Signal Reclass. What are some of the best career moves I can make?

2015-11-01T23:43:46-05:00

I'm wanting to reclass because the job I'm currently in is essentially a dead end job and progression stops at E-4. I would like to stay signal if I can but would like to hear from leaders and their opinions.

Response by CSM Carl Cunningham made Nov 2 at 2015 12:28 AM

2015-11-02T00:28:14-05:00

I am interested in how you think your job is a dead end at SPC? I resisted becoming a SGT when I was a young Soldier because I thought I would not be able to stay technical as an NCO. This is not true. How technical you are is based on how you handle being a leader. Some guys get so focused on leadership that they do not remember their job at all. You can stay technical and be a leader at the same time. You could eventually become a warrant officer but you have to learn some leadership as an NCO first.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2015 2:08 AM

2015-11-02T02:08:08-05:00

None of the Signal Corps is being promoted right now unless you are 25Q or going into 25D or 25E. Progressing to or past E6 is even harder. If I were you and this young I would consider the newer specialties like 17C. If you want to be technical and stay technical, that might be your best bet. If you want to become a Noncomissioned Officer, you may find your foothold there as well. Source: I'm a 25N and a retention NCO.

Response by SFC Stephen King made Nov 2 at 2015 9:27 AM

2015-11-02T09:27:13-05:00

SSG Private RallyPoint Member look into 17C

http://www.armyreenlistment.com/reclass-17c.html

MOS 17C, Cyber Operations Specialist

Cyber Operations Specialists execute offensive and defensive cyberspace operations in support of the full range of military operations by enabling actions and generating effects across all domains.

Response by SSG Ray Petersen made Nov 2 at 2015 9:51 AM

2015-11-02T09:51:11-05:00

Either go 25 D or 17 C if you wanna stay signal, your best bet is reclassing to something other than signal... also signal is getting smaller, MOS's are combinging (such as 25B and 25N)

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2015 10:07 PM

2015-11-02T22:07:18-05:00

PFC Longacre, I would recommend that you take a serious look at 17C. The reason I say this is because it is an emerging field in the military. It will allow you to gain some additional technical skills, and because it is a new MOS and CMF the opportunities for upward mobility should be plentiful. And as SGM Cunningham mentioned, there is no reason why you cannot be tactically and technically proficient. Best of luck to you...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2015 10:09 PM

2015-11-02T22:09:13-05:00

I would speak to a career counselor and your first line before making any big decisions. Think about where you are, where you want to be, and what the best path is to get there. Reclassing is a big move. It can be costly if you fail somewhere as well. We have a lot of Soldiers attempting 25D re class and if they don't make it, they're trapped in the Brigade for 2-3 years, still as their old MOS, working a staff position. Not exactly what they had in mind. I'm not telling you NOT to reclass, I'm just saying think it through before you make a jump.

Response by MAJ Keira Brennan made Nov 3 at 2015 12:29 AM

2015-11-03T00:29:54-05:00

PFC Longacre -Before retiring, I served as what’s called an IMA (IRR) soldier at the Army’s Space and Missile Defense Command at Peterson AFB in Colorado Springs (I spent about 30 days a year assigned to the active unit). Anyway SMDC has subordinate units, 1st Space Brigade and 1st Space Battalion, and the 53rd Sign BN (SATCOM). The jobs at 1st Space BDE were heavy on Sig MOS’s and the technology was “Out of this World!” It is ALMOST a joint domain because the Army doesn’t have a lot of troops in the Space domain but USES THE HELL OUT OF IT. The officers and soldiers we’re some of the brightest I’ve ever worked with.
Best of Luck!!!
http://www.smdc.army.mil/2008/SpaceBMD.asp
http://www.army.mil/info/organization/unitsandcommands/commandstructure/smdc/

SMDC/ARSTRAT

Public Affairs -  350 Vandenberg St., Suite 1211, Peterson Air Force Base, CO 80914  - Forces  - Technology Integration  - Space Exploration

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2015 8:55 AM

2015-11-03T08:55:48-05:00

So you have some choices. It used to be that 25Q was a 'dead end' MOS but people were/are still being promoted in it. If 25N was dead, they would deprecate it like 25F. There are still slots for 25N NCOs. Talk to them about getting promoted to SSG so you have a shot.
Get with the career counselor to what the IN/OUT calls are. 25B is solid as are the new 17 series. The problem with any new MOS is the turbulence inherent in a new capability. This isn't just splitting off single channel vs. multi-channel radio. It is a new capability altogether. You may have longevity but you may not have job fulfillment. Its going to be a mixed bag indeed. If you're up for a challenge, go for it.
25D is new alright and touted as the latest, greatest thing in Signal but IMO, it will mainly be for COMSEC and/or IA remediation. That is not the opinion of the Signal leadership, mind you, just what I believe will happen with it.

And in the end, you may choose something else. You are still young in your career.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2016 10:22 AM

2016-01-08T10:22:40-05:00

It isn't fully dead end anymore, points are finally falling for 25Ns. I have been watching them for a while being promotable myself. Realize that a year or two ago they merged the 25F MOS with ours but didn't require those who are 25F to actually go through any training to make sure they know the job. If you are wanting to reclass and stay signal your best bet is 25B or 25Q. B will get you more experience for future civilian life and you might still end up onsimilar equipment if you like what you are currently doing. Qs will get you placed in a wide variety of positions but is less applicable in the civilian world. Also check our promotion trends. Have you considered the cyber security route as well?