Reclassing out of a dead-end MOS (Any advice?)

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 May 2015 00:40:17 -0400

I am a 25B and I've been told that my mos is at a dead end. I only have the option of reclassing or getting out. I like my job but it would be nice to do something different. What MOSs should I look into if I am trying to reclass?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2015 12:43 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 May 2015 00:43:48 -0400

SGT Private RallyPoint Member, have you considered the MOS 25D, Cyber Network Defender?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2015 7:11 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 May 2015 07:11:20 -0400

As a fellow Signaleer facing the same issues....I've been looking into the Packet MOS' (25D, 29E, 46R/Q) which have advancement opportunities and well as the Branches that are growing right now instead downsizing. ADA (14 Series) is one a the few Branches that are still looking good for advancement. Also, talk to your Retention NCO, probably your best bet for trying to figure out what your next move should be. Hope this helps.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2015 8:08 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 May 2015 08:08:35 -0400

51C or the equivalent MOS for NCOS. You are almost guaranteed employment in any Federal agency when you retire.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2015 8:12 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 May 2015 08:12:58 -0400

It really depends on where you see yourself in 10-20 years. Do you plan on staying in, making the Army a career and retiring? If that is your plan I would look at a MOS that has good promotion potential that offers you the best opportunity to reach the highest rank.

If you see yourself getting out, you may want to look for a skill that will make your transition to the civilian life easier.

Good luck!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2015 9:34 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 May 2015 09:34:58 -0400

I wouldn't call this MOS a dead MOS as I have worked with Soldiers who had to get 798 just to make SGT and then had very little chance of moving past SSG. The problem with 25B is how far you want to move up the chain. There are personnel who are happy at the SFC area and if that is the case then 25B is perfect but if you are motivated and have your eyes set on CSM/SGM some day than I would recommend looking towards another MOS. It is possible but highly unlikely as a 25B you would move up that high as the selection rates are extremely small. If you like commo look more towards the 25U, 25C or the new 25D when you are eligible.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2015 9:38 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 May 2015 09:38:18 -0400

25B does have a fair amount of potential in units with significant network capabilities. My CA Battalion is small (only 200 personnel) but I have four E-4, 2 E-5, and E-6 and an E-7 position in that MOS.
Since it is a bit of a totem pole, I recommend that our 25Bs get a 25U secondary, allowing them to make SGT easier and also building in some flexibility since our Headquarters deploys far less frequently than the line companies do.

If you want a change that is still related to your field, the Army can't get enough Cyber Warfare Specialists.
Perhaps Warrant Officer would be a good choice as well.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2015 9:44 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 May 2015 09:44:34 -0400

I have known several 25Bs, and the 25 realm in general is competitive. Reclassing is a wonderful idea, as getting a secondary MOS just makes you more marketable in general. Another MOS to look into is 35Q (Cryptological Network Warfare Specialist). While I haven't looked at their promotion scare in a little while, it is a good MOS.

Much like CSM Private RallyPoint Member said, it all depends on where you see yourself in the future. Look at where you want to be, then start planning for ways to get there. Good luck!

Response by LTC David Stender made May 23 at 2015 9:54 AM

LTC David Stender — Sat, 23 May 2015 09:54:33 -0400

SPC Feltz,
If you want to reclass, you need to see your retention NCO. Before you do that, have you taken advantage of the certification opportunities for the 25 series? Are you A+ certified? You have a chance to be certified in the field that is highly sought after on the outside. Get enrolled and make yourself better!

Response by SGT John Rauch made May 23 at 2015 10:19 AM

SGT John Rauch — Sat, 23 May 2015 10:19:23 -0400

unsure if they actually did allow females into 13R MOS. when I was ETSing, I think they had just started, but Im not sure. if they do, 13R is great for promotion and on the civilian side, I had an offer from lockheed martin, I didnt take it, because I didnt want to go to Afghanistan again, even as a civilian.