All Branch Topic (ABT) Re-upping with a different branch

[D1Bound]

Anyone here served their contract and decided to continue in the military, but in a different branch? What were your reasons for doing so? How does rank and experience transfer? How does retirement work?

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[Big Time Hoosier]

My friend separated from active duty Navy and joined the Army Reserve. Not really sure why he switched. As far as retirement, time in service is time in service. I’ve even thought about joining the Air National Guard from time to time, but then I remember the BS that made me leave the Navy and I regain my composure.

Big Hoss

 

[D1Bound]

My friend separated from active duty Navy and joined the Army Reserve. Not really sure why he switched. As far as retirement, time in service is time in service. I’ve even thought about joining the Air National Guard from time to time, but then I remember the BS that made me leave the Navy and I regain my composure.

Big Hoss

What would I dentist /dental specialist do in the air national guard? I'm still in dental school and I'm excited for the training I can get through the military, but I really don't know why someone would make it a career when there is so much opportunity cost. Money isn't everything but you got to get it while the getting is good, so to speak. What could keep someone in?

 

[Big Time Hoosier]

What could keep someone in?

You'll find two groups of senior officers in military dentistry (and based on my experience it is split about 50/50):

1) Those that just love the military and it's mission. They by and large make decent leaders and are great to work with.
2) Those that realize they can't cut it in private practice because they are lazy and/or poor clinicians. These individuals are universally crappy leaders and make your job miserable. They are also too dense to realize we're onto them and think they are a joke. Unfortunately, rank promotions are based mostly on time in service.

Big Hoss

 

[LFA20]

You'll find two groups of senior officers in military dentistry (and based on my experience it is split about 50/50):

1) Those that just love the military and it's mission. They by and large make decent leaders and are great to work with.
2) Those that realize they can't cut it in private practice because they are lazy and/or poor clinicians. These individuals are universally crappy leaders and make your job miserable. They are also too dense to realize we're onto them and think they are a joke. Unfortunately, rank promotions are based mostly on time in service.

Big Hoss

View attachment 338347

Is that why you are doing PEDS? LOL just kidding..

 

[Big Time Hoosier]

Is that why you are doing PEDS? LOL just kidding..

Prolly all the mercury vapors I’ve inhaled have impaired my judgement.

Big Hoss

 

[SirBrotherJam]

You'll find two groups of senior officers in military dentistry (and based on my experience it is split about 50/50):

1) Those that just love the military and it's mission. They by and large make decent leaders and are great to work with.
2) Those that realize they can't cut it in private practice because they are lazy and/or poor clinicians. These individuals are universally crappy leaders and make your job miserable. They are also too dense to realize we're onto them and think they are a joke. Unfortunately, rank promotions are based mostly on time in service.

Big Hoss

View attachment 338347

Personally, I am going from the Navy to the Guard during residency primarily for Tricare coverage. It's either IRR or getting coverage and some extra $$ on the side for the remaining 2 years I owe. That healthcare is expensive if you have a spouse + kids. I think that is definitely a consideration when choosing to leave, transfer, or stay. While in residency I can sign a 2 year contract and get 25K a year + very affordable family health coverage... that's better than the 4 year contract for the Navy. Ok'ed it with my PD and he is all for it. It's a win win in my mind.

 

[D1Bound]

Personally, I am going from the Navy to the Guard during residency primarily for Tricare coverage. It's either IRR or getting coverage and some extra $$ on the side for the remaining 2 years I owe. That healthcare is expensive if you have a spouse + kids. I think that is definitely a consideration when choosing to leave, transfer, or stay. While in residency I can sign a 2 year contract and get 25K a year + very affordable family health coverage... that's better than the 4 year contract for the Navy. Ok'ed it with my PD and he is all for it. It's a win win in my mind.

How do you get time to do guard stuff while a busy resident?

 

[InformMe123]

How can an Army AD dentist switch to Navy AD after the initial obligation is completed?

 

[LFA20]

You need to do an inter service transfer

 

[D1Bound]

You need to do an inter service transfer

Let's say someone were to graduate residency and be paying back their time, can someone switch branches in the middle of payback or must they finish their obligation first?

 

[LFA20]

Let's say someone were to graduate residency and be paying back their time, can someone switch branches in the middle of payback or must they finish their obligation first?

I am pretty sure you must finish your obligation first.

 

[InformMe123]

You need to do an inter service transfer

Is this an easy thing to get approved, how does the process work or atleast where can I find more information on this? Thanks

 

[LFA20]

Is this an easy thing to get approved, how does the process work or atleast where can I find more information on this? Thanks

It depends on the service you are transferring to and from. Usually it is not an issue but both services have to agree on the transfer. I would ask your chain of command about this (admin)