Switching Branches for comissioning after graduation

S

SAshey

5-Year Member
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Jan 22, 2012
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What are the limitations of switching branches from Air Force to the Marines or Army after graduation from the USAFA? Is it looked down upon? How many cadets get the chance? I know one of the USAFA baseball players is planning on comissioning as an officer in the Marines after graduation..
 
SAshey, I don't have exact numbers for you, but the chances to cross commission are very limited (only a couple of slots per year) and vary based on the various needs of the services. In essence, you should not go to USAFA planning on getting a marine or army commission, not only is it unlikely, but you would be taking a slot at the academy from someone who genuinely wants to be in the Air Force. I don't know of any limitations, but I think that cadets planning on switching to the marines are supposed to take the marine bulldog course or something like that. I also couldn't say if it was looked down upon or not, but could you imagine someone in the army rooting for Air Force over Army? You might get some ribbing for that. :wink:

Hopefully someone more knowledgeable will chime in, as I'm afraid I'm not too clear on the subject myself.
 
Rear Admiral Brian Losey, my USAFA classmate, is a Navy SEAL.

He went to BUD/S "the summer program" when we were cadets and was SO enamored with the SEALS that he cross commissioned to the navy when we graduated. I remember it took him two years of working HARD (with USAFA and USNA folks while a cadet) to make that happen. I think he had to have approvals from the USAF Secretary, USN Secretary, and they had to find a USNA grad that wanted to go USAF.

It CAN be done...but it is NOT common and it is difficult, at best.

http://www.navy.mil/navydata/bios/navybio.asp?bioID=532

FYI...Brian is an AMAZING guy!! :thumb:

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
 
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