SPC Keelan Southerland 1230333 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I was medically retired in 2011 from combat injuries. So when I get the chance to talk with young men, who have no future prospects, about the military I tell them the good the bad and the ugly. <br /><br />One of the guys left for boot camp as a 19D back in September and did all the things I told him not to do before going to boot camp. He bought a new car, got a girl pregnant, and chose a combat MOS. By the way there is nothing wrong with Combat Arms, I was a 19D as well, but he wanted to have a career and there is not much call for combat arms in most work places. Now that he is about to graduate boot camp he learned he will be going to the 101st and is scared to death he will die in combat and wants to re-class as an 88M or anything non-combat MOS related. <br /><br />His question to me is this. &quot;Is there anyway of reclassing out of boot camp?&quot; <br /><br />I informed him that, since he is brand new that the odds were very low or nonexistent, because the Army just dumped a serious amount of money into training. Furthermore, he should get to his unit bust his butt, learn his job and become an asset and then ask to reclass. Additionally, I told him do not do anything stupid or say anything he might regret. <br /><br />He is afraid to go to his COC because they will single him out and &quot;make&quot; him quit. <br /><br />I am wondering if my initial reaction is correct or if there is a loophole that may help this kid? <br /><br />Any help would be great. 2016-01-12T09:26:53-05:00 SPC Keelan Southerland 1230333

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I was medically retired in 2011 from combat injuries. So when I get the chance to talk with young men, who have no future prospects, about the military I tell them the good the bad and the ugly. <br /><br />One of the guys left for boot camp as a 19D back in September and did all the things I told him not to do before going to boot camp. He bought a new car, got a girl pregnant, and chose a combat MOS. By the way there is nothing wrong with Combat Arms, I was a 19D as well, but he wanted to have a career and there is not much call for combat arms in most work places. Now that he is about to graduate boot camp he learned he will be going to the 101st and is scared to death he will die in combat and wants to re-class as an 88M or anything non-combat MOS related. <br /><br />His question to me is this. &quot;Is there anyway of reclassing out of boot camp?&quot; <br /><br />I informed him that, since he is brand new that the odds were very low or nonexistent, because the Army just dumped a serious amount of money into training. Furthermore, he should get to his unit bust his butt, learn his job and become an asset and then ask to reclass. Additionally, I told him do not do anything stupid or say anything he might regret. <br /><br />He is afraid to go to his COC because they will single him out and &quot;make&quot; him quit. <br /><br />I am wondering if my initial reaction is correct or if there is a loophole that may help this kid? <br /><br />Any help would be great.

2016-01-12T09:26:53-05:00 2016-01-12T09:26:53-05:00 PO2 Riva Norris 1230366

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I was navy sorry... I will say this, regardless of branch I think you were right to tell him to hit the ground running. If he shows promise he may catch the eye of some helpful important people. Being motivated and focused may help him in the long run. As far as changing mos at a time like this I do not believe that's likely but hey anything is possible.

2016-01-12T09:33:42-05:00 2016-01-12T09:33:42-05:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 1230389

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>He needs to seriously own up to what he signed up for. Was he not aware that people die in the Army? <br />There is no good, bad, and ugly here, he is gonna have some terrible days and some great ones and he needs to concentrate on his craft so if he goes to combat he doesn't get himself of his buddies killed over something dumb.

2016-01-12T09:42:02-05:00 2016-01-12T09:42:02-05:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 1230409

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>The answer is no.<br />He would have to have at least 1 year time on station before he could even request it.<br />After that, there are line scores, rank requirements, clearance requirements, and ever elusive class dates to contend with. Along with the almighty In/Out calls.

2016-01-12T09:47:34-05:00 2016-01-12T09:47:34-05:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 1230473

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>This is a bizarre story. First, he bought a new car and then got a girl pregnant. Not off to the best start but it isn't a new story. Second, he joined a combat MOS at a time of war (even if we are winding down, we have troops on ground) and he is scared to die in combat? I don't of anyone who isn't technically scared to die but we do our jobs anyway. Third, while 88M is a combat support MOS it isn't like they are hanging out on the FOB driving their trucks inside the wire. It is still an MOS where they are in danger. <br /><br />I don't think there is a loophole for what you are asking but I do think calling him a "kid" is apt at this point in time. This soldier seems to have some maturing to do and maybe dealing with some poor decisions will help with that.

2016-01-12T10:07:23-05:00 2016-01-12T10:07:23-05:00 SPC David S. 1230619

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Good luck with that - What's next? Failed urinalysis? <br />Best advice is get into sniper school - 7 more weeks not deployed.

2016-01-12T10:39:39-05:00 2016-01-12T10:39:39-05:00 1SG Private RallyPoint Member 1230739

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>It is possible, but requires a lot of hoops jumping many commanders would not abide for a brand-new E-nothing. There are also contractual complications to contend with, as he may well have a bonus or other considerations tied to his MOS.

2016-01-12T11:11:31-05:00 2016-01-12T11:11:31-05:00 CW3 Kevin Storm 1230790

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>About the only way I ever heard of, is the MOS is done away with and the Army reclassifies you to something else...based on the needs of the Army. That is an extremely rare circumstance.

2016-01-12T11:25:29-05:00 2016-01-12T11:25:29-05:00 SPC(P) Jay Heenan 1231160

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><br />You know what they say, "you can lead a horse to water..."<br /><br />Anyway, there is no way in hell in Commander would sign the 4187. He needs to bust his ass, prove he is a good Soldier (for the Army) and in a couple of years fill out his 4187. His best option is to re-class as a reenlistment option...<br /><br />Honestly, if there is some strange 'loophole', then he needs to go talk to a Chaplain and maybe (albeit a big maybe), the Chaplain might be able to assist him.

2016-01-12T13:22:35-05:00 2016-01-12T13:22:35-05:00 MAJ Ken Landgren 1231678

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I believe your perception of the matter is correct. It takes time to change MOSs because it is based usually upon longevity like reenlistment. He sounds like soup sandwich to me.

2016-01-12T16:32:04-05:00 2016-01-12T16:32:04-05:00 CW3 Jim Norris 1231814

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>He's scared and wants to reclass? Perhaps he should just apply for the Mommie wants me home discharge? Gosh I hope this young fellow doesn't get anyone hurt before the Army can get rid of him.

2016-01-12T17:16:40-05:00 2016-01-12T17:16:40-05:00 SFC Pete Kain 1231898

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>You are correct. No loopholes. Tell the KID to man/woman up. SMH<br />Can't believe this even a serious question.

2016-01-12T17:45:24-05:00 2016-01-12T17:45:24-05:00 SSG Ronald Rollins 1233488

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>No. He cannot request reclass. Not yet. He has to do his time in his chosen MOS. And 88M may not per say be a combat MOS, but I am betting you will find a lot that got combat badges. Who do you think carries the ammo, food, tents, and everything else a unit needs. The trucks. Who drives them? 88Mikes's!! There are very few MOS jobs that are always in the rear. Hell even admin goes where they are needed. That includes combat. They have to do the USR, injury reports, and any number of other needed admin duties. I have a former Soldier who is still in. He is a truck driver. And yes he has been deployed to a combat zone. No MOS is safe from deployment and combat.

2016-01-13T11:40:43-05:00 2016-01-13T11:40:43-05:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 1233565

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Ya, no he will have to suck it up for at least a year before he is elegible.

2016-01-13T12:09:56-05:00 2016-01-13T12:09:56-05:00 PFC Al Sethre 1233977

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>He can request to see a mental health professional for 'severe anxiety/depression'. If he gets prescribed an SSRI, it is an automatic bar from serving in any infantry-type capacity. He will either be recommended for reclassification, or entry level separation.

2016-01-13T15:29:03-05:00 2016-01-13T15:29:03-05:00 SSgt Private RallyPoint Member 1234693

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Tell him to grow some balls would be the best advice I can give.

2016-01-13T22:48:52-05:00 2016-01-13T22:48:52-05:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 1238372

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Sure, if your unit lets you and you don't mind losing your enlistment bonus.

2016-01-15T16:36:37-05:00 2016-01-15T16:36:37-05:00 SSG M Ethier 1324411

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>As others have pointed out, it sounds like he's on the road to being a soup sandwich. If thats the case, it will hopefully be recognized by the 101st and he'll be put in a support role and on deployment, never leave the FOB. I would advise him to suck it up for now and take advantage of the opportunity. In my experience, he'll be offered more schools and be promoted quicker as a 19D than 88M. Then reclass if he reinlists

2016-02-23T12:16:31-05:00 2016-02-23T12:16:31-05:00 PV2 Kenneth Booth 1634947

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I was Avionics when I first went in. It was boring. It took me two years to reclass to NBC.

2016-06-16T10:33:18-04:00 2016-06-16T10:33:18-04:00 CSM Thomas McGarry 1634993

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>As others have stated the short answer is "NO"-he signed the contract and made the commitment! This kind of reminds me of the soldiers who when it comes time to deploy will do everything in their power to get out of it including faking a nervous breakdown-What ever happened to selfless service and service to your Country???

2016-06-16T10:42:16-04:00 2016-06-16T10:42:16-04:00 PFC Private RallyPoint Member 6181115

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Suck it up buttercup

2020-08-06T19:27:44-04:00 2020-08-06T19:27:44-04:00 MAJ Byron Oyler 7327431

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Back in 2004 we saw more 88M getting wounded than 11B and while that did start to change, the IEDs really ate up the logistic convoys. He dies in the Army someone gets $400,000 plus other benefits. We all die eventually and really for your family the Army is the best place to do it.

2021-10-19T23:47:12-04:00 2021-10-19T23:47:12-04:00 2016-01-12T09:26:53-05:00