So you choose your MOS and get through Basic...then what? Does the Army have to train/assign you to something in your MOS (if it's written in your contract), or do they just put you wherever? Or is it like they put you where you're needed and at the next available opportunity you are assigned to your desired MOS?
2007-12-28 06:44:41 · 11 answers · asked by MamboMama 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
The Army reserves the right to put you where they need you. However, if you joined the Army with a signed contract for a particular Military Occupational Specialty (MOS), upon successful completion of basic training you will be sent to Advanced Individual Training (AIT) to learn the Army spin on your particular MOS.
2007-12-28 06:53:39 · answer #1 · answered by ziggurat4u 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you choose your MOS before you leave for Basic Training. It is written into your entrance contract for the Army. Once you complete Basic, you move on to AIT (Advanced Individual Training), this is your MOS school. The only time you get put 'wherever the need is greatest' is if you actually go in with an 'open' contract. That means that you have not chosen a MOS so the Army will choose one for you. Most are smarter than that.
2007-12-28 06:53:09 · answer #2 · answered by Shan 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's important to distinguish between your MOS (the duty for which the Army trains you) and your actual job. Some things like basic vehicle maintenance, standing guard, convoy security, etc. are common to all soldiers. The Army is definitely moving toward the USMC policy of 'every Marine a rifleman,' so just because you're trained as a clerk doesn't mean you'll be filing papers during your entire enlistment... you just might end up as a M240B gunner in a HMMWV pulling convoy security.
2007-12-28 08:08:07 · answer #3 · answered by Aaron W 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You take a test, see what you are qualified for (MOS). If they have what you want, sign the contract, go to Basic Training to learn the basics of being a soldier.
Then you go to AIT to learn the skills of your MOS. From there you are sent to your Duty Station, they find a spot for you with a Company...
I was Armor (Tanks). I picked that job before signing my life away. They asked where I would like to be stationed. Three choices. I picked Germany and two other countries (didn't ask for where in Germany, didn't really care). I was from Hawaii and I knew there were no tanks in Hawaii so I didn't waste a choice by picking there.
My Basic and AIT was mixed in together. Don't know if this was a new thing or because Desert Shield just started (which is why I joined). So my Basic was 18 weeks instead of 8.
After Basic, was flown to Germany the next day. Spent 3 days processing in Frankfurt. Then they sent me to my Base, that day they put me in with a company. The company put in in a platoon and the platoon put me with a tank crew (of 4). 3 days later, we shipped out for Desert Shield.
2007-12-28 07:01:00 · answer #4 · answered by Rawbert 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You pick the MOS and the unit before you leave for basic. You cannot pick an MOS and then belong to any unit, they have to be trained in that MOS and have openings for that MOS. Like my husband's MOS is heavy duty mechanics. He is based in a heavy duty equipment unit. Sometimes units will change there MOS in which they will train everyone for that MOS or you can switch units. My husband's unit used to be bridge building, then water purification, now heavy duty!
You will get your MOS training in AIT which is after basic training.
2007-12-28 06:50:10 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
While stationed in Germany in an infantry outfit, I've actually seen soldiers with MOS of cook be put in the motor pool maintenance because at the time we needed mechanics and just the opposite when mechanics were put in the mess hall because that's where we needed cooks at the time.
Was stationed in Germany two and a half years.
Some MOS's you can get away with switching but some you can't.
2007-12-28 07:11:43 · answer #6 · answered by Dave M 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Your MOS will be determined before you leave for basic training and will be in your contract.
2007-12-28 06:48:14 · answer #7 · answered by imthevoiceofgod 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
when you sign your initial contract it should tell you for how long it is and for what MOS. Your MOS cannot be changed unless you don't qualify for it or you flunk AIT
2007-12-28 11:52:21 · answer #8 · answered by fatima g 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1..needs and shortages of mos around the globe
2..where the Army decides to send you
3..where you want to go
As your military career advances you are allowed more and more input into where your go. but at first its all about what the Army wants.
2007-12-28 06:59:07 · answer #9 · answered by igdubya 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You go to AIT. Depends on what your MOS is. Mechanics go to Jackson, Quartermasters go to Lee, etc.
2007-12-28 06:48:23 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋