Reclassing to 11B tips.

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Jan 2016 18:06:33 -0500

I'm currently in the midst of receiving a conditional release from the reserves into the active component (I know a 368 is a slow process and usually doesn't work out but it seems like I'm one of the lucky ones). I'm a 92R and I meet all of the requirements as stated by the current business rules. My questions are: where do you think I'll start in OSUT (day one, week nine, etc.), how were the MOST guys in your cycle treated, could I call branch and see what assignments are open to me around the time of graduation or will I get orders like all the IET soldiers, what was the infantry like in contrast to your previous MOS for those of you who reclassed, what are some of your biggest likes and dislikes about the infantry? If you feel that there is other pertinent information I should have feel free to include it in your comments. Also if you have any questions for me I'd be more than happy to answer. Thank you for your time.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2016 6:17 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Jan 2016 18:17:02 -0500

When I was at Benning we had a couple of reclasses. They ended up having to complete part of our basic training and then AIT with us obviously.

As far as likes and dislikes I love my job but the dislikes are like with any MOS there is a lot of BS so I've been told.

Since you're reclassing and going active have fun with the stairway to heaven and enjoy honor hill man. I hope you enjoy rucking and have a strong back.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Jan 11 at 2016 6:20 PM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Mon, 11 Jan 2016 18:20:54 -0500

Be in better than good physical shape. The guys coming out of Basic are in good shape, so you've got to be there as well.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2016 6:21 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Jan 2016 18:21:27 -0500

Week 3 or 4 usually....right when they get to start qualifying.
They will treat you how you present yourself....drill Sergeants are gonna treat you like "doo doo" no matter whag, but don't take that personal.
Only tip....take charge

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Jan 11 at 2016 7:35 PM

SGT Dave Tracy — Mon, 11 Jan 2016 19:35:29 -0500

3 years ago I left Active Duty Infantry for an 88m slot in the Reserves, and it was a bit of a culture shock. I liken it to having changed to a different branch of the military, but still get to wear the same uniform. I suspect you may have a similar experience, but that's not a bad thing. You will probably think--generally speaking--its a positive change.

When I was at Benning (AKA: The Sand Hill School For Wayward Boys) we had a couple reclass guys who came in around week 7ish. The drills had somewhat higher expectations of them, but not unrealistic expectations. Their experience and knowledge were a good asset to us soldiers-in-training.

Be right with PT; especially running. If this is a running Army, then know the Infantry is a running MOS within a running Army! Lastly, even though you are a soldier already, and know a few things, check your ego at the door; don't worry, you will pick up an even bigger one when you graduate with your Blue Cord!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2016 1:29 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 01:29:14 -0500

I've been all around. I was an enlisted Infantry soldier in active duty, then in the NG, reclassified to Engineer then back to Infantry before commissioning as an Armor Officer. I just branch transferred to JAG.
Active duty Infantry is really hard on the body so be fit, stay fit. Learn to accept that being a grunt really requires you to learn to be physically uncomfortable (Embracing the Suck). It's a mind game. Be a professional and know your job. Study the manuals. Be a team player and enjoy the best damn job in the Military. It's all a team effort but in the end, everyone else in the military is there to support the the grunts!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2016 5:58 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 05:58:00 -0500

I'll try to answer your questions briefly and in order.

You'll probably start at the "AIT" portion of OSUT, which if I recall correctly is week 8 or 9. It's been a while.

The one reclass we had in our cycle was treated more leniently than everybody else, which led to a little bit of resentment and respect in equal measure. The Drill Sergeants expect the prior service guys to have their ducks in a row, and the recruits will have a lot of questions about military life for you. You will not fly under the radar as a prior service soldier at OSUT. Eyes will be on you, for better or worse, so be squared away and you'll have an easy time of it.

As for duty station, unless you got it on paper otherwise or snag a slot for Airborne, selection, or whatever, you'll probably go worldwide. Needs of the Army.

I started out active infantry, reclassed to 68W in the NG. Biggest likes about infantry were the brotherhood, doing the cool guy stuff, kicking in doors, and getting all the cool toys. When things go well you get to go home feeling like a bad***. When they go badly you have your brothers to lean on.

Some of my dislikes were being paid the same as people you perceive as having much easier jobs, frequently being uncomfortable, and living/sleeping/working in terrible conditions while people are trying to kill you. Biggest dislike was not learning hard skills that are easy to translate to a potential employer outside of law enforcement and the physical security industry. I would recommend choosing an MOS more directly applicable to the demands of the civilian job market if there's any doubt in your mind about making the military or government work a long-term career.

IMHO. Your mileage may vary. I wish you the best of luck and will do my best to answer any other questions if you have them.

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2016 8:55 AM

1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 08:55:15 -0500

BLUF: stay motivated, do what your told, pay attention and be. Lead when it comes your turn.

Response by LTC Jason Bartlett made Mar 1 at 2016 1:34 PM

LTC Jason Bartlett — Tue, 01 Mar 2016 13:34:27 -0500

When I was a SDS at Ft Benning a reclass started at whatever phase was available (Day 0 in between and up to the start of AIT phase). If you act like a new PVT you will get treated like a new PVT. Read TRADOC Reg 350-6 http://www.tradoc.army.mil/tpubs/regs/tr350-6.pdf covers a lot of the questions you have. Assignment what does your contract say? Needs of the Army? You may have a opportunity to volunteer and go to RIP if you do take it. Lastly make sure you are in shape.

Response by SGT Jonathon Caldwell made Mar 1 at 2016 9:12 PM

SGT Jonathon Caldwell — Tue, 01 Mar 2016 21:12:42 -0500

I reclassed almost 5 years ago now. I went back to day 5 in red cycle. That part is all luck of the draw at reception. I was prior enlisted l, DS treated me worse than the privates for about the first week I was there. After that it was all downhill. Like others have said, act like a private get treated like one. Act like a senior SPC or SGT get treated like it. It's up to your basics company commander and 1SG on how many privelages you keep. You for sure will have to do all required tasks to graduate. i.e. qualify, throw your grenades, pt test and at minimum the final ruck. I wad tasked the majority of my time there helping the DS with private problems. Took people to sick call, finance and worlds of other crap due to the fact I had done most of it. Why would they take two fresh privates out of training to be battle buddies when they can have you do it. Also once again back to acting like your rank. They may or may not use you in a leadership role. I was a prior service E-4(P) with 2 deployments when I discharged originally. They would not let me be in a leadership position. However anyone can make corrections as long as it's in reg. You will be at minimum expected to do that and teach the PG and squad leaders what right looks like. Don't fret over it. It's a whole lot of fun. It was more fun the second time through basic once I accepted the fact that I was back to red phase. If you have any questions please feel free to ask and I'll give you my best answers from my experiences.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2017 12:39 PM

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Sep 2017 12:39:45 -0400

I basically have the same question I'm in my late 30's have been in for 10+ years I started as a 42A in the AR & am now in the NG. I'm in an infantry unit slotted as a 92 however, I am not MOS Qued for that duty position as of yet. I re upped with the guard to do OCS, but at the time had a back injury & couldn't complete the training in the allotted time frame. I love my unit & what they do. I'd like to reclassify as an 11M, but the MOS is no longer active. So I believe I'll have to be an 11B. My unit will be mobilizing soon and I don't want to be a POG. If anyone has any advice it would be greatly appreciated.

Response by SFC Joseph McCausland made Jan 20 at 2019 6:02 PM

SFC Joseph McCausland — Sun, 20 Jan 2019 18:02:57 -0500

SPC Mullins, I would take a trip to the nearest army base that house Infantry Soldiers and talk to some of the 100,000 men who have experience first hand what you are about to experience and also querying those around your rank, will give you a more accurate picture of what to expect.
As far as contacting Branch around your time of graduation, that would be ill advised and actually futile because most likely your assignment orders would have already been cut.
It would be better when you go to MEPS to see if you could get a "Station of Choice" Option because most of those options will be combat MOS's and most likely some 11 series. If there are no SOC options for 11B, then you can always choose straight 11X as your enlistment option.
Best of Luck