11B & Airborne in contract? What happens after Airborne?

SPC Zach Fry — Tue, 03 Apr 2018 12:36:51 -0400

I'm going to be talking to a recruiter in the next week or two. I've done a lot of research about the army life and the MOS that I want, enough to not be lied to about a lot of things regarding my future career.

I've heard of bad experiences with recruiters so I'm a bit hesitant about going to one thus far. I've heard that you can get 11x in your contract but not specifically 11B in most cases - which is fine. How easy would it be to get an airborne slot in my contract with this specific MOS? If there are none available, should I wait to enlist? How long do you think I would have to wait? What happens after airborne school? What jobs do I qualify for after accomplishing airborne?

Is there any more tips or information regarding my MOS that I should know, which a recruiter may not tell me about?

Response by SPC David Willis made Apr 3 at 2018 12:45 PM

SPC David Willis — Tue, 03 Apr 2018 12:45:35 -0400

I don't believe you can get 11B in your contract ever it'll always show 11x which will usually become 11b after osut, but can become 11c if the army needs hangers and bangers. Its fairly common to see 11x get AB school in their contract, but it just depends on needs of the army and what happens. You should have your designator (B or C) before even hitting AB school, so once you graduate you'll go to your unit which wont always be an AB unit, but hopefully will be. As far as qualifying for any other jobs it wont really open any doors to you other than being able to serve on jump status (to my knowledge) but it will let you be on line units of the 82nd which usually have more slots available for things like pathfinder, ranger or other hooah schools.

Response by SGT Matthew Sesar made Apr 3 at 2018 1:05 PM

SGT Matthew Sesar — Tue, 03 Apr 2018 13:05:14 -0400

I would say get airborne in your contract if you know that’s why your joining. I had it, right after airborne school I went straight to my unit for a couple weeks( not an airborne unit) then got sent to Iraq. Just go with the flow.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2018 1:12 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Apr 2018 13:12:14 -0400

I got 11B in my contract, but then again that was nearly forty years ago. I would choose a contract with 11B OSUT with Airborne. If that is what you want, do NOT sign anything until you get what you want. Your MOS can be guaranteed as long as you can qualify for it, and infantry is always needed. Then you can usually go to a unit of your choice once you complete AIT and Airborne school.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2018 1:20 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Apr 2018 13:20:31 -0400

You cannot physically enlist with a recruiter. You have to go down to MEPS and do that with a guidance counselor which is where you actually sign your contract and swear in. Once your application is complete and you have a practice ASVAB score if you havnt completed the full test, the recruiter will be able to shop jobs with you based on your scores. These are real opening and job slots. There you will be able to see what jobs are available and what jobs come with bonuses, And options or. Ranger/Airborne whatever. For instance, there maybe 11x available with no Airborne option, or 19D maybe be available with an Airborne option. It really just depends on what the Army is offering based on your score. If not, new jobs should populate every week or two. If you are able to get an Airborne option ABN school will come after you complete basic and job training and from there you will go to your first unit. When shopping jobs the recruiter should show you a video that briefly details aspects of that job for a better understanding.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2018 1:33 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Apr 2018 13:33:08 -0400

Zach you got a lot of Great information here, remember its your Career. Recruiters are not the devil, they have a job to do. Mission First, People Always. Best of luck to you!!!!!!!

Response by SSG Will Phillips made Apr 3 at 2018 2:58 PM

SSG Will Phillips — Tue, 03 Apr 2018 14:58:40 -0400

Unless things have dramatically changed, I was able to get in writing Airborne school after 11-B infantry training in Ft. Benning. I received the "Airborne" physical in MEPS before heading out to basic training. The only difference in the physical exams was that Airborne troops got a finger in the butt.
Good luck son!

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Apr 3 at 2018 3:37 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Tue, 03 Apr 2018 15:37:40 -0400

Almost all MOS’s have airborne billets. As for your ability to obtain a specific MOS, 11 or otherwise that will depend on availability, timing and you scores. Waiting is sometimes an option, be prepared to be patient. Remember that everyone who is enlisting believes they are best qualified for specifics, that is not always the case. Be patient.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2018 4:33 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Apr 2018 16:33:24 -0400

Just a friendly piece of advice: as you're doing your best to seek out these things you want, as you should be, be extremely courteous and professional, yet determined and motivated. Having the right attitude helps motivate others to get the things you want from them and shows your worth as a soldier.

Response by SGT James Young made Apr 3 at 2018 4:35 PM

SGT James Young — Tue, 03 Apr 2018 16:35:48 -0400

Here’s a thought. Just fucking do it. As soon as you have that blue cord. Panties will drop.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2018 5:31 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Apr 2018 17:31:34 -0400

There are a lot of things that go into it. Yes you can get airborne in your contract. No you do not need Airborne in your contract to go to Airborne School. Your recruiter can reserve your job and your ship day and bonuses schools everything in the recruiting office. I've been a recruiter almost 7 years any further questions go ahead and ask.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2018 8:47 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Apr 2018 20:47:22 -0400

You can get the slot if you score high on your asvab if you don’t do that there’s a possibility you can get it during basic most likely and for the 11b part one that’s up to the needs of the army also most people get picked to be 11b anyway so don’t worry about that

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2018 11:08 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Apr 2018 23:08:42 -0400

You may or may not be given an airborne contract. It’s pure dumb luck if you do or don’t get it. You could try to wait for one to be there however, you could end up waiting months or longer

Response by SGT Darin Jenkins made Apr 4 at 2018 2:45 AM

SGT Darin Jenkins — Wed, 04 Apr 2018 02:45:30 -0400

there is no future no hopes of any life for a post 11B in the civilian world NONE. If you want an mos with a civilian life and a good paying civilian job go 25B you wont be sorry.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2018 3:01 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Apr 2018 03:01:12 -0400

11X is unassigned upon entry, after AIT you'll be assigned as either 11B or 11C. However, 11C are still infantryman but they have different roles and usually its one mortar squad made up of a few guys (or gals) per company. During field problems they're the ones in the rear usually playing with their tubes. However, I know a few 11C's that went straight to the line and never touched a mortar. Also, the role of the 11B has changed dramatically over the 12+ years since I left. You can be mounted in a Stryker vehicle or dismounted, plus different units (light, mechanized, airborne, mountain, etc) have different type of ops and train in different environments. You might also act as a scout or FO (forward observer) or learn to operate a frickin javelin system (which replaced the old m47 dragon). On top of this are even more specialization within certain units. You may even decide later to attend RASP (Ranger Assessment and Selection -formerly RIP).

There are so many options for 11Bs (and specializations) that other jobs/MOS do not have. Most people have this idea the infantry is just humping a ruck, shooting shit and dating strippers. Its partly true, especially the stripper part, but there is much, much more. Unless you're in the ARNG (National Guard) who, according to the tv commercials, jump into burning buildings to rescue babies, climb utility poles to restore the power grid, and occasionally sword fight.

Airborne? Do you actually want to be in a Airborne unit? 173rd? 509th? 504th? 325th? Otherwise whats the point of being a 5 jump chump? Airborne is a great opportunity but its not the only one. I met a ranger from the 75th who was not jump qualified but still had a successful career.

Anyway the infantry is very different these days, especially with the integration of women. Fraternization between the sexes is a new challenge that I'm glad I never experienced.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2018 5:49 AM

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Apr 2018 05:49:23 -0400

Having myself gone through the process you're going through not to long ago, I do have some words of warning. As far as I'm aware, only National Guardsmen or Reservists can choose 11B in their contract as opposed to 11X. It's really not that big of a deal, being an 11C still means your Infantry, and it won't extend your training.

In my experience, they've drastically cut down on the number of airborne contracts that they're giving out, in favor of Option 40 (Ranger) contracts. I'm not certain why this is, but in OSUT we had maybe 3 or 4 airborne guys and at least 30 option 40's. I'm not saying you can't get an airborne contract, it just may be harder than it used to be.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Apr 4 at 2018 10:17 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Wed, 04 Apr 2018 10:17:50 -0400

1. There are always horror stories about recruiters. 2. It's on you to make sure your paperwork is setup to get you what you want. 3. Son there is a whole damn division of Airborne 11B's at Fort Bragg- it's called the 82nd Abn Div, and we can normally always use fresh meat. The contract is for 11X- that's 11B/11C. Either one after airborne- if you pass- will have you doing normal 11 series duties in your unit. Jobs? THERE ARE NO DAMN "JOBS" in the Army! There are duty slots, and MOS's- A job is 9-5, duties are till they are completed in the manner which they are assigned!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2018 2:55 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Apr 2018 14:55:44 -0400

If you want to be Airborne, don't choose Airborne School as your enlistment option. You should be able to choose, "Choice of First Duty Station". Choose Ft. Bragg. Not only will it get you Airborne School, you'll actually go to an Airborne Unit. Too often, a Soldier gets Airborne School on his/her enlistment contract, and then goes to a non-airborne unit after graduation. Those Soldiers get Airborne Wings and never get to jump again. Also, yes you may be 11C or 11B. Either way, you're infantry. Don't worry about which one you get. That's like worrying about whether you'll be a Rock Star or a Super Star.

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2018 5:06 PM

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Apr 2018 17:06:47 -0400

Just wait you can’t pick up airborne in osut (unless you pick up rasp) but being a super duper paratrooper u can go to brag or Italy or Alaska so it’s worth it

Response by CPL John Michael made Apr 7 at 2018 5:36 AM

CPL John Michael — Sat, 07 Apr 2018 05:36:11 -0400

Response by SPC Paul Missick made Apr 9 at 2018 12:53 AM

SPC Paul Missick — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 00:53:44 -0400

Embrace the SUCK!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2018 9:07 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 21:07:43 -0400

All right newb, check it out, first off I wanna say it's awesome that you're considering 11 series, it honestly sucks, and it's BRUTAL on your body, but there's a lot of pride that comes with it, and if you stay motivated, stay hungry, and know your job, there are many rewards.
All right then, in regards to actually getting MOS 11B that is all dependent on your ASVAB score, specifically the math portion, if you suck at math, you'll be sure to get 11B, if your good at math, you'll be selected to be an 11C, and infantry mortar man. Youre infantry but you learn the additional skill of firing a mortar. If that seems desirable, it's there to grab, but you may not get it.
As for Airborne, GET IT WHEN ENLISTING, i cannot stress this enough, if it's not available, wait, ask your recruiter to keep you posted, don't sign squat if there isn't a clear as day clause that says you are going to airborne school after OSUT, trust me, it's worth the wait, it's expirience and it opens up sooo many doors. Like for instance going to an airborne unit including but not limited to, like Ft Bragg(82nd), Italy(173rd), and Ft Richardson(4th BCT, 25th)
Now as for Airborne school itself, it's one of the easiest schools the army has to offer, just stay fit and listen to the blackhats, you will run everywhere, and you will be held to a higher standard, especially as infantry, you're expected to be more fit and more disciplined than all the other sh*tbag pogs.
Now if you get your airborne contract, pass OSUT, go to airborne school, and something happens and you get dropped from the course, you will be sent to the headquarters unit, and await orders to go to a non airborne line unit, 9/10 times, you'll go to a Stryker unit like Ft Carson or Ft Hood, if you're super lucky you'll go to a light unit like Ft Drum or Hawai'i

Response by MSG Danny Mathers made Nov 21 at 2018 8:39 PM

MSG Danny Mathers — Wed, 21 Nov 2018 20:39:26 -0500

Take SGT Young's advise.

Response by MSG Danny Mathers made Aug 30 at 2019 8:14 AM

MSG Danny Mathers — Fri, 30 Aug 2019 08:14:04 -0400

Tell your recruiter what you want and if it is not avalable yet, tell him/her you'll wait. Airborne slots always come & go but 11B1P are always in some need somewhere.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jan 5 at 2022 2:55 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Wed, 05 Jan 2022 14:55:48 -0500

You don't really have anything to worry about. If a recruiter is going to lie, it's going to be to try to get people into unpopular, dead end jobs.
You're already asking to go 11B, so he doesn't really have any motive to lie at this point.
Oh, and recruiters don't "lie" per se, they just phrase things very specifically in such a way that it's TECHNICALLY true. A new recruit just doesn't know enough to read into the answer beyond the surface.

Airborne isn't hard to get, there's lot's of school slots, so even if you don't get it upon enlistment, there are always tons of opportunities to go after the fact.
I've been in units where we had to FORCE people to go to Airborne, Air Assault, etc... because there were more quotas than there was interested personnel. But still, if you can get it in your contract, more power to you.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 5 at 2022 4:02 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 05 Jan 2022 16:02:11 -0500

Tell us what they say. I worked with a few shady recruiters who outright lied to me.