What will re-class be like for prior service E-5 veteran?

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Dec 2018 08:37:50 -0500

I'm still waiting on my packet and waivers to go through, but if all goes according to plan I could be coming back into active duty after a 6-year break from service.

Has anyone come back as prior service, reclassified and gone to their second AIT? What was your experience like? I remember two prior service soldiers in my 38B AIT way back in 2007, and they didn't have to act like newbies in terms of the marching around and barracks shenanigans. I know prior service AF and Navy are pretty lax on their guys going through tech school.

I just wanted to hear some first-hand accounts of what it's like as a veteran going back through an AIT environment these days? I'm not looking for a cake walk or anything -- just curious.

Response by SGT Frank Pritchett made Dec 5 at 2018 9:34 AM

SGT Frank Pritchett — Wed, 05 Dec 2018 09:34:33 -0500

Yes I did, in 2007 I went back to active duty after a six year separation and was reclassified form 41C "Fire control Instrument Repair" to 74DL4 "Chemical Detection" to 88M "Transportation" and truly enjoyed both MOS's. It made me a more knowledgeable NCO to where I could multi -task. Never turn down an opportunity that increases your skill set. I retired in 2015.

Response by SGT Eric Davis made Dec 5 at 2018 2:16 PM

SGT Eric Davis — Wed, 05 Dec 2018 14:16:00 -0500

I’m surprised they not trying to make you go through basic again

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2018 2:44 PM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Dec 2018 14:44:23 -0500

Most AIT schools prior service will be housed away from IET soldier. Will conduct PT in the morning, eat chow, classroom, ect. But once class is over most school houses let prior service head there own way until PT in the morning.

You will be treated as an NCO and not IET soldier "unless you act like one".

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2018 8:45 AM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Dec 2018 08:45:09 -0500

I transferred from the NG straight to Active Duty with no break in service 8 yrs ago. I will say that going through the course was unique in that the Drill Sergeants didn’t really acknowledge that we were there. In the sense that we were knowledgeable of standards and discipline. So we blended in. We had to stand in formation with the IETs but as far as discipline goes we were released after classroom instruction was done. So we didn’t get any part of that. The 1SG was very adamant about letting us know about fraternization with the trainees. So my advice is learn your craft. Don’t come to formation reeking of alcohol or cigarettes and you’ll be good. We stayed in separate billets as well. Hope this helps.