Would it be frowned upon to refuse promotion to stay eligible for a packet MOS (31D/35L)?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Jan 2021 14:33:04 -0500

Hello all. I completed a contract with the National Guard, graduated college with a B.S in CJ, and made E-5. I'm re-enlisting for the active Army with the goal of getting to CID or CI, but prior service cannot enlist directly into these fields. I will be up for promotion to E-6 before I am able to submit a packet for either. Would it reflect poorly on me to refuse promotion so that I can meet my goal?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2021 2:46 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Jan 2021 14:46:00 -0500

No. I know many who refused promotion in order to qualify to attend CISAC. That being said, if you were to get accepted into the MOS, and then pick up E6 before attending CISAC, it is possible to get a waiver to continue. But again, like all waivers, approval is not always guaranteed.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jan 8 at 2021 2:59 PM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Fri, 08 Jan 2021 14:59:47 -0500

If you want to flex the degree and use your Criminal Justice background I would recommend just going into one of the Alphabet agencies. Keep rocking as a part time Soldier and sidestep into something a little bigger than what you will be exposed to in CID. That seems like a more logical route than hurting your career by volunteering to turn down a promotion.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2021 5:20 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Jan 2021 17:20:30 -0500

Don't enlist directly into them. If you're trying to go active, submit your conditional release then go directly to your first duty station and submit your application. These both have time in service and time in grade restrictions, plus they don't accept promotable E5's so you'll have to drop your promotable status prior to attending the course

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2021 1:39 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 Jan 2021 01:39:57 -0500

I have a good buddy who dropped his P status for E6 to go 35L. Worked out very well for him.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2021 11:01 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 Jan 2021 11:01:00 -0500

If anything it shows your dedication to what you are going for. Do what's best for you. The Army will find a way to fill the E-6 position in the MOS you are leaving...so I say refuse away.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2021 7:42 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 Jan 2021 19:42:17 -0500

Just be really sure you’re getting in. On paper I thought I was a shoe in. I had a degree, was active duty, had Blc, had a TS/SCI and a lot of experience in intelligence and some in law enforcement. I put off doing my SSD2 for a long time because I knew I’d be promoted almost immediately. Well, when I submitted my packet I ended up getting denied and they will never tell you why, so you have no idea what you can fix. I wasted 2 years trying to get in as a 35L. I think it’s a good route to go, just be 100 % sure you’re getting in before you sacrifice your career. I’m still waiting on my E6 now because of my approach , not horrible , but it’s frustrating knowing that I could have been an E6 years ago and never knowing why I was rejected. Good luck and I hope it works out for you.