I want to join the Army as a 17c but the job is not currently available. Does anybody know when the job will be available?

Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Mar 2020 00:34:08 -0500

My ASVAB line scores qualify and I have passed the Cyber Test, I went to MEPS yesterday but the job was no longer available (a spot was open about a week ago). Does anybody know when the job is most likely to open up again? I know that it’s hard to guess and there is not always a set date but just wanted to see if anybody maybe has some input. Also, my recruiter was pressuring me at MEPS for 4 hours to enlist that day as a 25B even though the jobs are completely different. If my recruiter the r doesn’t work with me on this job would it be possible for me to change recruiters?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2020 1:22 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Mar 2020 01:22:17 -0500

If the job isn't available then I would suggest enlisting as anything with a short MOS AIT, like infantry, cook, supply, or any of the other 8 week AIT's. Once you are at your duty station you can apply for 17C and go to the course. 17C is always taking applications for reclass. If you are worried about not being accepted into 17C from the active duty side, and your packet isn't strong enough to be competitive to be selected, then you probably wouldn't have passed the course. But if you have experience in cyber or programming, then your packet should be competitive and you will have no issue getting selected for the course. We always have 17C class seats on the active duty side.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2020 1:36 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Mar 2020 01:36:34 -0500

Wait it out, dont take a job you dont want. There is no guarantee when you get to whatever unit you go to that your COC will support you turning in a packet. If you're passionate about 17C and the cyber operations, you'll go far. Dont let anyone pressure you.

Response by CPT Andrew Wright made Mar 6 at 2020 1:55 AM

CPT Andrew Wright — Fri, 06 Mar 2020 01:55:48 -0500

Use your Recruiter Chain of Command (Recruiter, Station Commander, First Sergeant) and ask if their CSM can open up a slot for that MOS. Those Senior NCOs know how to work magic sometimes. Best of Luck!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2020 6:23 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Mar 2020 06:23:34 -0500

Ask your recruiter to make a call over to MEPS and speak with career counselor. If your score is good enough they will make it happen. I had 17C reserved even though it was not available, in the end I chose 35Q for the bonus and the fact it is reclassing to 17C or 35N in the end. I would go 35Q if they offer that still. Less hold in the schoolhouse.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2020 8:40 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Mar 2020 08:40:07 -0500

There’s no real guess on when it will open up. Especially since I’m not a recruiter but we’re super undermanned in the MOS so if it is something you really want I’d say wait for it. It’s worth it. Don’t enlist for something to please your recruiter or to hope you might be able to reclass. Hold out and get the job you want.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2020 9:44 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Mar 2020 09:44:22 -0500

If you're dead set on that 17C, tell you're recruiter you'll wait until it's available. Your recruiter will make it happen. The Army has a lot of challenges, and you being in an MOS you're not happy with shouldn't be one of them. Talk to different recruiters, do everything in your power to get what you want.

Response by MSG Danny Mathers made Mar 6 at 2020 12:41 PM

MSG Danny Mathers — Fri, 06 Mar 2020 12:41:05 -0500

Wait for to someone either dies or get out for more money. I'd wait which it will not take long for a slot to open. A good recruiter will work to get you in. Service is an investment in your future; don't compromise to a shortage MOS offer.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2020 2:14 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Mar 2020 02:14:12 -0500

If you know that it's hard to guess....then why ask a specific question that requires a specific answer?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2020 6:44 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Mar 2020 06:44:20 -0400

Wait it out. If you enlist as another MOS, there’s a noticeable chance that’ll you’ll spend years before being able to switch. The packet requires a company commander letter of recommendation; what if they want to know you for a while and see how you do your job before they’ll write it? The packet takes months for review, as well. Then you have to submit a curtailment. Again, months of processing. Then you can put in for a class date. It’s a long process.