Does anyone know if the 20-year career for retirement in the military can be split up between branches?

Like if you do 10 years of one branch, and then 10 years of another branch for a cumulative 20 years in the military to be considered for retirement plans? I was reading about how if you don't make rank or get passed over for a promotion one or two times then they can discharge you from that branch, but does that mean you can enlist in another branch and continue your service in the military?

Public Comments

1. Yes. 20 years, is total years in service, regardless of branch.
2. yes, a friend of mine did 4 year marine corps, 16 year national guard, he just retired.
3. Yes you can. My brother in law started off as an airman in the Air Force and ended up a Major in the Army. I have a friend who started as a Navy Seal and ended as a Marine.
4. Yes, it can be between two branches.
5. You can be SPLIT up between branches in anything in life and the military is no exception! If you are discharged, you have to wonder why? Is it because you personally chose to leave the military for personal reasons or you wanted to transfer? If you were discharged because of a 'scandal' or something similar then of course you won't be allowed to continue your military service. The military does not want rubbish of that sort. Any such continuation of service would be subject to further training (it's life!), testing and at the decision of the military. If you were 'sacked', well good luck!
6. Yes, that is true. I went from 12 years in the Marine and finished up another ten in the Army. It comes down to the same money-20 years is twenty years. I'm not sure about the other services but in the Marines if you don't make Staff Sergeant by your 11th or 13th year in service, then you have to leave but you can enlist into another branch. This is also tru for officers. If a Captain doesn't pick up Major by his third time then they are given a choice. Reduction to Gunnery Sergeant or an honorable discharge. This is all how it used to be when I left 5 years ago-I don't think that it changed.