Is it a bad idea to reclass as an NCO transitioning from AD to NG?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Sep 2020 05:14:47 -0400

Current AD 19D looking at 15T/15U in NG. I consider myself very competent in my job but am interested in aviation. I am afraid that reclassing as an NCO as I move to the national guard will make me appear as incompetent due to the learning curve. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Sep 14 at 2020 6:10 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Mon, 14 Sep 2020 06:10:00 -0400

You are already making a major life’s change, if you are reestablishing chapters in your life, continue to follow your dream. Go for it.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2020 7:54 AM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Sep 2020 07:54:53 -0400

You’re going to regret it if you never try it. Trust me.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2020 10:25 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Sep 2020 10:25:31 -0400

Have you ever met an incompetent Soldier in the Regular Army? I don't think you should have anything to worry about. I have seen some great Soldiers change their MOS and excel further than those who have been in that MOS. I think the human capital of a person is not necessary valued by longevity.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2020 10:38 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Sep 2020 10:38:19 -0400

I began my Army life as a 15U. I did that for 10 years, including two deployments (Iraq & A'Stan). I love the Chinooks and am trying to get back to them as a Reservist (not too many -47 units in the Reserve). However, if you look at civilian jobs for helicopter mechanics, there are a lot more for former Blackhawk mechanics, as many federal and state agencies use the civilian variant (S-70) of the Blackhawk.

As for your question, at least in the Active Component, whenever we had a reclass NCO come into the unit, he was told that his rank meant little when it came to actually turning wrenches, as experienced SPCs and even PFCs knew more about the aircraft than he did. Rank only counted in terms of customs & courtesies until he proved his knowledge of the aircraft systems and mechanical prowess. So be ready to be the low man on the totem pole, despite your rank. Swallow your pride and learn from those who have been turning wrenches for a while. There are a lot of "tricks" to make wrenching a lot easier, so ask questions, observe, and listen up to all those more experienced than you (which will be everyone). Pay extra attention to those with the star on their wings-- that means they have been at it for at least 10 years. It stands to reason they know what they are talking about.

Aviation, like other combat arms is not a place for those with fragile egos or thin skin. Your performance will be assessed in the most brutally honest way. Don't take it personally, and learn from it. Above all, don't be a Karen/Blue Falcon. Aviation is definitely a field where mechanics can drop the "F Bomb" 17 times in a 15 word sentence. Coming from Cav, this shouldn't be a problem for you. Good Luck! Above The Best.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2020 3:38 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Sep 2020 15:38:51 -0400

SGT Private RallyPoint Member it is all about what you want to do. Leadership is mostly about that, leadership. The knowing the job will come and people know if you are trying or sandbagging it.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Sep 14 at 2020 4:27 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Mon, 14 Sep 2020 16:27:08 -0400

Because the Guard will take people send them off to school it is expected that some people will not have knowledge of certain things. I reclassed from being a Lance Missile Crewman to a wheeled vehicle mechanic. I used my positive traits as an NCO to aid in my weaker mechanic skill set. It paid off in spades for me. It gave me a buffer zone to get things up to speed. I think you will find your ability to get things moving will be a welcome addition to your unit.

Response by CPT Peter Nesteruk made Sep 14 at 2020 7:52 PM

CPT Peter Nesteruk — Mon, 14 Sep 2020 19:52:15 -0400

Do as you wish. FK everyone opinion in that matter

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2020 8:50 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Sep 2020 20:50:01 -0400

I switched from 11C AD to 12N USAR, sorry I can't comment as far as NG. But no it won't make you look like an incompetent NCO. If you're a squared away NCO now, nothing should change. That being said, I will say there will be a learning curve, but that's to be expected even if you stayed MOS and switched from AD to NG as units operate a little differently.

After 3 drills non-MOSQ in my unit I was made PSG and rocked that for 13 months before spending the rest of my time including down range as a SL. I simply trusted my leadership abilities and tapped on my leaders, peers, and subordinates to help me understand the MOS specific side of things.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2020 9:03 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 09:03:53 -0400

Reclassing as a SGT in the Guard is not a big deal, it is relatively common with active duty gains to the Guard.
One thing to consider, CMF 15 is one of the toughest ALCs and SLCs to get seats for in the Guard. If slow career progression is not a concern, then do it.
If making SFC, MSG, or SGM is an important part of your Guard plan, almost any other MOS is a better choice.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Sep 16 at 2020 12:15 AM

LTC Jason Mackay — Wed, 16 Sep 2020 00:15:34 -0400

If not now, then when? I'd do it early as possible so you can work on gaining the experience. You're a SGT so in the ARNG, not uncommon to reclassify or back N the OJT your way into a new MOS due to unit restructure or voluntary transfer to slot hop.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 9 at 2020 8:29 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 09 Oct 2020 08:29:00 -0400

You should be fine. Almost every state has a 47 unit. As long as you don’t have any bad marks you should be fine. I just retired after 34 years in the Guard.?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 9 at 2020 8:30 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 09 Oct 2020 08:30:20 -0400

You may have to take a rank reduction.