I will be submitting my voluntary reclassify packet this week. Which path is best, 12B Combat Engineer or 19D Cavalry scout?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Jan 2018 01:32:18 -0500

12B and 19D are currently short and taking E5 sergeants for voluntary reclass. My goal has always been to reclass to 11B but was told I couldn't twice. The above MOS's are the closest to it so i'd like to take advantage of this opportunity and finally make this career change that I should've made after my first term. I am highly interested in the above two MOS's but I would like to know from leaders which MOS is the better choice and who spends more time training on their craft. A little insight on the day to day operations would be much appreciated as well. Thank you in advance.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2018 3:37 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Jan 2018 03:37:06 -0500

Why can't you reclass to 11B?
If you're going to be combat arms, why not go to RANGER SCHOOL!!! (It'll make you tough! So tough!!) and reclass to 11B that way?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2018 6:50 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Jan 2018 06:50:11 -0500

I enjoyed 12B a lot.
I'm sure both have their benifits

Response by SGT Brandon Bergeron made Jan 23 at 2018 7:38 AM

SGT Brandon Bergeron — Tue, 23 Jan 2018 07:38:28 -0500

i hold 11B 12B and 19D what do you want to know?

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2018 8:02 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Jan 2018 08:02:21 -0500

SSG Private RallyPoint Member, depends what you want to do. Those are two totally different MOS's you are talking about there. There are a lot of different kinds of engineer units too, which provide a lot of different jobs for SGT's. If you are a 12B, you could be anything from a light sapper team leader or section leader, pounding pickets, laying wire, digging fighting positions, blowing stuff up or you could be a heavy engineer...doing the same thing with heavy equipment. You could also end up swinging a hammer in a construction unit or power and light. Depends where you go. As a 19D, you have one job...reconnaissance. You'd end up as a team leader or vehicle commander in a light, Stryker or armored cavalry squadron. Same job, different platforms. Engineers are supposed to fight as infantry when they aren't doing engineer tasks, but that's about 2% of their time. If engineers aren't being used in their primary job, something has gone wrong. Scouts are focused on reconnaissance. All the time. They aren't supposed to engage the enemy directly unless the mission calls for it...usually in the heavy units. I'd become a scout, but I'm biased.

Response by SSG Christopher Conklin made Jan 23 at 2018 10:50 AM

SSG Christopher Conklin — Tue, 23 Jan 2018 10:50:52 -0500

I was a (spoon), before I became a scout. It was in the Guard. So, cant help u. Sorry but best of luck to you.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2018 12:35 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Jan 2018 12:35:32 -0500

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2018 2:47 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Jan 2018 14:47:52 -0500

I recommend 12B......but them I'm being biased as I once was a 12B

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Jan 23 at 2018 3:14 PM

CSM Richard StCyr — Tue, 23 Jan 2018 15:14:15 -0500

12B by all means. Essayons!

Response by Sgt Cody Jones made Jan 23 at 2018 5:33 PM

Sgt Cody Jones — Tue, 23 Jan 2018 17:33:19 -0500

Awesome thread. I’m also looking into doing 11b or 12b. Coming from the Marine Corps Motor T, starting to lean a lot more toward 12b. Good luck to you and which ever route you go man.

Response by SGT Tony Clifford made Jan 23 at 2018 6:03 PM

SGT Tony Clifford — Tue, 23 Jan 2018 18:03:02 -0500

Well, as a former 12B I'm a little biased. You'll do a lot of things similar to infantry. Nearly every post has engineer units so you can go anywhere. There are also engineer battalions in the middle of nowhere. My last year on active duty was at WSMR, NM. Training is hard and if you deploy to Afghanistan you'll be doing route clearance. Downside for NCOs in engineer units is that you will be dealing with a lot of arrests. Engineer battalions tend to top the blotter. Also, it a small MOS for combat arms, so points for promotion can be really high. I left active as a SGT, because I was waiting on points to drop from 798 for over a year. The positive side, you will eventually know a guy nearly everywhere you get sent. When I left Lewis for Korea, half of the squad I was given I served with in the 14th at one time or another. Same at WSMR, he'll even in the CANG I worked with soldiers I served with on active duty. So there will be a lot of continuity. Also, you're likely to be a squadleader immediately, because engineer units regularly have soldiers in positions above their pay grade.

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2018 10:45 AM

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Jan 2018 10:45:47 -0500

12 bravo all the way.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2018 9:18 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Jan 2018 21:18:07 -0500

That is a hard question. I would look at the MOS density, the turn over rate, then ultimately end up blowing stuff up. There is also the outside career aspects which in both cases are pretty much nothing... but 12B blow stuff up!

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2018 10:56 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Jan 2018 10:56:23 -0500

Considered a Civil Affairs packet? We need E5s.

Response by MAJ Michael Cummings made Jan 25 at 2018 3:00 PM

MAJ Michael Cummings — Thu, 25 Jan 2018 15:00:56 -0500

If you look at which will benefit you once you retire and want abother career, 12B would benefit greatly.

I am biased though and vote for 19D. Having been in both heavy armor units and in Cav, there is nothing like the armor brotherhood.

Response by CPL Dylan Maisner made Jan 25 at 2018 10:20 PM

CPL Dylan Maisner — Thu, 25 Jan 2018 22:20:00 -0500

SAPPERS LEAD THE WAY

Response by SGT Chester Beedle made Jan 25 at 2018 11:37 PM

SGT Chester Beedle — Thu, 25 Jan 2018 23:37:17 -0500

12B. You get to do some infantry training, especially if you are supporting an infantry unit. Plus you get to play with C4 which is pretty fun.
You won't likely be doing any hammer swinging or carpentry, or any of the other construction type work since it's not your MOS. You might help a construction unit, but it won't be your primary job.

19Ds... well um... yeah. Not actual cavalry, they aren't tankers who are in the fight. They are supposed to be recon type units, mostly for armor units. Infantry does it's own scouting in their scout platoons.

They are supposed to not actually engage the enemy. If they do, it's because one of two things happened. They are being misused, usually to give them something to do in a non-conventional war... as in doing patrols or convoy security. Or things went very, very, very wrong and they were discovered by the enemy.

I am biased however. I started in the regular army as an 11B. Went in the Guard as an 11B, then moved to WA where the nearest infantry unit was a couple hours away. A combat engineer unit was in the city I moved to and knew that I liked blowing things up, so why not. Spent about 6 years there, then went back to an infantry unit for my last few years.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2018 10:43 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Jan 2018 10:43:03 -0500

SGT, so look. The fact is, like the Col said, 11B is 11B. Anyone who’s ays we’re basically Infantry is kidding themselves. That being said I’m a 12B and can offer a little insight. As a 12B you’ll be aligned with an infantry unit. A squad supports a company. Whatever that maneuver Commander needs you to do you’ll do. As a light Sapper unit you’ll do a fair share of breaching obstacles and urban breaching. Rarely in a light or airborne unit will that company commander ask you to set in a defense, although it could happen. If you’re mechanized you’ll do the same but will be fighting from a Bradley, ABV ect. Down range our job tends to be route clearance and counter IED, so get comfortable with seeking out bombs. Over the last few years we’ve gotten back to the old school Engineer tasks that were set aside due to the counter insurgency fight we’ve had on our hands. Bottom line, we’re not Infantry, but we’re a Combat multiplier. We assist in enabling the maneuver guys to complete their mission. And yes, a lot of blowing stuff up.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jan 26 at 2018 8:50 PM

COL Charles Williams — Fri, 26 Jan 2018 20:50:50 -0500

SSG Private RallyPoint Member It all depends on what you are interested. What are your long term goals?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2018 9:45 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Jan 2018 21:45:52 -0500

I agree with SGT Clifford I would say personally as a 12B myself I am also a little biased but out of the two 12B is the closest you’ll get to infantry but again it does depend on your unit. You receive a decent amount of MOUT training as well as demolition training and at some point you have to do EQT as well which are all the engineer qualification tables all in all very fun and interesting. But be ready to do a lot of manual labor. They well have you pounding pickets and laying C-wire at some point

Response by SGT Emilio Torres made Jan 27 at 2018 3:24 PM

SGT Emilio Torres — Sat, 27 Jan 2018 15:24:58 -0500

12B all day

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jan 29 at 2018 11:04 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Mon, 29 Jan 2018 23:04:22 -0500

12B Combat Engineer. Engineering is a critical skill in and out of the military. It's a STEM field and always in high demand, so you'll be setting yourself up for long term success if you take advantage of education and credentialing opportunities. Cav Scouts just get a cute hat...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2018 11:17 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 29 Jan 2018 23:17:56 -0500

Thank you to everyone who has given me input and advice for this reclass. All of your comments were very informative. I have submitted my packet for 19D. Let's hope HRC gives me the go-ahead. I will keep you all updated! Thanks again, everyone.

Response by SP5 Christian Stevenson made Jan 31 at 2018 5:23 AM

SP5 Christian Stevenson — Wed, 31 Jan 2018 05:23:22 -0500

19D is the way to go. You'll have opportunities to become trained on every Vehicle the army uses, except tanks. You'll become trained on every weapon that can be fired from the ground. Scouts are always training, perfecting their craft.

Response by SFC Bob Johnson made Feb 3 at 2018 10:16 PM

SFC Bob Johnson — Sat, 03 Feb 2018 22:16:19 -0500

First and foremost, you have to ask yourself why you are looking to reclassify into a different MOS as an E5 in your current MOS; don’t get me wrong as there are a lot of good reasons, but you need to ask yourself the hard why. Secondly, why these two MOSs in particular? Third, you have to look at life after you leave the army “life” and how your MOS in combination with who you are and what you enjoy all life be up in regards to your next career. Also, if you’re married or soon to be married, how does you’re significant other feel about the change in jobs and dangers associated with each. This is a great forum to pose your thought on and receive some awesome feedback, but once you make the choice you are the who’ll have to make the most of it. Good luck and God’s speed, thank you for your service!

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Feb 5 at 2018 2:56 PM

SFC Ralph E Kelley — Mon, 05 Feb 2018 14:56:40 -0500

Way back in the beginning of our country Scouts (19D), Engineers (12B) and MP's (31B) were the same JOB ('MOS' no numbers) , called PIONEERS.
.
For the Commander - When scouting, Pioneers sought pathways, identified key terrain and resources so as to guide unit’s movement through the terrain.. They reported enemy locations, probable courses of action and reported on their 'condition'. They maintained contact.
Once the commander determined his Course of Action, some Pioneers became 'Engineers' to make roads for movement of forces, heavy guns and support trains, which included identification of critical slopes, fords, and obstacles. They leveled steep slopes, 'stoned' the ford travel way and cleared obstacles. In the retreat build positions, wreaked roads/fords/made embankments. All this was in order to assist the commander in the development and implementation of his plan.
Pioneers, to facilitate the commander's plan, also had some that became 'Provosts'. These would outpost (OPs) enemy routes of advance, provide flank and rear security. They would perform as Guides and in some cases relay orders and responses levels of command as couriers. They would hold prisoners and after the fight, 'Police the Battlefield' by capturing enemy soldiers and ensuring lost soldiers reintegrated with the units. They would also set up CCPs (Casualty Collection Points).
.
If you look at the different MOSs of 19D, 12B and 31B you will see that the Primary MOS tasks for one are the secondary tasks of the others.
.
Decide which skills you want to do more and choose that MOS.

Response by SGT Derek Wynne made Feb 10 at 2018 3:03 PM

SGT Derek Wynne — Sat, 10 Feb 2018 15:03:17 -0500

19D

Response by SPC Gregory Groff made Feb 10 at 2018 3:27 PM

SPC Gregory Groff — Sat, 10 Feb 2018 15:27:12 -0500

19 Delta would be my recommendation

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2018 3:38 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 11 Feb 2018 03:38:43 -0500

12B.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2018 11:19 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 11 Feb 2018 23:19:40 -0500

Good evening, Everyone. An update about the reclass. So it turns out HRC will not let me reclass due to the recent MILPER that was released regarding reclasses.According to the new MILPER, my MOS 92Y is short E5s and aren’t releasing any from the MOS. What disappoints me more is that 11B is now short E5’s. I tried every loop hole there possibly is in the regulation but couldn’t find anything that could override the shortage situation. My best bet now is to wait until my reenlistment window opens in September, and hope that a new MILPER comes out with new information. This hurts, but I’m gonna suck it up and drive on. But thank you to all who have given me advice and great information. I’m truly greatful as I’ve learned a lot from you all. I will post an update in the next six months. Thank you!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2018 12:51 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Feb 2018 00:51:05 -0500

12B

Response by SGT Brian Boyd made Feb 15 at 2018 12:27 PM

SGT Brian Boyd — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 12:27:53 -0500

Go 12c get on a ribbon bridge jet boat operator, nothing like being on the river

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2018 8:35 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 24 Feb 2018 20:35:02 -0500

As a 12b its a good choice as long as you get put in a good unit I love the job but didn't get a good unit but as a 12b you have the best of both worlds being dismount or mounted and you can go to sapper and ranger school

Response by SGT Matt Brayton made Feb 28 at 2018 11:30 PM

SGT Matt Brayton — Wed, 28 Feb 2018 23:30:12 -0500

What about combat medic? That way you don't have to be a POG.

Response by CPL Paul Marquardt made Mar 4 at 2018 4:21 PM

CPL Paul Marquardt — Sun, 04 Mar 2018 16:21:26 -0500

12B all the way! Need good Leaders!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2018 5:12 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Mar 2018 05:12:49 -0400

19d if you like the blow shit up and fire a lot of different weapons

Response by SPC Christopher Trafnik made Mar 23 at 2018 10:24 AM

SPC Christopher Trafnik — Fri, 23 Mar 2018 10:24:42 -0400

I would say 12B for transitional skills in civilian life

Response by LTC Kim Peterson made Mar 26 at 2018 8:46 PM

LTC Kim Peterson — Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:46:00 -0400

24 yrs in Armor/Cav units. Go Cav young man, go Cav!

Response by SPC Joshua Blackburn made Mar 27 at 2018 6:09 PM

SPC Joshua Blackburn — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 18:09:49 -0400

I was a 19d for 8 years I loved it. All my units were tight night and everyone was close. We had a lot of b.s. details but had fun doing them I would go back in a heart beat but due to the fact I etsed and am trying to go back in with an h2 profile I am disqualified from it. That makes me sad but also opens a world of options for me. If you decide to go delta you won't regret it. Get your spurs and mount up. IF YOU AINT CAV YOU AINT SHIT

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2018 9:18 PM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Apr 2018 21:18:51 -0400

12B

Response by CPT Larry Hudson made Apr 11 at 2018 10:03 AM

CPT Larry Hudson — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 10:03:03 -0400

Having been an engineer and AC with 7/1 Air Cav and 3/5 AC seems to me you have to decide whether you like flying and scouting over demolitions. I prefer aerial over trying.to out smart IEDs

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2018 2:22 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Apr 2018 14:22:02 -0400

Neither, go commo, 25B... you won't regret it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2018 1:19 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Apr 2018 01:19:15 -0400

As a 12B we can do a variety of missions within our job. I just PCS'ed to my 3rd unit and each unit i been in has been different in terms of their METL to support the maneuver force. If you enjoy being diverse and always learning new things i suggest 12B. I can not directly compare our job to the 19D world but my observation is their job only changes based on platform they work from i.e. bradley, stryker, or via their boots. I am typing this from my phone prior to completing my first coffee so hopefully it makes sense.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2018 10:26 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 May 2018 22:26:11 -0400

As a 12B in a light unit, you work with infantry a lot, but during training you’ll feel like a step child. We run the same lanes but for the most part they take all the combat stuff (clearing buildings, trenches, etc.) while engineers will do their engineer task then pull rear security or pick up slack for aid and litter. My last rotation to JRTC the infantry were given their own demo for urban breaching on our live fire, so it was pretty much a waste of our time to do the live fire.

12B should be taken with a grain of salt. We can do a lot of awesome things on the battlefield, but unless the infantry you’re attached to has a sapper tab somewhere, you won’t be used to your fullest potential.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jun 17 at 2018 1:08 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Sun, 17 Jun 2018 13:08:23 -0400

The broader MOS would be 12 series. Both are highly respectable. You should review the duties and responsibilities to make your final decision. Thank you for your service.

Response by SPC Jose Herrera made Dec 25 at 2021 1:26 PM

SPC Jose Herrera — Sat, 25 Dec 2021 13:26:35 -0500

19D. As a Cav Scout I've been Air Cav , Combat Support Company. Also had second mo's 19E. Became qualified Tank Commander. Worked my way up in 3 years