Posted on Jan 13, 2015
Could On the Job Training (OJT) be a viable training option?
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The reclassification training for several MOS's has always been more formality than necessity. The 42A10 reclass teaches how reference regs and use systems that do not affect the guard. Many of the admin and support MOS' follow this model as well. What is preventing the resurgence of OJT in this frugal DOD era; while more and leadership requirements are shifted to DL?
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Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 3
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In some career fields, I could see a person entering the field with far more experience than the schoolhouse could impart (i.e. a master electrician, a computer expert), but the schoolhouse imparts service knowledge that can not be replicated.
OJT is a vital part of the continuation of education, but I would think that it would remain a supplement to formal training (with a few exceptions). In many cases (specifically Guard/Reserves) Active Duty folks transition into units, and receive significant OJT, which then often sets them far apart from the "basic" students. In some cases, schools are waived for those folks, as attending a basic school could be a waste, but it usually involves a waiver package being submitted to the COC on high for approval. Certainly a case by case basis, with certificates to back up the waiver.
OJT is a vital part of the continuation of education, but I would think that it would remain a supplement to formal training (with a few exceptions). In many cases (specifically Guard/Reserves) Active Duty folks transition into units, and receive significant OJT, which then often sets them far apart from the "basic" students. In some cases, schools are waived for those folks, as attending a basic school could be a waste, but it usually involves a waiver package being submitted to the COC on high for approval. Certainly a case by case basis, with certificates to back up the waiver.
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I would say standards. School houses provide a uniform standard base line which OJT supplements.
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I have wondered this myself. I have been told that "back in the day" you could test out of certain schools. If a service member has a CDL, why should he go to a re-class school to become an 88M? I'm not an 88M and haven't been one, so I can't say for certain what they may teach that couldn't be picked up quickly in a trans Co. I also just saw an Infantry soldier reclass to 12b. I really don't think that a 12b reclass school is going to teach an infantry man anything he couldn't pick up really quick in the company.
The problem with this though would be implementation. If you send an infantry soldier to a line engineer company, he'll get brought up to speed really quickly (And probably do a bit of teaching of his own). If you send someone who doesn't have a combat MOS, it may take longer. But, if you sent either of these soldiers to a 12b slot in HHC there may be no one there to give them OJT. I think that the Army is avoiding having to decide when to reclass by making everybody reclass, whether they would actually need it or not.
Just a couple quick thoughts off the top of my head...
The problem with this though would be implementation. If you send an infantry soldier to a line engineer company, he'll get brought up to speed really quickly (And probably do a bit of teaching of his own). If you send someone who doesn't have a combat MOS, it may take longer. But, if you sent either of these soldiers to a 12b slot in HHC there may be no one there to give them OJT. I think that the Army is avoiding having to decide when to reclass by making everybody reclass, whether they would actually need it or not.
Just a couple quick thoughts off the top of my head...
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SGT Scott Whittier
I served with a Cpl. Who used the OJT to work in a different MOS. He was used to fill in a SGT slot and even SSG slot. He never got promoted but was a body to fill the positions. He was great at his job and even went to meetings held for SGT's and higher. Also attended upper Rank meetings upon request by a officer. His job performance was top notch. But was never promoted. He did this for 2 years then left the military. A good man lost.
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