im in the army reserves and have been for two years, my current mos is interior electrician and im working with a recruiter to release me into active duty. Im going to reclass as an MP and was wondering if i had to go through all the processing like reception again? Will i be treated as a new recruit or as prior service? just wondering what to expect when i get there.
Spc.Ladd

Just to let you know, there's really no right or wrong answer to this question. You'll get treated the way they want to treat you. You might be virtually free (peruse one such experience by reading my post here). Or you could end up on lockdown. As cliche as this sounds... expect the unexpected .

You won't be going through reception, at least not like the rest of the privates did. You're not redoing Basic, just AIT. But yes, you'll have to inprocess.

Buck up man, it'll be fun. I wish I could go through AIT again...

You will be going to reception to do your processing. Now you might not have to do the full medical exam again depending on how long ago your last physical was and if you have a copy of it but all of your processing will be at the MEPS.

As I transitioned from the Marine Corps to the Army, I absolutely HATED MEPS as a "prior service"; I was the last one to be seen, but still had to be there with everyone else all day.

i talked to a recruiter today and he gave me a couple of MOSs to choose from. im really interested in Patriot launching station operator (14T) because there is an enlistment bonus of $21,000 for a 4 year contract. i was also looking into watercraft operator (88k) and even unit supply. any advice on which mos is good? im looking for an mos that ill learn alot from and can use it in the civilian world but im not looking for a long AIT. not really looking forward of going through all the improcessing again.

I have just recently made the transition from reserve to active and I can tell you that my experience was not the greatest. I did not re-class which made things a little easier, but it is ultimately up to you as to what kind of experience you are going to have during your re-class. I remember that AIT was horrible sometimes but after it was all over with, I wanted to do it again. I don't know that many people who don't feel the same. As for the MOS question. It really depends on what you want to do in terms of a career. If it is to stay in the Active Army I suggest finding the MOS that you will enjoy most with the biggest bonus you can get. Of course DO NOT let the bonus be the lone mitigating factor here. Take some time and if you don't get what you want, don't be afraid to say no. It sounds bad, but the Army as a whole couldn't care less how happy you are with your MOS. You're the one who has to live it day in and day out for the next 3-4 years. Also, if you do plan of getting out soon, I suggest taking on an MOS that transfers well into the civilian world. Human Resources and Medical are top spots for transition. Anyhow, I'm sorry for the book. I hope it helps you out.

Spc.Ladd,

Id pick the MOS that has to most interest to you. The one you think you will enjoy doing the most, and the one you think you will be the best at.

i was thinking about 14t (Patriot launching station operator). has a nice bonus and sounds like a great mos. But i heard that my duty station could be Korea and that you couldnt bring your wife with you for 3 years? i hope that isnt the case. im recently married and i really want to go active, the reserves arnt for me, i want more from my military career. but i also want a good mos (my current mos is horrible and iv been in for 2 years and never even used it) Just looking for advice. and an mos that would work for a married man that wants to make a career out of the army.

p.s thanks for all the advice you guys have already given me

quote:

Originally posted by Spc.Ladd:
Just looking for advice. and an mos that would work for a married man that wants to make a career out of the army.

I got married in May. Since then, I've seen my wife a total of 3 months, and not since August. And it's not even because of my MOS, it was just the Army and it's infinite retardedness. I suggest that you don't go to Korea. You might have to leave your wife behind. And you can still be deployed from Korea. Trust me, you'll never see it coming.

Also- I'm not too familiar with the ADA units up north in Korea... but I do know the one down south in Gwangju. You DO NOT want to be there, I repeat, DO NOT. Not the best place to start a family.

I'd be a sinner if I didn't recommend Military Police. It's not all working the road and manning the gate, like everybody thinks. It's fun, and worthwhile if you know how to drive your own career and don't let DA do it for you.

And last but not least, If I was to reclass, I'd be an X-Ray Tech. A friend of mine works in Radiology here on the hospital on post, and moonlights at the hospital off post. And they work shifts, so it's not part time, my friend. She gets off work, gets some sleep, and goes in for the night shift. Full pay and everything.

Most tours in Korea are only a year long. But you also get separation pay, so if you are in it for the money that's a way to go. Do some research. Find out from your recruiter what other posts you can be on for that MOS.

Smittaayy, I'm in medical and they are phasing out a lot of 68 series MOS's. That rad tech is one of them. Seriously, if you don't want to go through almost another year of training for that MOS... DON'T.

Didn't know they were phasing that MOS out. I know they're phasing out 68H, promotion blows in that MOS. I've worked in an MTF for the last 7 months, and haven't heard anything about radiology. No matter though. And Korea definitely is the way to go if you want that money, you'll get paid hella good.

Im leaning towards MP. I hear that its a five year commitment becuase of security clearence. I talked to my recruiter and he said that i wouldnt be going to Leonardwood for AIT and go OUST becuase im prior service and the army has a place that reclasses prior service for MP. not sure where that would be. So what is AIT like for MPs? any info on the MOS would be great. thanks Smittaayy in advance.

First, where are you from in New Hampshire?

Second... I have some names for your recruiter, and none of them are good. The Army has a special place for prior service? He makes it sound like Purgatory .

I'm not sure about the five year committment. My recruiter told me the same thing, yet when I got to OSUT, I met a bunch of people, Active Duty, with two year contracts.

I think your recruiter meant that you wouldn't be going through OSUT. You'll go to Leonard Wood, and you'll be inserted into one of the training companies as they come out of the BCT portion and into the AIT phase.

AIT in the beginning, is A LOT of classroom. You'll learn all the paperwork you'll use when you work the road. You'll also learn about military law, UCMJ, patrolling techniques, and different scenarios you might come upon while on patrol. To culminate that part, you'll do a Law Enforcement Exercise. Leonard Wood has a facility called Stem Village, which has a miniature town, with an MP station, houses, buildings, and a correctional facility for the Echoes. You get patrol cars and radios, and you'll drive around Leonard Wood and Stem Village all day, reporting to and dealing with different situations. In addition, you'll also practice and qualify with the M9 pistol.

Then you'll go through a field phase. You'll get divided up into 3 man teams with a driver, gunner, and team leader, and you'll go to the field with full weaponry, vehicles, and gear. While you're out there, you'll spend some quality time at the MOUT site, going over urban operations.

Hey thanks for all the info. ill keep you posted on as more information comes through. I live near concord NH but born and raised in Colebrook NH.

You should definately look into 21P. As a 21R you would fit right in. If you qualify, you will join one of the best MOS's in the Military. There is a Bonus right now. Check out our website at
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