Since I don’t want to reenlist in my MOS, is it possible to lose my rank and then reenlist 68W, which is only available in E-1 to E-4?

2021-03-01T12:59:21-05:00

Hello I am currently a 92S in the army reserves as an E-5. My current enlistment is set to end this coming January 2022 and I was looking to re-enlist active duty.
Problem is that 1. I don’t want my current MOS and I am interested in a switch to 68W, however that is only available in the grades E-1 to E-4. So I just want to know if it is a possibly for me to lose my rank and then re-enlist 68W?

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2021 1:03 PM

2021-03-01T13:03:22-05:00

SGT Private RallyPoint Member Interesting question. Have you talked to an active duty recruiter?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2021 1:12 PM

2021-03-01T13:12:36-05:00

You would have to contact 68w MOS proponent and received pay grade waiver. Depending on your TIG that proponent doesn't like to grant grade waivers for that much rank very often. A second choice is if you have the college you can ask for 68V respiratory therapist because they start at E4P/E5

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2021 1:46 PM

2021-03-01T13:46:39-05:00

Go for it SGT Private RallyPoint Member if that's what you'd like to pursue. Since you're already an E5 it probably wouldn't take you long to get repromoted in your new MOS. Especially if you've already completed WLC & have a good point total.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2021 3:29 PM

2021-03-01T15:29:45-05:00

I am offering this advice for all subjects posted on this site. More often than not, the responses you receive are from well meaning individuals who believe they are giving you correct information. They can only answer the question based on what you present. We do not know your entire situation. Retired "gray beards" like myself can only reference regulations and instructions we lived followed during our time of service. Things change over time, therefore regulations change accordingly. You have subject matter experts available to you at your service site. Go to them and ask the questions and seek direction. If you need assistance go to your Senior NCO and ask their advice on how to proceed. Godspeed and thank you for your service!

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Mar 1 at 2021 4:33 PM

2021-03-01T16:33:10-05:00

I think you should work to keep your NCO status. Open your thinking some and look at opportunities in Air Force and Navy in addition to Army. Air Force has AFSC 4N0X1, Aerospace Medical Services, covering a wide range of medical specialties. On the Navy side, there are Navy Corpsman. In both cases these specialties include patient care, EMTs, and in the case of the Air Force licensed practical nurses (non-degree). Some Navy Corpsmen serve with the Marine Corps. Google AFSC 4N0X1 or Navy Corpsman for more information. Both Air Force and Navy have medical units in their Reserves. The Air Force also has Air Guard medical units.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2021 1:11 PM

2021-03-02T13:11:37-05:00

You could always go to the 68W course as a TPU and then request a conditional release to Active Duty. My previous assignment was S3 NCOIC and I sent an E6 to the USAR 68W course. I would get with your PLT SGT and training NCO so they can show you your options in ATRRS. Your Retention NCO should be able to assist you as well.

It is possible to go to the course with a grade waiver, but that process can be long and arduous. We have the same issue with SMs wanting to reclass to 15T and 15U. They require a grade waiver if they are E5.

Response by CSM Tim Bebus made Mar 2 at 2021 11:16 PM

2021-03-02T23:16:06-05:00

If I have this right I believe you are switching from the reserve to the active component. If this is the case it's really not a re-enlistment the MEPS Guidance counselor look at this as a new contract. They will have to do what's called a rank determination which comes from USAREC. It is more then likely that you will lose a pay grade and end up coming in as a SPC. It is very uncommon for a Prior Service Reservist or Guard Soldier to keep there SGT stripes. Don't let that hold you back though, you can definitely earn it back fairly quickly since you will retain your time in service for you reserve time and once you get to your unit pro e yourself and get recommended for the board. Additionally if you have completed BLC you will not have to go again.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2021 7:44 PM

2021-03-05T19:44:03-05:00

If you refere to the army prior service business role and thar should be able to answer you question.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2021 11:42 AM

2021-03-10T11:42:50-05:00

Have you completed SSD/DLC and BLC in accordance with your rank?

Response by SPC Ray Orvin made Mar 16 at 2021 3:23 PM

2021-03-16T15:23:06-04:00

probably not.. when i was AIT there weer several E-5's in my company

Response by Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2021 12:26 AM

2021-04-01T00:26:18-04:00

I was in your position as e5 but active duty and received a waiver to get 68w. The mos has an accelerated mos school for reclasses. Normal 68w school is 16 weeks but for prior service it is 7 days a week for 8 weeks. These accelerated medic schools are run by national guard. You just need the grade waiver and reenlist for the school. As long as the mos is not overmanned. Should be pretty straight forward for whoever your renter ion NCO is.