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.
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Reclass
Reclass
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 20
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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.
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Good luck with that - What's next? Failed urinalysis?
Best advice is get into sniper school - 7 more weeks not deployed.
Best advice is get into sniper school - 7 more weeks not deployed.
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SPC Keelan Southerland
Nice Mr. Stephenson. Before he left I we had the drug talk too, hopefully he will not go that route, his mother died from an OD. Sniper School you say.... I will pass that one along.
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SPC David S.
Sorry to hear about his mother - I know a lot of state NG have problems filling the 19D slots. Once in you're in. Back in the day the 19D was a good gig if unmounted. I bet once he breaks in, gets his spurs and starts saying stuff like "If you ain't cav you ain't shit!" his perspective might change - nothing wrong with a little baptism by fire - out of the crucible men are born. - Scouts Out!
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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.
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.
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SFC Pete Kain
SPC Keelan Southerland - You think you told him? As an E-4 just what is your role here?
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SPC Keelan Southerland
Perhaps you should reread the whole of the post I started. There is no RETIRED tab I can click on (RP) to indicate to those of various rank I am no longer in the military.
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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.
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I was Avionics when I first went in. It was boring. It took me two years to reclass to NBC.
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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
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SPC Keelan Southerland
Thank you SSG Ethier. I think talking with the new guys took his mind off of his worries. The fear of the unknown is always scary for young men. I think many of the guys here have forgotten what it was like being 3 months old in the military. I agree with most of the guys here, but I do think he will work out given the chance to be mentored by those dedicated to uphold their duty as NCO's. I am sure all of you can remember the one guy who was a soup sandwich who came out being an outstanding soldier after someone took him under his wing.
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Ya, no he will have to suck it up for at least a year before he is elegible.
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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.
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SPC Keelan Southerland
When that instance happens, if I am not mistaken, they reclass your whole unit NCO's and Officers first and then Lower Enlisted. In either case the unit stays together and normally stays in the same role i.e. combat arms vs noncombat arms. Correct me if I am wrong. This is one of those suck it up buttercup conversations. Thank you CW3 Storm.
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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.
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SPC Keelan Southerland
Its OK, I harbor no ill will towards the Navy, just the Airforce. I tried to give him the best info I could under the circumstances. He is going to call me back sometime this week. He is going to be stationed nearby so I can keep tabs on him. Three of my buddies served in the 101st so I can make some calls to keep an eye on his progress. Thanks for your input.
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