As a 91B how do I go on patrols and get extra combat training?

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 07:59:52 -0400

I love engines and working on vehicles but I also want to be at the front. I would like to be able to go out on raids and patrols and get as much combat training as I can. How do I accomplish these goals. What steps would I take?

Response by CW5 Jack Cardwell made Aug 11 at 2020 8:05 AM

CW5 Jack Cardwell — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 08:05:13 -0400

You can forget that as a 91B. In country you might be assigned convoy escort or maybe become part of a security team. Your primary mission is to keep equipment rolling so others can do their mission.

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Aug 11 at 2020 8:32 AM

SSG Carlos Madden — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 08:32:01 -0400

Not going to happen as a 91B. When it's time to reenlist look for an MOS that gives you what you want out of the Army.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2020 8:35 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 08:35:36 -0400

Be in a unit that would do those tasks.
I used to take a mechanic on every mission if they were available.

Response by LCDR Joshua Gillespie made Aug 11 at 2020 8:54 AM

LCDR Joshua Gillespie — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 08:54:22 -0400

I was a Sailor, and an officer at that... pretty much the LAST guy one would expect to be convoying though the KG Pass behind a 240G... yet there I was, for nearly a year. Some things come down to fate... a lot comes down to choices. In the Navy, we say, "choose your rate, choose your fate". I'm sure if they let everyone have exactly the MOS they wanted, most people would want to be some kind of Infantry... the Army does a lot more than Infantry. If that's your passion, I'd suggest that you seek every opportunity to get into a combat arms MOS and excel there-it's not easy, but certainly "easier" for you than many. I knew a guy who gave up his commission in the Guard to get the MOS he wanted on AD as an enlisted man. I've heard of people going back through Basic after having earned significant rank during prior enlistments. Where there's a will... there's often a way.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2020 9:41 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 09:41:46 -0400

Really the only way to get this opportunity is to be support in SF and hopefully they operators will take if you may be needed. Or 75th ranger you could be on convoys

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2020 9:41 AM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 09:41:55 -0400

Stick around and you'll get some travel and adventure. We didn't discriminate about A-drivers and security on convoys in Somalia. Army has more folks and different structure, so I can't say. Good luck being able to get out of the shop, depending on equipment. We were still using M109 vans and some pretty old gear, but never had issue with letting the guys get out of the shop when we could spare them. They all wanted to go into Indian Country, but mostly it was a comm, admin type that got the ride. Be careful what you wish for.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2020 10:49 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 10:49:11 -0400

As a 91B the only way that is happening is if you pass RASP and join the 75th. But if you’re high speed the Ranger Regiment is always looking for volunteers

Response by SPC Kyle Olson made Aug 11 at 2020 11:12 AM

SPC Kyle Olson — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 11:12:18 -0400

Join the Infantry

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2020 11:56 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 11:56:30 -0400

In short, you can't. Your training is conducted at the unit level. If your unit doesn't conduct the training you can't just going find a unit training and join them. Your best bet is go to a BSB in a Brigade Combat time. Keep in mind that even the mechanics don't train very much in combat operations. When the Battalion trains they break stuff. When they break it the mechanics are going to have to maintain their fleet. You can always train reclass when it is available.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Aug 11 at 2020 1:08 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 13:08:19 -0400

Better question to ask:
How do you, a 91B, get more 91B training to be a better 91B, which is the purpose to your existence in the military. No one needs you to know how to kick in doors. They need you to be a good 91B.
When vehicles start getting deadlined for electrical system issues, "but I know how to do a patrol" is going to be the most meaningless set of words to ever leave your mouth.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2020 1:34 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 13:34:57 -0400

You do not get paid extra pay for being the one that's kicking in doors. Combat pay is based off of location, which is by country. As long as you are deployed to that country, you receive the same combat pay.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Aug 11 at 2020 3:21 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 15:21:09 -0400

Your skill set is vital and your numbers small. Those the go directly into the fight are trained and qualified for that role, there are those that would gladly stay on the FOB, they would be challenged to fix a truck. The battlefield is no place to voluntarily train Soldiers to react to contact in a direct fight. Your unit would be negligeable if they did so. There are accepting to the rule, but they are out of necessity. When it is time to re-enlist ask to reclassify to Combat Arms.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2020 4:38 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 16:38:03 -0400

1975, 2nd 505th Inf 82nd ABN out of Fort Bragg

Don't know how you'll be able to do it now a days, but, here is a picture of two MP's attached with us in the jungles of Panama.
Their mission was to support us 11B, with the securing of hostels that were captured. We did take care of them very good, and had them carry some of our ammo, for M-60 and M-79, and they were 82nd MP's at Bragg. They also, jumped with us into Panama.

In picture, are the two MP's standing at left. By the way, there were no captured hostels while in Panama for 3 mouths, 2nd 505th Inf didn't take captives.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2020 6:38 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 18:38:33 -0400

Simple, reclass to a combat MOS. Deployments aren't what they used to be and many AD infantrymen aren't even being allowed to go out on patrols. As a 91B that's not in your purview, so unless you're down range and shit goes really bad, you won't be out the wire on raids.

Response by SSG Benjamin C. made Aug 12 at 2020 2:20 PM

SSG Benjamin C. — Wed, 12 Aug 2020 14:20:12 -0400

The best way to get out and do combat oriented missions while also being a mechanic is the be on a recovery team with a H8 Wheeled Vehicle Recovery ASI or to be on the contact team in your unit.

Response by 1SG Edward Cullen made Aug 12 at 2020 5:31 PM

1SG Edward Cullen — Wed, 12 Aug 2020 17:31:51 -0400

I would say ask your COC first to see if there would be an opportunity for you to cross train.
Also, as others have stated look for a change in MOS or ASI, I had the opportunity to pick up 38B Civil Affairs. It was certainly would fit your wants. However, I must tell you, Be Careful What You Ask For!!! It is not fun and games outside the wire.

Response by SFC James Cameron made Aug 12 at 2020 10:33 PM

SFC James Cameron — Wed, 12 Aug 2020 22:33:06 -0400

Talk to you local Special Forces Recruiter and attend SFAS or go to Ranger School and do a 4187 to the 11 Series hard charger. Those are the only ways you’re going to get the kind of tasks you think you want.

My question is more along the lines of what is the origin of these wants.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2020 1:11 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 01:11:11 -0400

If you, as a mechanic get pulled to go on a raid and kick in doors.....man, some serious issues with manning took place. You want to kick in doors and go on combat patrols, then you need to switch to a combat MOS that does those things. Or go SF. The odds of you going and kicking in a door are probably about the same as winning the Powerball lottery. Well, maybe a tad better than the Powerball odds.

Response by PVT Caleb Young made Aug 13 at 2020 4:47 AM

PVT Caleb Young — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 04:47:13 -0400

Ask your command whether it be readiness nco or 1sg or the commander. Odds are they will tell you no but it doesn't hurt to try.

Response by SGT Justin Anderson made Aug 14 at 2020 2:29 AM

SGT Justin Anderson — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 02:29:11 -0400

First: You and your unit should train and qualify with the weapons available in your inventory. You are a soldier and still need to know how to operate a weapons system.

Second: Have a working knowledge of convoy duties and TTPs while on movement.

Third: Read and practice what is your soldiers manual. There are basic duties all soldiers should know.

Fourth: You are a 91B, not combat arms. If you are kicking down doors, then something is seriously wrong. Learn how to be a better 91B and leave the grunts to their job. Your job is to worry about getting that vehicle in running condition for the other soldiers.

Fifth: If you want to kick down doors and do raids, then you need to re-class when your window opens up. If you are in a combat arms unit, you could probably ask around if you have free time for some extra training.

Response by SGT Allen Treviranus made Sep 11 at 2020 10:44 AM

SGT Allen Treviranus — Fri, 11 Sep 2020 10:44:46 -0400

Half the time the infantry spends more time sweeping motor pools than kicking in doors. I wouldn't worry too much. The best combat training I ever had was during combat.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2020 10:46 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Oct 2020 22:46:49 -0400

Try to get a "cool guy" unit like the 82nd. Ranger school is offered there, they deploy often, SOF recruits from there regularly. Many people are offered SOF support afterwards or just use it as a stepping stone to prepare yourself for SF or Ranger from there. In short - find a high-speed unit that will line you up with good preparation and opportunity to go into SF or Ranger and forget about being a 91B.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 18 at 2020 2:39 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 18 Oct 2020 14:39:14 -0400

I am a 91B that has reclassed to 11B simply because i wanted another career change.. I understand your interest in doing the fun stuff just simply reclass to a combat arms MOS. I did so and never looked back. Now I am happy with my decision besides I can use my 91B MOS on the weekends when I have an opportunity. Its worth a shot.

Response by SPC Chris Boren made Oct 21 at 2020 9:58 PM

SPC Chris Boren — Wed, 21 Oct 2020 21:58:02 -0400

I was actually a 63B, same thing but earlier. I was assigned to an MP unit after jump school. Went to Desert Shield/Storm. We (4 mechanics) got attached to the line platoons so when I wasn't turning wrenches, I was actually serving as an MP in combat. So it just depends on where, how and when you are assigned as to what happens.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2020 8:42 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Oct 2020 08:42:05 -0400

You need to focus on your MOS rather than your need or want to go on “missions”. your primary is maintenance. Kicking in doors and going on raids is not going to help you advance in your career. I’ve been in for over 16 yrs with 3 combat deployments and 1 rotation. On 1 of the combat deployments to Iraq, I went out on patrols, posted security for higher officials and took different types of fire in the area. Yes, it’s a great experience, but your job as a mechanic, not just as a Soldier will make you or break you. Continue to learn and progress within your field, military education and civilian education.

Response by SGT Donald Leister made Apr 30 at 2021 4:28 PM

SGT Donald Leister — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 16:28:12 -0400

Don't worry about going out on patrols worry about being a 91b and keeping the vehicles rolling thats more important if you want to go on raids and patrols you should have picked a combat mos worry about your job now those who go out on patrols and raids need u to do your job and keep them rolling