How do I determine if my recruiter is giving me good advice on how to get my preferred MOS?

Cadet PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Sep 2019 11:14:13 -0400

so I've talked to my recruiter and he agrees on me being a 25b but I'm only 17. he told me to speed things up since I graduate this year and will still be 17 till next august to goto MEPS as a 19D and before I ship to BCT I can change back to a 25b. he promises it will work but i'm worried that he just wants to fill slots. I have my heart set on 25b and I'm willing to wait if I have to. what should I do?

Response by MSG Gary Eckert made Sep 16 at 2019 11:16 AM

MSG Gary Eckert — Mon, 16 Sep 2019 11:16:50 -0400

If you have your heart set on 25B then do not enlist as a 19D.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Sep 16 at 2019 11:25 AM

SSG Brian G. — Mon, 16 Sep 2019 11:25:16 -0400

You wait. If you sign a contract for 19D guess what? You are going to BCT as a 19D. Wait until you turn 18 and sign for 25B.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2019 11:32 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Sep 2019 11:32:23 -0400

I'm guessing that you qualify for 25B but he apparently needs to push 19D. You hold out for 25B if that is what your heart desires. Stick to your guns for what you want.

Response by CH (CPT) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2019 11:49 AM

CH (CPT) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Sep 2019 11:49:53 -0400

Already answered, but let me add another wrinkle: find a different recruiter who will not lie to you. That guy doesn't deserve to get credit for you when you do ship.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Sep 16 at 2019 11:55 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Mon, 16 Sep 2019 11:55:48 -0400

1. Wait till you are 18- thats the law. 2. Hold out for what you want- 19 series is large, 25 is much smaller. 3. Who knows what will be open win you turn 18.4. Recruiters are like used car salesman- they push what they need to make numbers, guess he /service needs more 19 series.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2019 11:58 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Sep 2019 11:58:38 -0400

Yeah, no. Wait until you are 18 and get what YOU want. You enlist as a 19D, you ARE a 19D you cannot just "change" to 25B. Wait until you are 18 and get 25B like you want, the job will still be there (even if he/she says it may not).

The job of a recruiter is to recruit new soldiers in the Army. Unfortunately, there are those some who could care less what you want as long as they get their number. If anything, this recruiter should be encouraging you to wait until you are 18 and get what you want.

WAIT TIL YOU ARE 18.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2019 12:01 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Sep 2019 12:01:03 -0400

Normally, I would agree with everyone else here. But this says that you are ROTC. If your goal is to Commission then it is pointless hold out for the enlisted MOS that you want. Plus, you will gain more leadership experience in combat arms that will translate better than a support MOS.
Now, if your goal is to stay enlisted, and hold out for your job of choice.

Response by SFC David Xanten made Sep 16 at 2019 1:02 PM

SFC David Xanten — Mon, 16 Sep 2019 13:02:49 -0400

Ask the Career Counselor at the AFEES as he is the only one that can get you the school you want. If you’re too young it won’t happen so you will need to wait. Make sure you’re qualified and have a school date before signing ANYTHING.

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Sep 16 at 2019 1:48 PM

CPL Gary Pifer — Mon, 16 Sep 2019 13:48:49 -0400

19D was an OJT MOS when I was in the NG... it also crippled me and many of my friends. I would go a see a new recruiter.

Response by Cadet PVT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2019 1:49 PM

Cadet PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Sep 2019 13:49:53 -0400

He is calling it a renegotiation contract???

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Sep 16 at 2019 2:41 PM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Mon, 16 Sep 2019 14:41:55 -0400

Lots of good answers here, now my $.02!!!

1. The recruiter has very little to say when it comes to what MOS are available to you. That jobs is for the Guidance Counselor. Another recruiter who will actually seat down with you at the MEPS after you complete your medical evaluation. S/he needs to know what you are both ASVAB and medically qualified for.

2. If your intent is to go Regular Army (active duty), the contract you initially sign is to guarantee in written your training choice, not really commiting you. But, although in theory can be done, renegotiating it for a different MOS before you ship is very hard. If is a Reserve contract, is commiting.

3. As an exception, they can pick up the phone and see if there is a possibility to get your desired MOS so long they can justify that you are 100% commiting. Lastly....

4. Wait until your desired MOS is available.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Sep 16 at 2019 4:48 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Mon, 16 Sep 2019 16:48:39 -0400

Sneaky recruiter! LOL

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2019 5:43 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Sep 2019 17:43:42 -0400

What part does age play in this equation....you can be a 25B @ 17 y/o. Make them call the ROC. If they have made the calls then and the ROC says that there are BN O training seats available then tell your recruiter that you are going to wait. Your physical and ASVAB are good for 2 years from completion date.
It's not the ideal situation to be QNE but it's not the end of the world for the recruiter.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2019 7:30 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Sep 2019 19:30:43 -0400

Nah I am a 25B, idc if it’s Officer or enlisted, being trained for 25B gives you resources and insight to a whole different
World if it is you wish to pursue, your recruiter is just trying to fill slots. Wait for what you want. Because after that, you will be locked in for 19D and you have to go, he might not even have the power to get 25B for you and you will be screwed.

Response by SPC David Roberts made Sep 17 at 2019 9:36 AM

SPC David Roberts — Tue, 17 Sep 2019 09:36:37 -0400

Wait for the 25B. The recruiter is playing games with you. I held out for a technical MOS and it has benefitted me my whole life.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 17 at 2019 4:52 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Sep 2019 16:52:36 -0400

Your recruiter is refering to a Reno (renegotiation of contract) yes it is possible and can be done. You go to MEPs and sign for 19D, later on you can reno your contract. The Army wants to make you happy and see you ship out to basic training. Some people change their mind about what job they chose when they initially signed. They would rather get you to pick a new job then have you not ship out. Don't let these people who don't know what they are talking about give you bad advice.

Response by PFC Greg Wright made Sep 17 at 2019 6:21 PM

PFC Greg Wright — Tue, 17 Sep 2019 18:21:38 -0400

Make sure its ALL in writing dont sign shit with out it being there and make sure you have a parent look at it before you sign.

Response by SFC Mike Eckhardt made Sep 18 at 2019 4:07 PM

SFC Mike Eckhardt — Wed, 18 Sep 2019 16:07:59 -0400

I was a 19K detailed out to 4 years of recruiting. Once you select an MOS, it's really hard to change. I think he just wants you to lock in to meet his quota for the month. The leadership above him may be pressuring him to get the contract. The counselors at MEPS know the MOSs that need filled, recruiters usually don't.

Response by GySgt Kenneth Pepper made Sep 19 at 2019 10:44 AM

GySgt Kenneth Pepper — Thu, 19 Sep 2019 10:44:44 -0400

Other branches have IT also. If you are qualified by Army standards you are most likely qualified for all. The next question is "Do I want to be a soldier or do I want to be an IT specialist?". If IT is the answer, check out what the Navy or AF has to offer.
If IT is the long pole in the tent, don't go see a Marine recruiter.

Response by SFC Howard Holmes made Oct 8 at 2019 12:55 AM

SFC Howard Holmes — Tue, 08 Oct 2019 00:55:56 -0400

He cannot make a promise like that. Right now it may be truthful, but if all the 25 B slots fill up by the time you can change, you're stuck. Besides, if they spend the money to send you to 19D school, there is a minimum time frame that you have to serve in that MOS.