Convert to 79R

2013-12-19T19:37:49-05:00

I'm considering conversion of my MOS to 79 R. I'm currently a year out from leaving recruiting. What are some pros cons or general good things to consider when thinking about this.

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Dec 19 at 2013 7:43 PM

2013-12-19T19:43:16-05:00

Do you enjoy recruiting and near-automatic promotions to SFC?<br><br>If you like what you're doing and see how your superiors like their jobs (for the most part) and you're in an MOS that quickly promotes its Soldiers, why not stay?

Response by SFC Shakira Browne made Dec 19 at 2013 7:45 PM

2013-12-19T19:45:48-05:00

ALWAYS consider Career progression when considering something like this. Is this going to be a Career " Blackhole" of sorts where you get stuck at a certain rank? Whatever choice you make, OWN it and be proud of it! Good Luck!

Response by SFC Rocky Gannon made Dec 19 at 2013 9:01 PM

2013-12-19T21:01:08-05:00

<p>SGT A, I have a lot of things that we could talk about, too much for on here. But here are a few to think about.</p><p>1. Do  you like what your doing, recruiting?</p><p>2. Do you feel you have the skills to move to others places, adapt and still make mission?</p><p>3. Are you ready to take on a huge leadership challenge, I mean if you do convert you will pin on SSG because the cut off scores are low, but what about like me when I converted, I was a Seasoned SSG, took over a Large Station (center), with 7 SFC's working for me. That being said, can you hold your ground, get the mission accomplished, not allow them to run over you and not be disrespectful to them?</p><p>4. Have you been exposed to being a Center Commander, the paperwork, the meetings, the pressure of the mission? Remember when you convert, you most likely will put on 2 hats, Center Commander (small) and On production recruiter, plus teacher, coach and mentor to the other recruiters.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Feel free to ask anything you like I will answer, but I could go on and on.</p>

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2013 6:07 PM

2013-12-20T18:07:16-05:00

If you want to be on production for the rest of your career then it may be a good idea. If your current MOS doesn't allow you to get promoted to SSG due to high cut-off scores and bottlenecking of the senior ranks, then too, it would be a good idea. I too am 1 year out from departing USAREC And I would not consider conversion even if there was a substantial bonus. Don't get me wrong, there are some benefits to remaining in USAREC but probably not enough. If you had 15 plus years of AFS then I would say yes but if you have less than 10 years in, it's a beck of a commitment. Also, if USAREC goes back to legacy recruiting -as is the rumor for quite some time now- you may not like it one bit.

Consider Career Counselor instead. That is what I am doing. Research it, you may like that opportunity better. NO BOX TO MAINTAIN A WEEKLY PLANNER. LOL! Hope this helps.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2013 6:12 PM

2013-12-20T18:12:37-05:00

Just noticed we are in the same BN.

Response by MSG Tim Waychoff made Dec 20 at 2013 7:22 PM

2013-12-20T19:22:36-05:00

SFC Gannon covered a lot of what I was going to get into, but I will add this...<div><br></div><div>I left USAREC in 2009.  A lot of things were changing for the better or they seemed to be, anyway.  I weighed the conversion option very heavily because I really enjoyed the job.  The conversion will give you a different job to some extent as SFC Gannon pointed out.  For me, the life I had as a detailed recruiter serving as a team leader/small station commander gave me a lot of insight into the day to day lives of the 79Rs and ultimately, I didn't want their day to day lives.  I had it great, SC perks without the extra pressures of the Chain of Command, because they wanted me to convert.  As a result of that, I received some pretty decent treatment.  </div><div><br></div><div>I got to lead and train some very excellent recruiters, and we really got rolling as I was getting ready to leave.  They were incredibly successful from that point in, and I'm proud to this day of what we accomplished, and remain very good friends with them.</div><div><br></div><div>The key is to figure out the life of a 79R and decide if that is right for you and your family (if that applies).</div><div><br></div><div>Ultimately, it is your choice, and had I been able to not leave the Chicago BN ever, I probably would have converted but PCSing is part of that life.</div><div><br></div><div>Feel free to ask any questions, and best of luck.</div>

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2013 12:26 PM

2013-12-21T12:26:24-05:00

Weight your options, don't get me wrong i think recruiting is a very easy job BUT recruiting is one thing and being ACC an CC is another type of beast. If you do , you better start doing the packet now cause it takes ALOT of months to get it trought

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2013 4:56 PM

2013-12-22T16:56:37-05:00

I have converted. I was already a Staff Sergeant when I converted. You have to convert for the right reasons. If rank is your only purpose for recruiting then I wouldn't do it. Also when you convert what you do on a daily basis changes pretty drastically. Just like SFC Gannon stated meetings analizing reports and other 79R tasks are being done. Another issue is it is very hard to be a good leader as a 79R. I currently have 2 SFC's that work for me. You have to conduct yourself in such a way that they want to make the mission for you. Feel free to message me any questions you have.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2013 8:56 PM

2013-12-23T20:56:24-05:00

So as a Instructor it is difficult; tasking's day to day and spur of the moment trainings and facilitations.... Give props to the recruiters one of the most difficult jobs to do is to be a salesperson. Believe it or not what you do is SELL the Army on a personal level. You have to be in it and in it for the right reasons... If you ever have talked or been pissed about what the Army as a whole has done or would do to you; then recruiting may not be your forte, however if you have a deep desire to remain and serve and do not allow personal views and personal issues to come between that; then you could be a good candidate I wont do it and I have served over 13yrs... I would rather deploy again than be a recruiter... Difficulty in this MOS is ranked up there with Cooks and Infantry...

Response by SFC Michael Whipple made Dec 24 at 2013 7:55 AM

2013-12-24T07:55:29-05:00

Another question to ask yourself when considering converting to 79 status is, are you capable to handling extreme heat and/or extreme cold?. I was asked if I was going to convert, but I honestly did not trust my Chain of Command. I trusted and still do, trust my station commander, but when it comes to the higher-ups, no. He is currently in Minnesota, where there is a lot of snow, and he HATES the cold weather. I am not too privy to the cold, but for example; Congrats, you are not a 79R, you are school trained and we need a Station Commander position filled in Helena, Montana. It's ok that you lived in (fill in corresponding warm weather climate here) for a while, it won't take long to adjust. Just keep that in mind.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 24 at 2013 4:55 PM

2013-12-24T16:55:02-05:00

AND MAKE SURE YOU UPDATE THIS ENTIRE THREAD INTO YOUR PLAN! ;)

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2014 1:06 AM

2014-03-16T01:06:58-04:00

You already know the pros and cons of being a recruiter.
To be successful as a 79R is dependent upon the area you are assigned and the NCOs in your center. The Army teaches you to be successful in everything you do. I'm gathering that you are still a SGT due to points of your MOS and not due to competence or proficiency. If your command is asking you to convert then they recognize that you have the necessary skills to be a successful 79R.

The center I am assigned to is currently #1 in the brigade as of right now. Historically, the center was always mediocre but productive. The reason we became so successful is largely due to placement of personnel. Identify your NCOs' strengths and weaknesses and assign them accordingly. Also consider your MOS. With the drawdown and budget cuts, it's only a matter of time before you may be "forced" out. Reclassing to 79R will put that possibility to rest.

Progression wise, you will not be stuck as a SFC 79R unless you are a mediocre 79R. However, staying past 20 yrs is inadvisable if you are planning on working a second job. Making 1SG/MSG before 20 yrs will be more difficult Army wide thanks to the changes SMA Chandler plans to implement.