It seems like the only option I have to change my MOS is wait till my time is up and ETS. Then turn around and come right back into the MOS I want. I have been told that prior service never get a enlistment bonus. I don't know if thats true or false but I guess I'll just have to wait and see. If anyone out there can help me not go through this painful process I would greatly appreciate it. When I get home from Iraq the beer is on me. I am a E-5, 13 Delta with 6 years in service as of 5 May 2008 my ETS is 23 Jul 2009. Currently in Iraq with a few more months to go. I want to reclassify to a 13 Bravo, but it seems as though there are no options for me except to get out.

There are no more Broken Service Selective Reenlistment Bonuses (BSSRB) offered as of 1 January 2007.

13D is understrength through SSGs.

13B is balanced throughout.

Why do you think the Army would retrain you from an understrength MOS to a balanced MOS?

Also, if you try to get out and get 13B, it's not going to happen; strengths don't change from retention to recruiting. Again, would would the Army train you in an MOS that is balanced when you already hold an MOS that is understrength?

Thank You, now I know what I have to do as far as getting myself ready to get out.

Before you get out ...

Check out this calculator ... ArmyReenlistment.com's RMC Calculator.

This will give you an idea of what you'll need to make in the civilian sector to live a comparable lifestyle (monetarily) when you ETS.

Also, don't forget to ask your new employer (but not limited to):
- for free college tuition (without a long term commitment)
- for free medical care
- for free dental care
- to not tax your rent/mortgage or food money
- for gym membership
- no taxes on your electronics or anything you buy from your local store

If you think that by ETSing and then coming back in to the Active Army will open the door for you to change MOS's, think again. If you are an MOS-qualified Prior Service applicant, the MEPS Guidance Counselor will take a quick look at current strengths, and, unless your MOS is overstrength at your current grade, they will keep you in that MOS--no training option will be offered. This is cost effective reasoning.

You ought to look at the reserve components as well (if you're set on leave the regular Army that is). I imagine your state's National Guard has some 13B vacancies somewheres.

Once you're MOS qualified, you may have a better shot at going 13B RA, or perhaps find an AGR spot.

Thanks for suggesting the NG option or even the AGR option. I'm sure they probably do have a 13 Bravo spot vacant.

As for the person who refers me to the calculator provided by the link above. I have already calculated the money made and saved by being in the military. Yes it has its benefits, but the military also has its cons. As I have said before I have been in for six years and I think I know just alittle bit about how this game is played.

I want thank everyone who has responded to my question posted here. I think I will wait and see what is offered to me after sometime has lapsed.

quote:

Originally posted by 3timeiraqvet:
As I have said before I have been in for six years and I think I know just alittle bit about how this game is played.

This isn't a negotiation ... it's your career.

quote:

Originally posted by 3timeiraqvet:
As for the person who refers me to the calculator provided by the link above. I have already calculated the money made and saved by being in the military.... I have been in for six years and I think I know just alittle bit about how this game is played.

I believe the "person" was ensuring you were completely aware of all th ins and outs of contemplating leaving the Active Army is all. He wasn't playing a game with you, he was doing what a good NCO does and what a Career Counselor is required to do.