Do I have to keep my old MOS when going back into the Army?

PFC Delain Wilbourn — Sun, 26 Aug 2018 06:11:53 -0400

I'm joining the Army again after a 4 year break. I was a 12N when I got out and not really wanting to get back into that field. Is it likely I can pick a different MOS? I really want to get into 35F.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2018 8:04 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Aug 2018 08:04:52 -0400

Short answer is no. You can reclassify as a “will train” if the unit has slots and will accept you.

However - big however - the clearance process needed to perform that MOS is very lengthy and expensive, so those slots are very hard to come by

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Aug 26 at 2018 9:03 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Sun, 26 Aug 2018 09:03:39 -0400

This is truly a question for your recruiter. There are a few variables that prevents anyone from giving you a difinative response, active duty, reserve or guard? It will also be determined by Army end strengths. So call you recruiter and test them by calling another.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2018 10:29 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Aug 2018 10:29:36 -0400

I had a five year break when I came back in. I was a 12B and was sent directly to A.I.T to reclass. So, unless something has changed, it's completely possible.

Response by SGT David Greth made Aug 26 at 2018 10:31 AM

SGT David Greth — Sun, 26 Aug 2018 10:31:03 -0400

Another to look at is 35T (aka 33 series when I had it). Great MOS, good civilian prospects after however, like 2LT Kyle Brooks mentioned, have to get through the clearance process.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2018 2:51 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Aug 2018 14:51:22 -0400

They'll give you whatever they have a need for at the time. You get to pick, but it's not necessarily the choices you want.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2018 4:20 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Aug 2018 16:20:19 -0400

Most MEPS will try to put you back into your old MOS, it costs a significant amount of money to re-train a Soldier let alone a prior service one. The CSM is right, needs of the Army will be the priority, you have to ask yourself “Why” are you going back in? Do you want to work the system and try to reclassify? Do you have the Line Scores on your ASVAB to serve as a 35F? What was your GT Score? ST score?

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2018 4:28 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Aug 2018 16:28:18 -0400

Talk to a recruiter. THEY are the only ones that can truly answer that question. I had a 9yr break and was offered to reclass. I decided to stay in the same MOS.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2018 7:23 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Aug 2018 19:23:45 -0400

It all depends what vacancy the Army needs filled at the time you’re at MEPS

Response by SFC Anthony Shaffer made Aug 26 at 2018 10:42 PM

SFC Anthony Shaffer — Sun, 26 Aug 2018 22:42:20 -0400

It all depends on the HRC prior service business rules that are constantly changing. They are primarily based on what are the needs of the Army. The Army kinda sees it like you were in, you thought you could do better getting out, now you want back in, Well now the shoe is on the other foot.

Response by SSG Robert Ball made Aug 26 at 2018 11:37 PM

SSG Robert Ball — Sun, 26 Aug 2018 23:37:26 -0400

I spent 4 years as a master recruiter and I will tell you no you are like a brand new troop as far as some things. But as long as your asvab scores are good you can do whatever you want as long as you can get the clearance for the job.

Response by MAJ(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 29 at 2018 7:29 PM

MAJ(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Aug 2018 19:29:19 -0400

Having done this myself, I agree short answer is no you do not have to go in as same MOS. Will MEPs try to sell you on it? YUP! So the question is really how bad do you want back in and are you willing to go same MOS? If you do, there is always a chance to reclass during your re-enlistment window, but what you want might not be available. I was out for 7 years and there was no way I wanted to be ammunition again in Army. I wanted 15R Apache Attack Helicopter Repairer. They wanted me to go in as a COOK!!!!! Because I was a restaurant manager, Are you kidding me??? I told them to kick boots and I was going home. Told me to go have some lunch and come back in like 30 mins.....when I did, the supposed 15R position that "didn't" exist prior to lunch, appeared before my own eyes. So I got what I wanted.....is this typical I doubt it, but it all comes down to what you feel comfortable doing. If you just want back in, then take what you can get.....if there is principle involved like with me, stand your ground. Lets be honest, there is a need in a lot of MOSs some more than others. And at the end of the day we are not making our mission in recruiting as a whole.

Response by SSG Tom Obrien made Sep 2 at 2018 6:52 PM

SSG Tom Obrien — Sun, 02 Sep 2018 18:52:07 -0400

You can if it's available. I got out as a 25u and was able to go back in 8 yrs later as a 19k

Response by MSG Justin Kuchar made Sep 12 at 2018 11:26 PM

MSG Justin Kuchar — Wed, 12 Sep 2018 23:26:48 -0400

It will be tied to your grade determination. They give you a list and you pick. It may even be one job choice and a choice of assignment, or one job choice. We had a lot of people with one or no choices. E4 and below will be more. Not sure if they are currently taking NCOs. Pretty fluid stuff day to day and week to week to fill schoolhouse seats/unit needs.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2018 10:12 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 16 Sep 2018 10:12:08 -0400

This depends on a few things.
1. Your test scores.
2. Can you get a clearance.
3. How much BS the recruiter give you telling you you can't change MOS or you have to pick something you don't want.