Posted on Jan 27, 2020
Can anyone provide advice on how to structure a proper request for reclassification in the National Guard?
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I am currently in a job that I do enjoy, however my education is in Homeland Security and Terrorism. I would like to reclass to a 35F (since there are no 35M in my state). I have brought this up to my unit once and they kind of piled a bunch of NCO's in a room and pretty much, very respectfully told me it wasn't gonna happen and to get back to work. I would much rather work in a MOS that I feel challenged me mentally and I think I would much prefer MI. How do I tactfully and respectfully approach that I would really like them to formally consider my request without sounding out of line. I have a lot of respect for the leadership in my unit, but no interest in the MOS I currently hold.
Edited 5 y ago
Posted 5 y ago
Responses: 5
I have actually gone through this before. If you want to re-class to 35F then look at my first answer. If you want to re-class to the 35M MOS, look at my second answer.
1) If you want to re-class to a new MOS that is not in your state, first step is to identify what states do have that MOS and have an active need to fill that MOS. You will then need to identify the NCOIC is that handles interstate transfers in the state that you would like to move to. From there it is just filling out packets and knowing how to speak with your chain of command. Once you have found the NCOIC, get a better understanding of how the process will work (As it can change from state to state). From there, go through your Chain of Command/NCO Support Channel (without going over people) and let them know what you would like to do, and how the process works (From personal experience, most Soldiers are unaware of how this process works)
2) If you would like stay in your state and just change your MOS, you have the best chance at doing this upon re-enlistment. When you re-enlist you have room to negotiate (through a retention NCO) on what your next contract will state. If you do not want to wait that long, then identify which unit in your state has that need. If possible speak to someone in that unit about how the process will work. For the most part, changing your MOS during your current contract is all about finding how what the request and approval process is and doing the paperwork. Ask how to transfer units, and speak to someone in that unit that would handle the process, and also see if they have space for a re-class. This is where problems normally occur, if you are not about to re-enlist, it may be a problem for another unit to take in a permanent party member vs. a new recruit. In a nutshell, you just have to request to change units, have a good reason, and that unit must have a re-class slot available (Meaning they have the funding to send you to a school).
If that unit has a re-class slot, then it is as simple as transferring units. If they do not have a re-class slot available, then you will either have to wait for your re-enlistment date, or put in an Officer Packet for the career field you want.
MY TIPS FOR YOU:
-Know how to speak with your Chain of Command
-Do not go over anyone in your chain of command
-Know the name and number of the Soldier(s) that handle each part of the process
-Be patient
-and REMEMBER: Most Soldiers (junior enlisted, NCO's, Officers, etc...) do not know everything. There are simply too many procedures for things like this, so make sure you speak with tact/respect to everyone in your chain of command and inform them of how it works. Generally this is a learning process for everyone involved.
1) If you want to re-class to a new MOS that is not in your state, first step is to identify what states do have that MOS and have an active need to fill that MOS. You will then need to identify the NCOIC is that handles interstate transfers in the state that you would like to move to. From there it is just filling out packets and knowing how to speak with your chain of command. Once you have found the NCOIC, get a better understanding of how the process will work (As it can change from state to state). From there, go through your Chain of Command/NCO Support Channel (without going over people) and let them know what you would like to do, and how the process works (From personal experience, most Soldiers are unaware of how this process works)
2) If you would like stay in your state and just change your MOS, you have the best chance at doing this upon re-enlistment. When you re-enlist you have room to negotiate (through a retention NCO) on what your next contract will state. If you do not want to wait that long, then identify which unit in your state has that need. If possible speak to someone in that unit about how the process will work. For the most part, changing your MOS during your current contract is all about finding how what the request and approval process is and doing the paperwork. Ask how to transfer units, and speak to someone in that unit that would handle the process, and also see if they have space for a re-class. This is where problems normally occur, if you are not about to re-enlist, it may be a problem for another unit to take in a permanent party member vs. a new recruit. In a nutshell, you just have to request to change units, have a good reason, and that unit must have a re-class slot available (Meaning they have the funding to send you to a school).
If that unit has a re-class slot, then it is as simple as transferring units. If they do not have a re-class slot available, then you will either have to wait for your re-enlistment date, or put in an Officer Packet for the career field you want.
MY TIPS FOR YOU:
-Know how to speak with your Chain of Command
-Do not go over anyone in your chain of command
-Know the name and number of the Soldier(s) that handle each part of the process
-Be patient
-and REMEMBER: Most Soldiers (junior enlisted, NCO's, Officers, etc...) do not know everything. There are simply too many procedures for things like this, so make sure you speak with tact/respect to everyone in your chain of command and inform them of how it works. Generally this is a learning process for everyone involved.
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You need to talk whoever the career counselor is that has your unit under their scope.
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SSG (Join to see)
Thank you, sir. Would this be my units readiness NCO or is there a designated NCO for a territory?
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CW2 (Join to see)
SSG (Join to see)
There should be a Career Counselor/retention NCO that is not directly in your unit but handles actions as you have mentioned. I would ask the Unit Admin who this person is. Also, talk to the UA about your desires he/she is the person that will get the paperwork started
There should be a Career Counselor/retention NCO that is not directly in your unit but handles actions as you have mentioned. I would ask the Unit Admin who this person is. Also, talk to the UA about your desires he/she is the person that will get the paperwork started
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Most likely it won’t happen. Not because they don’t want but they lack (for the most part) the knowledge of how to do it. Also, NG is a state manned organization so it would mean an empty MTOE position; very bad for the unit. I wish I could be of more help but my experience is in the Regular Army side of the house.
To be honest, if it was up to me, I would not allow anyone to enlist in any of the reserve components until a one tour of duty in the regular force. Then, and only then, folks would not be obligated to partake in the reserve component if they feel, like yourself, underutilized or stuck with no possibility of additional training/opportunities.
To be honest, if it was up to me, I would not allow anyone to enlist in any of the reserve components until a one tour of duty in the regular force. Then, and only then, folks would not be obligated to partake in the reserve component if they feel, like yourself, underutilized or stuck with no possibility of additional training/opportunities.
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MAJ Javier Rivera
I know is not a one size fits all, nor I pretend it to be. But I've seen so many folks suffering the consequences of waiting for ever to et release from their reserve component units IOT go active - I was one myself many years ago - that, as stated, I would not let folks to be reserve component (very selfish and utopian from my part). But, I know I'm just dreaming.
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SSG (Join to see)
Thanks for the info, sir. I was active before and when I was trying to get back in, I had a very small amount of MOS's to choose from due to the possibility of aging out, and what had open slots at the time. I picked 12B because it fit what I wanted at the time. Since I have been back in I have gone back to school and really learned to enjoy intelligence. It seems like my bet shot is to wait for my reenlistment window, just was hoping for a little light at the end of the tunnel. 2 years is going to drag...
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