Posted on Jan 12, 2016
Can you reclass right after Initial Training?
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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.
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.
Posted in these groups: 
Reclass
Reclass
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 21
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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SPC Keelan Southerland
SSG I do not think most 17-18 year old kids are aware of what they really signed up for. I tried to make him aware of what he was signing up for and showed him my scars as I lifted my shirt and lifted my cane. I even showed him the house I could not build while it was being built for me and my family. I paid for it of course, but still. I told him about the burn ward at FT Sam after my spinal surgeries and heard these same kids screaming as their skin was being scrubbed off. I told him "I bet none of those kids thought that would be the summation of their military service when they signed the dotted line." So he fully heard what the ramifications of signing the dotted line were. However, if he listed or not is a different story.
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SSG (Join to see)
I'm not sure if your saying he didn't sign up yet or not. But if he did, he defiantly needs to own up to his choice. Visiting and talking to disabled/injured vets does not give him the right to just say "ok...I don't wanna play Army anymore".
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SPC Keelan Southerland
He is graduating in 12 days. I am not advocating for the guy to reclass here. My initial conversation consisted of 'You made you bed, now sleep in it.' Make no mistake about my intentions here. I am looking out for someone so they do not take the easy way out.
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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.
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SPC Keelan Southerland
I understand 1SG. Thank you for your input. As per my initial gut reaction I will tell him to do his job and work hard and then maybe he can ask for an MOS change. Only after he proves his worth to the Army. Thank you for your guidance.
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You are correct. No loopholes. Tell the KID to man/woman up. SMH
Can't believe this even a serious question.
Can't believe this even a serious question.
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SFC Pete Kain
SPC Keelan Southerland - Sure, and the answer is still the same. Needs of the Army come first, Catering to one individual is not in the cards.
Not in the habit of giving the touchy feely answer. Real life is a pain isn't it?
Not in the habit of giving the touchy feely answer. Real life is a pain isn't it?
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SPC Keelan Southerland
SFC Kain - Sure the answer is the same. No. However, there are several other posts, which were more helpful for someone in my position. Fortunately, I am not in any longer and my go to guy is working at a facility with no outside access so I cant ask him. So I turned here. I received many answers which were useful and a couple which were not. I will take the ones that were and my initial reaction and relay it to the guy who had the question.
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SFC Pete Kain
SPC Keelan Southerland - Your position or his? You show as a Veteran. So what is the deal here?
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SPC Keelan Southerland
I deal in specifics. I gave as much detail as I could in my initial post as I had. I am unable to articulate sufficiently to help you understand the specifics of the details. So I will disengage the conversation with you and work with the solid information the other members have given. Have a good one.
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SPC Keelan Southerland
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.
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.
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SPC Keelan Southerland
Yeah I hear you on that SPC Heenan. I know at this point he needs to earn some respect by busting his ass and then he can request a new MOS. If he tries to reclass now he will be "that guy" for the remainder of his time in. I will talk with him in the next day or two.
I did inform him of his option to talk with the Chaplain, but in most cases the Chaplain says something to the effect of; "Get back in training and you will be OK or Once you get back to your unit things will be different." I am going to tell him to stick it out and nut up.
I did inform him of his option to talk with the Chaplain, but in most cases the Chaplain says something to the effect of; "Get back in training and you will be OK or Once you get back to your unit things will be different." I am going to tell him to stick it out and nut up.
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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???
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Sure, if your unit lets you and you don't mind losing your enlistment bonus.
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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.
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SPC Keelan Southerland
PFC Sethre - That would end his military service period. Any hint of physc and it would be an RE4 baring him from reenlistment. I do appreciate the input, but that is really a drastic step at this point.
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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.
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SPC Keelan Southerland
I hear you there. Our 88M's went out with us on every mission as recovery assets. The guy in question mentioned 88M in our original talk. I did not tell him about the number of times they went out with us and the times they came under fire. You are correct there is no combat safe mos, unless you are a (this excludes Sarah Palins son in the 25ID) politicians kid.
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