Posted on Jan 5, 2016
SPC Arabic Linguist
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I am trying to obtain a second MOS or reclass in the National Guard. Currently, I am an 88M hoping to to reclass to 35 series, 35P a Cryptologic Linguist to be precise. little about me, I was born and raised in Iraq. I speak, read and write Arabic Modern Standard, Iraqi, Egyptian, Yemeni and Levantine. I also hold secret level clearance. Can someone explain to me how can I reclass. I believe the Military can utilizing my skills in a much better way. As a DOD contractor, I provided simultaneous interpretation for U.S. officials and senior Iraqi and U.S. officers.
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Responses: 16
1SG Civil Affairs Specialist
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Edited >1 y ago
Challenge #1 - any unit that has 88M slots is very unlikely to have 35P slots. Without positions available, they will not have quotas for school seats, nor a budget to send you, nor any incentive to do so. Your first objective needs to be to find a unit that has such positions, and is willing to train you to fill that position. This is not a short school, so it is a sizeable investment for them. Even units with a need may say no. As noted by others, you might need to look at the Army Reserve to find such an opportunity. Get with a career counselor to determine where (and if) such positions exist in your area.
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SPC Arabic Linguist
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Thank you 1SG. two years ago there were open slots but no unit my RNCO contacted was willing to send me to school.
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COL Vincent Stoneking
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I would suggest a different path. I would first attempt to pick up the 09L (translator) MOS. This should be an easier transition. At the worst case, they would want you to go to the six week school. However, I wouldn't be surprised if an OJT/Prior experience waiver were granted given your background. I am not a HR type, but it would also seem to me the sort of thing you could get added as a secondary MOS without HAVING to move units (they unit may not have a slot, but it would definitely be a good ability to have within the unit, if the cost were not excessive. At least that's how I would see it if a Soldier proposed it to me.)

Once you have the 09L, you will be more likely to be seen by "the system" as a language guy, and compete for assignments in that field, including eventually reclassing to 35P, if you still want to.
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SPC Arabic Linguist
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Thank you sir.
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CPT Public Affairs Officer
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You need to look at the Reserve as well. Guard doesn't have much opportunity for language proficiency.
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SPC Arabic Linguist
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Thank you sir.
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