Posted on Dec 9, 2020
What is a day in the life is like, and what types of training are available, for a 35M?
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I am shipping out in January with a contract for 35M. I was hoping to get some info from anyone who has recently, or is currently serving as a 35M about what a day in the life is like and what types of training is available such as airborne etc. for current soldiers in this MOS. I’ve read many of the horror stories about 35m as well as some individuals who have had positive experiences so hoping to hear from a current 35m on their perspectives.
Posted 4 y ago
Responses: 2
As far as training goes, 35Ms can go to the same basic schools all Soldiers can go to - Airborne, Air Assault, Snipe Hunting, combat lifesaver, in-transit vehicle repair, Field Sanitation, etc.
They can, theoretically, go to the super high-speed schools like SERE or Ranger, but the chances are pretty small. Your Command has to be able to justify sending you (not impossible, but very improbable) - and you have to prove that you have what it takes - which is above and beyond the "average" infantryman, let alone the average HUMINTer.
There are also some MOS-specific schools, like SOC or DSDC, but those are all advanced schools and you have to prove yourself within the MOS first. Once it comes time for you to start thinking about those schools, your NCOs will help guide your decisions and preparation.
And, of course, there is DLI. But I assume you know about that already.
They can, theoretically, go to the super high-speed schools like SERE or Ranger, but the chances are pretty small. Your Command has to be able to justify sending you (not impossible, but very improbable) - and you have to prove that you have what it takes - which is above and beyond the "average" infantryman, let alone the average HUMINTer.
There are also some MOS-specific schools, like SOC or DSDC, but those are all advanced schools and you have to prove yourself within the MOS first. Once it comes time for you to start thinking about those schools, your NCOs will help guide your decisions and preparation.
And, of course, there is DLI. But I assume you know about that already.
Below is a post from November. Search on 35M to find other 35M posts.
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/what-is-35m-ait-like
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/what-is-35m-ait-like
What is 35M AIT like? | RallyPoint
I personally am looking at reclassing and want to know how difficult the 35M school house is. I get the TRADOC environment but what can I expect and things I need to do make sure I don’t struggle?
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You will LIKELY have the ability to go off post for a couple hours at a time and hang out. You MAY even be able to request an overnight pass. These are, of course, dependent on "phasing up" which is done by meeting certain benchmarks, most of which are aligned with progress towards "Soldierization" and maturity.
The last I heard the schedule at AIT was M-F were schoolhouse days - PT in the morning, brakfast, school until 1700, dinner, back to the barracks for whatever the cadre wants/needs (barracks cleaning, study time, details, etc.) Go to bed, wake up, do it all again. Saturday was mostly a Common Task day - Cadre would teach your non-MOS Army skills (first aid, land navigation, marksmanship, etc.). Some saturdays would be longer days, some short. Sundays were mostly days off to take care of personal errands (go to PX, Commissary, religious services, catch up on laundry, studying, etc.).
I cannot really speak to DLI - I have never been (I reclassed when language was not required. By the time it was required again, the Army didn't think I needed one).
From what I hear, if you go to DLI before AIT (which I understand is the norm these days), DLI will look very similar to AIT because you are still an IET (initial entry training) Soldier. If you go to DLI *after* AIT, you will then no longer be an IET Soldier, having been MOS-Qualified. At that point it is a total vacation - as long as you keep up with your language studies. But that last caveat is important. Many people get too relaxed by the atmosphere (both the schoolhouse atmosphere and the California one) and end up failing their language. You do NOT want to be in that category.
Thank you. That definitely clears things up. Personally I will be going in as a specialist as I have my bachelors in criminology and psychology, hoping this gives me some more opportunities for advancement.
Not trying to discourage you, but I want you to have realistic expectations.
Yeah I didn’t mean advance in training/rank right away just down the road after I get situated, it’ll be a good while before I’m even done with training. I’ve heard that once you’re an nco you can get some more opportunities. Either way excited to be going in as 35m. Swore in today. Shipping out in 6 weeks. Thanks again.