There are several reasons why you may want to switch from the Air Force to the army.
Whether you’re aiming to escalate your military career, or you think your expertise would be better suited elsewhere— considering new opportunities within other military branches is a good place to start.
It’s important to note that transfers between military branches are not always guaranteed and aren’t available for everyone.
Unless you are planning transferring after your enlistment, a transfer from one military branch to another requires an early discharge from your current branch and acceptance into the new branch. So, to transfer from the Air force to the Army, you’ll need to obtain an early discharge from the former, in order to accept the offer into the Army. This can be extremely difficult.
If you’ve got your eye on a position in another branch, it’s a good idea to discuss the possible transfer with the recruiters from that branch.
Try to get as much relevant information as you can; such as compensation, duty expectations, promotion, and advancement opportunities to get an idea of whether or not transferring from the Air Force to the Army will enhance your military career.
Once you’ve gathered all of the information that you need about the potential new position, it’s time to fill out Form DD 368. This is a formal request for conditional release and can get hold of one from your commanding officer or online.
Once your recruiter signs your Form DD 368, take the form back to your commanding officer where it will be formally submitted and approved through the proper channels.
Delayed Enlistment Program (DEP)
If you’re an existing member of the Delayed Enlistment Program (DEP), you’ll need to obtain a DEP discharge from your current military branch in order to apply and join a different branch.
As recruiters aren’t permitted to recruit members of other service’s DEP, you should avoid discussing the transfer with a recruiter until the DEP discharge has been approved.
It’s important to remember that once you’re active in the US military, you can’t just simply “switch” branches. Typically, this move from the Air Force to the Army will require you to complete your current enlistment contract. This may take anywhere from four to six years depending on the length of service you initially signed up for.
You’ll then need to officially leave the military, and start fresh by applying for the Army as what’s called a “prior-service recruit.”
Prior-Service Recruit
The Prior Service (PS) program is an enlistment program, which allows a select number of separated individuals to return to service.
The number of prior service slots available is subject to change based on Air Force needs at any given time. PSR applicants must meet all eligibility requirements for initial processing procedures.
PS applicants who have previously served in the Air Force must have performed the duties in their requested return AFSC during their last term of enlistment.
All other prior service applicants from any branch of military service are eligible to serve in the Air Force Reserve or Air National Guard. To be eligible, you must be a U.S. citizen and have an adjusted age that is no more than 39.
Inter-Service Transfer (IST)
Previously known as the Blue to Green Program, the Inter-Service Transfer (IST) program allows military members of the Navy and the Air Force who are currently in an over-staffed position to request an early discharge, in exchange for agreeing to a 3-year active duty enlistment in the Army.
Enlisted Program Qualifications:
- E1 through E5 will retain their grade and the same date of rank
- All E5's and above will have their eligibility determined by CG of USAREC
- IST applicants are restricted to the Prior Service Business Rules with the exception of those applying to OCS or WOFT
- Must have approved DD Form 368
- Must pass a MEPS physical
- Must meet Army height and weight standards
- Warrant Officer Course (WOC) Selectees from Sister Services take a physical as part of the application process. Selectees must have an HIV screening within two years. No MEPS physical will be required if already passed the physical as part of their processing for WOCS
Will I need to attend Army basic combat training?
If you’re transferring from the Air Force to the Army, it’s completely reasonable to consider whether or not you’ll have to attend basic combat training.
Although the Air Force has basic training of its own, any service members with more than a 5-year break in service, or those who have not completed one of the following, will have to attend Army basic combat training:
- Army BCT
- Marine Corps BCT
- Navy Special Operations Forces
- Air Force Special Operations Forces
- Air Force Security Police