Is it possible to switch my MOS in the USAR? What outside perspective do you have on a switch from 68W to 12B?

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 10 Apr 2021 14:32:43 -0400

I joined the USAR recently and signed as a 68w. I leave for BCT in 23 days. I realize it’s a little late to switch MOS now because of the reservation made, but I was wondering if I could change to 12b later? My Recuiter said it’s possible off hand previously, but I don’t want to press him for more information less I make myself look flaky. Has anyone done this before?

Background: I originally inquired about active duty as 18x, my wife kept insisting I go reserve because she is DOD Navy and didn’t want to move; so, I finally asked to switch to USAR before MEPS. Later, my wife decided the benefits and travel would be great -maybe go DOD Army; so, embarrassed, I asked to go active duty after signing my contract (no progress after six months).

I already look like idk what I want to do.

I signed as a 68w with a pipe dream to make it to SOCM one day and hoped to land in a combat MOS (plus it was the only job available I would be okay with). Plus, my mom is in the medical field and I thought given my plumbing background, I’m not squeamish.

I have an Associates Degree and I’m a Master level Plumber (just need the paperwork) with a decade of HVAC experience. I signed at 30, still in great shape, 90 ASVAB, no medical waivers.

Originally, I was not interested in 12b. After sitting on my hands for six months, I’ve figured that given my pre-acquired skill set in construction, maybe I’d be best suited to stay in my niche and be a better asset to the Army even though it’s not a passion.

Questions:
-Can I switch MOS in USAR easily?
-From an outside perspective, should I stick with 68w or switch 12b?

Thanks

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2021 3:00 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 10 Apr 2021 15:00:22 -0400

Yes you can switch fairly easily after your first term or possibly earlier if there are more vacancies in the MOS you'd like. Depending on whether or not you received a bonus, you may have to pay it back.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2021 3:25 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 10 Apr 2021 15:25:17 -0400

As a former 12B you won't build very much. There are separate construction MOSES. That said it's a fun job. Lots of explosives and breaching.

Best of luck.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2021 5:56 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 10 Apr 2021 17:56:40 -0400

You can switch jobs later on in the USAR, the issue is that the USAR is mostly support units. If you want combat jobs you'll want to switch over to the National Guard at the end of this enlistment. The USAR does have engineer units but I don't think they have any or many 12B in them.

If you want to go to SOCM you have to be sponsored by a USASOC unit. The course is PCS length so it's extremely expensive for a unit to afford. USACAPOC is the only USAR unit that would be authorized to send someone, and I don't think even they are authorized W1 medic slots

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2021 2:00 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 11 Apr 2021 14:00:53 -0400

So you can eventually change MOS's, but it's probably going to take sometime before you would be given the green light to re-class, at worst you'd have to complete your entire first enlistment.

Now, in terms of which MOS is better, I have a theory about the USAR as I have observed of various MOS's. It's not what you do in the USAR, it's who you do it with. I won't go into the micro unit culture, but on the surface regardless of your MOS folks generally tend to be better off in the USAR if they are in a unit that has mission requirements of their MOS. Medics in a Medical unit, Intel Analysts in an Intel unit, Supply guys in a Quartermaster unit, etc..... I think for Jr soldiers this is more important in they have mentors in positions they would expect to promote into as they advance.

Example: I lost a SPC to a promotion to SGT. So she went from being surrounded by NCO's from E5-E8 all with her MOS into a unit where she was the sole supply NCO. Yes, it was a great opportunity for her, but she is now the go to source for all supply issues for that unit and with little support.

********
In regards to your MOS, well, you're going to come out of AIT 100% on par with your Active Duty counterparts. You are going to be ready to hit the battle field, and then WHAM!!!!!!!!!!!! Nope, welcome to the USAR. Have a seat, you need to complete various on-line training, sit in for a SHARP brief, and piss in this cup. That experience is exactly the same in the USAR regardless of which MOS you are in.

Response by SGT Erica Smith made Apr 11 at 2021 4:08 PM

SGT Erica Smith — Sun, 11 Apr 2021 16:08:59 -0400

You should switch now. It is way more difficult to switch later and it will be years of nonsense. Your recruiter will say it’s not possible. But it is. They are lying to you if they say it isn’t. If they say they can’t, tell them that you will go to a different recruiter. They will change their mind real quick. As long as you haven’t shipped, you can renegotiate your contract and change to active as well if you want. Until you are actually at BCT, you can renegotiate your contract. Do it now. It is so much harder later. They will threaten you (all lies), they will tell you it’s not possible (more lies). They need you more than you need them. Tell them this is what you want and stick to it. You’ll get what you want in the end.

Response by 1SG Christian Chenard made Apr 12 at 2021 12:54 PM

1SG Christian Chenard — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 12:54:20 -0400

You can switch.

Response by SGT Shauna Walters made Apr 17 at 2021 2:25 AM

SGT Shauna Walters — Sat, 17 Apr 2021 02:25:44 -0400

You don’t want to be a 12B....I can assure you of that. I was a medic assigned to a combat engineer unit and it was awful.

Response by PFC Chester Southworth made May 19 at 2021 6:47 PM

PFC Chester Southworth — Wed, 19 May 2021 18:47:54 -0400

Do air rescue bud in Airforce SOCOM schooling.

Response by SSG Ken Potts made Jun 5 at 2021 7:37 PM

SSG Ken Potts — Sat, 05 Jun 2021 19:37:48 -0400

Yes, you just have to find a unit with slots, and willing to send you to reclassify.