I'm a mid career SSG curious about reclassing to 97E. I've always wanted to learn another language. I don't hit my B zone til sept 08, if if i to try and go 97e via the bear program, would i have to extend or reenlist? I'm in my window, but I want to end up getting a bonus..so how would i go about getting the process started? and should I wait til 2008..I've been to Iraq twice and have no desire to get back soon, but it's looking like the 101st is going back by the end of this year..so I'm running out of time..Thanks Currahee

With the BEAR Program you'd actually extend (up to 48 months) to have 24-months left on your contract from the AIT graduation date. After graduation you'd reenlist with 90 days to receive a bonus.

In your particular case, you could extend under the BEAR Program but your graduation date must be after you've hit 6 years active service.