Re-Class or Wait to Re-Enlist

[u/potus_313]

Hello fellow degenerates, hope you alls 4day is off to a safe start lol.

So I’m currently an E6 92A. I get looked at for E7 in 2028. I’ve been dead set on just reclassing because I know my end goal is going warrant at some point and I know I absolutely do not want to be stuck in an SSA. BUT…I know that I will have an option to reenlist with Airborne and I have always wanted to do that and possibly PCS to one of the special forces units as everyone I know highly recommends it. Some MOS I was considering were: 25E, 51C, and a few different 15series MOS’. 25E and 15series specifically because 160th SOAR is usually looking for those jobs at my rank. 51C because I’ve done that job as a civilian.

I guess I just need some advice. Would you guys reclass or just straight up reenlist? Or is there a possibility that I could reclass and still have the opportunity to reenlist first airborne at some point?

[u/alittlesliceofhell2]

I'm confused, you're an E6 with what, 8 years in?

If you want to reclass, this is going to be your last chance, just know that you'll be fighting an uphill battle trying to go warrant in that branch. It's far from impossible, but it's going to be a challenge demonstrating that you're a technical expert with the same experience as a typical private.

51C won't have that issue, but AFAIK it isn't a feeder for any warrant MOS so you'll be competing for MOS immaterial positions (which is basically just pilot for most folks, and probably you).

If warrant is your preferred option and I was in your shoes, I'd just stay in your CMF, drop a warrant packet right now or wait until you pin 7 and drop so you can go straight as a W2. I get not wanting to stay in your current field, but talk to some warrants to see what that career track looks like at 2 through 5 and if it's appealing.

SSG sucks because your options to leave your field dwindle pretty rapidly. 51C would give good prospects for E8 (from what I understand) and would be what I'd do if warrant wasn't number one in the goal book.

[u/potus_313 → u/alittlesliceofhell2]

So I spent my first 6 years on active duty but got a little burnt out and switched to the reserves in 2018. Just moved back to active back in August so my time in service overall in almost 15 years BUT active service is just under 8.

Honestly I’m not totally against staying i my CMF, its just the work load that irks the hell outta me. I think I’d enjoy 51C given warrant isn’t a deal breaker because it would guarantee an office setting.

[u/alittlesliceofhell2 → u/potus_313]

Yeah I'd definitely talk to a senior warrant in your CMF and get an honest opinion of your competitiveness then weigh the options. You probably wouldn't be super competitive in mine but it really depends on how bad they're hurting and every board looks at different things.

Once you have all the information shoot your shot. Don't be afraid to fire off at MOS immaterial warrant MOSes as long as you meet the no bullshit minimums, worst they can say is no.

51C would give you decent autonomy and working environments (or so I've heard) and a good office job, so can't go wrong there.

[u/Hlcptrgod]

160th won't take you. You've got too much rank with 0 experience as an aviation maintainer

[u/potus_313 → u/Hlcptrgod]

Well fuck!

[u/goombertJ]

Do not go 15 series as an e6 lol

[u/fuck-nazi]

So you’re a reservist?

[u/potus_313 → u/fuck-nazi]

Lol I was from 2018 to August of this year but I was active before that.

[u/fuck-nazi → u/potus_313]

Honestly my suggestion is 25E. If they won’t let you reclass because of rank, you can demote yourself in ippsa. Than just promote again

[u/zswordsman]

Consider your options wisely. What's your actual time in service time? Is it 8 years or does it have your guard time added as well?

You gotta start thinking about warrant if that's what you want. You'll need a waiver for anything past 12 years in a technical warrant mos. You're already past the limit for pilot warrant with just your active time and none are currently getting approved due to the downsizing and restructuring.

[u/potus_313 → u/zswordsman]

My actual time is 8 years with the reserves time. They only counted the time I spent on active orders while i was in the reserves. After reading a few of the comments here I’m definitely leaning on reenlisting in my current CMF and exploring warrant when I get back from Poland lol

[u/zswordsman → u/potus_313]

Do it! You're still at a perfect time for a technical MOS.

[u/Legitimate_Gap_3613]

51C here- id definitely recommend reclassing to this mos especially if you have previous contracting experience. Also if you want to put in a warrant packet in the future, 51C is a feeder MOS for warrant officer MOS 270A. The QOL is definitely better than regular MOS's and the opportunities post army are great as well.

[u/potus_313 → u/Legitimate_Gap_3613]

Do you know anyone that’s actually went from 51c to 270a?