Re-Up to Reclass: Final 4

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 May 2015 08:54:05 -0400

Three months until my window opens up, and its my last chance to Re-Up until I make SGT, but due to SIgnal Branch being ridiculously overstrength, its time to take a different direction in my career. I love being SIgnal, as its the only reason I joined the Army, but I want to extend my time in the uniform. Plan is to do 20+ and retire, but I have to make the best possible move for myself, my family and my future. Thus, I present my Final 4 choices for re-class...anyone with any kind of experience, I'd like to hear from you and I attempt to make my decision soon....Thanks.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2015 9:00 AM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 May 2015 09:00:17 -0400

I have been a 14G my whole career. It has been understrength ever since I enlisted almost six years ago. As far as having a family and stability is concerned it is the best choice. You will also get some high speed training that will allow you to develop marketable skills that will help you transition out of the army if you're looking into doing that. let me know if you have any questions.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2015 9:01 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 May 2015 09:01:28 -0400

The 29E course can be extremely difficult for some. There is an over 50% attrition rate for that school. Don't get me wrong you can pass if you're dedicated enough to study and retain all the info that they shove down your throat. It's a great school with a lot of great people, but it is difficult. Being that you are SIG now should help you understand some of the basics. Cyber sounds like a good school as well and being that it is a new MOS there is plenty of upward mobility. The 14 series I know noting about so I can speak on them. There are plenty of CIV job prospects, but they all want more of some of the additional schools that the 29 series MOS has available.

Take a look at the Electronic Warfare page on AKO to get more info. Be ready for the class and make sure it's what you want to do. While I was in school I saw people's career come undone due to failing out. Best of luck in your decision!!

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2015 9:15 AM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 May 2015 09:15:51 -0400

Personally, I'd pick the 25D option. However, seeing the money your civilian counterparts make would be a disincentive to stay to retirement when you could be making a lot more on the outside. It would take a huge amount of sacrifice to stay and only the truly selfless would not develop "green" envy.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2015 9:31 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 May 2015 09:31:47 -0400

I've been a 14G since my enlistment almost 8 years ago. Traditionally promotions have been pretty good, and right now Air Defense is the only branch in the Army that is growing. For the most part you'll be doing a lot of network and commo work, depending on your unit and current mission. You will also have the opportunity to work with a lot of contractors, and make connections for when you eventually transition out of the Military. Most guys I know who have retired or ETS'd have been able to transition into civilian jobs almost immediately. If you want more info or have questions about the schoolhouse, units, or potential assignments let me know.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2015 10:15 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 May 2015 10:15:52 -0400

As an Air Defense Officer I will give you my biased opinion. If you want to change jobs but still have the skills from your old job matter then 14G is the place for you. You will still have the opportunity to move up as an NCO and if you decide that you want to become a warrant officer the 14G is the primary feeder MOS to 140A.
Nothing to disparage any of the other MOSs, but with the 29E you are only going to be able to fully do your job while deployed. While at home station you are going to do other jobs to fill unit needs.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2015 10:20 AM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 May 2015 10:20:46 -0400

All 25D's who were eligible for promotion to MSG got picked up on the last board. That's due to the need to fill those ranks. Being a new MOS, they are still trying to find qualified, motivated people to fill these positions. This would be a solid bet for longevity IMO.

EW is also a good idea since it is coming into its own and proving to be a crucial role on the battlefield.

Response by SSG Derek Scheller made May 19 at 2015 10:48 AM

SSG Derek Scheller — Tue, 19 May 2015 10:48:51 -0400

Truly it depends on your strengths and what you would like to do with your career. 25D requires you to apply, so you may not have time, but if you do then it is the route you may want to go.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made May 19 at 2015 10:59 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Tue, 19 May 2015 10:59:59 -0400

You might consider transportation or logistics. They are becoming more technology dependent and have good transferability to private sector.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2015 11:25 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 May 2015 11:25:21 -0400

25D would be my recommendation. It is a new MOS, and will more than likely have a lot of room for promotion. Not to mention post-military it will yield a lot of civilian employment opportunity.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2015 11:25 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 May 2015 11:25:50 -0400

honestly i would try an get into a 35 series, the points are low and understrength in most

Response by SGT Richard H. made May 19 at 2015 9:32 PM

SGT Richard H. — Tue, 19 May 2015 21:32:20 -0400

Given the choices, and the fact that 25D is pretty much a brand new field, I think that's a fairly obvious choice. I think you're looking at essentially a ground-floor opportunity to blaze the trail and step up and shine as a young leader.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2019 1:35 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Mar 2019 13:35:27 -0500

29E becomes 17E soon and you get integrated with cyber. Government is putting all kinds of money into both. EW should be exciting in the near future.