Is there any chance of reclassifying to 35T, F or L from a undermanned MOS (35N) or should I focus on setting up for a civilian career?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 13:15:26 -0400

Since enlisting, I’ve been trying to make the best of a challenging situation:

I joined in 2019 with the intention of working 35N (Sigint). I enjoyed my training which I nearly completed. Because of the schedule for polygraph testing, I did not get tested until the very end of my AIT. To my complete dismay I was unable to successfully complete a CI Poly. I was left with TS/SCI and a reclass to the needs of the army. I was sent to a long, technical AIT, which I am currently nearing the end of. By the time I arrive at my first duty station I will have 2 years tis/tig for E-4. I will also have under 2 years until ETS.

I would appreciate any experienced advice on what I should do to meet some of my goals by re-enlisting or if I should leave the service at the end of this contract.

I enjoyed training for intel, but I am deathly afraid of another polygraph issue. I have top ASVAB scores, good pt and a four year degree. I have done a fair amount of research and cannot tell which 35 series require the poly. Is there any chance of reclass to 35T, F or L from a undermanned MOS or should I focus on setting up a civilian career?

Thanks for your input!

Response by SGT Christopher Hayden made Jun 8 at 2021 1:30 PM

SGT Christopher Hayden — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 13:30:00 -0400

Why not try and go the Officer route if you already have a degree?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2021 2:50 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 14:50:38 -0400

What exactly is wrong with the MOS you have? You haven't even tried it out yet.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jun 8 at 2021 5:17 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 17:17:57 -0400

I am confused, you haven’t even done the job you are training for. Your unit will be vastly different than AIT. To make any decision now would be an ill informed one. Ride the bike you have before you buy a new one.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Jun 8 at 2021 5:42 PM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 17:42:19 -0400

I suggest you explore why you are so afraid of a polygraph and to be honest, it is not a good look.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2021 7:41 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 19:41:10 -0400

I think 35F is your best chance of making something of it. 35T is basically tech support of classified systems. So unless you are into fixing computer and communications problems I wouldn't go down that path. Someone flagged by the Poly might not be a good candidate for counter intel. I wouldn't go down that path either.

I get it, you are basically ground up by the TRADOC system, and it's the majority of your contract time. So it could seem all pointless. You're at a stage where you have had no control over your fortunes and ETS is the only button you get to press to do anything that makes you feel you have influence over your path.

35F always seemed to be an easy promotion MOS, and for me it was the best job I ever had in my entire life (and this is considering the 20 years of civilian work I put in before the Army).

What I can tell you is a TS/SCI is not an accomplishment. Sticking it through your Army obligation, and having work experience is where it all comes together. THEN having a TS/SCI might impress employers.

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Take a breath............ You have a TS/SCI. Your needs of the army options are Intel. Imagine if you just failed out of an MOS with a bottom tier ASVAB line scores. Then where would you be? Make the focus becoming an NCO ASAP. From 35F it probably wont be that hard.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Jun 9 at 2021 2:36 PM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Wed, 09 Jun 2021 14:36:09 -0400

Why are you afraid of a Poly? It just records your bodies reactions to the question and it's far from infallible. If you aren't hiding anything, just try to relax a bit and try it again. A lot of people get nervous and have bad polys.