For those who were prior service, how did Army BCT differ from your initial enlistment?

At my BCT unit (1st ID, 1961), a prior-service U.S.A.F. Recruit was my battery's "Trainee of the Cycle" which carried a promotion to PFC (E-3). He was a sharp guy with leadership ability gained from his Air Force service.

In my 25 years I also had the great opportunity of reclassifying into different MOS(s). I was an environmental health tech 91S, Food Inspector 91R, Combat Medic 91B, Fuel Tech 77F, Recruiter 79R and RN 66H. Loved every minute of it and I would do it again!

1LT Jose Vazquez Yes the Army is a different animal. I'm not going to pretend to know if what I went through was equal to what I'm going to go through.

When I went through BMT in 2011, the Air Force had made some changes based on the steady deployments. They mentioned that they were transitioning to a "war fighting airman". BMT was 8.5 weeks when I went through and they had upped the physical standards from the 6 week BMT era.

I can say that my MTI was an absolute professional. By the books and did not take anything easy. I'll have to find out where they differ.

As far as just showing up to work, I know the Air Force is like that but I was security forces. We had guard mount. I was armed every day. Not the typical USAF afsc.

I appreciate the advice, really looking forward to my next steps.

Being an SP (security Police as it was called in my time) will give you an edge. Best thing you can do is learn and know your regulations and field manuals, take care of your soldiers, and always be firm but fair. Never let anyone question your integrity! Always do the right thing, even when nobody is watching! Finally, always be at the right place, at the right time and in the right uniform. Good luck to you!

Not sure where to start with the story behind 8 months and just now being cleared to go to meps without a date.

As of the end of last week, 6/16 I was approved. This whole week I haven't been able to get ahold of my recruiter. He didn't mention anything about being on leave or something else.

It's been a nightmare process but it's hard to find a recruiter willing to work with prior service. So I've been reluctant to start over with someone else. Besides I'm almost at the finish line?

The recruiter seems to not know what he is doing, and the senior career recruiter over him makes very simple spelling errors. I appreciate the work they are doing but they really seem clueless.

I believe because of my rank and TIS I would still have to do the full 10 weeks, but this recruiter has been wrong before. Thanks for the support.

Are you in Hawaii or Los Angeles area?
The first recruiter I called was not too helpful as prior service, second recruiter I contacted has been awesome. Has updated me on everything before I could even ask, around every 3 days he made some form of contact. I never had to question where I was in the process.

As you stated though, since you are cleared for MEPS, you should probably stay where you are.... Unless, you keep running into more delays. When I got cleared for MEPS, I went 3 days later.

As far as your comment about finding one that's reluctant to work PS, I don't know if this is actually a thing, or if it's a misconception. Mine was more than happy and told me most of the people he enlists are PS. Like I said though, the 1st one was the opposite.

As far as all the guidelines on BCT, idk. From what I've seen it is a 6 week course (this started relatively recently) but I could be as wrong as anyone. Keep in mind, the people at MEPS that build your contract will absolutely know the rules 100% and are the authority in deciding this. I'm not going tmback too BCT but I almost wish I could. I've been out nearly 3 years, a refresher would be great lol.

SPC (Join to see) Yeah after this much waiting I don't want to poke the bear.

My recruiter is a SFC. He may be getting ready to retire.
He blamed a lot of the delay on MEPS because I had to send up paperwork due to my appendectomy.
Situation went something like this..
Send document requested by recruiter to MEPS.
Wait two weeks
Recruiter:They said that wasn't the right document
(repeat 5 times)

I'll be at the recruiters office Monday. No returned contact for a week doesn't sound right.

I've been out for just at 4 years, I feel the same way. I want to have the freshly developed disciplined mind you need for AIT.
I looked into the PSBCT a little more and found some info.

GOARMY forum
https://forums.goarmy.com/thread/315171?tstart=0

MEMORANDUM
http://www.usarec.army.mil/hq/warrant/Prior_Service_Basic_Training_Course.pdf

Facebook of the training company for PSBCT
https://www.facebook.com/Charlie-Company-2-10-Infantry-Regiment [login to see] 03122/

USAR and NG is all about training dollars. Their training dollars come from a different pot of federal or state money. Sometimes their requirements may be a little different than active duty. When I was a recruiter, those I could not place in AD I would refer to the NG or USAR and it was easier for the applicant to join those components than AD.

1LT Jose Vazquez - Roger that, sir. I know the recruiter was excited to see that I was Security Forces since that meant he could file me straight to AIT. Unfortunately for me, the waiver process took too long & I "aged out" for the Army Guard here in MO.

SSgt (Join to see) The rules and regs change almost daily. That was the case in 2011-2012 IIRC.
To be honest, I'd be disappointed if I don't get to experience round two of basic. lol