Can you get promoted before reclassifying after you've signed your contract?

2022-10-22T14:15:30-04:00

I'm currently a E4 (SPC). I am in the process of reclassing unfortunately I don't go to school until next year. I was told the MOS (92R) is only a E1-E4 reclass but I've talked to E5s who reclassed as an E5. What would happen if I promoted?I will be signing my contract Monday. I just don't want to stay an E4 for another year.. any advice or input is greatly appreciated.

Response by SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM made Oct 22 at 2022 3:24 PM

2022-10-22T15:24:59-04:00

I would start by contact your retention NCO and or servicing PSB!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2022 7:07 PM

2022-10-22T19:07:19-04:00

First, let's address the reclass question. People who reclass have no clue of the shit people go through to qualify them to reclass. You see an E5 who reclassed, you don't know if that was a prior service re-entry handled at the MEPS or an AD waiver, or someone who promoted after reenlisting and slipped through the cracks because at the time the MOS was under strength. There's other situations, but those are the most common.

Quickest answer is that your contract will say "I have read and understand lines 4&5 of Table 3-3 in DA PAM 601-280". You should read it. It says that if your PMOS or Skill Level change you're no longer guaranteed that option. So, you may need a waiver.

Waivers are the area for MOS Proponents. HRC can't waive the requirements in DA PAM 611-21 that your gaining Proponent decides on, only they can waive grade requirements
If you don't have a waiver when you show up to school, they may kick you out. Or, they might never check for your waiver. Just depends on the school.

You're in a combat arms MOS, if you want to be in an MOS you don't have to wait years for promotion, then you need to stay in your current MOS. If you switch, you will be a SFC while your peers are competing for SGM. If you think being an E4 for one more year is bad, imagine staying the same rank when you can only update your points once a year and you're stuck with those till the next year when they are updated. Then, realize you're not fighting for points, you're fighting for your place on the OML against your peers - lowest numbers are promoted first. But, just doing your job well is just considered mediocre. Now, to be competitive, you need to have a degree, be a recruiter/drill Sergeant/instructor, volunteer your personal time, have outstanding PT scores not just this year, but every year, and have an impact outside yourself. That's your competition, and senior level promotions are all competitive.

Obviously, you're in this for the long haul because nobody looks at rigger and sees a long term, entry-level civilian career in packing parachutes. If you saw this as a civilian career just stop yourself now from making a grievous error.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2022 8:47 AM

2022-11-28T08:47:39-05:00

Couple things "could" happen, no telling what "will" happen. Not a retention guy, but I will tell you that the tasks and roles a parachute rigger fills as an E-5 have doctrinal experience requirements. In light pack an inspector requires 2 years of experience to inspect. You could lose your re-classification option, you could be forced to administratively reduce yourself back to E-4 to accept it. Or you could somehow slip through the cracks until you reach a unit and get treated as a well-paid E-3.