Can you reclass to Infantry in the NG after MEPS but before basic training?

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Apr 2018 20:29:23 -0400

I recently swore in to the national guard at meps in January as a 91b in the NG and am scheduled to head to fort Leonard Wood on June 20th for basic training. I have recently been finding myself more and more wanting to go infantry instead so I was wonder if number one is it possible to reclass to infantry before basic training in any way and two is it worth it?

Response by SGT Eric Davis made Apr 8 at 2018 8:44 PM

SGT Eric Davis — Sun, 08 Apr 2018 20:44:07 -0400

Yes! Go talk to your recruiter they will hate it but yes and you will get another ship date!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2018 9:18 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Apr 2018 21:18:37 -0400

I can see by your post you're not really sure what you want, I'll tell you this: if you really want to be an infantryman than go for it, but just know it's going to be extremely challenging and demanding. If you truly believe that is what you want then go for it.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2018 11:16 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Apr 2018 23:16:34 -0400

I was a tank turret mechanic when I first joined the Guard. Lasted about two and a half years before I realized I would be happy unless I went Infantry. So I went to the Army recruiter and went airborne Infantry. So if you really want to be Infantry talk to your recruiter and tell him/her. The thing with the Guard is they already have you slotted against a position so you need to make the switch ASAP. That is because the state has to have an open Infantry slot to put you in. They may play hardball so be ready to push back just as much. Good luck.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Apr 8 at 2018 11:58 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Sun, 08 Apr 2018 23:58:46 -0400

Re-class is normally an option only during your last 12 months of contract- or if the MOS is critically short. 11B is not a shortage MOS, so the chances are about 0, and they have slotted you were they felt the need and your qualifications.

Response by PFC Jonathan Vosecek made Apr 9 at 2018 12:26 AM

PFC Jonathan Vosecek — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 00:26:51 -0400

Talk to your recruiter. Because you haven’t shipped yet you should still be able to make some alterations to your contract. As long as you’re not backing out entirely they should work with you. If not when you get to Ft Lost in the Woods and you’re in the 43rd AG Reception battalion you can talk to the NG liaison and see if they will let you reclass. If they do let you it’ll only be a one time thing, so you better be very sure than 11b is what you really want.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Apr 9 at 2018 6:13 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 06:13:47 -0400

Give yourself some time doing your first choice, then if you decide it's not your cup of tea, go for a different MOS.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2018 11:24 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 11:24:12 -0400

Best bet is to talk to the recruiter. Since you don’t leave until June then you may have a chance to switch jobs without it being a reclass cause you’re not technically skilled at anything but civilian life yet.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2018 2:40 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 14:40:21 -0400

If I remember correctly you can still back out of your contract up until basic training. (CHECK ON THAT BEFORE BRINGING IT UP.) So do what COL Private RallyPoint Member said and talk to your recruiter. If he says no, ask him about backing out altogether. If you can do that, you could theoretically just start the whole process over and ask for 11B. But like COL Harris said, there has to be an 11B slot open. Don't go in with threats. Just ask about the possibilities.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2018 9:44 AM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Apr 2018 09:44:23 -0400

Yes you can contact your recruiter he will help you. I almost did this my self

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2018 6:28 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Apr 2018 18:28:34 -0400

Yes, but it is not called a reclass if you have not shipped yet. It is just called a renegotiation of your contract.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2018 9:11 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Apr 2018 21:11:08 -0400

Yes, if that’s your passion. I would recommend 91B for better promotion opportunities though.