Should I reclass or stay an 11B for another contract?

I have been an 11B for 16 years. I always told my soldiers that even though Infantry has the best promotion rate at the end, whether you are a 4 years soldier or a 30 CSM, infantry will translate to not a whole lot of good and rewarding civilian jobs, mainly law enforcement. This is your life, you do what your heart desires and ignore the chest pounding, egotistic ideologies that encamp the infantry. Be human about your decision, it’s yours. See, I love the infantry but I never took my own advice, but when I finally did, I realized that all my options were now limited. I am working on my Bachelors in cyber security which encompasses cyber forensics, ethical hacking and computer forensics. Why a degree that has nothing to do with my MOS? Because the Army isn’t going to be part of my nor any of our lives for ever, and when I retire I want to make sure that I make the same amount or more money to continue to bless my family. It not just about a degree, the Army has a multitude of certifications that a lot of NCOs take for granted, e.g. SHARP, EO and EEO, hazmat, MRT, etc. Those programs give us training that would cost thousands of dollars to any company, but when they see a veteran with them, and the experience and expertise, you’ll become a diamond in the rough. Get out the infantry, reclass into something technical. Look at Army pay history, in the past they paid more money to technical skilled soldiers than infantryman cause the civilian sector would paid pay them more for those skills than the Army would. Think about that. Be human. Don’t think with a programmed infantry mind-chip and make you own path.

Good afternoon PFC, how are you doing today? I was a former 11C 120 bang bang back in the day. I was just reading some of the comments below where people said some valid points about quick promotion rate, airborne ranger pathfinder schools, endless opportunities etc etc. I understand that you love the infantry which is cool, but don't get caught in the GRUNT/POG hype...... Besides being a police officer, working in a DoD government job or being a mercenary for a contracting security firm, what other jobs in the real civilian world outside of the things mentioned above does infantry translate to? You have to understand, you will not be in the army forever. I tell young Soldiers all the time, reclass to a job that translates well in the civilian world that will make them good money for example Information Technology. If Soldiers are not able to reclass, then take advantage of some of the courses the Army offer like UPL, SHARP/SARC etc once you reach the rank. I will tell you, damn near every job in the civilian world now days do drug test (UPL) and companies to include the NFL now have Sexual Assault Reps (SHARP/SARC) that go around teaching classes. I also tell Soldiers, don't be one dimensional and limit yourself to one skill set, diversify yourself with different job skills and make yourself appealing to the civilian sector once you get out or retire. Another reason to consider reclass is to think about the impact being in the infantry will have on family life or future family life due to continuous deployments every other year or so or not being able to play or enjoy time with kids due to bad knees and back etc etc......... This is something to think about. You have 2 options right now. 1. Stay infantry or 2. Think about your future beyond the Army and diversify yourself with additional job set to make you marketable in the civilian world.

11B For sure

If you love being a grunt, you won't love anything else as much. It's a mindset that you just won't find anywhere else. You can absolutely be an Infantryman for a 20 year career.

There is no other career field that offers the schools and promotions than 11B . E-9 can be attained under 20 giving you a 20 year max retirement plan. Also once you get to the E-6 rank there are many other opportunities other than Line duty. Instructors, Drill. Range NCOIC, you wont spend your entire career in a line company as long as you are squared away.

It will all depend on your priorities as a Soldier. Physical fitness, leadership skills, and upmost discipline and attention to detail stay an Infantryman. If your priorities include a steadier family life, college degree and your body almost intact once you transition from the Army then reclass, and use your talents already learned, on the Infantry to make other MOS great again. If your ASBAV scores allows you to reclass then go for it, the Army has plenty of jobs to choose from but all depends on your future plans as a Soldier, and one day as a civilian. Locate the career counselor in your unit and don't be blinded by bonuses, think 5-10 yrs down the road. Eventually you won't be able to reclass the higher you go in rank. Again just my opinion, which has been an Infantryman for almost 20yrs between the Marine Corps and the Army.

Is it feasible? Is it feasible? Yea. People do it all the time.

I would if I were you because it makes going to and through a combat arms school easier. That’s a goal of mine as a 92f; I.e. ranger school. But you need to have a job you won’t mind doing for the rest of your time in the army and research that one.

Also, don’t do 20yrs 11B.

Stay 11B as long as your body holds up. If you start having any issues, reclass.