Posted on Jan 14, 2020
Apart from pursuing Ranger when I get to my next unit, what can I do as a reclass to 11B to get caught up on the tactics side?
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Good Afternoon. 14T/E4 writing. I apologize in advance if any of the advice I seek has been broken down on here before. I am the 'classic' 18X candidate (last day med drop type story) - reclassed Air Defense. Been plugging away for the past couple years in this community, juggling a wild OPTEMPO and two easy rotations to the Middle East. I decided awhile back that even through all of the nonsense, I am content with and enjoy my life in the service. Gives me a sense of belonging and purpose I never really found in college or my civilian career. Reenlistment window opens up here in a couple of months, and I am reclassing back to 11B with the hope to return to SFAS after I get some time 'under the gun', maybe a deployment or two.
My question is; apart from pursuing Ranger when I get to my next unit, what can I do to get caught up on the tactics side? I am promotable, but like the idea of showing up at my next unit as a cherry SPC and 'earning' my spot in the squad. I can run for awhile, shoot well, and don't talk for the sake of it.
I have been picking apart THE book and trying to retain as much as I can. I realize there is only so much I can do this point, but I am trying to catch up as much as I can. I expect some good old fashioned hazing for the first couple of months, but Im good with it.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks all.
PS I know better than to talk about my time as a 18X, and will be quiet with my career goals for awhile. As far as Im concerned, my time in the service is just beginning.
My question is; apart from pursuing Ranger when I get to my next unit, what can I do to get caught up on the tactics side? I am promotable, but like the idea of showing up at my next unit as a cherry SPC and 'earning' my spot in the squad. I can run for awhile, shoot well, and don't talk for the sake of it.
I have been picking apart THE book and trying to retain as much as I can. I realize there is only so much I can do this point, but I am trying to catch up as much as I can. I expect some good old fashioned hazing for the first couple of months, but Im good with it.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks all.
PS I know better than to talk about my time as a 18X, and will be quiet with my career goals for awhile. As far as Im concerned, my time in the service is just beginning.
11B: Infantryman
Infantry
Ranger
Ranger School
Edited 5 y ago
Posted 5 y ago
Responses: 7
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There's no reason to be quiet about your career goals, and as you saw, there are a lot of 18X and Opt 40 drops in the Army, so you're not alone. In fact, you'll almost definitely be in a unit with another person who was a drop and training to reattend Selection.
Why don't you just attend SFAS where you are now? You're not going to get more training time to prepare as an 11B. Everyone I see who says they "just need to train up" never actually attends.
Why don't you just attend SFAS where you are now? You're not going to get more training time to prepare as an 11B. Everyone I see who says they "just need to train up" never actually attends.
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SPC (Join to see)
Thanks for the response. Good question. I know enough about the Q, having watched several close friends graduate and go to Group, to know that its just a damn risky pipeline. Shit happens to good guys.
I am good and ready to go now, SORB has my packet. However, I cant fathom spending the rest of my career as a 14T. If some unfortunate shit were to go down during my time at SWCS, I would want to fall back on 11B before anything. Then reassess from there.
It ain't for lack of confidence, but more so a matter of calculation. Its something Ive had to gut out for awhile now. Hope that makes sense.
I am good and ready to go now, SORB has my packet. However, I cant fathom spending the rest of my career as a 14T. If some unfortunate shit were to go down during my time at SWCS, I would want to fall back on 11B before anything. Then reassess from there.
It ain't for lack of confidence, but more so a matter of calculation. Its something Ive had to gut out for awhile now. Hope that makes sense.
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SFC (Join to see)
SPC (Join to see) you don't have to spend your career as a 14T if you fail there are still plenty of reclass opportunities. If you just go to Ranger school you can reclass to 11B with no AIT. A far better option is to attend RASP and take their reclass instead.
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MAJ Byron Oyler
SPC (Join to see) - Never been an 11B or anything close but I do know about testing and training up. Board certifications in nursing cost $300 a pop until you pass and for some that can be $$$. Once you pay you have 90 days to test, ready or not. Once I decide I want a board certification, I drop the money ready or not and in 90 days I am a pass or a fail and to me, a fail is a status that means I tried and without trying, ready or not, I do not get that. I think a lot of us that are good at what we do never feel ready and until you try again, you wont have any status either.
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Our failures are just as much a part of our growth as our successes. Do not let a failure define you. Learn from it and grow.
That out of the way, there is RSLC, Sniper, ARC and if you play your cards just right even Sapper.
Make yourself a goal and stick to it. That is why you should have a short term and long term goal discussion with your first line during you monthly counselings. Just remember to keep them realistic and attainable.
If you want to go back to SFAS, plan for that.
Good luck.
That out of the way, there is RSLC, Sniper, ARC and if you play your cards just right even Sapper.
Make yourself a goal and stick to it. That is why you should have a short term and long term goal discussion with your first line during you monthly counselings. Just remember to keep them realistic and attainable.
If you want to go back to SFAS, plan for that.
Good luck.
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SFC James Cameron
SPC (Join to see)
Just remember that if you wait until you think you’re ready, you’ll never be ready. Talk to the SF Recruiter at your installation and see if they are conducting candidate workouts.
Just remember that if you wait until you think you’re ready, you’ll never be ready. Talk to the SF Recruiter at your installation and see if they are conducting candidate workouts.
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If I’m reading this correctly you were an 18X medical drop. If the medical drop was a permanent issue that caused you not to option for recycle, then why would you think this medical issue won’t blow you out at Ranger? I completely understand you have a track in mind and want to do what ever it takes to meet your goals. I respect that. I will give you the best advice a Ranger Instructor at RIP back in the day told me. The Ranger School wants to mold you, they want you to be clay to mold and fire and harden. Come in like you know nothing, show up with heart and desire, leave what you think you know behind.” Thats my .02
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SPC (Join to see)
Not a permanent issue MSG, but recycle wasnt an option. The long term goal is to make it back and get picked up. In regard to my short term goal, I will heed your advice. Thanks.
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