Posted on Aug 11, 2020
As a 91B how do I go on patrols and get extra combat training?
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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?
91B: Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic
Combat
Training
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 26
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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.
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CWO3 (Join to see)
I took a MT Contact Team to the trailer park aka Prov. US Embassy in Somalia. The FAST bubbas had some beefed up hummers for Rat Patrols and we were the only show in town. They grabbed their C6490 Gen Mech. toolboxes and we shuttled out in tactical convoy, also one of the Suburbans for Amb. Did what we could with parts in Class IX block all night, while the shinnys were shooting it up outside the wall. By chance there was a black huey there, so I got a few of them a fun ride back. The bird was stationed near the cliff above our pos @ Green Beach. The hot dog civilian pilot gave them their money's worth, as they were still shaken walking down the hill. Rifle slung, and toolbox in hand, so it can depend on the environment.
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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.
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LTC Jason Mackay
Disagree, likely over what people consider a patrol. We ran combat logistics patrols as a BSB. 91Bs that are H8 will be our all the time.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
My question is more along the lines of what is the origin of these wants.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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