Can someone tell me if the Navy will take prior service USMC with a re enlistment code of RE1A? I've gotten the run around from the Army for the last 6 months and am exploring my options at this point. Also, I was told by a recruiter in the past I will lose my rank if I join the Navy Im was an E4 on discharge. Is this true?
You will ony lose 1 rank, you'll be an E-3. Unfortunatly that's how the Navy handles OSVETS (Other Service Vets) but, you won't have to go to Navy boot camp. Depending on where you are at, you will go to a TPU and have to sit through about a 3 day class to introduce you the Navy, then you sit around and wait to get your orders after you get your sea bag (all the uniform items, you'll get an allowance for that) then you go to school.
Now, if you are going for a job in the Navy that is similar or the same as the one you had in the Corps, you may be able to keep your rank, i.e., aviation electronics tech in the Corps is the same as the Navy. Talk to the Navy recruiters and speak with someone at MEPS and they will be able to give you the official policy regarding OSVETS.
Usually it's 6 months from the time you make E-3 before you are eligible for the E-4 exam but, you may also get a time in service waiver because you are an OSVET.
