What is the best way to get a tactical assignment as a 35L?

Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Aug 2022 22:17:50 -0400

I am seriously considering taking a 35L (Counterintelligence Agent) contract, I have read a few other posts on this forum but I have some questions.
From what I’ve read their are 2 types of assignments you can expect, strategic and tactical. Is there a way to choose which one you get? One of the recruiters in the office I go to is trying to get me to take an option 4 (Airborne) contract and says this basically guarantees a tactical assignment. I know there’s no guarantees unless it’s in the contract but would this increase your chances of a tactical assignment?
I also read on here that past experience or being high in your class increases your chances of a strategic assignment.
I assume both of these are factors but the major factors being the needs of the Army(as always).

Edit- 35L is entry-level, however, you must be 19 when signing a 35L contract. Even with an age waiver. I got my waiver, passed MEPS physical but when meeting with liaison they could not select the job for me.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2022 2:53 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Aug 2022 02:53:16 -0400

Taking an Airborne contract means you'll almost certainly be assigned to an airborne unit after you pass Airborne school. That MOS was removed from SF Group a few years ago so that means you would end up in the 82d, the 4/25 in Alaska, or the 173d in Italy.

Your grades in your MOS school have absolutely nothing to do with where you'll be assigned, it's just the needs of the Army. There's a hole needed at a certain date, you're available at a certain date, you plug that hole.

Once you're ready for a second assignment later on you can request specific locations when you reenlist.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Aug 24 at 2022 10:21 AM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Wed, 24 Aug 2022 10:21:37 -0400

Unless things have changed (and that is entirely possible) 35L is not an entry level MOS. Which means you are looking at crossing over later on. Having thar airborne qualifier makes it MORE likely to be in a tactical unit, but our airborne qualified folks get strategic and force generating assignments all the time, as well. Especially if you are coming off a tactical assignment.

So, if you enlist as an 11B paratrooper, do 4 years with the 82nd, and then go 35L, you have just as much chance going tactical for a follow on as strategic, even with that "P" identifier. But if you *do* go tactical there is a MUCH higher chance you will go to an airborne unit, as compared to (for instance) 1st Cav or 10th MTN.

SFC Private RallyPoint Member can fact check me, he is the SME on these things (and I know he has already offered his input).