines is the entire service. Just not enough to hit e-3 for it.

Field_Sailor · 10-04-2004, 07:08 PM

sacrifice/service/family...I feel your pain, trust me I do. Tough ass decisions. I'd give it up, but that's me. I'm strange like that, but I can't so I decided to find another way to hit the action.

**Covertness** · 10-04-2004, 07:23 PM

I'm with the squid. I do understand the clique circles within the Air Force and the somewhat civilian attitude you may be encountering. However, there are many squared away, truely military units in your service. I have high ranking relatives in both the Marines and the Air Force. Sure, the Leathernecks are full of themselves but the Air Force is a great way of life. It all depends on where you are and what you are doing. Ever think of changing jobs and keeping your rank? You want to be a shooter or something?

(in my best game show announcer voice)

Come on down to the sunny panhandle of Florida. Yes, that's right dolphins leaping just off shore, the whitest beaches you've ever seen. Babes in bikinis sunbathing at the local beaches. The boys at Hurlbert Field are calling you home wanna be shooter. Today, they are conducting CSAR missions worldwide, C-130s dropping 15000 lb BLU-82s on request, and last but not least, a grunt's favorite toy, the AC-130 Spectre gunship providing CAS danger close. All this could be yours if you choose the right door.

Field_Sailor · 10-04-2004, 07:39 PM

And while you're in FL, might as well make a stop by Tampa, MacDill AFB, SOCOM, could prolly use your motivation, also have you looked into BTG???

**Vulture6** · 10-04-2004, 09:19 PM

I know a couple of guys in AF SOCOM who "recruit"...

USAFDefender · 10-04-2004, 10:18 PM

Trust me. I know all about the "hua" jobs of the Air Force and I've strongly considered almost all of them. However, I'm not looking for a new job per se. The kind of change I wish to have can't be had by changing AFSC/MOS. Hell, I would be glad to go Comm or MCCS if I were a Marine. We'll see what happens.

10-04-2004, 10:28 PM	#13 (permalink)
Rusty24 Air Force Group: Second Lieutenant Rusty24 is