Posted on Aug 13, 2015
What's the next step for moving up when you have a non-common MOS?
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I'm a 91E and reserve positions are few and far between. I moved to Florida in 2011 and have been going back up to Ft. Belvoir, VA for drill until July 2015 because I didn't have an open 91E slot until now. Looking through the HRC website it seems that e-6 slots for my MOS are non-existent (at least on the reserve side). Is getting promoted up to a higher position in a maintenance platoon while holding my MOS a possibility or is reclassing my only option?
Edited 10 y ago
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 9
Reclass if you have to! It's based off what the Army need! So, don't be discouraged, weigh your options! Think Warrant or regular officer! I mean do what you think is best for your career! Still, do research or find some career counselor!
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While im not completely sure on the reserve side, promotion is there for those willing to work at it. It can be done. 91E is a small MOS, but nothing is ever unattainable. I kept at it from e-4(p) on and have pinned SSG now in 6 1/2 years. Do your research and find out what you need to do to obtain promotion and set your goals. As a 91 series, you can also serve in various other positions such as motor sergeant, platoon sergeant, section sergeant and etc. being an Echo doesn't limit you to only allied trades. Learn the other trades as we all become 91X at SFC. Feel free to hit me up if you need any help.
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WO1 (Join to see)
The promotion isn't the issue really (other than trying to get funding for schools, but thats a different issue). But I guess you answered my question in holding a higher position in a maintenance platoon as a 91E. So far I've only seen former 91B in platoon leader and motor sergeant positions.
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SSG(P) (Join to see)
Any 91 series can hold the higher positions. My motor sergeant in hawaii was a 91D. I myelf have served as section sergeant, motor sergeant and platoon sergeant at times.
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Reclassing is your only option as a e5. Unless you hit up a recruiter and see which units holds e6 slots for your MOS. Another option is to check out fmsweb, if you know various units UIC you can then figure out which units will gain an e6 slot for fy16 if any.
Your best bet is looking at reclassifying though because it'll count towards your points as military residency courses.
IMO it also looks better when you have more than one MOS especially in a career field that's dead at higher ranks.
Your best bet is looking at reclassifying though because it'll count towards your points as military residency courses.
IMO it also looks better when you have more than one MOS especially in a career field that's dead at higher ranks.
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SSG (Join to see)
I was a Delta so I understand how it goes. I reclassed to an 88M and started maxing out everything I could control. Civilian Education, military education, etc.
There comes a point where you have to stop looking out for your soldiers and take care of yourself, however with that being said do not take that lightly or misread what I'm trying to say. Your soldiers are your top priority they will always take precedence over you. But there comes a time when you need to look out for your self and make sure everything is in order.
There comes a point where you have to stop looking out for your soldiers and take care of yourself, however with that being said do not take that lightly or misread what I'm trying to say. Your soldiers are your top priority they will always take precedence over you. But there comes a time when you need to look out for your self and make sure everything is in order.
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I am surprised that you cannot find a position in Tampa. You need to get a recruiting command in the area. Find a reserve recruiting command representative in the area.
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WO1 (Join to see)
The two places that I found positions was my current e-5 slot and an e-3 slot down in miami. I had consulted my e-5 slot when I first moved to florida but it was filled at the time. Unfortunately theres only every 1 or 2 of my slots for units that are big enough to require me.
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What did your MOS used to be classified as? I was a metalworker 44B until I made SSG. Then, I became a 44E. They were considered allied trades MOS's.
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WO1 (Join to see)
I joined as a 44B metalworker. then a bunch of MOSs got jumbled around and it turned to 91W metalworker for a couple years. then 91W and 91E machinist got combined to 91E allied trades specialist. As far as I know it doesn't change for me at SSG.
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Reclassifying is always a good option. Moving up the being well rounded is always beneficial in the USAR.
Always try to move to new challenges and experience at the end it is well rewarding. Try to re-class in a MOS that it's permit is larger and has a variety of choice on where you move up in your career.
Always try to move to new challenges and experience at the end it is well rewarding. Try to re-class in a MOS that it's permit is larger and has a variety of choice on where you move up in your career.
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I would certainly consider either getting another MOS, or look at going to Officer Candidate School (could be state OCS with the National Guard) or Warrant Officer Candidate School. I had the same problem as a 75B many years ago. There was only one E6 slot in the unit and that person was not going to leave anytime soon. I ended up getting accepted to State Officer Candidate School so went that route. If I had not gotten in, I would have picked a different MOS that were very prevalent in my area.
The same type of thing can happen to an officer though, so pick a branch that has lots of options for assignments. That is why I chose Quartermaster rather than Adjutant General at time of commissioning.
The same type of thing can happen to an officer though, so pick a branch that has lots of options for assignments. That is why I chose Quartermaster rather than Adjutant General at time of commissioning.
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If there are no positions, you might consider opening up your options. Broaden your horizons and consider the Warrant Officer tract as well as career enhancing opportunities to include Drill Sergeant.
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WO1 (Join to see)
I have been looking into the warrant officer side for a while and have all the contact info for the retention team that deals with that side. But looking at open slots on the HRC side I think I found 2 or 3 open warrant officer slots nationwide, and none were reserve.
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Read This Next

91E: Allied Trades Specialist
Army Reserve
SGT
44B: Metal Worker
91W: Metal Worker

