IRR to Reserve, forced to reclass. Suggestions?

SGT Josheua Cooke — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 20:18:09 -0400

Oye gents,

Quick overview of my conundrum, I am a 89D20 (EOD) Sergeant, I let my contract lapse after four years due to injury (kind of kicking myself because I was promotable). I've been in the IRR for three years, generally sucking at life on the civilian side. Needless to say I am feeling the itch to be doing more with myself despite attending college and working full time.

A recruiter contacted me the other day out of the blue and asked to meet with me. After the meet and greet, I was ready to be back in, although not active duty, I have built a life for my family where we are. The largest issue I have is that according to the career councilor, there are no EOD units anywhere near Wisconsin (where I reside). I have mixed feeling about reclassing. But if I had to, my ultimate goal would be to drop a warrant officer packet. The only way I can do that is to stay in Ordnance (89D or 89B feeder for 890A). I suppose it would help if I stated my ASVAB scores were 117 across the board.

Here are my main concerns, I don't want to reclass from something so very specialized to a career where I have to compete with everyone and their brother for everything. My goal is to make the most out of the opportunity for professional advancement. I have wanted to become a Warrant Officer for a very long time, my fear now is that I will reclass to something that I will get stuck in, because I will be carrying a permanent profile. The VA has me at 80% disabled due to neck, back and a few other things.

What would my brothers and sisters recommend if you were in the same boat? I mean I am not opposed to reclassing outside of Ordnance, but the opportunity has to be worthwhile. In theory I should still be promotable pending completence of AIT (if the gods allow points to be about what I have currently). As far as I am aware, I should be able to submit a warrant packet pending successful APFT. Is there anything I'm missing?

I appreciate everything in advance.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2015 8:53 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 20:53:21 -0400

I know nothing about going warrant, so I can't help you there, but the Air Guard has EOD slots. Might be something worth looking into

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2015 9:45 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 21:45:15 -0400

If you wish to stay EOD, you can certainly do that, you would just have to travel (to whatever state has a slot) for the monthly BTA's. Pay for travel would be done through DTS vouchers (IDT). If you end up reclassing to a different MOS, then you would more than likely lose that P status as the P you currently have is for your current MOS. Based on your statement of 80% disabled, you may not even be able to drop a Warrant packet as I have been under the understanding that WOCS is a physical no joke course. But, talk to the Warrant school house for that answer.

But as for wanting something that is worthwhile, look at all the options that are available to you (and within the state if you don't want to travel for BTAs) and see what sparks a twinkle in your eye. But in all honesty, my only true answer I can provide is to simply go with your gut instinct. That is usually the route that ends up being the correct one anyway.

Response by SGT Josheua Cooke made Oct 16 at 2015 3:21 PM

SGT Josheua Cooke — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 15:21:07 -0400

Update:

I was offered a 00G E-6 slot for small arms trainer for a unit. Nice thing is that I keep my MOS and should remain promotable as a result. I know I would have to attend TAITC and SGLTC but I am having a hard time finding material on these schools. Does anyone have any insight? Furthermore, will the unit be able to get me a slot in these courses with a permanent profile?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 16 at 2015 6:49 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 18:49:05 -0400

Go Medoc bro! 68W. Move on to be a flight medic in the military so you have something to challenge yourself and move forward to. Take 68W and go to paramedic school. Join the fire service as a firefighter / paramedic. You'll love the paramilitary career! Or be a flight medic on the civilian side. Shout out if yiu want any advice on pursuing it.

Response by SGT(P) Crystal Marie France made Oct 16 at 2015 7:06 PM

SGT(P) Crystal Marie France — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 19:06:07 -0400

SSG Private RallyPoint Member I was going to say the same thing but the truth is 68V Respiratory therapy is where it's at, or 68A Biomedical Specialist.

Response by SSG Antonine Galvan made Oct 16 at 2015 7:59 PM

SSG Antonine Galvan — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 19:59:44 -0400

Brother you're going to have to take a gamble. I wish I was still in your shoes because I would've went back in. But that was five years ago the VA has me at 70% disabled I have a good job have a fiancé and I have my family back so I Take that gamble anymore.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2017 4:17 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Jul 2017 04:17:51 -0400

Go Ammo Warrant. Theres like only 42 in the whole Army Reserves