Should E6 and above be allowed to re-class to an MOS they have no military or civilian experience in, such as a mechanic?

SFC Edwin Watson — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 21:55:17 -0400

An MP E6 re-classes to a Bradley mechanic because the promotions as an MP are so bad he doesn't think he will make rank before he gets Q&P'd. I understand his predicament, but how is he suppose to mentor a private when he can barely change the oil in his own car? This is a situation I observed as a specialist. Our squad eventually got our NCO's to guide him to the office and take care of administrative issues. I'd like to know the thoughts of other Senior NCO's on their MOS's on the topic.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 1 at 2015 11:10 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 23:10:41 -0400

A good leader, regardless of MOS, can still lead, train and mentor Soldiers. That being said, he cannot talk about skill-sets learned from that MOS.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Oct 2 at 2015 6:52 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Fri, 02 Oct 2015 06:52:59 -0400

Generally speaking, shouldn't you go through the MOS producing school to inherit the MOS which you are reclassing to, regardless of rank. This allows you to know the terminology, jargon, and tradespeak of the trade, as well apply the leadership principles you already know.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 2 at 2015 9:34 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Oct 2015 09:34:20 -0400

SFC Edwin Watson I am sure that such an NCO could still mentor his or her Soldiers in other things besides their MOS until that time that the NCO gets more experience in the MOS.

Response by SFC Edwin Watson made Oct 3 at 2015 9:58 AM

SFC Edwin Watson — Sat, 03 Oct 2015 09:58:37 -0400

In my field, which statistically will always have more men than women, this is a fairly rare occurrence, as most of the guys (and some of the girls) I grew up around were tearing down and rebuilding car engines before they could legally drive. I just believe that by the time a Soldier reaches E6, they should stay close to their original MOS unless they have significant civilian skills to compensate for the lack of military experience. Example: I started out as a Bradley hull mechanic (63T). I reclassed to a M1 turret mechanic (45E), then a wheel mechanic (63B) a few years later. However, if I had reclassed to a 92A, I had sufficient clerical skills as a civilian so that I wouldn't have been a fish out of water when expected to do my job. I would have been completely irresponsible, however, to reclass in any medical field after making E5 as I had no prior experience to fall back on to give lower enlisted training as I would have been trying to learn myself.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 6 at 2015 1:45 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 13:45:40 -0400

I understand exactly, but I'm E-6 and have experience in other areas besides my mos but my chain of command tells me I'm locked in to mos I want to re class but I'm told I can't. How can I re class?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2015 12:08 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 00:08:43 -0400

If said NCO can and is willing to put in the work to know the MOS like the back of his hand in a very short time, then yes. I see no issue with it. If he's going to be lazy then no.

Response by SFC Edwin Watson made Oct 7 at 2015 12:41 PM

SFC Edwin Watson — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 12:41:47 -0400

When you make a certain rank, you are expected to be a subject matter expert in your MOS, in addition to being a leader of Soldiers. This is in compliance with the portion of the NCO Creed that states "I will strive to remain technically and tactically proficient". I personally believe a Soldier with hard stripes should demonstrate some competence in the general area before being allowed to reclass to an MOS he/she has no documented skills at, so a lack of knowledge and skill becomes an issue later.

Response by SSG Anthony Bradford made Oct 8 at 2015 11:28 AM

SSG Anthony Bradford — Thu, 08 Oct 2015 11:28:07 -0400

I understand your point because the experience your learn in a Junior enlisted within a MOS can be valuable to help understand your soldiers. However, on the flip side, basic leadership is the same for all E6s & E7s no matter what MOS. He/she should have the competencies to be a select leader or platoon sergeant for a maintenance unit. His/her role and responsibilities as an E7 will not be primarily turning wrenches but to take care of his/her soldiers. Also the army will teach him/her how to turn wrenches during reclass school, so if he/she needs to throw on some coveralls and can get down and dirty with his troops they can and will. They just may not be as efficient/ knowledgeable as the specialist or buck sergeant that has been turning wrenches for 10 years.

I user to think the same think about officers. Same principal (kind of). How's a 24 year old LT going to be in charge of a platoon and they have never even done one job detail in that MOS? The answer: bc the army will train them to be competent enough to perform their responsibilities/duties as a LT in whatever banch they are.