Posted on Nov 24, 2020
SPC Delayed Entry Program
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Long story short, I didn't do my research enough. I'm trying to change my MOS while in the DEP. I leave in about a month and a half. I chose 35N(Signal Intelligence Analyst) but I want to change my MOS to 35T(Military Intelligence Systems Maintainer)

The reasoning for this is I've always been good as computers. Fixing, building, troubleshooting, and problem solving is something I really enjoy and I'd love to do as a career. My recruiter states that I'm now bound to this MOS and I told him I just won't ship unless I am able to change. He brought me in to his office and had me talk to his 1SG and he stated I can cross train, request a secondary MOS, and change my MOS after a year at my unit, which I'm SURE is a lot easier said than done.

My question is: Am I able to change to this MOS after signing my 35N contract and swearing in for the first time? Is my recruiter being truthful? It seems he would be unwilling to work with me to renegotiate a contract. I am 100% certain on this MOS(35T) and would not have any second thoughts about switching.

Thanks in advance.
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MAJ Javier Rivera
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Edited >1 y ago
Former Army Recruiting Company Commander here. They are not bluffing!

When you went to MEPS and choose your MOS, it was based on your ASVAB scores, needs of the Army (always needs of the Army), and your choosing. My question to you is: were you offered the 35T MOS at the time? If so, did you turned it down?

What I can tell you they are bluffing is the secondary MOS part. Not impossible, but very unlikely. You will be neck deep on your first few years working and learning your trade.
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My recruiter notified me that 35N and 35T were available. I slept on the opportunity because I hadn't researched in to that specific MOS. 35T was filled within a couple hours, and my recruiter had called me and told me to jump on the opportunity for 35N before that was gone as well. Researched it, seemed interesting. Still being unaware of what 35T was, I went down, signed, got home and became curious and researched. Just bad judgement on my part.
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MAJ Javier Rivera
MAJ Javier Rivera
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No such thing as bad judgment here SPC (Join to see), just unaware of different opportunities. It’s called being human.

Now, I would suggest to stick up with 35N and later if you wish, re-class to 35T. That’s a feasible option. The benefit of it is that you will go from a user to a fixer. You will have first knowledge of what the end user needs on a daily basis.
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Thank you for your input.
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SSG Intelligence Analyst
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If I was you, I would choose and stick with 35N. 35T graduates on average 4-6 individuals per class starting with around 40 individuals. If you are DEP and refuse to ship, it is in fact an entry level separation.
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I appreciate your feedback. I am excited about serving my country, so that may just be just what I resort to.
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SSG Intelligence/Electronic Warfare (Iew) Ncoic
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Tango school with 8 not 40, but do graduate 40% on the high end
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SSG Intelligence Analyst
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SSG (Join to see) - there were 1 or 2 classes recently that had a ton of people due to covid halting things.
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SSG Intelligence/Electronic Warfare (Iew) Ncoic
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SSG (Join to see) Yikes, I though 8 was more than enough soldiers at once SSG.
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GySgt Retired Marine
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Well I wont speak on behalf of another service branch and their recruiting practices. I am hoping a savvy Army recruiter answers most of your questions.
I would first find out if you even qualify for that job you want. If you don't make the requirements, then it's a moot point. If you are qualified, are there any spaces available for that job? If there are, then go for it. You may have to change shipping dates. This puts your recruiter in a bad position because they have to fill that space that you left vacant.
I have a firm belief that you make them tell you no. I also believe in doing everything possible to help someone achieve their goals. It has to be within reason. If you don't mentally or physically qualify for that job, then it's out of the recruiters hands.
If you are not satisfied and you think hard about the pros and cons, I would move on and perhaps research other branches and see if they can meet your needs. There's no guarantee of that either. I would also ask yourself can the experiences and the commitment of selfless service set you up for future success and be a foundation for you in achieving your goal further down the road.
Alot of people who serve aren't necessarily doing their "dream job". It does however pave the way to their future success in whatever they want. Just alot to think about. Best of luck to you in your future endeavors.
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Understood. I am aware of all the other character-building benefits that tend to come with serving, so I'm keeping that in mind as well. As far as I'm concerned I've already applied for the TS/SCI clearance. My record is clean, 81 on the ASVAB. Physically and mentally pristine. I'm 24 and I'd like to start doing what I plan on doing in the future, since I feel like I've wasted much of my time from ages 18-24. Regardless, I hear Army Intel is a great community, and I simply made a mistake and would like to redeem myself to something I actually know I would enjoy before I take the chance and find out I don't like the contract I signed for.
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