Can I negotiate guaranteed training slots into my enlistment contract?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 18:11:05 -0500

Currently civilian. Signing my contract with Army National Guard next week: 09S, direct ship, Federal OCS after BCT, then BOLC-B at Ft. Sill (14A). Due to lack of enlistment bonuses for officer candidates, I’d like to negotiate guaranteed slots in one or more special training schools into my contract. Think airborne, pathfinder, air assault, marksmanship, etc. Why? Paid adventures, preparation for future rebranching or CAD, and personal growth. Has this been done before?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2018 6:36 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 18:36:06 -0500

The Army does not have a bartering system. If it's available, you can request it, and it's usually just one unless it's Airborne with Ranger follow on. Those other schools are usually offered as a reenlistment bonus, not on an initial contract. Basic marksmanship is provided in basic training, so technically yes it's In your contract.

Good luck
- Danny

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2018 7:08 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 19:08:47 -0500

If it was regular Army you could. I did it when I first enlisted. With the Guard you can’t. NGB would not approve it. Unless you are going to an Airborne unit they won’t do it on your enlistment. and if your going to 14A then it will not happen cause there are no airborne ADA units.

Response by SPC David Willis made Mar 9 at 2018 1:07 PM

SPC David Willis — Fri, 09 Mar 2018 13:07:28 -0500

You can TRY to negotiate anything into your contract. Whether or not your recruiter can make it happen is another story.

Response by CH (CPT) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2018 12:38 AM

CH (CPT) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 14 Mar 2018 00:38:17 -0400

There is no contract for officers. So, anything in your initial contract would likely need to precede OCS.