If my preferred MOS isn't available and does not have many slots, should I wait for an opening or should I settle for another MOS?

2020-09-16T16:43:38-04:00

I am going to MEPS and my recruiter said the mos that I want isn't available right now (15w). He said that they might be able to find a spot when I go into meps but not likely. It's not a huge mos so I'm wondering if it's worth it for me to try and wait for an opening or settle for another mos.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2020 4:46 PM

2020-09-16T16:46:46-04:00

Here is the thing. When you go to MEPS, if the MOS you want is available, and you qualify, then take it. If it is not available, then you will be shown what is available based on what you qualify for. If any of those raise your interest, then pick one of them. If none do, and 15W is what your heart is set on, then hold out until it is available. Only you can make that call.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Sep 16 at 2020 4:48 PM

2020-09-16T16:48:03-04:00

Going to MEPS, you are in a "partial drivers seat," by that if that is what you want, then don't take no for an answer, if it means waiting a while, then wait for it. Because that recruiter has a mission to make, as does the person who is showing you jobs at the MEPS station, they don't care if are a 15W, or 13B (Cannon Crewman). They need to fill slots, If they can get you to fill a …"less than desirable MOS," so much the better for them. So keep that in mind, Now if you want to be airborne, air assault, danger ranger, and 15W doesn't do that, well don't think they set you for both of those. You can go one road or the other, choose wisely.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2020 4:58 PM

2020-09-16T16:58:16-04:00

If that’s what you really want and you’re qualified for it, don’t take no for an answer. If it’s not available now, wait until it is.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Sep 16 at 2020 5:37 PM

2020-09-16T17:37:09-04:00

Contrary to what the recruiter, any recruiter tries to sell you... they are not there for you. They are there to get you in and to fill a slot of what the Army needs, not necessarily what you want and they rely on you being green and not knowing that you can say no and there is nothing they can do about it.

If you want a job, REALLY want that job and qualify for it then stick to your guns and say no. Now, being frank here... you may have to say no a few times and you may have to come back a few times. Because if your MOS is small then it means they do not fill it that often. So it may take time. You may have to end up waiting to join.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2020 5:56 PM

2020-09-16T17:56:08-04:00

Only accept the job you want to do. If the Army can't offer it, talk to the other services (including the Coasties - they are a great service!! but plenty fun to be had at their expense) That recruiter will help you more when you threaten to turn into a big waste of their time.
Their mission is on a number, not MOS.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2020 8:35 PM

2020-09-16T20:35:19-04:00

Did your recruiter call the ROC?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2020 9:18 PM

2020-09-16T21:18:49-04:00

That’s up to you. If you got nothing else going on in your life and you can afford to wait around for months or even a year then give it a shot.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2020 9:25 PM

2020-09-16T21:25:29-04:00

That depends. Do you really want to risk settling and then risk real disappointment if you go for something that you really didn't want? You may end up liking the alternate choice. It may hate it. It's up to you. The time you sign for is the time you do. Hopefully you do that time AND enjoy it too

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2020 10:09 PM

2020-09-16T22:09:10-04:00

15W is one of those hit or miss MOS's based solely on how they schedule their classes. Their AIT ranges from 18-44 weeks depending on airframe and only have 2 courses running at a time. One classroom, one flight line. Its all based on timing.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2020 10:13 PM

2020-09-16T22:13:37-04:00

Your going to want 15C now.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 17 at 2020 11:17 AM

2020-09-17T11:17:41-04:00

We just split MOS'. The split won't be official until Oct 1 but the Army shluld already be recruiting for both. 15W is Shadow amd 15C is Gray Eagle. If you want to watch buildings for hours on end, not be able to engage the enemy, and live in the field then you should pick Shadow. If you want to watch buildings for hours on end, have the ability to engage the enemy should the opportunity arise, and live on the airfield then pick Gray Eagle.There are three 15C classes run at a time with three shifts per class. Stick it out until the MOS YOU want is available, not the one your recruiter wants you to pick. They already have one. They doesn't care what job you pick, as long as you sign the contract with them as your recruiter.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 17 at 2020 12:43 PM

2020-09-17T12:43:39-04:00

See if 15C is available. If it is, take it.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 17 at 2020 3:53 PM

2020-09-17T15:53:54-04:00

Never settle for less than you want and deserve. The last thing you want is to regret compromising and settling for something less.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Sep 17 at 2020 4:58 PM

2020-09-17T16:58:02-04:00

Consider a closely related MOS if available. For example, a specialty maintaining drones or drone components such as engines or sensor systems.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 26 at 2020 1:19 AM

2020-09-26T01:19:38-04:00

Um, you should definitely definitely definitely get the 15w slot. It’s aviation so it opens many many more doors for you. Life is “relatively “ cushier than other mos’s and you can still do high speed stuff if your into that ie. ranger , airborne soar etc. HMU if you have any questions...

Response by CPL Levi McConnell made Sep 26 at 2020 10:43 AM

2020-09-26T10:43:17-04:00

Are you fucking crazy

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2020 9:10 PM

2020-11-11T21:10:28-05:00

The last I checked 15C was understrengthed according to the IN/OUT calls. Is there a reason you want shadow 15W over the eagle?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2020 5:12 PM

2020-12-07T17:12:57-05:00

John what did you end up doing? I'm in the same boat right now. Did you hold out? If so how long did you have to wait for a slot?

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2022 2:11 PM

2022-05-06T14:11:08-04:00

It depends on your situation and how long you are prepared to wait. If you aren't in a rush to join the military, I would wait for the MOS you want. I would think that you would be happier in the long run.