Hi all,
Heres my story.
I am a SSG MP (31B3PV5) with SMOS (25Q).I have reuped twice before (A and B Zone). I enter C Zone this Feb and am interested in reclass to 97E. I would like to go to Fort Bragg and I heard there are plenty of vacant spots for 97Es there and I know there are not any for MPs. O.K heres the deal. The powers that may be are reviewing my records to determine if I am SFC material. If they say I am and I become promotable am I still eligible for reclass to 97E through BEAR program. What if I reup now for C Zone BEAR? Do I have to decline my anticipated promotion to become a 97E or would my assignment for 97E school be scratched or would I get to recieve promotion to SFC and continue carrer as a 97E? Please can someone tell me where I can find the regulatory guidence to awsnser this question. I have looked everywhere. Thanks

First of all, when you do BEAR, you must read sign a volunteer statement; part of which states: "I also understand that if my promotion status changes prior to school start date it may negate BEAR Program approval and therefore must be reported for confirmation prior to departure for MOS training." This can be found in AR 601-280, chapter 6.
The other thing is that the current BEAR message specifically says that 97E is open to SGT(P) and SSG only.
Personally, I would never decline promotion, but that's a decision only you can make. If you apply for BEAR now, and are qualified, but get picked up for SFC, you may not be qualified any longer for attendance.

Check out the BEAR Program website for all the latest BEAR information.

AR 601-280, Chapter 4, paragraph 4-2i:
Soldiers in the rank of SSG who are on the DA promotion list for promotion to SFC will be reenlisted only for those options available to an SFC.

AR 601-280, Chapter 6 (BEAR Program), paragraph 6-5c:
Soldiers must be in the rank of SSG or below.

There is an exception for SFCs to participate in the BEAR Program; but that for CMF 18 only.
SFC MAY REQUEST ENTRY INTO CMF 18 ONLY IN THE BEAR PROGRAM FOR THE BONUS LISTED FOR SSG.

Understood.

Right now I am a SSG (not promotable). However there is a snowballs chance in hell that I might get picked up for SFC on the current board. If I go into the BEAR Program now as a SSG and say I actualy get picked up for SFC do I have to give up my promotion status. I read the reg but still am not posotive.

quote:

Originally posted by TG79S:
"I also understand that if my promotion status changes prior to school start date it may negate BEAR Program approval and therefore must be reported for confirmation prior to departure for MOS training." This can be found in AR 601-280, chapter 6.

TG79S said it best ...

If you are selected for promotion to SFC, it may (probably will) negate your BEAR extension.