I am reclassifying to 14E. What should I expect from AIT and from my unit?

2016-09-25T07:22:34-04:00

I'm beginning AIT this November for 14E, and I've been having a hard time finding any clear answers on what to expect from it as MOS-T. What should I look forward to in AIT? Is there any sort of material I can look over to ease the transition?

Secondly, what should I expect at my unit? I'm heading to Fort Bliss afterwards, but I've only ever been able to talk with 14Ts. What duties should I expect as a 14E?

Response by PFC Pamala (Hall) Foster made Sep 25 at 2016 10:53 PM

2016-09-25T22:53:12-04:00

A LOT of hard work is in your future. The SGT's are good at what they do and know their craft and equipment so don't rile them up with foolishness and if you are confused-ask questions to clarify. I was known as Grandma/Mom in 2008.You will be working hard, challenged with Table 8 and 12 (if I remember right), the information will come at you fast and furious, the heat will get to you so stay hydrated and healthy!!!

Response by SSG Billy Claggett made Sep 27 at 2016 6:33 AM

2016-09-27T06:33:48-04:00

I was a14E from 98 to 2014 and also a patriot course instruxtor for 3yrs what ya wanna know

Response by SGT James Colbert made Sep 27 at 2016 10:05 AM

2016-09-27T10:05:15-04:00

well if you dony like desert or desert southwestern landscape itll suck for you.. it hot real hot damn hot, no humidity..its a larrgggeee installation. having siad that its a good place..everything there is not more than 5 years old woth the 1AD there now.

Response by SGT James Colbert made Sep 27 at 2016 10:05 AM

2016-09-27T10:05:29-04:00

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 27 at 2016 12:15 PM

2016-09-27T12:15:45-04:00

A bunch of hard-headed people who think they are the tip of the spear. As a mechanic 52D I couldn't stand it. I rather work with grunts.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 27 at 2016 12:18 PM

2016-09-27T12:18:16-04:00

I'd rather be with the grunts. No offense guys but I hated my time in ADA. I often wondered if 14 was the required GT score.

Response by Roderick Davis made Sep 27 at 2016 4:51 PM

2016-09-27T16:51:24-04:00

HUMBLENESS...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 27 at 2016 6:01 PM

2016-09-27T18:01:40-04:00

There are several things they will teach you. It's a 19 week and 3 day course. As a transition you won't have to abide by all the AIT rules but you'll still fall under TRADOC so it'll be somewhat of a sucky experience. It is what it is though.

In school you will learn the basics of PMCS, cover March ordering and emplacing the equipment and a brief overview of the equipment that is used and what it is they do.

The "Big 4" consist of:
ECS - Engagement Control Station
AMG - Antenna Mast Group
EPP - Electric Power Plant
RS - Radar Set

Those are essential to you as a 14E. If you really care to look into them I can post up the TMs and in there it'll break down the equipment as to what everything does.

As far as for being a 14E well I can say that you will get what you put into it like any other job/MOS. Points are low so promotion is on you (and TIS/TIG).

Some reading material to help with giving you an idea of what we do in the ADA world can be found in the following manuals.

ATP 3-01.85 BATTALION TTP
TC 3-01.86 PATRIOT Gunnery program
AT 3-01.87 BATTERY TTP

Let me know if you have any more questions.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 27 at 2016 8:09 PM

2016-09-27T20:09:19-04:00

I dont know what your current MOS is but the institutional knowledge for 14E is different than the operational knowledge. As another NCO stated previously, learn the Big 4. You may not be on a van (ECS) crew but that still leaves 3 other pieces of equipment. All of which are equally important. The 3-01.86 is your best friend, read it! Additionally you may end up in the system maintenance section. I also noticed a statement regarding the low promtion points. As a transition Soldier, you need to worry a whole lot less about promotion and a whole lot more about learning you new job. Learn everything you can, while you can. It wont be long before you find yourself on the far right of the squad! 11th BDE likes the operational environment! Field and deployments are sure to be frequent. I hope you like the beach...there is lots of it. Just no ocean!

Response by SPC David Sherman made Sep 28 at 2016 2:40 AM

2016-09-28T02:40:11-04:00

I can't comment on your MOS choice as I had 3 while I served from '84-'92; (12B, 63D, 63Y). I did contract work for BAE Systems on Ft Bliss, also Ft Riley KS.; Ft Stewart and Ft Benning, GA. You can't be outside in the Motorpool after 2 pm. That concrete just reflects that nasty heat, that's summer. Everything there in new. They have it set up so you can fire just about any weapon system on post, as long as it is directed towards White Sands. That's even the 155mm Excalibur round on the M109A6 Paladin Howitzer. As for downtown you will get told where not to go, and I believe the border is still OFF-LIMITS. Juarez is a deadly place to visit.

Response by SSG Steven McDanield made Oct 1 at 2016 10:56 AM

2016-10-01T10:56:05-04:00

Old 24T here. 11 BDE loves going to the field, learn to embrace the desert! Learn the Big 4. ECS, EPP, Radar, and AMG. The school environment is more about the academics, so the environment is more like permanent party. Ft. Bliss itself is, as I said earlier, located in the Desert. Ft. Bliss and El Paso have all the typical entertainments you would find near any military base. This one has the distinct misfortune to be located right across the boarder from Juarez. Not a safe place and don't even think about it. When I was there, it was party city...now, it's a drug war gone apocalyptic.

For the job, Read, learn and live:
ATP 3-01.85 BATTALION TTP
TC 3-01.86 PATRIOT Gunnery program
AT 3-01.87 BATTERY TTP
These are the bible of what constitutes success as a PATRIOT Missile soldier.

A typical unit is no better or worse than any other. Some soldiers who reclassify out of more regimented combat arms (Infantry, Armor, Cav, etc.. have a tendency to comment on what they perceive is a "lack of discipline" in the ranks and have a whole lot of definitions for what ADA stands for. My personal favorite was "Another Damn Army" coined by my buddy who came in from the 504th PIR.
Your job will be whatever the needs of the unit are when you arrive. You might be put in the Fire Direction Center, or a Fire Control platoon in a battery. If that happens your job will focus mainly on the tactical operations of the system and Table VIII. ( See above).

If you are assigned to a maintenance section, you will focus on the technical functionality, diagnostics, troubleshooting, repair and replacement of components and the overall maintenance of the system.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2016 3:04 PM

2016-10-07T15:04:21-04:00

Feel free to text me [login to see] . I'll set you straight for ait

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2016 8:09 PM

2016-12-23T20:09:11-05:00

Don't do it that's all I have to say I'm trying to get out and this mos is locked right now I can't wait to reclass

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2017 8:04 PM

2017-12-18T20:04:47-05:00

What do you think of 14E now?