How can I get the 31K MOS?

Steph Redding — Tue, 08 Jan 2019 17:34:08 -0500

I'm currently enlisting and want to get a 31K mos but my recruiter says its almost impossible to get. Do I go up to MEPS and hope there's a slot? Would it be easier going 31B and trying to get a MWD? Also, when do these slots open or is there a specific time when this slot opens to get a spot?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2019 7:11 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Jan 2019 07:11:11 -0500

There's no specific time they open. School seats are a finite resource, like buttermilk biscuits at the dinner table. They get put out all at once and everyone jumps on them.
You can sit around and wait, possibly for a year till one becomes available and possibly another year from then till you ship. Or you can pick something else. Don't believe the hype about being able to reclass into it later, there are even fewer seats available for Reclass.

Response by SGT Christopher Hayden made Jan 9 at 2019 2:46 PM

SGT Christopher Hayden — Wed, 09 Jan 2019 14:46:11 -0500

If its what you REALLY want to do, don't settle for something else with the "hope" that you'll be able to reclass later on. The Army isn't going anywhere, and it's going to be YOUR career, so why not do what you really want to do and not something "just to get in" like so many people do.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2019 12:05 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 12 Jan 2019 00:05:52 -0500

Go 31B and be the top PT performer in your OSUT company. They offer K9 spots to those who perform the best.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2019 3:55 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 12 Jan 2019 03:55:07 -0500

Sit and wait for the job. The army needs you, you don’t need it. I waited a long time to get in, have a high enough asvab and they’ll make it available. There is always a way. Just be patient and don’t settle for anything less.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 16 at 2019 12:04 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Jan 2019 00:04:03 -0500

It’s all about the needs of the Army. Many people want 31K... if you’re set on that MOS, don’t enlist into anything else. Reclassing into 31K from 31B isn’t easy. I’ve seen it done at the local level but it’s very rare. Hold out until you get what you want. I hope you’ve done your research into 31K... expect long training days, lots of TDY, and rotating weekends to include holidays (someone has to take care of the MWDs). You’ll also be working the road with the MPs on top of everything else. You’ll have mandatory training hours once certified no matter what’s going on. It’s an awesome MOS but it’s a lot of work. If you have the passion for it, don’t settle for less... just be patient.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 16 at 2019 12:14 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Jan 2019 12:14:07 -0500

It's not a MOS identifier you get on enlistment. You must take the basic 31B MOS first and then after spending a bit in the MOS 31B status you can then request through your unit to be sent to the 31K school in San Antonio. It's like a special addition identifier. There are a lot of 31B on AD right now that also want to be handlers. It takes a special person to be a handler. Usually most get it through re-enlistment.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2019 2:29 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Jan 2019 14:29:28 -0500

There are a ton of factors involved. First, its not an option unless youre going Active Duty. Second, there is a mass waiting list, it was an additional skill identifier, and now it is its own MOS. Heres the breakdown
https://m.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/browse-career-and-job-categories/legal-and-law-enforcement/military-working-dog-handler.m.html

Army Military Working Dog Handler (31K) | GoArmy.com

Military Working Dog Handlers help provide security by providing target odor detection. Military Working Dogs also provide commanders with a non-lethal option for neutralizing a threat. Learn about Military Police jobs at goarmy.com.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2019 8:01 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Jan 2019 20:01:47 -0500

I enlisted in September with 31K. It's not impossible, it's just all about timing and the classes are small (my class is 17 people, 19 if you count those changing MOS to 31K, and the previous class was 25 people). Tell your recruiter you only want to enlist as 31K and stand by it. It'll be available eventually. If it's what you want wait for it. Your recruiter will try to sway you but if you stay firm they wont really have a choice unless they just dont want to recruit you. In the meantime definitely look at PFT standards and start working on it now so you arent worried about passing in basic or AIT. If you have any questions feel free to ask but I'm in AIT right now so I still only know so much. Good luck!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2019 6:38 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Jan 2019 18:38:05 -0500

You will also have to find a unit that is going to have K9... not every installation uses K9, second you do have to go 31B first, then if you get assigned to a unit with K9, be under good standings, such as PT, Height and Weight, etc.. and ask for the school... another thing is that they are not gonna give 31K to a new recruit, you have to earn that...