Airborne Slots for Reserves / AMEDD, Civil Affairs?

2019-07-16T03:51:08-04:00

Completed all requirements / paperwork to attend, but Fort Benning denied AOC waiver stating: Not in paid parachutist position, not on orders to airborne unit. POC there said walking-on was not an option.

Is there another way while maintaining 66H (soon to be 66S / critical care RN) AOC, or do I need to gain a new AOC, and transfer to a new branch / unit? I've fulfilled my contract obligation, and there was no bonus for my AOC. Could my branch (AN) refuse to release me?

I've heard of Civil Affairs reserve units on jump status. 38A, 70H, Aid-De-Camp, etc.? Would this be a good route for career broadening opportunities, deployment, NATO / JTF missions, etc.? CA/PSYOPS has interested me since I enlisted 12y ago, and I'm looking for something more involved.

Thanks for reading.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2019 8:45 AM

2019-07-16T08:45:44-04:00

Sir, I would reach out the NG in your area, they will occasionally put on classes for Air Assault and possibly Airborne. they are not Active Duty schools but they are valid.

Response by SGT Javier Silva made Jul 16 at 2019 9:59 AM

2019-07-16T09:59:40-04:00

Sir, yes, your branch could choose to not release you. Normally, a medical MOS is in short supply both officers and enlisted. Although you may be able to reclass to another MOS within your branch, that may be in short supply, but they don't have to approve a branch release.

I would get with your Training NCO at the Co, or the BN. Branch may release you for PSYOPS/CA.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2019 10:08 AM

2019-07-17T10:08:10-04:00

If you assign with a unit that has Airborne mission.... there use to be slots for 66H/S in airborne status with FST. However I think they are all AD

Response by LTC Ray B. (Ret) made Jul 17 at 2019 11:51 AM

2019-07-17T11:51:13-04:00

Call your branch Mgr.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Jul 17 at 2019 4:30 PM

2019-07-17T16:30:40-04:00

Few things...

The reason you weren’t allowed at jump school was the lack of orders. Regardless of your MOS or in your case, branch, if your unit allocate you a slot you’ll go. The issue at hand is simple: your unit won’t send you. Military schools and training cost money and for the most part, Reserve units don’t have much resources for skill schools like airborne, pathfinder, ranger, etc... theory resources are kept for METL training, professional military education, and MOS awarding schools.

Even in units with coded parachutists positions, going to jump school is not guaranteed, higher probabilities, but not guaranteed.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 7 at 2019 10:58 PM

2019-09-07T22:58:38-04:00

Hey LT..I was in a Civil Affairs unit for 6 years until I transferred to a medical unit as a 66H, soon to be 66S. I can tell you that AMEDD will probably not let you go, once your in your in, but always worth looking into though. Regarding the airborne, there truly is nothing like it but it comes with knee and back issues so theres that. Depending how much time you have til retirement, and how much you value not having chronic pain, I would reconsider going airborne. Good luck to ya on your endeavors!!

1LT Trapp