Should I wait for the 11b or pick a different mos?

2019-02-14T12:35:34-05:00

I'm trying to join the national guard as an 11b, but they keep dragging their feet and saying there's more paperwork they have to do they didn't know about. It's been four months since I did my physical and took the asvab and I passed both. My recruiter is now telling me I should join as a different mos and then lat move into 11b. Should I wait or choose a different mos? I was thinking 19d.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2019 1:07 PM

2019-02-14T13:07:11-05:00

PFC Private RallyPoint Member If 11B is what you want, then wait. Sounds like your recruiter has already made their mission (# of signed contracts) or he/she is trying to get the over-available MOSs filled first. You do have a choice though. If you're not happy with the progress of your packet, call another recruiter in an adjacent city/county. They compete against each other so if you find someone that needs to meet mission, they will have you at MEPS the next day to swear in. Not sure what state you're in but if you're trying to go Ohio Army National Guard, PM me and I'll put you in contact with someone who won't play games. More paperwork for infantry sounds ridiculous. If it was a position requiring an SF-86 Questionaire for National Security Positions then sure there would be more paperwork on your part. An MOS change is extremely unlikely, think about it. If you signed for 6+2 as 19D, then that is what you swore to do and that is what you will do. Choose wisely, 6 years is a long time to dislike your job.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Feb 14 at 2019 1:57 PM

2019-02-14T13:57:48-05:00

Never heard of a lateral move from 19D to 11B. Ask your Recruiter to write that promise down on paper and give you a copy (he won't). You accept 19D your probably stuck with it for your entire first enlistment. So don't enlist until you get the MOS that you want.

Response by SSgt Terry P. made Feb 14 at 2019 2:14 PM

2019-02-14T14:14:19-05:00

CPT Private RallyPoint Member I agree with the ,LT, and the,CPT, the recruiter is trying to get you into one of the harder to fill mos's.

Response by SGT Matthew Sesar made Feb 14 at 2019 3:13 PM

2019-02-14T15:13:24-05:00

Wait.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2019 5:30 PM

2019-02-14T17:30:21-05:00

Wait for the 11b slot. Honestly if you tell him you won't sign until there is an 11b slot he will find an 11b slot for you. I have never heard of a lateral transfer from 19D to 11B. They are two very different jobs. If you need to, look for another recruiter. But never choose a job you don't want you, you will regret it.

Response by 2LT Brian L. made Feb 14 at 2019 6:35 PM

2019-02-14T18:35:57-05:00

Yes wait... or not.... its not a mystery... things within the military move at the rate of the mission... you are not important overall (sorry but its true) if the army does not need something at that moment then... that's how it is. So if you want 11B wait for it to be open because I can assure you that it will be available soon enough. A lateral move is possible if you attend and pass Ranger school then its a personal action form to re class but without that it will not be simple to just change your MOS.. that part is not as simple as they are selling

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2019 7:14 PM

2019-02-14T19:14:32-05:00

Just go Active Duty 11X there’s also a bonus involved and they are needing people

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2019 8:37 PM

2019-02-14T20:37:19-05:00

Go Active if you want combat arms. Not sure about you but I'd rather deploy with the guys that I train with daily versus Joe from 100 miles away that I see once a month. Plus there isn't any good career options as a civilian for part time Infantryman. But ultimately it's your life and your decision so if 11B is what you want in the guard then I would be patient and wait for it. No need to rush to failure.

Response by SGT Chris Stevens made Feb 14 at 2019 11:52 PM

2019-02-14T23:52:23-05:00

I’m not a recruiter!! Nor would I want you to do what you may not like. Some of these great comments might be the direction you should go or look into. For me tho. I was an 11B and in my head always will be. Experiences are a big thing tho. If you want to run in formation signing about the infintry but not be then wait for that door to open and be the one they sing about. I still remember one morning talking to my team about how my body was broke and maybe change jobs. Then I heard it in a distance. A whole unit sings about myself and the men I stood next too while my eye lashes froze open during PT. The pride I felt made my body just a little less broken!! Also I was active duty. In my opinion the only real way to start as an infantryman. Nothing against guard. But the memories and training and your brothers are an experience alone. Maybe give active duty a look. Shorter time last I once knew and then move on if you feel the need.

Response by SGT Chester Beedle made Feb 15 at 2019 1:42 AM

2019-02-15T01:42:43-05:00

If you want to be infantry, then wait. You might not be guaranteed 11B, as you join as 11x, so you could end up 11C, but at least it's still infantry.

DO NOT listen to the, "just joins as whatever and change later." I've only ever seen that work in very, very few occasions. Usually people who made it a condition of reenlistment.
The only times people normally reclass is when they go SF, become a recruiter and then become a permanent recruiter, or were something like 11B then got hurt so reclassed into a less physically demanding MOS.
Just like the sign now, and you can get airborne after basic BS some have pulled.

I joined in the early 90s, and the first time was only offered 19D (about the most wannabe MOS in the entire military!) and walked out of MEPS. I would have kept doing it until 11 was offered.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2019 5:55 AM

2019-02-15T05:55:25-05:00

Depending on your life goals, I would recommend you go active duty for 3-4 years, then transfer to the guard after. You do the same 22 week OSUT, and you'll go to a unit that will train you up for success in the national guard side.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Feb 15 at 2019 10:14 AM

2019-02-15T10:14:08-05:00

If you want to be an 11B, you should wait. Lateral moves aren't that easy.

Response by SGT Dave Matteson made Feb 15 at 2019 10:21 AM

2019-02-15T10:21:42-05:00

I am going to tell you this from one person who, like you, wanted to be infantry and went infantry. I took the ASVAB and scored very high in all areas. I was fortunate enough to have gone to a school that still taught auto shop, wood working, metal repair and fabrication, electronics, drafting, and industrial art. After my scores came out my recruiter tried to move me in another direction. Radar. Armaments repair. Clerical. Aircraft Electronics and so on...Do I regret not going that way? Sometimes. But Had I not gone the way I wanted to I would have missed out on being the only PFC Gunner in the first M2 Bradley Company in Germany. I would have missed out on patrolling the West German border. I would have missed out on working a cattle ranch in Texas while stationed at Fort Hood...You get the point. Sit down. Go through every MOS you are qualified for and remember many of your certifications from the military can transfer to civilian jobs working with military or non-military contractors. Good luck!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2019 7:46 PM

2019-02-15T19:46:27-05:00

They tried to steer me into MI, said they had no infantry slots left. I said “you’ve got my number, gimme a call when it opens.” Surprisingly as if by some miracle a slot opened as soon as I pushed my chair back from the desk.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2019 8:09 PM

2019-02-15T20:09:44-05:00

Wait, they tried that with 11C with me. Hopefully they'll stop dragging their shit and work it out ASAP

Response by CPL Ronald Coleman made Feb 16 at 2019 6:05 AM

2019-02-16T06:05:37-05:00

Put a fire under there ass and tell them to do their job,then wait. We will have enough time to hurry up and wait when you become a Regular Army Enlisted Soldier later.

Response by SPC Bradly Martin made Feb 16 at 2019 12:23 PM

2019-02-16T12:23:03-05:00

Nope stay 11B. Needs of the army for 19D can wait for another recruit.

Response by SSG George Holtje made Feb 17 at 2019 4:24 PM

2019-02-17T16:24:34-05:00

I be never heard of 11b being dragged out. They usually want to fill those spots. Ask them what’s available. If you want to sneak around in the woods 19d is a good MOS.

Response by SPC Jerry Jones made Feb 18 at 2019 11:05 AM

2019-02-18T11:05:42-05:00

If you want to be 11B, wait, or else you will be stuck in an MOS you hate, and won't be able to get out of it for a long time. Recruiters just want quick enlistments, and don't really care what MOS you get into, as long as they get that enlistment.
You will be working in that MOS...NOT the recruiter. If you want it....wait for it or you will regret it.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2019 11:56 AM

2019-02-18T11:56:27-05:00

My votes 11b. Do it. Just so it.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2019 1:07 PM

2019-02-19T13:07:30-05:00

As someone who has been both a 19D and an 11B I'd say you need to figure out what it is you want to do with your career. If you're more interested in recon and using cool equipment to conduct reconnaissance, go 19D. They have some cool traditions like the Spur ride (earning your silver spurs), getting gold spurs when you deploy, and wearing a stetson (think black cowboy hat you can wear in uniform). 11B was cool because you do more direct action type of work. 19D you're not technically supposed to engage (you can engage BUT your main purpose is to be the eyes and ears on the battlefield not the assaulting force). There's also the bravado of "being infantry" and "being a grunt". You get to use cool weapons and get some good training out of it all; the downside is you're usually walking everywhere. Figure out what you want to do, and then ignore the guard and go active duty. I've been in the guard almost 8 years and will be transitioning to active duty after this contract is over.

Response by SFC Douglas Duckett made Feb 19 at 2019 2:58 PM

2019-02-19T14:58:26-05:00

Did the recruiter say something like "19D is just like the Infantry, only we ride everywhere."? Do not buy it. I am glad to see you understand that there are only two MOSes in the Army, Infantry and All Others......

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2019 10:49 PM

2019-03-10T22:49:29-04:00

Wait and do what you want don’t let the recruiters pick for you it’s your life not there’s tell them you won’t join unless you get 11b