What can I expect when attending 11B AIT as prior service? Do we get treated better than the other recruits?

2023-04-24T18:37:15-04:00

Question for anyone who can help. I am a prior service POG with a good civilian job, and I have decided to reenlist into the Texas National Guard as an 11B. I don’t have to go back to basic training just the AIT portion. But can anyone tell me what I can expect being prior service ? I read that supposedly we get treated better than the other recruits but can someone with experience with this give me some advice ?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2023 6:52 PM

2023-04-24T18:52:39-04:00

As a SPC, you will not get much, if any benefits of prior service. If you were an NCO you would get better separated housing. However, they will probably treat you slightly better then the others, but I wouldn't bank on it. I went back through OSUT at 34, prior service and I was treated as well as I deserved. Don't be a shit bag and they will treat you accordingly. Best of luck and welcome back!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2023 6:59 PM

2023-04-24T18:59:24-04:00

Unfortunately, the most we can say is that you'll find out when you get there for AIT because how you're treated and the liberties you may/may not receive will be up to the policy of the training company/battalion

Response by SFC Marc W. made Apr 24 at 2023 8:45 PM

2023-04-24T20:45:38-04:00

Honestly, it 100% depends on the drills/1SG. Some units threw them into the population and they got treated the same. Others had more sense by separating them and giving them responsibilities to help the new recruits. Also where you get dropped into the OSUT cycle is not guaranteed, you may end up at week 9 or 3. A lot of this is going to be influenced by how you carry yourself too. Be there to learn and be helpful. I had a break in service from being 63w, then went back in 11b. When I went back in, there were so many prior service that we had our own class of prior service, it was wild.

Response by SGM Jeff Mccloud made Apr 24 at 2023 10:00 PM

2023-04-24T22:00:16-04:00

In the Army Guard, assuming a short break in service, you won't be going to Benning at all. you will likely be scheduled for an 11B MOS-T at an RTI, where everyone is prior service and reclassing to 11B in the Guard.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Apr 25 at 2023 8:23 AM

2023-04-25T08:23:43-04:00

That would be saying that ne w recruits aren’t treat ed well. As for training requirements, more will be expected as for discipline that depends on you. Whatever they would drop for you will drop for. If you perform at an expected level you will be treated at that level. You may even find a recruit in charge of you for certain things. Tie up your laces.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Apr 28 at 2023 8:11 AM

2023-04-28T08:11:36-04:00

It's all relative. I'm sure you will get treated differently to an extent but it all depends on context and current policies. You will stick out in comparison to the average entry level cat. Just be humble, keep your head down and do your best to lead by example. Your experience and leadership will be an asset but you are still there to learn and pass the training like everyone else. I lat moved to a new MOS as a Sgt and it'll take patience on your part to navigate the shenanigan's that go on at entry level training. Just be humble and professional and you will do just fine.

Response by CSM Eric Biggs made Apr 28 at 2023 9:40 AM

2023-04-28T09:40:17-04:00

SPC Private RallyPoint Member, there are a few factors that will go into this.
First if you go through a National Guard Infantry AIT at a Regional Training Institute (RTI), you will be treated like everyone else. They will all be reclassing from a different MOS.
If you go to Ft. Benning you will probably be treated however your knowledge, actions, and attitude deserve. Humbleness will get you a long way. When in charge take charge. When not in charge be a good follower, but use your knowledge and experience to help mentor those in charge.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2023 11:09 PM

2023-04-28T23:09:56-04:00

Glad to see you taking the time to ask the question and seek advice. I think you should expect the best and work hard to learn your new MOS.

I have been in the army 15 years. About 10 of those as enlisted. As far as expectations go, don't ever expect anyone to care about your prior service in a different MOS, because they probably don't. This can be a relief, not an insult. You're not a big deal. This is good. Humility is good.

That's not to say no will ever care about what you bring to the table, but it's just arrogant for us prior service guys to enter any realm at all and think were special. Can you do the job you have now? Can I trust you to have my back? Will you take care of your people? Sweet, all of that has very little to do with what you did in your last MOS. You have to prove it here, in this position.

If you're not playing games with your career, but choosing to serve our country and to serve others, then character matters first.

But, if you are playing games, then you need to figure out the politics of the Army and of your local climate and you need to have pre-packaged conversations in order to navigate your image successfully. I do not recommend this, it's exhausting and stupid. If you go everywhere expecting to learn and to serve, then that will gather to yourself the type of treatment that most would consider "better".