Can anyone give me the straight scoop re: Army 11x Option 40 contract?

2019-10-01T17:25:16-04:00

My son qualifies for an 11x Option 40 contract, which is what he wants. He's being told by his recruiter that there are no slots available for the next OSUT class. He's going to the Army guidance counselor tomorrow to find out more. I'm not convinced--I'm inclined to believe that if he waits a few weeks to sign, he'll be able to get one, especially since this is the beginning of the new fiscal year. Can any of you provide any intel?

Response by SSG Brian G. made Oct 1 at 2019 5:34 PM

2019-10-01T17:34:01-04:00

That could very well be. All that means is that the class is full, not that the MOS is full. IT does not mean he cannot get the 11x Op 40, it just means that he will not ship immediately and start training, that he will have to wait until the next class. With the bonuses etc being offered to and for Infantry right now, it will not be long.

Just because one recruiter says something right now mean nothing. It is what is determined at MEPS and is put in the contract that matters. If he wants 11x Op 40, then he should hold out for that.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2019 7:45 AM

2019-10-03T07:45:49-04:00

You’re most absolutely wrong. This isn’t car sales where you think you can just stall and get the apr/ price point you want. If it’s not in the system it’s not in the system. You can try to wait but the end result is potentially going to be the same.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2019 12:07 PM

2019-10-04T12:07:37-04:00

The recruiter will have to pick different ship dates when pulling a reservation to find one that is available. It all depends when he wants to ship out. Based on the context of the question "the next OSUT" class... to me, this means you are looking at specific time frames. Pick a different date and you will get different options. Slots get filled quickly, especially for 11x opt 40. Remember, there are limited slots and he is competing for a seat with all the other applicants at all the other MEPS nationwide.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2019 3:54 PM

2019-10-04T15:54:35-04:00

I always tell people not to waste their time with 18X or option 40. Those are just great recruiting tools for the Army. The majority of soldiers fail those programs. It's much easier to ask for Airborne School and volunteer at Airborne School for Ranger regiment. Or, for those that want to go SF, to attend selection once they get to their first unit, which is usually Fort Bragg if they are airborne.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Oct 5 at 2019 2:06 AM

2019-10-05T02:06:10-04:00

Fiscal year has nothing to do with recruiting numbers, it is all about demand. In any case you are correct that he can wait eventually this MOS will have a slot. If he has time on his side, then don’t be in a rush to accept anything else if he otherwise qualifies. Thank you for your service.

Response by SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA made Oct 5 at 2019 5:05 PM

2019-10-05T17:05:16-04:00

Wait and pick it up in OSUT. Probably you can either get a bonus or a special program (which there's a good chance of failing) and if you get the bonus and pick up the special program in OSUT you'll still get your bonus.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 18 at 2019 11:01 PM

2019-10-18T23:01:21-04:00

Just an update. My son got a call from his recruiter late last week, saying he was able to secure an Option 40 spot for him. My son swore into DEP this week and will be shipping out in a couple of months. He's very glad he waited for the slot he wanted. His patience and persistence paid off. Thank you to those of you who posted helpful responses.