Can I get promoted from E6 12b to E7 12a?

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Dec 2023 20:27:49 -0500

My organic unit has been closed and I'm waiting for an slot for E6 in other mos. I made board list this year in the top 3 for 12b in the ARNG. Can I promote to E7 12a since there is slots?

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Dec 22 at 2023 12:23 AM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Fri, 22 Dec 2023 00:23:04 -0500

First, do you understand the difference between a 12B and 12A? Being a qualified 12B, I know we were trained to "assist" the 12C. Yes I helped build all the different bridges, but was I qualified to do the 12A job - no. Look at the 12A job description, are you as a SSG, qualified to do this job? If you can show you are qualified and have the paperwork to back it up, then I would say you can take over the job, but if you are not qualified, which I don't know many 12B, SSGs who are then no. The only way I can see it happening is if the gaining unit is willing to accept you and send you to 12A MOSQ, which I have seen this done before in special circumstances, and your case is so. There might also be something put in the promotion that it will become effective upon your successful completion of 12A MOSQ. I have seen this done in other MOSs before.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2023 12:16 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Dec 2023 12:16:38 -0500

Since 12A is an Engineer Officer.....you will not be able to promote into a 12A slot unless/until you get a commission as a 12A

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Dec 23 at 2023 7:53 AM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Sat, 23 Dec 2023 07:53:19 -0500

As an old Engineer Officer, first 12A is an Engineer Officer, used to be 21A. You would have to commission and branch Engineer for those slots. If they are short E7 Engineers, they "might" allow you to transfer pending MOS qualification. I branch transferred to the Engineers as an 1LT 11B and I held a 1LT slot. I could not promote to Captain until I completed what was then Engineer Advanced Course and was "fully qualified".