Re-Classing mid-career

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Nov 2013 22:03:22 -0500

What advice, if any, would you give to a Soldier that is considering re-classing to a different MOS midway through their career? Having been in the same field for the last 9 going on 10 years in the Army, would it be a good idea to "start over" with a new Specialty or should the Soldier continue on in their current MOS?

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2013 10:18 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Nov 2013 22:18:45 -0500

Electronic Warfare (EW) MOS 29E is a new growing field needing Soldiers. Also for something more exciting you have MOS 37F psychological ops and MOS 38B Civil affairs are always in demand. My favorite of all changes Warrant Officer!

If you feel that you have become stagnant in your current duties and are looking for not only a change of pace but also better promotion rate / opportunities than wether mid career or not, I think it's a great choice.

Response by SGT William B. made Nov 14 at 2013 11:54 PM

SGT William B. — Thu, 14 Nov 2013 23:54:49 -0500

Thanks for posting this SGT; I still have a couple years left on this enlistment, but I'm trying to plan now to have some contigency plans for when I do, since my current field is shrinking due to the drawdown. My personal feelings on it, and from what my leadership has told me, is that diversification can be a good thing if leveraged correctly. In the reserve, most MSG/1SG/SGM/CSMs I've met held at least three different MOS qualifications.

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Nov 15 at 2013 8:23 AM

1SG Steven Stankovich — Fri, 15 Nov 2013 08:23:10 -0500

Good question SGT Cunningham. I was a 19D Cavalry Scout for 17 years when I re-classed over to 35M Human Intelligence. My decision was made for all of the right reasons and looking back now, I still believe that I made the right choice. As SFC Sturges stated in his response, sometimes you need to look at what transitions well when you decide to hang up your uniform. An intelligence position along with a TS-SCI is a pretty good addition to my resume. I do enjoy the job that I am doing now and I am learning a lot. Keep in mind that when you re-class into a new career field as a Senior NCO, or a Junior NCO for that matter, you will have a steep learning curve. You walk into a new MOS with others in that field who expect you to have a certain level of technical and tactical knowledge in that career field. Always continue to learn and grow. If you don't know, ask.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2013 8:40 AM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 Nov 2013 08:40:37 -0500

i have 32+ years THREE services army, navy, air force (current service) at first its hard, but as you move froward it becomes second nature. Think of it as a challenge! my qualifications are as follows: 11bp2,16rp2,13b30 (army) 0878,9502 (navy) 2w171s,2ao71m (air force) two boot camps army and navy! you can do it!

Response by CW3(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2013 1:07 PM

CW3(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 Nov 2013 13:07:01 -0500

Warrant Officer is another good move. Many make the switch around the 8-10 year mark of their career. It would be a fresh start and a good way to find a new perspective of the military. It is also a good way to challenge you as a technician. It also provides better retirement in the end of you finish out your 20 years.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2013 10:28 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 Nov 2013 22:28:12 -0500

I rec-classed mid career. I think it's a great thing to do especially if there is no career progression in your current job. You have to look at the possibilities that are put in front of you. Some MOS's are meant for mid-career change (Electromagnetic Spectrum Manager or Contracting NCO). Also consider Warrant officer or other career approaches.

Response by SFC Derahn Thornton made Nov 20 at 2013 2:24 PM

SFC Derahn Thornton — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 14:24:32 -0500

It's a good move at this point as you want your MOS to relate to something in the civilian field. Me, I've held 3 MOSs (PATRIOT, Ammo, and Counterintelligence) I moved out of Ammo since most of my peers said I'm too smart for the job and I worked at every echelon in that field which made the job mundane. I came over to CI during the shortage as a SGT in Dec 05, made SSG in June 06, and made SFC in Apr 09. Its a good time for you as you are a SGT(P) so the leadership/learning curve isn't so bad! Also look at the WO field as it is the best of both worlds!

Response by SFC Michael Boulanger made Nov 20 at 2013 3:18 PM

SFC Michael Boulanger — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 15:18:16 -0500

You just have to be sure it is what you want to do. If you are burned out on your MOS now maybe it would be time for a change. The tricky thing is to find an MOS you would like to do, then see how the upward mobility is in that MOS because if you are going to reclass you don't want to sit at the same rank for too long because the E6 positions and higher are all full.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2013 6:46 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 18:46:50 -0500

I say go for it, in my 16yrs in (NG and Res.) I picked up four MOS's. It opens up new horizons and brightens up your future.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2013 7:26 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 19:26:30 -0500

At the end of the day, you have to make a choice that you will be happy with. You can reclass into a job that will get you promoted faster or go Officer/WO for better pay, but if you aren't happy getting up and going to work everyday then your choice will come back to bite you in the end. You post good questions on this site and give good answers when you post. It's obvious to me that you have a good head on your shoulders and will make a decision that is going to make you the happiest.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2013 7:42 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 19:42:26 -0500

IF its a more marketable and versatile career choice, then yes. I just had a friend of mine E5/P, been in 6 years reclass from OPTO to RESP tech. The respiratory would help her better post military and she had to drop her P status to do the reclass, but it will definitely pay off better for her in the long run. I'd take into account the promo points for the MOS, sign on bonuses if any, and perhaps better duty locations when making the decision as well.

Good luck with your choice.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 19 at 2014 9:18 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Oct 2014 21:18:16 -0400

I'm currently re-classing from 88M to 31B. I was a Vehicle Operator/Dispatcher with the Air Force when I first enlisted and when I came into the Guard my AF specialty crossed over to 88M and I was placed with a transportation company as a truck driver - while driving big trucks is fun I don't find it challenging. I also had my fill of convoy line haul driving in Iraq and found it mind numbing.

Response by SFC Marcus Belt made Apr 2 at 2016 2:15 AM

SFC Marcus Belt — Sat, 02 Apr 2016 02:15:43 -0400

From the career progression perspective, my reclass to 37F was a hindrance, if not an outright mistake. From the job perspective, it was the best thing I've done. Understand that there may be trade-offs involved.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2017 6:23 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 May 2017 18:23:24 -0400

This is the exact situation I am currently in, any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Currently 31B