I'm leaving for Basic Training in a week (infantry). How can I reclassify to a different MOS?

2020-09-05T01:58:36-04:00

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2020 2:09 AM

2020-09-05T02:09:01-04:00

Why do so many of you new soldiers wait until 5-7 days before you ship to start asking these questions?!?

Response by Capt Gregory Prickett made Sep 5 at 2020 2:19 AM

2020-09-05T02:19:09-04:00

Benning will let you know if you are cut out to be Infantry or not, but my suggestion is to man up, gut it out, and be the best grunt that you can be. You can always become a POG later, like I did, but I would not trade my time in the Infantry for anything.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2020 2:28 AM

2020-09-05T02:28:32-04:00

You will go to Infantry AIT. Once you get to your new unit, take the BSEP class to raise your scores, and when it’s time to reenlist you can request a new MOS. There will be no reclass without a new contract. You need to raise your scores. The majority of Infantry who come to me to reclass don’t have the scores to reclass to a truck driver.

Response by CPL Dave Hoover made Sep 5 at 2020 2:47 AM

2020-09-05T02:47:50-04:00

I wasn't infantry, but my first permanent party was Infantry. My best and favorite duty assignment, made me a better soldier. If I was to have switched to a different MOS other than 76C/92A, my first choice would have been 11B. The nerves will be there regardless, use them. You have been given sound advice by the others, suck it up and drive on. You got this brother. PVT Private RallyPoint Member

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Sep 5 at 2020 5:43 AM

2020-09-05T05:43:17-04:00

You will not reclassify for anything during your first enlistment contract. In about a year, after you decide the Infantry isn’t for you, you see the retention NCO and look at your options. Until then you need to do your job, do as your told etc. many folks who immediately look to transition cop an attitude thinking this isn’t for me anyway. All that will get you is negative counseling and a ticket home instead of advancing your life and career. Entering the service is tough enough, entering knowing you don’t want the MOS selected is a bot crazy. It only sets you up for failure.

Response by SSG Paul Headlee made Sep 5 at 2020 7:36 AM

2020-09-05T07:36:12-04:00

It won't be easy but it won't be impossible for you. There will be plenty of others who aren't sure about this either. As you see people getting smoked for whatever violations, observe and learn. There are parts of this experience that will actually be fun. Moving forward, don't confuse knowledge with intelligence. Many people who choose to serve in Infantry units do so because they are bored with pedestrian work and seek adventure. You've got the rest of your life to be average. This is an opportunity to commit to a lifestyle that many are fearful of. Its a young man's game and some day you will be too old to hang with it. Strike while the iron is hot. This could lead to many fulfilling experiences as you seek further certificarions that regular soldiers won't ever see. Best of luck to you and remember that its normal to have reservations about your ability to succeed in anything involving risk. You can do this!

Response by Sgt Jordan Foster made Sep 5 at 2020 8:34 AM

2020-09-05T08:34:40-04:00

Talk to your recruiter and wait another few months

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2020 11:48 AM

2020-09-05T11:48:58-04:00

The answer to your question is to not leave and renegotiate your contract. Why did you choose this job in the first place? If it is not for you that is fine but you must start figuring that out soon.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 6 at 2020 12:59 AM

2020-09-06T00:59:53-04:00

I don't even understand this. Why don't you want to be infantry, because of nerves? Do you think you can not handle something that so many have already? Do you think you are weaker than so many others out there that have been infantry? I think you would be surprised in how much you can achieve when you try. I think Seneca said it best. "We are more often frightened than hurt; and we suffer more from imagination than in reality." - Lucius Seneca

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 8 at 2020 11:33 PM

2020-09-08T23:33:13-04:00

Go to recruit and say I want to reclass or I am not going..

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2020 4:17 PM

2020-09-14T16:17:33-04:00

There is no reclassifying for you at this point. Once you get to your actual assigned duty station after completing Infantry OSUT, you will have to be on station for 1 whole year before you can reclass but that will also depend on what the MOS reclassification has available and if you meet the requirements. Another option is through reenlistment. In order for you to reenlist, you will have to have been in service for 2 years and promoted to the rank of Specialist and have 15 months (approximately a year and a half) left on your current contract. My question is why enlist in an MOS and wait to ask to switch to another MOS a week prior to leaving? You were locked in the moment you raised your right hand and took an oath after signing the contract for that MOS and making it through in-processing at MEPS. If you didn’t want to go Infantry, why not talked to your recruiter or Laison/Assignment Counselor before committing to the MOS?

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2020 10:07 AM

2020-11-06T10:07:37-05:00

They'll let you know if you wash out.

Response by SSG Hubert Stapler made Nov 6 at 2020 11:39 AM

2020-11-06T11:39:43-05:00

Sounds like it’s just nerves. This training for the infantry will be use for the rest of your military career no matter what MOS you go into. When you get to permanent party get with the retention NCO in your free time and look up requirements for the MOS you would like to have. Then sign up for all the classes you need to meet those requirements. This way when it becomes time for you to reenlist you will have a better chance of getting the MOS you’d like.

Response by SFC Chuck Martinez made Nov 6 at 2020 3:51 PM

2020-11-06T15:51:28-05:00

Dude, you are a bit too late, you will have to finish your AIT or advance infantry Training, you will be struck for a while in that MOS!! After an year or so, you will have to put in a DD1049 and request to a change of MOS. The army is hurting for 11Bs/Infantrymen because most likely you will end up in a far away place in a hostile environment. You should have counted your ducks when you enlisted, 11Bs are the first to deploy when hostilities breakout anywhere around the world. Good luck!!

Response by SPC Randy Torgerson made Nov 8 at 2020 4:13 PM

2020-11-08T16:13:44-05:00

Not going to happen. Change MOS after you fulfil your first contract.