Posted on Jan 17, 2019
PV2 Information Technology Specialist
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I first went to military recruiting office near my town to find out more about navy in 2017.
Once there, navy recruiter was not present. Instead, army recruiter greeted me and invited me to army office to talk about army life. Army seemed great as the recruiter explained all the benefits and job opportunity. So, I've decided to join the army and I had my mind set on 25B MOS. After long process of paper works and MEPS, I was finally dimmed eligible to join the army. Despite the fact that Basic combat training had me worried, I was excited about the professional training that army Advanced individual training will provide me after BCT.

I am a permanent resident card holder (I-551) and due to some law change on early of 2018, I had to wait for security clearance to clear before I can ship out to BCT. After doing the security clearance interview, all I could do was just wait. So, I asked the recruiter if getting citizenship will help me get into the army faster. The answer was "not exactly" although the citizenship will benefit me in it's own way, it was not necessary for me to get one in order to join in army (keep in mind that I wanted to join as from the start 25B). Getting citizenship is not going to be any faster than getting my security clearance done so, I can just apply for one in the army as it will speed things up.

Time passes by as I take care of my mother who recently had 2 surgeries for left foot ulcer amputation, I get a call from my recruiter saying that I can ship out soon due to some law suit about security clearance not being cleared for many soldiers in 2019. I went down to MEPS to choose an MOS, recruiter told me to choose about 5 jobs that I would like to be in. My first choice is 25B and I had few others in mind. Nothing in the MOS screen was something I was hoping for but being tired of waiting and also thinking that I can change my MOS later on during active duty once the re-enlistment window opens, I have chosen a 74D CBRN specialist.

After getting out of MEPS I was fairly happy that I could finally ship out but after giving long deep thoughts about the 74D, I did not like it. There was an MOS that I wanted from the start 25B. I told my recruiter that I did not want to join army as 74D as I am sure to regret the consequence. I asked, since I already waited for about 1 and a half year, could I just wait a little longer in order to join with my desired MOS. I was told that 25B needed security clearance and in order to get security clearance done, I needed a citizenship... Also, MEPS could deny my renegotiation and I might be discharged from army. Once I get off army, I was told that it will take 6 month to 1 year period before I can enlist again. I was told that my security clearance interview and process will also be reset and will have to go thru it all over again.

In my situation, is it still possible for me to dictate my MOS? My ASVAB score is not high but it does qualify for 25B. What should I say to my recruiter? I am not joining if I am not getting 25B? I am willing to get my citizenship, and get security clearance done, I am wondering if it is possible for me to maybe get in delayed trainee and wait til I get my citizenship and security clearance done. How long will it take?

Thank you in advance.
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Responses: 7
CSM Darieus ZaGara
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You can always request a change prior to shipping out. The issue is qualification, availability, needs of the military etc. with all of your issues only you will know if the circumstances related to the recruiters response are acceptable. Take it to your recruiter sooner than later. Thank you for your service.
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SFC Retention Operations Nco
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If you have not shipped yet, you can change your MOS. Your recruiter won't be happy, and there's no guarantee you'll get what you want or be offered something different.

Yiu can have a secret clearance without your citizenship. However, that doesn't mean that YOU qualify for one, or that you will get one in time for the job you want. Also, you probably fell under the MAVNI program and your clearance request was held up for processing - especially if you're Chinese.

If you haven't gotten the one job you wanted after waiting a year, you probably aren't getting it. I suggest alternate jobs, or you may he waiting another year. Even if you go to join the navy you would need the same level clearance to do a similar job.

Yes you can change your MOS once you're in the Army but it's not nearly as simple or easy later on. You have more choices at the MEPS.

Basically, take the one you have or wait longer. You'll probably be a bit disappointed that 25B don't have power to fix much of anything in the Army themselves. The networks are administered by the NEC and all the permissions are locked down. Mostly as a 25B you just submit trouble tickets to other people to fix problems
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SGT Company Cbrn Nco
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You could always accept the MOS offered (74d) and sign a short contract (3 years). Be a stand out soldier and when it's time to re-enlist you can try to reclass into your desired MOS.
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