What should I expect after MEPS since I'm re-enlisting as a prior service?

SPC Devin Young — Thu, 07 Nov 2019 21:36:59 -0500

Thinking about re-enlisting, and reclass from 31B (MP) to 35F/L/M. Break in service is because I went back to school to get a degree. Long term goal? Secret squirrel action. So I really want to know what life is like as a MOS-T. I mean through reading other people’s post, I know I could possibly have my car, and crazy amount of free time compared to the IET students.

But what about after MEPS? Like, when will I get my uniforms, what will the cadre be like towards me, what could I expect between me going to MEPS and class staring. Also I am widely out of shape... I won’t sign my contract until February or so and I’m not over weight so I can get back to PT standards but I am low key nervous about it. So can I PT with the company so I can make sure I don’t fail out due to PT?

Also which MOS is the best for post military life?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2019 10:38 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Nov 2019 22:38:48 -0500

The MOS that is best for post military life is the one you enjoy doing. Most people don't do what they did in the military after they leave, but the leadership skills and education they leave with set them up for success.

How the Cadre at AIT will treat you is really irrelevant. It's not your duty station, it's a school, and each school has their own rules and policies.
As for PT, you'll have to PT like any other Soldier and alongside the other Soldiers. When and where you get your uniforms depends on what happens at the MEPS, and you can ask them when it's time for your orders.
Again, don't fall for the "what's best for after the military" nonsense. If you stay in long enough, the MOSs merge at the senior ranks and you'll be a 35X anyway. Or maybe you'll go to OCS and become an MI officer. Don't miss the forest because you're focused on the trees.

Response by 1SG Dan Thorstad made Nov 7 at 2019 10:53 PM

1SG Dan Thorstad — Thu, 07 Nov 2019 22:53:13 -0500

I had a break in service and came back in, though that was a long time ago. MEPS is like the first time. I was shipped to Ft. Leonard Wood to inprocess and that's where I got my uniforms. You'll likely be on a hold status why they process your clearance. My peers and I had to wait over 6 months! You will probably be assigned to some sort of prior service platoon where you will assimilate back into military life. You should be treated like any regular service personnel not in training. Good luck!

Response by PFC Don Jenks made Nov 8 at 2019 1:27 AM

PFC Don Jenks — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 01:27:58 -0500

I'm currently in fort Benning reclassing after av4 year break in service. We are in prior service barracks. We are separate from the recruits and treated very differently than them. We have a drill sergeant that oversees us but we mostly handle things on our own.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2019 2:27 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 14:27:20 -0500

Well when I went back to MEPS to go active duty, technically its considered a break in service or something like that, I was treated like every other person that came through, regardless of rank or past experience. They took my phone, I couldn't even leave to go smoke or go to the PX, they wouldn't even let me have a dip in to help pass the time. After that you should be treated a lot better than your first time around.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2019 10:56 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 Nov 2019 10:56:03 -0500

Im a 35F so let me know if you have any questions