Aside from talking to my chain of command and taking the DLAB test, what other steps do I need to take to reclassify in the National Guard?

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Dec 2024 03:35:51 -0500

I am a 11B looking to reclass out of infantry. I have spent 6 months in my unit and love the guys there. However, I really did not want to be infantry and I'm wanting to transition to a 35M position I know is open. (Per information I have gained from my peers.) I understand I have just basically arrived at my unit, but I want something that algins with my Private Security and Contracting job I have in the civilian sector.
My first general question would be steps to take
With the obvious of talking to my chain of command and DLAB test.
What should I do, I feel like a total dirtbag just up and reclassing, but I care about my civilian career more. Also, any information about DLI and MOS reclassing training timeframes would be great. Along with living arrangements for me a spouse if possible.
Also if it matters my average PT score is 545-560, ASVAB was 78

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2024 7:51 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Dec 2024 07:51:57 -0500

35M requires a minimum ST score of 101, and a minimum DLAB of 95 (for the easy languages) and 110 for the toughest languages.
In the Guard, you typically reclass on your extension.
You can contract at 1 year out from your ETS, extending for a new MOS, new unit or both is called a Cross Unit Extension.

For what it's worth, 35Ps and 35Ns have more contracting job opportunities than 35Ms.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2024 12:21 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 12:21:09 -0500

What SGM Private RallyPoint Member said about your GT and DLAB scores is correct. Though, the GT may be waiverable. At least, it used to be. As for the training, DLI will be heavily dependent on which language you get. I know for the CAT IV (the highest level) languages class is pretty challenging. Anticipate a great deal of homework if you land in one of the Arabic classes or the Chinese language classes. I had at least 3 hours of homework every night in Modern Standard Arabic. They used to offer study hall when I was there, but they were looking at stopping it due to lack of participation. If you go, and it’s offered, I highly recommend doing it. Any opportunity to study more is helpful. As for housing, they do have on post housing on Monterrey though that housing is primarily for cadre and people stationed there outside of student status. Fort Ord does have military housing and it’s not bad from what I a was told. The BAH is pretty high so if it’s just you and your spouse you could probably find a decent 1-2BR, 1BA apartment for around $1500 a month. It seems high but the cost of living there is wild. If you push out a little further (I lived in the outskirts of Salinas) the housing is more affordable though some parts of Salinas are quite sketchy. If you have any questions feel free to ask! I just retired out as an AD 35M.