I am considering (strongly) CBRN (Army) as my MOS when I enlist next month. Who can give me first hand experiences on AIT, assignments, etc?

Kelsey Chlovechok — Sun, 08 Jan 2017 18:09:52 -0500

Response by Kelsey Chlovechok made Jan 8 at 2017 6:11 PM

Kelsey Chlovechok — Sun, 08 Jan 2017 18:11:53 -0500

A little more information. I've already been to MEPS and passed physical. I am technically prior service as I enlisted at 17 in the Marine Corps and was dropped to PEB and sent home after a few months due to a knee injury (that has already been waived for my re-enlistment). Therefor I cannot lock in my MOS until I am at MEPS the day I am to swear in. If this information sounds incorrect, please let me know, so I can tell my recruiter I'm not a naïve kid to pull one over on. I have strongly considered many medical MOS options and was originally most interested in 68D and 68W as well as 68C but feel for a career with advancement opportunity and more excitement CBRN is more for me. Any information, experience in the MOS, stories about AIT and other schools and/or deployments is very much appreciated!
I am a firefighter (level 2)/EMT and have my HAZMAT OPS level certifications as well so I'm not too worried/intimidated by the initial AIT. I'm more interested in other school opportunities later.
Technical escort course, STRYKER NBC platoons, BIDS, etc.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2017 2:51 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 14:51:29 -0500

I would look at a different MOS. Almost all of the 74D's that have worked for me and with me get stuck in the S3 shop doing everything but 74D work. The ones that get placed in a company or troop work in the orderly room, again not doing 74D work.

Response by CW2 Kameron Read made Jan 9 at 2017 3:30 PM

CW2 Kameron Read — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 15:30:57 -0500

Are you sure you want to be exposed to live chemical warfare agents? Your graduation requirement is handling nerve agent in AIT. So if that sounds appealing to you then get after it.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2017 11:55 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 23:55:42 -0500

Kelsey Chlovechok Best wishes on your enlistment!

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jan 10 at 2017 3:05 AM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 03:05:44 -0500

You came to the Right Forum. Lots of CBRN Folks here.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2017 4:05 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 04:05:35 -0500

Kelsey Chlovechok if you are with a chemical unit you will receive great training and do your job. If you are stuck in another (any other type of unit) you will be the residential expert and be the one fitting everyone for a mask, doing inventory for the chemical equipment, and allegedly for officers you get stuck doing the USR (a report nobody likes to do). While most Commanders want everyone to do their job and train in their job it is especially hard when there are only 1 or 2 people of that MOS in the unit.

The question is do you feel so strongly that you want to learn CBRN that you are willing to risk not doing that job later on?

NOTE: All MOSs have some issues and all will eventually lead to staff time if you stay in long enough regardless if you stay enlisted or go officer.

Response by SGT Ej P. made Jan 10 at 2017 10:16 AM

SGT Ej P. — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 10:16:07 -0500

You didn't mention if you will be Regular Army or Reserves or NG.. If you go RA, then yes there is a huge chance you end up being assigned as the CBRN NCOIC in a non Chemical unit which you will do your job and everyone else's. Now it also depends what unit that is (combat, support, headquarters, EOD - which you will work with Soldiers who actually already know about a little bit of chem stuff since its also part of their job) or you can end up an (CBRN) assistant in the BN depends on your rank. Even though you "can" take all the CBRN training and schools for your personal advancement, not all other units will necessarily allow you to go If you won't use it in the unit. If you will be AR or NG, then there's a better chance you'll stay within a chem unit or WMD or a CST but also can be assigned to any non chem unit. So now you can be lucky and end up in CBRN units your entire career which then you can explore all the "branches" of CBRN - Hazmat (Decon), Tech Escort, BIDS, Recon, work with EOD units depending on which BN/BDE or Group you get assigned to. For advancing opportunities, CBRN usually stay at the max for promotion points BUT that's also a personal responsibility I'm sure you know.

Response by SPC Darrel Burt made Jan 10 at 2017 1:44 PM

SPC Darrel Burt — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 13:44:54 -0500

I will tell you to study your job on your own especially if you get your own CBRN office. There wasn't a lot of people to show me how to do that job. There will be a lot you will go through but it can be fun if you let it.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2017 2:44 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 14:44:47 -0500

Are you looking at ARNG, USAR, or Active? I was previously a 74D in the ILARNG in a line chemical company. We were in a CERF-P, so most of our training was suited more towards civil defense/decontamination. I barely used JSLIST during this time; most of our equipment was civilian-side. The National Guard has some more unique missions on the CBRN side.

If you're in a line chemical company, you'll most likely be performing decontamination or CBRN reconnaissance (if you're lucky). 74Ds are also authorized at other units as a CBRN NCO. They issue pro masks and nominally conduct chemical training for their company.

I greatly enjoyed my time as a 74D. The training at Fort Leonard Wood is unique, and it contributes some extra credit hours for a degree. I knocked out a semester due to credit transferring Basic/AIT.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2017 5:16 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 17:16:16 -0500

I spent 20+ years as 74D, and just retired 2016. The best part? You can be assigned to any type of unit. I was in (in order) Blackhawk helicopter, Mechanized Infantry, Chemical, Armored Cavalry, Artillery (both rocket and cannon), Finance, Basic Training, and Special Forces. You have to ask yourself what you think you'd like to do as your everyday job. As a 74D, I was chemical, then I was admin, then I was both, and of course as you gain rank you get the opportunity to train others and really have fun with it.
If you're sent to Fort Leonard Wood, you're going to attend OSUT -One Station Unit Training. That means your 8 weeks of Basic Training and your 13 weeks of A.I.T. are with the same Drill Sergeants and same Battle Buddies and same barracks etc for all 21 weeks. It's not a bad thing, unless you can't get along with someone. Remember, Basic is about breaking down your civilian "I" mindset, and turning you into a member of a TEAM that will react to an order no matter what it is" "Drop and do push-ups!" or "Assault that bunker!" If you do what you're told- with enthusiasm, you'll excel in anything. Later on, YOU can be the one barking those orders!
BOTTOM LINE: No matter what MOS you choose, don't let those descriptions you read at the recruiter's office (or MEPS) influence you. Those are mostly descriptions of what your senior years are like. As a lower enlisted, you're stuck doing stuff you didn't sign up for. But trust me- the journey is worth it. I'm more than able to talk to you via phone if you want.

Response by SPC Karen Ramsey made Jan 11 at 2017 9:42 AM

SPC Karen Ramsey — Wed, 11 Jan 2017 09:42:18 -0500

I was CBRNE and I loved it

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2017 5:27 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Jan 2017 17:27:38 -0500

AIT will be at Fort Leonard. There are many skills, SQI, and ASI you can get. You can earn HAZMAT certifications when you attend certain CBRN Schools like MASCAL, dismount recon and the NCOES schools

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2017 8:59 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 Jan 2017 08:59:19 -0500

There are very few mos that provide as many civilian (FEMA) certifications as a chemical specialist. Try to stay assigned to chemical units and you will have a full and rewarding career.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2017 11:15 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Jan 2017 11:15:43 -0500

Being a CBRN in a non CBRN unit can be very discouraging depends on the unit you go. I was assigned to the ADA unit and deployed with them. It was easy and no excitement. My job was mostly being a CBRN NCOIC working with Air force counter part as well as being in charge of my unit orderly room. If you are lucky or wait for the next enlistment, you will be able to anywhere you want pretty much since 74d is in the almost every unit's MTOE. You also get your promotion pretty quick. I got my e5 in 2 years. And currently working on e6 part . 74d promotion points drop like other combat MOS. You can do this! Chemical dragons!

Response by SFC Michael Madigan made Jan 19 at 2017 2:09 PM

SFC Michael Madigan — Thu, 19 Jan 2017 14:09:12 -0500

The Chemical Corps 74D is a great MOS to have and it offer many oppurnities if and when you get out of the service.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2017 4:46 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Jan 2017 16:46:47 -0500

I just got out of AIT a couple months ago as a 74D I got lucky and got put into a chemical unit, but for AIT it will be slot of classes and tests, but even though it may be boring, but worth it if that's what you want to do

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2017 9:33 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 21 Jan 2017 09:33:01 -0500

Don't do it!

Response by PFC Robyn McIlrath made Jan 22 at 2017 4:38 PM

PFC Robyn McIlrath — Sun, 22 Jan 2017 16:38:35 -0500

The first thought that comes to mind is to tell you is make sure that the MOS you pick will transition into a civilian job/career. Are you planning on making the military a career? When I was in I absolutely loved my MOS! If you pay attention and study the information giving to you, you will be fine. I thought the classes were easy. I graduated in the top 20%. Make sure you keep all of your notes and handout/study sheets even after you graduate. I remember referring back to those papers in order to help keep things fresh in my head. It was so awesome to have the knowledge I had because I had others that out ranked me coming to me and asking me questions because they didn't know the answer. I ended up being second best in the battalion. If I had stayed in longer I know for a fact that I could have been the best. I remember going through the live nerve agent part of AIT and I thought it was awesome. Yes, I was nervous at first but it helped me build confidence in my gear. It also helps teach you how use your equipment properly. I miss being in the Army. Just pay attention and don't get sidetracked with the ones that don't pay attention. You are there for yourself and to improve your life skills and knowledge. Always hold your head high. Not all females and males have the guts to be in the military. Also you will be doing other tasks that will not be related to your specific MOS, but keep in mind that you will be at the bottom in rank and that crap happens. I did end up doing my MOS for the company I was in but I also had other tasks thrown at me to do on top of my doing my MOS. I am glad that you took the time to reach out and ask questions and able to get straight answers. You also need to keep in mind that not everyone that has the MOS feels the same about it. You will hear terrible things and you will hear good. That is with any MOS you end up picking. Good luck.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2017 9:41 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Jan 2017 21:41:42 -0500

It's not bad at all, personally I enjoy it, I've only been in for a short time but CBRN can be fun if you make it an AIT at Ft. Leonardo Wood, MO isn't to bad you'll enjoy the classes an the running, alot of running haha Go Car wash hill

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2017 7:57 AM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 31 Jan 2017 07:57:19 -0500

alot of tests but very interestin

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2017 3:39 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 15:39:13 -0500

If you are going active, run away from cbrn. If you are guard or reserve, it's pretty good for you.

Response by SP6 Carlos Nieves made Feb 2 at 2017 11:24 AM

SP6 Carlos Nieves — Thu, 02 Feb 2017 11:24:57 -0500

I was a 54B 30H wish is now a 74D and I love my mos not that many people like it. So if you feel you are ready for the change go for it.

Response by SPC Carlos Leon made Feb 6 at 2017 9:43 AM

SPC Carlos Leon — Mon, 06 Feb 2017 09:43:04 -0500

You will really enjoy it! I just finished my contract although I didn't decide to stay in it was one of the best things I've done. You can get assigned to chemical unit and become tech escort (L3) along with your hazmat technician. It is fun.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2017 9:41 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 09:41:14 -0500

74D and I hate it. But that's just my opinion.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2017 11:28 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Feb 2017 23:28:40 -0500

Run Forrest RUN!

Response by Kelsey Chlovechok made Feb 21 at 2017 12:13 AM

Kelsey Chlovechok — Tue, 21 Feb 2017 00:13:32 -0500

Thank you to everybody for the responses and advice!!!

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2017 10:40 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 22:40:42 -0400

AIT is amazing and super fun. Ecpecially when you go through the live nerve training.. its very "nerve"wrecking

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2017 12:19 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 00:19:49 -0400

AIT - Be prepared to study, A LOT, HAZMAT tests are a kicker. and Decon is very specific, make sure to pay attention.

Assignments- depends on where you end up and what you make out of it. Exceed at anything the army throws at you and you will find yourself getting great recommendations, do your job and exceed the standards while juggling other jobs in the process is what we're best at, and exceeding in it will give you great opportunities for promotions and awards.

try to get a security clearance!!! This will help you in the long run whether in or out of the military.

STUDY!!! STUDY!!! STUDY!!! AND BE GOOD AT YOUR JOB IT WILL MAKE YOU SHINE!

Response by CPL Rose P made Mar 23 at 2017 11:44 AM

CPL Rose P — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 11:44:38 -0400

I was a 74D while I was active duty, although I loved my unit, I was attached to an aviation squadron so there wasn't much for me to do on a day to day basis so I got stuck in the orderly room and S1 shop. The only time I did anything CBRN related was change of command inventories with my equipment and those aren't much fun.

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2017 11:19 PM

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Apr 2017 23:19:57 -0400

Currently here at flw. It's not bad and the training isn't hard. Just know, there's a lot of paperwork in your future haha wether your units chem or not.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2017 12:10 AM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 May 2017 00:10:12 -0400

For me personally I find being a Dragon fun. AIT is hard but fun. If you use what the instructors teach the live agents will not effect you at all. I do my job on a daily basis. My first duty station is with the 71st Chemical Company in Hawaii. So best of luck to you. Pick the Mos that you can work in for two years then try another one if you don't like the first one.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2017 2:34 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 May 2017 02:34:53 -0400

I joined the Active Army back in 95 as a chemical soldier. After AIT my first assignment was at Bliss as a battery NBC NCO. Yes it was tough making training happen but it got done. Yes I did administration work and was the commanders driver but I also was able to earn three ARCOMS and performed the NCO duties without a hitch. Then went to Johnston Island for a year destroying chemical weapons. Got out of the active component, relieved my discharge then joined the national guard. In the guard I was a company and battalion cbrn NCO as well as serving as admin, supply, ops, and convoy escorts team leader for engineer, field artillery, and info ops units. Then I finally was able to get on with a CST and worked as a HAZMAT tech. The MOS has a lot of potential like many others do. It is all what you make of it. I enjoyed the fact that you have the opportunity to serve in a variety of different units and serve many different missions.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2017 9:00 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 24 Jun 2017 09:00:34 -0400

Lol dont do it

Response by SFC Michael McMillan made Jun 27 at 2017 8:50 AM

SFC Michael McMillan — Tue, 27 Jun 2017 08:50:13 -0400

Choose a different MOS. I did very little MOS work but a lot of other things. I enjoyed learning different aspects of what goes on but I really wanted to work my MOS.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2017 8:50 PM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Oct 2017 20:50:39 -0400

Just a warning, get ready for MP drill sergeants. They fuckin hate CBRN recruits and they will pounce on you, they dgaf who you are. (I just noticed this was posted 9 mo ago but for other people looking into this mos)

Response by SGT Frank Pritchett made Oct 29 at 2017 1:04 AM

SGT Frank Pritchett — Sun, 29 Oct 2017 01:04:24 -0400

I completed the the 74DL-4 course in "09", the course was great but unless you want to get treated as a step child you might want to choose another MOS. Most Commands have no idea how to use a 74D or how to implement the training. I did work in the S-3 shop, Ammo PLT and re classed as an 88M; however once you have completed the course, job opportunities on the out are very good in the field of HAZMAT. The CDC training is worth a lot and cost civilians about $75000.00 Dollars to attend and you would get it for free. Its a career decision; so think hard on it.

Response by SFC Antonio Nieto made Nov 13 at 2017 2:27 PM

SFC Antonio Nieto — Mon, 13 Nov 2017 14:27:50 -0500

AIT is challenging but you will do well if you want career development chemical specialist is the way to go, if you go active you have a chance to develop as a junior NCO and you wills always comeback to your home at fort Leonard wood to develop as you graduate you have a basic understanding of your mos and when you get to your unit depending of where you get stationed you will be consider as an expert because you will be that person

Response by PV2 Kenneth Booth made Oct 5 at 2018 2:42 PM

PV2 Kenneth Booth — Fri, 05 Oct 2018 14:42:53 -0400

Back in the day I was 54b. When I got out I slipped into the private sector HAZMAT Teams like an old comphy sweatshirt. Worked in that industry for years. Did cleanup and handleing jobs all over the country ranging from Train Derailments, Unknown Chemical Mixture, Heavy Metals, to Mutagens, Low Level Radioactive and Biological Hazzards. If you are good you can make excellent money and the scenery changes on a regular basis. I recommend it to everyone I've ever met who was NBC/CBRN

Response by SPC Scott Kauffman made May 28 at 2020 4:53 PM

SPC Scott Kauffman — Thu, 28 May 2020 16:53:47 -0400

Im a little disappointed, not only has my old 74D information systems operator title been discontinued, it was reused, rather than retired. Sad day from an E-4 late 80s...

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2021 8:23 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 20:23:30 -0500

Regular army, guard or reserve.
Guard or reserve you can go to sore real cool units and actually do your job.

Regular army you have no say what kind of unit you're going to.