Waiting for 1 last signature for my 368 to go from NG to Active Army. Looking into 18X, anyone go this route?

2021-08-04T11:50:58-04:00

I am told that I won’t have to do the full 11B OSUT since I’m still in the NG and won’t have a break in service. Has anyone gone down this route as an NCO? My recruiter has answered most of my questions but I’m just looking for some personal experiences. TIA.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Aug 4 at 2021 3:14 PM

2021-08-04T15:14:18-04:00

18X is a recruiting tool for initial entry recruits and I would think you will fall under Prior Service rules. I wouldn't sweat that issue, volunteer 11B, which should be easy enough to get a slot, with an Airborne Contract and volunteer when you get to your unit.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2021 5:09 PM

2021-08-04T17:09:52-04:00

Don't do 18X or 37F as an initial term Soldier. If you want to do one of those then pick an MOS you like, train in that, then go to the selection for the job you want.

Statistically, you will fail. The failure rate is even higher for initial entry Soldiers. The 18X program is for initial entry recruitment tool because when 90+% of Soldiers fail to complete the SFAS or the Q Course they become 11Bs, making the 18X program an extremely successful Infantry recruiting program.

If I told you that today when you walk out the front door today you have a 50-90% chance of having a Boulder fall on your head and kill you, you would wear a helmet when you walk out. But somehow people think that when a person is trying out for a selection with a high failure rate, they believe "they" are the ones who will magically make it.

Point is, enter the Army like you'll never be SF. Pick the Career course you want to follow, then try the selection. If you make it, great. If you fail, you go back to the job you already chose

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2021 7:40 PM

2021-08-04T19:40:00-04:00

I was in the Guard before and have been Regular Army as enlisted. Just about everyone I know that went 18X from the Guard failed. I would highly discourage it. If you want to go to the Army with the potential of going SF then you should go 11B and be a team leader first. Go to Ranger School and then try your chops at SF. It looks cool but I can tell you that being in the Guard as a support MOS you are not prepared for SF. SF looks cool but getting your Ranger Tab shows your potential as a combat leader and would prepare much better than the SF Baby program.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2021 7:46 PM

2021-08-04T19:46:21-04:00

I think you should do it man, find a program, stick to it and try to surpass the SF standards for physical fitness. Like anything in the Army, just expect to do the full 11B OSUT, just so you’re mentally prepared. Good luck! Curious to know what you find out. I’m one signature away from my 368 as well. Let me message you, I’m curious what MEPS will have available when you go. I’m sure there is a reoccurring list of MOS’s that have been needs of the Army for the past 1-2 months.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2021 2:47 PM

2021-08-05T14:47:12-04:00

I would highly suggest that you pay attention to SFC Jason Boyd's post.
He is correct about the extremely high number of people who enter active duty in hopes of becoming Special Forces, only to have something go wrong and end up forced into an MOS that they don't want. A case in point is the Sailor who set the Navy ship on fire.
Keep in mind that even if you have the will to succeed, an injury can easily knock you out of qualification.
Try to find an MOS that you enjoy, it can be one that has a counterpart in special forces such as medic or communications, if you still want to go SF afterwards, go for it. Another MOS you might like is Civil Affairs
Speaking as someone who initially went 11B, it is easy to rack up injuries and the real world job skill set matches most closely with homeless.