I was approached by another BN to re-class...should I make the jump??

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 10:01:40 -0400

Just over a year ago I graduated from the 29E course, and I was really excited to dive head first into this MOS. What I didnt realize was how little there is for me to do with my MOS in the current BN I am in. I quickly found out that there is little to be done in Garrison with Electronic Warfare. I also quickly found out that there are very few opprotunities in the area where I live to find Civ Employment in that field as well. There is some promotion prtential in this MOS as I can move to the Brigade HQ and pick up my E7, but in exactly the same way thre is no mission for me there either. The only spot for me to go after the BDE E7 EWO is moving to OPS and Battle Staff for upward mobility. Even the Fires Chief at BDE laughs that he, on monst days has nothing to do, so to me thats a bit concerning...I dont want to just sit around and be unutilized and/or have to wait until we deploy just to have a mission.

Just this past weekend I recieved a letter from another BN in my state telling me that they were reviewing my files and said that I meet/exceed the requirements needed to become a HUMINT anylist (35M). They guaranteed working to get me my TS/SCI and getting me a language (the extra pay sounds good to me). I was just about to extend another 6 years and sign up for SLRP, but I know 35 series MOS's are offering $60k for 6 years which would help a lot more since SLRP wont cover all the $38k left from student loans(I was MGIB prior to Post 9-11, so I had to take out loans for school).

My question would be...how benificial would this change for me be...especially mid-career? I know that there are Civ jobs out there that would be very financially lucrative in this field, and I know that there is actually a mission that can be done constantly with this job. The letter also mentioned promotion potential...it has to be better than an MOS that has no mission and very few spots in any BN in my state. What languages would be most benificial to me and my career? Would coming into a new field as a SSG make my life difficult when I have to learn a whole new life in this career field after 12 years outside of any Intel field and having Joes that will obviously be more knolwedgable or versed in that field than I would be coming strainght out of MOSQ?

I'm looking to get some opinions on wether or not this could be a change that would be worth my time and carrer, or should I just stay where I am and not really know what I'll be doing since no one in my BDE seems to know how to utilize 29E's?

Thanks for any and all advice or guidence that anyone can give me!!

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Aug 18 at 2015 10:05 AM

SCPO David Lockwood — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 10:05:41 -0400

This would really be up to you and what you want.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2015 10:24 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 10:24:42 -0400

In all honesty, if I were in your situation, I would make the jump. Especially if you are not being utilized in the MOS you trained for and the only career progressions are in areas that are not your MOS. Plus, the bonus is a very nice incentive.

Response by SSG Willis Baker made Aug 18 at 2015 11:14 AM

SSG Willis Baker — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 11:14:37 -0400

Start off with talking to your 1SG and SMG and get ideas from them.
When I was in Italy I was an 05C/31C. When I left I re-classed to 26Q. When I arrived a Ft. Hood after school I was put in a 31Z slot. Although I was able to get my Platoon Sergeant time in, my primary MOS was in another platoon. Two years later I received a letter saying the 26Q was over strength and gave me list of 26 MOSs I qualified for. I had a choice to make, whether to re-class or stay where I was and take my chances with Uncle Sam. I re-classed to a 96B/35F. After school I went to Korea for a year and came back to Ft. Hood. I went to my old unit and talked to the Company Commander and he told me, two of the E-6s that were Platoon Sergeants with me made E-7. As the next eight years went by, I wondered if I made the right decision.

Response by MSgt Curtis Ellis made Aug 18 at 2015 2:13 PM

MSgt Curtis Ellis — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 14:13:56 -0400

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member I see that you listed the MOS your BN reviewed for you as 35M (HUMINT Intelligence Collector), and the title listed as an "Intelligence Analyst", which I believe is a 35F... I'm currently a DA Civilian 35M Instructor here at Ft Huachuca, AZ. Before you make your jump, ensure you have the right MOS/Title, and you may want to do a little more research on the 35M, if that's your choice, as well as hook up with a few uniformed 35M's before deciding that the grass is greener. Just don't want you to suddenly discover you ended up where you really didn't want to be. If you look at my profile, you will see I'm retired US Air Force, not Army, but I did go through the course and functioned as a 35M for 13 months down range with an Army unit, but remained AF the entire time, thus the reason you should hook up with a couple of the uniformed guys to give you a better administrative and professional operational picture. See the link below for more info on the 35M (prior 97E) and match it to what your BN is selling you.
http://usmilitary.about.com/od/enlistedjobs/a/97e.htm

What does an Army Human Intelligence Collector Actually Do?

Job descriptions and qualification factors for United States Army Enlisted Jobs (Military Occupation Specialties). On this page, all about 35M - Human Intelligence Collector

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2015 3:53 PM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 15:53:51 -0400

I have served as a Platoon Leader in a HUMINT company for a number of years. We have had several SGTs and SSGs cross over to us from multiple other MOSs, with no major issues. The one major complaint I have heard from these Soldiers is that they have (personally) felt a bit behind the power curve, as they have less experience, less certifications within the MOS, and typically zero deployment time utilizing this skill set - while at the same time, they are expected to be leading, training, and mentoring troops who started out in the MOS and therefore have more knowledge. Do not let this discourage you from making the jump, if you truly find the skill set interesting. With the right unit supporting you with certification courses and training, you can catch up and will not only be taken seriously within the MOS, but you will also be an asset for having another skill set to share with those who have never done EW. I would also suggest that you do some research into the MOS itself - it definitely requires a certain type of personality to be successful... and it has lots of civilian opportunities. Another MOS you may find interesting is Civil Affairs (38 series). It is an exceptional field to be a part of (I've done a couple deployments with them, and I'm currently mobilized with USACAPOC), has a great crossover to the civilian community, and is a growing organization in need of good people.

Whatever you decide - GOOD LUCK!

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2015 4:26 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 16:26:35 -0400

JEWTOC is a great course if you are approaching a deployment as it provides a lot of reach back opportunities and also allows you to understand how other branches incorporate EW. It is also a course tailored for those conducting EW/CEMA at the Operational level (DIV, CORPs, JTF etc.) as the primary focus is on how to build the EWC. Aside from that, you are not going to get much but a refresher on what you learn at Fort Sill. They teach some of the same lessons that we do (platforms, Spectrum management, JTAR/EARF/CERF/GERF etc.)

We have had ARNG soldiers return to the schoolhouse during the AT and assisted us during the range and CREW week. As a SSG, you could start getting with your state to enroll in SLC. We are starting to get more ARNG SSG's enrolled in SLC classes. That will enhance your career progression as well as be introduced to new concepts within the Joint level.

Personally, if I were in your shoes, I would re-class and take the opportunity and learn another field/specialty. You understand certain aspects of the intel community from some of the material learned during the 29E course, so not everything will be new. As you said, the bonus would be a great incentive and a TS/SCI. In my eyes, you are only broadening your experience and also building your resume.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2015 8:15 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 20:15:58 -0400

I say if the move is good for you make the jump. It's your career and if you don't feel productive in your current situation you'd be a fool not to make the jump. Having an opportunity like this is not common for a mid-career NCO so if you are willing to do the work I advise you make the jump.