If I don’t want to be open contract, and before I leave for bootcamp I want to try to change my MOS, what can I do?

Courtney Coy — Tue, 22 May 2018 21:59:41 -0400

I leave for Navy basic training in about a month or so and i really don’t like the idea of being open contract. I found an MOS that i really like and am super interested in doing, but i’m afraid to talk to my recruiter about it because i’m not sure how much time i have to be able to get this MOS, because of asvab scores and whatnot. What should i do ?

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2018 10:44 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 May 2018 22:44:25 -0400

By open contract I assume you will be going into one of the apprenticeship fields? Not sure why you're afraid to talk to your recruiter, but you're going to have to, and see if he can get you back to MEPS to change your contract.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2018 12:27 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 May 2018 00:27:42 -0400

Please don’t go in the Navy Undesignated. You will have a hard time and not be able to rank up without a rate. Which means you have to wait the 2 years and wait if there’s a rate of which you qualify for opens and who knows what it would be. If you get lucky you’ll get attracted to aviation but who knows.......my advice...speak to an Army recruiter about what you are interested in. Do your research online and see what mos you qualify for in the Army. There’s no guarantee you will get the specific one you want but it’s WAY better than going undesignated in the Navy on a ship with 2k+ boys and girls all cramped up with limited amount of food months at a time. The Army has the more jobs than any other branch. More jobs that translate to civilian jobs as well with certificates etc. please speak to a recruiter and research. Hopefully you find out Army is better and become a dep loss for the Navy.....My experience: I was enlisted in the Navy and my rate was CS. I waited 5 months to ship out. Unfortunately things didn’t work out. I became a dep loss and discharged from the Navy. I’m so glad because I switched to the Army and it was the best decision I’ve made. I did my research on all branches and found the Army fits me best. I wish you the best. If you decide to switch. Just know this in your heart. THIS IS YOUR LIFE! DONT LET NOTHING STOP YOU OR NO ONE. Just because you change your mind about something doesn’t mean your wrong. Man up and tell them what’s going to happen. I had to do the same. Good luck

Response by GySgt Charles O'Connell made May 23 at 2018 5:36 AM

GySgt Charles O'Connell — Wed, 23 May 2018 05:36:14 -0400

If you have found an occupational field that you like and are, "super interested" in, voice this to your recruiter. If you are qualified, you may have to change your ship date to meet the school start date. This will be a pain for you recruiter, as they will miss a ship quota, but it's your contract. Talk to your recruiter!

Response by SGT Aric Lier made May 23 at 2018 6:02 AM

SGT Aric Lier — Wed, 23 May 2018 06:02:33 -0400

never accept an open contract!!! tell your recruiter what you want if he says no walk next door and Join the Army!!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2018 6:07 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 May 2018 06:07:31 -0400

The best advice I can give you is this.....Advicate for your desires before you ship out, cause once you ship out your contract is solidified. It’s ok to change your mind and prior to shipping. Talk to your recruiter, give him a chance to help you out.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made May 23 at 2018 9:02 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Wed, 23 May 2018 09:02:28 -0400

If you don't bring it up before reporting then you are stuck, and if your ASVAB scores are not in the range, you won't get it anyway.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2018 9:03 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 May 2018 21:03:56 -0400

What MOS do you want?

Response by PO2 Thomas Tutton made May 26 at 2018 8:04 PM

PO2 Thomas Tutton — Sat, 26 May 2018 20:04:43 -0400

Don’t understand. I walked into the recruitment office while in High School. Told the recruiter what I knew skill wise. (Vocational Education). What I wanted to do and finally how can the Navy help me. This recruiter blended my knowledge into a Navy job that gave me a wide range of options upon my discharge. Enlisted under the delayed enlistment program graduated high school 8 months later and shipped off to basic and the HT A school. Everything I learned as a Hull Tech allowed me to seamlessly slide into a career as a civilian. I will always be thankful to that recruiter who took the time to listen to my needs and adapted them to the needs of the Navy. A win win for both. Know what you want and speak up. You will be surprised with the results

Response by SrA Jonathan Carbonaro made May 26 at 2018 8:50 PM

SrA Jonathan Carbonaro — Sat, 26 May 2018 20:50:27 -0400

Do not ship out on a job that you don't want. If you want a specific job and your Recruiter isn't willing to allow you to retake the ASVAB so you can qualify for it. Then go talk to a different recruiter either in the Navy or more then likely their is an equivalent job that you can do in a separate branch. But do NOT join in an open contract. So what you wait longer?

Response by PO3 Curtis Frey made May 30 at 2018 10:28 PM

PO3 Curtis Frey — Wed, 30 May 2018 22:28:25 -0400

Tell your recruiter you want the SAEF program (assuming it's still around - may be called different "Submarine Advanced Electricians Field"). The training was invaluable - I have had nothing short of every door open during my post - Naval days.

You will train, learn skills that rival that of the finest cat burglars- party like a rock star...but seriously, you will be tested, trained and pushed emotionally & physically every day. You will learn that the chunk of iron must cringe to even understand - is your girl...she'll demand your attention 24/7/365...but she will fight for you without request, she'll put you in harm's way, to deliver you home.

If you want to test yourself...becoming a submariner isn't just a name...its a badge of the highest honor...no sane man locks himself into a Pepsi can equipped with enough firepower to unleash the God Factor, powered with a nuclear steam kettle operating pressures that will cut your body in two with a pinhole leak....yeah, it's a living dragon that will Love you.

Finding the right guy, to fit in with the misfits is no easy task...if you're lucky enough, to make it to you're qual-board - you have joined the ranks of the elite.

The job will scare the crap out of you...but you'll be surrounded by brothers that will also be scared, but confident in their craft and skill too overcome the situation.

Yeah...take your manhood and put it too the challenge...after all, the first lesson you learn - is the green water is your first enemy everyday... no lifeboats or pool deck to jump from...you'll learn "Ho Ho Ho" isnt just Santa's calling card...your keeping your lungs from puking out your mouth.

Proud of ya for any Service you give our country - best wishes for a safe return....and for Christ Sakes...dont listen to the Army guys...they cant spell MRE if you spot them 2 letters (come on, that was funny).

Cheers to all that do, a Silent Wheep that gave their all.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2018 4:41 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 16:41:08 -0400

Join the Army! You're guaranteed an MOS!
Heck, if you go to Ranger School we'll even throw in a free tomahawk!!

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2020 8:24 AM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Mar 2020 08:24:16 -0500

Let your recruiter know asap. He may be able to help, or not. Depends on needs of USN, your scores, and how much time you have. Unless your a wizard a month is not much.