First off than you all for taking the time to hopefully read all of this and fill me in with any answers good or bad.

Im currently a first term soldier, E4 with a 112 GT and 115 Electrical, 113 Tech and commo, 116 maint, 121 mech, 114 combat ect. Im just saying all this incase who ever needs to know. I want out of this MOS bad, im currently deployed on a Military Transition Team in Afghanistan and my window technically opens Jan2 2009 as i ETS 02JAN2011. My HAP assignment is to Fort Lewis when i return from here.I have completed all pre reqs needed for the 21P mos.

What i want to know is can i reenlist over here to reclass to 21P and get a guaranteed school date? What do i have to do to make this all happen. We do not have a career counselor here because were a ETT (embedded transition team) no re-enlistment NCO as well. Branch wont email me back like usual so any thoughts people?

US Army Prime Power School

Applications are currently being accepted from Specialists and Non-promotable Sergeants for the Prime Power Production Specialist Course. For upcoming class schedules, click here. Minimum qualifications are a GT score of 110, ST and EL scores of 107, completion of high school-level Algebra and a 70% on the Basic Math and Science Test.

Interested soldiers should carefully review the qualifications and prerequisites using the enrollment links and send a copy of their ERB along with contact information to http://www.hq.usace.army.mil/contact/contact1.asp?fid=35 or fax to (703) 806-3814, ATTN: PPS Recruiting. Applications should be received at least 90 days prior to class start date. Seats are limited so early submission is encouraged.

Also, Soldiers requesting 21P may request entry into the BEAR Program regardless of their In/Out call status.

Thanks for the reply, but what exactly is the BEAR program? What are the bonus options for this? and is there a way to study for the basic math and science test or a site with a practice test?

I'm sure AR will chime in, but the long and short of the BEAR program is basically it is the Army's way of trying to entice people from one MOS to another to fill shortage needs.

Nice answer, 35M3L00PF.

The objectives of the BEAR Program are to attract highly qualified Soldiers in the rank of SSG and below who are currently serving in an over-strength/balanced MOS to migrate into a critically short SRB MOS, and receive an SRB in the newly awarded PMOS.

What's going to happen is you'll get qualified and accepted for the BEAR Program, extend for 24 months past the class end date and when you successfully graduate, you'll reenlist within 90 days and receive a bonus.

I guess just to expound (not to step on your toes AR) the Army's reasoning is they have two choices:

1) Pay someone what might seem like a ton of money (40k bucks sometimes) to change jobs or

2) Pay about 100-150k bucks to train a new recruit into the shortage MOS.

quote:

Originally posted by 35M3L00PF:
2) Pay about 100-150k bucks to train a new recruit into the shortage MOS.

It costs THIS much?

The Army actually does both ... that's why they have recruiting AND retention.

I thought that is about what it costs to train a new soldier..

Well how come im checking out the bonus rate here and its like 5 thousand on the bear program. Am i reading this wrong?

quote:

Originally posted by 35M3L00PF:
I thought that is about what it costs to train a new soldier..

I thought it was around $40,000 to $50,000 each ... maybe a little higher now.

quote:

Originally posted by GimmeyYourWallet:
Well how come im checking out the bonus rate here and its like 5 thousand on the bear program. Am i reading this wrong?

When reading the BEAR Message you'll need to look at the correct table (Table 2 in your case), rank and AOS. You'll be forgiven up to 24 months of previously obligated service.

alright dumb question i guess but what does AOS stand for? Is prime power school a pcs with family? And do you get to choose where you want to be stationed afterwords or how does that work?

quote:

Originally posted by GimmeyYourWallet:
alright dumb question i guess but what does AOS stand for? Is prime power school a pcs with family? And do you get to choose where you want to be stationed afterwords or how does that work?

You've got to PCS over 18 (is it 20? It's getting late here) weeks I believe for it to be a PCS move. You do not get to choose where you are stationed unless the re-up option is filling a specific unit (in which case it would say something like 11B 4th ID, for example).

the training is supposed to be one year long, so does that qualify me to move my spouse there with me in training?

You can move your family for the school.

There are only three duty stations for Prime Power (excluding specialty assignments for senior enlisted): Ft Belvoir, Ft Bragg, and Hawaii. ou will list your preference, and they will try and get you your first or second choice. I am currently a student at the Prime Power School, and all except one Soldier in my class got their first choice.

The bonus for a first term E5(which will be your rank when you reenlist since you are promoted upon graduation) is anywhere betweeen $5000 - $17000 depending on how long you reenlist for.

If you need any help or have any questions, just post or PM me. Good luck!