Posted on Jul 28, 2018
PVT Toby Poole
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Context: I used to be in the Texas Army National Guard and held the 68W (Combat Medic) MOS, I worded it like that because I was unfortunately discharged during my AIT due to some personal and family problems that were causing some not too severe mental health issues. I am currently back in my home town going to school to earn my bachelor's degree in criminal justice, which I plan on earning before I reenlist. I don't think the actual enlistment part will be a problem, I have an honorable discharge, reentry code of 1, with a JFV separation code for "a condition, not a disability," and no record of any sort of misconduct throughout my short Army career. I am not considered GNPS though, as I passed the 180 day active duty service requirement to be considered prior service, or so I've read.

So my main question is this: If I plan on going active duty after college, what are my options in terms of MOS? I enjoyed the training I went through of being a 68W, but the only reason I never went 31B (Military Police) was that I didn't have my license at the time of my enlistment (kind of dumb, I know) and while the option was available for me to waive it, I wanted to ship for basic as fast as possible so I just chose 68W instead as it was still something I was interested in. I read the prior service business rules and I know it says all MOS are available for selection due to my rank, but from other forums I've read it seems like it comes down to needs of the Army. Does anyone think it's possible that there's a recruiter out there who might pull some strings and get me 31B? Or maybe someone can tell me I'm stressing myself out over nothing and I should have no problem getting an active duty 31B slot?

I've also looked into the 31D (CID Special Agent) enlistment option as well and that would be something I'd definitely be interested in if there's truly no way I could get 31B, and from what I've read that seems a lot more realistic than what I'm currently asking, and once I get my degree I'll have the qualifications for it. Overall, I'd just really hate to have to work in an MOS that I have no interest in, and I still probably wouldn't completely enjoy working in one that I am interested in, and could get a slot for, but wouldn't relate to the law enforcement career I want to have like 68W or the 18 Series (Special Forces). I'll do just about any job for the reserves or guard because I can still be a police officer full time, but the biggest deciding factor for if I go active or not is what MOS I can get.

Sorry for the rambling, hope this isn't too long and any insight would be greatly appreciated.
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Responses: 15
SFC Station Commander
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To answer your question- because you are not MOS qualified, you don’t fall under the business rules as most prior service would. Most if not all would be open to you, BUT the Recruiter can’t show you what is in the system, for PS that is done at MEPS. Hope this helps.
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PVT Toby Poole
PVT Toby Poole
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Thank you SSG, I was under the impression that I was subject to the business rules.
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SFC Station Commander
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You are but only to the extent of being considered Prior Service. You are not MOS qualified so that leaves you open for options
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SFC Transfer Specialist / Precert Nurse
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Without reading our entire question. If you are in college now and planning on receiving a BS or higher degree I would highly recommend the officer route and do ROTC. You can branch into different areas from that You can do 68A med service officer or 31A MP if that is what you want but you would have to go see the commander of the ROTC program at your School if they have one. If not you are going to come in as a Specialist. Not much of an advantage if you are already one and USARC all you to keep your rank. Good luck
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PVT Toby Poole
PVT Toby Poole
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Thank you SFC, I appreciate the input!
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MAJ Javier Rivera
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Theoretically speaking you shouldn’t have any issues. Nevertheless speak with a recruiter for the latest and greatest and anything specific to your situation. Regarding on MOS selection is about on what you qualify for based on your ASVAB scores and availability based your ship date. Recruiters don’t want to baby sit you while waiting for a school date.
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PVT Toby Poole
PVT Toby Poole
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Understood, sir!
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