I'm considering (and by considering, I mean have just about signed up) the army. It seems that the fates have conspired to make my dream job: 37F, Psychological Operations.

I went to talk with a recruiter today and he said that they're sort of phasing PSYOP to the Reserves and it'd probably be extremely difficult to get a position in the regular Army as a 37F -- but (assuming ASVAB/DLAB scores were good enough) it'd be considerably easier for the Reserves.

Is it really all that hard to get a space? Feels kind of dirty second guessing him, but I figure it's okay to research, research, research...

If it matters, I'm looking to enlist in early November.

Your recruiter may be a strait shooter, but there are others who will tell you things to steer you in a certain direction.

Don,t make any compromises on this. Its a life changing decision. If you want to be active, and want to go PSYOPS, go to MEPS and tell them you are not leaving until you get it. If they call your bluff, you can always go back for something else. I can tell you though, 37F AIT is alive and well on Fort Bragg.

Is there a way to find out how many slots are open before I'm sitting there at MEPS?

I read somewhere (perhaps here, perhaps another board dealing with the same subject) that the new fiscal year starts in October and it's easier to get the MOS that you want because there's more budget ... is that true?

Any other pertinant info?

37F is currently "Balanced" meaning they do not need anyone in or out of the MOS. It is also a Priority 2 MOS, which means when an opening comes available, they are near the top for fills (or Soldiers).

After doing some research, I found that there are unfilled seats for classes that begin January, March, May, and July of 2007.

Also, physical demands rating and qualifications for initial award of MOS. PSYOP specialists must possess the following qualifications:
(1) A physical demands rating of very heavy.
(2) A physical profile of 111221.
(3) Normal color vision.
(4) Qualifying scores.
-A minimum score of 101 in aptitude area ST on ASVAB tests administered on and after 1 July 2004.
(5) A minimum security eligibility of SECRET is required for the initial award and to maintain the MOS.
(6) Active component Soldiers must have a qualifying score on the Defense Language Aptitude Battery (DLAB) as prescribed by AR 611 6. A qualifying DLAB score is not required for reserve component Soldiers’ for initial award of MOS.
(7) A high school graduate or equivalent.
(8) Never been a member of the U.S. Peace Corps, except as specified in AR 614-200.
(9) A U.S. citizen.
(10) No record of conviction by court martial.
(11) No civil conviction of any misdemeanor or higher level of offense.
(12) Due to the nature of training and assignments, temporary restrictions may be placed on foreign travel both during and after the term of service.
(13) Meet career management and development criteria contained in AR 614-200.
(14) Complete mandatory formal training.
(15) The active component Soldier must be airborne qualified and remain eligible to perform airborne duties throughout their career.
(16) The active component Soldier must attend and successfully complete the Special Operations Language Training (unless previously language qualified).

Excellent! Hopefully I can get one of those slots.

Thanks a lot.

Hey if your recruiter says they cant get it tell them to call the "ROCK"

quote:

Originally posted by CPLJeff:
Hey if your recruiter says they cant get it tell them to call the "ROCK"

What exactly does "calling the ROCK" mean?

Its actually the "ROC" Recruiting Operations Command

Oooh, hmm. I just tell them to call ROC and check to see if there's a spot? Or to MAKE a spot? Something else?

Thanks a lot, by the by.