Being in USAR, it is difficult to get into specialty schools. What is the best way to pursue this goal as a new soldier in the unit?

2017-11-01T17:10:22-04:00

Response by 1SG Dennis Hicks made Nov 1 at 2017 5:19 PM

2017-11-01T17:19:14-04:00

Well first you would have to see if your current unit has a need of any specialty schools, if they get slots or have access to school slots and then in the end why should they expend a rare slot on you? Most USAR units have certain slots that they get to make sure all their Soldiers are MOSQ anything beyond that is under the "NEEDS of the Army". I see since you have posted in both BAS and Ranger school sites that you are looking for slots that are guarded like the crown jewels. Out pf the two the easier not easy, would be BAS which would depend HIGHLY on if your unit has slots or a need for that or any other qualification. For any school slot units tend to send the high performers or those that have the best chance of graduating and not wasting a slot and the budget to train that troop. in my 35 tears, 15 AD and 20 RC I have watched the unhappy, uphill journey for slots and while its not impossible it is unlikely.

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Nov 1 at 2017 5:20 PM

2017-11-01T17:20:12-04:00

Is there a need in your unit? That’s usually to first question.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2017 5:31 PM

2017-11-01T17:31:09-04:00

Be in a unit that has needs for those specialty schools and has the funding for them. What specific specialty schools are you looking at?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2017 5:56 PM

2017-11-01T17:56:02-04:00

Air Borne and Air Assault are a near impossibility in the reserves unless you are in a rigger unit... There just isn't the funding or need to send reservists. Noble ambition though.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2017 5:59 PM

2017-11-01T17:59:12-04:00

As many have already stated that schools aren't supposed to be for everyone. They are meant to enhance a unit's ability to accomplish their mission. I am in the 82nd ABN. Our Brigade Combat Teams must be capable to deploy anywhere in the world in less than 96 hours, with one battalion in less than 18. In order to do this the infantry battalions must be airborne. So if you had to decide which unit should be sending soldiers to Airborne School who should get priority. An airborne unit or a reserve unit? Even more so your MOS will also dictate if you should go. In some schools you have to have a curtain MOS. By picking Motor Transport you greatly limited yourself. Even more so you are in the reserves. I have been pretty fortunate with schools but I have been in Airborne Infantry units. So all of my schools are a part of my duties. If you want some schools you may want to look at reclassing into an MOS has a chance to obtain schools that are required in the performance of their duties.

Response by PO1 Rudy Lopez made Nov 1 at 2017 6:25 PM

2017-11-01T18:25:09-04:00

Drop a package for 18-series selection. You'll get a lot the schools going that route.

However, to be honest, as 1LT Eric Rosa pointed out earlier, schools are there to either enhance a units capability to complete the mission, or . . . sometimes, as I have seen, some schools such as "Airborne" have been used as a reenlistment incentive. My opinion is that your best chance is along the lines of what 1LT Rosa again stated in that a reclassification of your MOS could get you into schools. For instance, using Airborne again as an example, reclass to a Rigger, then you'll go to Airborne with the possibility of free-fall and other advance airborne schools. I know a female, who is in the reserves, she signed up to be a rigger, went straight to airborne, and has had other opportunities to go to other airborne schools.

So unless your current unit has the funding + allocated slots to certain schools, the chances of you being able to get into a specialty school will be a challenge. Unless, you are already part of the 18-series MOS's, or part of a unit that is required to have those specialty capabilities such as the 82nd, 101st, Riggers, etc . . . (speaking to Airborne school specific again in this instance).

As having been to a good number of the dubbed "cool guy" schools, I will just say beware what you wish for. Sometimes things look like they'll be fun to do, until you have to do it, then ends up being much more work on the back end; but its rewarding.

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Nov 1 at 2017 6:30 PM

2017-11-01T18:30:06-04:00

Max the PT test for starters. Have good NCOER's from your supervisor and ask to be allowed to participate in these schools.

Response by CPT John Sheridan made Nov 1 at 2017 11:45 PM

2017-11-01T23:45:01-04:00

One possibility in your MOS and in your part of the country, there are two SF Support companies (1 for 19th SF Group and 1 for 1st Battalion, 19th) located in Riverton UT. For 18 series MOS, there is an SF Company in Seal Beach. Other than that, I think the closest rigger unit is in Georgia and the closest Airborne Infantry company is in Texas. All are ARNG.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2017 12:17 AM

2017-11-02T00:17:44-04:00

The USAR will not send you to specialty schools without an operational need to do so, and then only for a select few in the correct unit and MOS.
My unit has as many specialty slots as any, and we keep them close to the vest.
Going down the list:
Air Assault - not many to be had out there, something around a couple dozen USAR-wide. Best chance at one of those is to compete and do well in a SOTY Board.
Airborne - There are a handful of units that are on jump status. My command has four battalions, a Brigade, and part of the Headquarters. Aside from an Airborne unit, you are in a similar boat as with Air Assault, although the total school seat allotment is quite a bit more.
Ranger - Not in the USAR, you won't.
Sapper - if you are an Engineer, many units have a couple slots a year held by the EN Groups to dole out to their best Soldiers.
SF Selection - These are few and far between - but I have seen a couple troops, including two of my own go. If you think you have what it takes, apply and see where it gets you.
Pathfinder - rarest school in the USAR. I have heard of a couple slots available in my command, but never seen them populate. Good luck.

Your best bet is to go out and distinguish yourself through a Soldier of the Year, Best Warrior, or something of the like or go find a unit that can send you and meet their requirements and get on their Order of Merit list.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2017 9:35 AM

2017-11-02T09:35:05-04:00

As many have stated it depends on the units needs, funding and you. If they have such a slot they are not going to send somebody who would not be qualified, physically and mentally. Money in the reserves is tight so they cannot afford to send someone who washes out.

Response by SGT Aric Lier made Nov 2 at 2017 5:59 PM

2017-11-02T17:59:37-04:00

go active duty and request Airborne pathfinder ranger and SF.....

Response by SCPO Edward Westerdahl made Sep 13 at 2021 11:49 AM

2021-09-13T11:49:22-04:00

Keep applying for the schools you want. The schools have a quota or maximum class size, and there may be a waiting list. Call the schools you want and talk to an instructor or clerk to make sure you are on their waiting list.
You might also want to apply for a 52D school to fix generator sets and other electrical equipment.