Can you reclass right after Initial Training?

SPC Keelan Southerland — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 09:26:53 -0500

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.

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.

His question to me is this. "Is there anyway of reclassing out of boot camp?"

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.

He is afraid to go to his COC because they will single him out and "make" him quit.

I am wondering if my initial reaction is correct or if there is a loophole that may help this kid?

Any help would be great.

Response by PO2 Riva Norris made Jan 12 at 2016 9:33 AM

PO2 Riva Norris — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 09:33:42 -0500

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.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2016 9:42 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 09:42:02 -0500

He needs to seriously own up to what he signed up for. Was he not aware that people die in the Army?
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.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2016 9:47 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 09:47:34 -0500

The answer is no.
He would have to have at least 1 year time on station before he could even request it.
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.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2016 10:07 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 10:07:23 -0500

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.

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.

Response by SPC David S. made Jan 12 at 2016 10:39 AM

SPC David S. — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 10:39:39 -0500

Good luck with that - What's next? Failed urinalysis?
Best advice is get into sniper school - 7 more weeks not deployed.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2016 11:11 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 11:11:31 -0500

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.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Jan 12 at 2016 11:25 AM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 11:25:29 -0500

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.

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Jan 12 at 2016 1:22 PM

SPC(P) Jay Heenan — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 13:22:35 -0500

You know what they say, "you can lead a horse to water..."

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...

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.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 12 at 2016 4:32 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 16:32:04 -0500

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.

Response by CW3 Jim Norris made Jan 12 at 2016 5:16 PM

CW3 Jim Norris — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 17:16:40 -0500

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.

Response by SFC Pete Kain made Jan 12 at 2016 5:45 PM

SFC Pete Kain — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 17:45:24 -0500

You are correct. No loopholes. Tell the KID to man/woman up. SMH
Can't believe this even a serious question.

Response by SSG Ronald Rollins made Jan 13 at 2016 11:40 AM

SSG Ronald Rollins — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 11:40:43 -0500

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.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2016 12:09 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 12:09:56 -0500

Ya, no he will have to suck it up for at least a year before he is elegible.

Response by PFC Al Sethre made Jan 13 at 2016 3:29 PM

PFC Al Sethre — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 15:29:03 -0500

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.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2016 10:48 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 22:48:52 -0500

Tell him to grow some balls would be the best advice I can give.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2016 4:36 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 16:36:37 -0500

Sure, if your unit lets you and you don't mind losing your enlistment bonus.

Response by SSG M Ethier made Feb 23 at 2016 12:16 PM

SSG M Ethier — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 12:16:31 -0500

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

Response by PV2 Kenneth Booth made Jun 16 at 2016 10:33 AM

PV2 Kenneth Booth — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 10:33:18 -0400

I was Avionics when I first went in. It was boring. It took me two years to reclass to NBC.

Response by CSM Thomas McGarry made Jun 16 at 2016 10:42 AM

CSM Thomas McGarry — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 10:42:16 -0400

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???

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2020 7:27 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Aug 2020 19:27:44 -0400

Suck it up buttercup

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Oct 19 at 2021 11:47 PM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Tue, 19 Oct 2021 23:47:12 -0400

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.