Will I be able to switch my MOS to infantry, or is the Army messing with me?

Question

I am a split option DEP. I'm 17, and ship to basic training to fort benning georgia 20070522. And then when I get back, finish my last year in high school. They told me up front that I will not be able to select that MOS because 1) In high school, and 2) I think, because I am not 18. They said I can pick a MOS with the BCT Fort Benning location(i chose 63B - veichile mechanic) because it was either that or chaplain, for basic training at fort benning. They said 6 months after i complete BCT, i am allowed to switch my MOS prior to my graduation. Does anyone know thoroughly about this, to where I will be guaranteed a MOS switch(guaranteed by liasion and recruiter) and not be stuck with 63B?

I am a split option DEP. I'm 17, and ship to basic training to fort benning georgia 20070522. And then when I get back, finish my last year in high school. They told me up front that I will not be able to select that MOS because 1) In high school, and 2) I think, because I am not 18. They said I can pick a MOS with the BCT Fort Benning location(i chose 63B - veichile mechanic) because it was either that or chaplain, for basic training at fort benning. They said 6 months after i complete BCT, i am allowed to switch my MOS prior to my graduation. Does anyone know thoroughly about this, to where I will be guaranteed a MOS switch(guaranteed by liasion and recruiter) and not be stuck with 63B?
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Ok, I am in reserves right now. I'm not national guard nor active duty, because i am still in high school. I plan on going active duty right when I graduate and get out of reserves. Could I use that with my MOS switch, since i'm switching to active?

Answer 1

if you dont see it in writing chances are it never happened. look there is plenty of time to join why not take some time and wait until you are out of high school. if you get a few college credits you can get a promotion to e2 instead of a buck private. look at all the branches before you decide. if you get a degree you can eventually become an officer over time. just take some time and think about it. once you graduate and are 18 years of age you can get infantry guranteed. there is no benefit in joining in an mos you dont want.

Answer 2

because you are doing delayed entry you have to have an mos that basic training time that is scheduled to start and get you back for Senior year. When I did basic training for infantry I was there at fort Benning for 17 weeks. Basic and AIT is combined normally. You will have to do your AIT later I did it all in one shot . So after you graduate you will have to do your AIT. But like everyone else stated earlier make sure it states that. Let them know you want it in writing. I believe they are sending you to basic at Fort Benning that is where infantry school is but you have to pick a MOS that is not combined Basic and AIT. There first eight weeks no matter what your MOS is its all the same.

Answer 3

Theres only ONE Infantry unit in the Army Reserves, the 100th Bn/442 Infantry based in the Pacific(Hawaii, Guam, etc)

If the USAR are telling you they have Infantry units, their Lying to you.

Typically, if your allready MOSQ in another MOS and want Infantry, it's a simple matter of putting in a DA4187 request for Personnel action to request that training. Your C.O. would of course have to approve such action.

I started out as a 82C Field Artillery Surveyor in 1981 because i was told BS similar to you. I waited the requisite 90 days after being awarded my MOS, requested 11B, got the training & Never regretted it for a Moment.

Answer 4

its infantry for crying out loud everybody gets into the Infantry, what recruiter in their right mind would turn down an opportunity to get someone into the infantry. its only the hardest job in the military and they are going to turn you down? B.S.

As long as you make height /weight standards and do great on the PT test you will be in it just takes paperwork.

Dont listen to the nay-sayers. it can be done.

P.S theres no shame in being a 63 B by the way, any idiot can drive a truck, but it takes a SPECIAL idiot to know how to fix it.either way best of luck to you and Godspeed w/ the Military.

Instructor,
SFC USAR 63XH8

Answer 5

im not sure about your situation. i say do the basic and go with 63b training. you may find out you dont want to be infantry. btw. i was a 63b. light wheel vehical mech. i was good at what i did and wish i never got out. i was one of the special dummies that could fix em. though my experience didnt guarantee a job when i got out. recruiter lied bout that.

Answer 6

The most likely reason you didn't get 11B is that your scores were not high enough in some area that is required or you don't meet the physical standards. Both of those are hard obsticles to overcome. I was a recruiter back in the "Be All That You Can Be Days" and we would tell you "we checked, that's all you can be"

My opinion is, be the best 63B you can be. I joined at 17 and finished High School in the Army. I grumbled and groaned with the best of them, but I'm retired now and don't regret it.

Answer 7

If it's not in writing, don't count on it!

I would think, though, that they would need more infantry that mechanics or chaplains, the former being harder and more dangerous, but it might also depend on how much money they've spent on training you to be a mechanic.

Never trust a verbal guarantee!

Thanks for defending our country. I appreciate you very much. I really hope you get what you want, and come home safe and sound.

Answer 8

I have two pieces of advice for you:
1. Join the Air Force, you'll thank me later.
2. Don't go in without a guaranteed job, the Air Force calls the MOS an AFSC. If you come in Open General, Open Electronics, ect., they will stick you in any job that is vacant. Remember, Recruiters lie, they have quotas to meet. If they need people in a certain job, they will do whatever they can to fill it.

Sincerely, an Air Force SSgt with over 12 years of service.

Answer 9

you can be in infantry in the reserves because there are no infantry units in the reserves

Answer 10

I would talk to the chain of command of the MEPS station. I will request to be reclassified.

It is very slim chance.