How can I change my MOS before shipping for basic training?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 23:33:26 -0500

I enlisted as 68W but really wanted 68K b/c my degrees & civilian jobs have been laboratory based. The only reason why I could not get 68K is b/c my transcripts did not say the word algebra so HRC wasn't sure if I took basic math in college - I have a STEM BS & MS, of course I took algebra & calculus even. I ship out Feb 11, is there a way to make this change still?
Thank you!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2020 11:37 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 23:37:38 -0500

I’m a 68W and I don’t mind it, I’ll probably make a career out of it. With that said with that much schooling you are selling yourself way short to the military.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2020 11:38 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 23:38:54 -0500

With that said nothing is set in stone until you ship, your recruiters may say otherwise. You only have one shot at your initial entry into the military though, do not mess it up.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2020 1:04 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Jan 2020 01:04:42 -0500

I've read everything here so far, and this is my advice - keep your 68W class seat and apply for an AMEDD commissioning program once you have your citizenship. 68K absolutely will not make you any more competitive for any other commissioning program. Your job performance, letters of recommendation, and civilian education will do that. People commission into AMEDD programs all the time coming from non-medical MOS's.

There is no benefit to you waiting, and if you renegotiate your contract for a different MOS and class seat, there is a very good chance you get delayed for up to a year. While there are nine classes a year, they are very small classes with limited class seats. I'm pretty certain, from the last time I looked at open seats, that all seats were filed into next Fiscal Year.

If you keep your current class date you will be working in an MOS that is a good launch pad for every other AMEDD commissioning program. You can use that time to learn about Army, get your citizenship, get your required secret clearance to commission, and get your letters of recommendation. I just don't think the potential gain that you get out of waiting and renegotiating outweighs the potential negatives. Plus, 68K has terrible promotions. If it does take you a few years, you will be stuck at E4 and E5 a lot longer than you would as a 68W. As for making E6, it could be years later than your 68W peers, even with your MS.

Response by SGT Anthony Johnson made Jan 23 at 2020 3:08 AM

SGT Anthony Johnson — Thu, 23 Jan 2020 03:08:54 -0500

You have a STEM BS and MS & they’re not sure if you took basic math? You’re blowing my mind lol. With an education like that, I hope you’re looking at commissioning programs as soon as you’re eligible.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2020 8:12 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Jan 2020 08:12:16 -0500

maybe this is a dumb question, but if you have BS and MS in STEM field why in the hell are you enlisting instead of going OCS?

edit: Just saw the part about citizenship. best COA, stick with 68W, take advantage of the military accelerated path to citizenship (can be accomplished in as little as 10 months) and then apply for OCS.

Response by SGT Lenise Hamilton made Jan 23 at 2020 8:50 PM

SGT Lenise Hamilton — Thu, 23 Jan 2020 20:50:13 -0500

Hi Tasha, contact your recruiter immediately and inform them of your intentions, hopefully you have a good recruiter that cares about your career vs. there quota numbers, it should be something that can be done, if they sound shady about the issue, call the MEPPS Station, and get some insight, you want to speak with someone of high rank, not a peon that don't know there left from there right :-) . Good Luck!