How do 66 series commissioned officers get additional MOS?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 Nov 2018 20:25:19 -0500

My Army Reserve detachment is currently over-strength on 66Hs (Medical-Surgical Nurse), and many of them would like to promote. However being that they are double, or triple slotted they do not currently have the ability to move up. The advice from Retention was for them to specialize in another 66 series MOS based on their civilian experience. My question is how would I get the ball rolling in that regard, does anyone know the regulation that governs commissioned MOS in AMEDD? I was told that they needed to send documentation up to HRC but I'm yet to find anything in writing stating the same.

Response by LTC David Brown made Nov 9 at 2018 7:09 AM

LTC David Brown — Fri, 09 Nov 2018 07:09:20 -0500

I think the easiest way is to get certified in a recognized specialty area the Army is short on. Or Nurse, Critical care, even Anesthesia if you have the time. Then through personnel for an MOS change based on certification. Not going to be easy.

Response by CPT Enrique M. made Nov 9 at 2018 9:07 AM

CPT Enrique M. — Fri, 09 Nov 2018 09:07:52 -0500

I don't think it happens often, but I seen 66H's jump to the 70 series AOC. The best bet is for them to talk to their branch manager ( they can check HRC) and see what other AOC's they can go to. The other thing is that there might be other 66H slots not in their area but other states might have it. If they are willing to drill in other states thats another way overcoming the issues with slots.

good luck

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Nov 9 at 2018 1:29 PM

SFC Ralph E Kelley — Fri, 09 Nov 2018 13:29:18 -0500

Officers have AOCs or "areas of concentration,"

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2018 5:30 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 09 Nov 2018 17:30:26 -0500

Some of these specialties, like mine, require a long path to obtain. For me, 66F, is an additional 2 plus years as critical care, then 3 more years of specialized training in anesthesia, then board certification. Others don’t take as long but still require time and commitment.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2018 2:00 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 10 Nov 2018 14:00:31 -0500

Re-branching is re-branching, the only difference is board certification if they are only changing Nurse specialties.
What 66 and 70 series vacancies do you have at your unit and units (both Reserve AND Guard) near you?
They need to find vacancies in their current AOC or an AOC that can not be filled by qualified excess in order to re-branch to a new 66 or 70 series.
Finding the vacancies is the challenge, doing the paperwork to get it done is easier.

Response by CPT Kevin White made Nov 26 at 2018 5:55 PM

CPT Kevin White — Mon, 26 Nov 2018 17:55:26 -0500

They can apply for the critical care qualifier 8A the Army used to have a school that granted the 8A. It was a very tough school and the people I knew in it were very bright and some of the most knowledgeable nurses I knew. You can also achieve 8A through qualifying civilian ICU experience as a reservist.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2018 5:46 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Dec 2018 17:46:02 -0500

The Army is presently in a critical shortage in 66E, 66S & 66T ... OR, ER, ICU. The Army has schools to send a qualified 66H to, you don't drop the H, you add the E/S/T. Primary vs secondary AOC. Speak with your Chief Nurse or the applicable section leader for further info.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2020 10:01 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Jan 2020 10:01:52 -0500

Go back to school! 66F was WELL worth the trouble. The Uniformed Services University for the Health Sciences at Walter Reed, Bethesda has CRNA, CNS, Psych, and FNP programs that are Fully Paid for. Go to ANC web site for details on eligibility and applications. Stay a Nurse! Don’t get distracted with Hoo! Yah! All advance practice MOSs come with major bonuses also (20-50K a year).