I recently discovered I have the requisite security clearance for 97E, however the BEAR program is only accepting SGT(P) and higher. Is there anyway to request a rank waiver for this MOS. I know they are always short. I have already passed the DLAB with the required score. I am within my 24 month to ETS timeframe. The only real difficulty I have is my rank and, unfortunately, an incapable reenlistment NCO for my unit; Hence, my posting to a discussion board. Bottom line: is there anyway of getting this MOS anytime soon?

http://www.dami.army.pentagon.mil/sgm/index.asp

Minimum qualifications
- SSG or SFC with BNCOC
- U.S. Citizen
- ST (Tech) score of: 95, if tested prior to Jan 02; 92, if tested between 2 Jan 02 and 1 Jul 04; 91, if tested after 1 Jul 04
- GT score of 100
- Secret Security Clearance
- Fully deployable
- Interview with the HUMINT NCO Special Recruiting Program Assessment Team

Note: With a strong letter of recommendation from the first LTC in the Soldier’s Chain of Command, all pre-requisites may be waived, except U.S. citizenship and the Security Clearance

I meet all the qualifications for 97E and the BEAR program but when my retention NCO sent the hot link or whatever it's called they couldn't get me a school date so I couldn't do it. I am coming up on 8 years and have gotten deployment orders since then. I will be at over 9 years when I come back and past my ETS. I want to do this program but it doesn't seem like it will be possible. My DEROS is 1 Jan 08 and my ETS is that August. What can I do?

The program AR posted is a Special Recruiting Program the G-2 DA SGM posted for 97E. Under the BEAR, you do not need BNCOC to reclass, however, I am not sure there is an age waiver available. To my understanding, they posted 97E in the BEAR program because they are critically short E-6 to E-8.

All applications for the SRP had to be in by 10 May and the school seats should be filling up for those. The two classes were June and August. Once those are filled they should start opening up more class dates unless it is an issue of funding. Then, look for some in September-ish. I am in the same boat, only I meet all requirements. My packet has sat on my RNCO's desk collecting dust until seats are available.

AR can correct me if I am wrong, but this is the only info I have. I call once a week to the RNCO to see if any messages have posted in RETAIN on this, but nothing as of yet, except a few February seats that are probably already filled. "Hurry up and wait" - the sweet song of sadness.

AR said he would post any new info on this issue to this post - What's up with class dates....

They now have released '08 class dates. I just got an August date on Friday and one of my other soldiers received a May date the same day. Have the reenlistment NCO/CC resend the hotline for a date.