What is the difference of a ASI and SQI? "5S" ASI vs "V" SQI

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Dec 2015 00:59:04 -0500

I just noticed something that I never seen before. I know that there is a "V" in an MOS code for someone that is Airborne-Ranger Qualified but there is a "5S" ASI for the same thing? It is the same for being a Parachutist.

From what I am seeing it has to do with the position you are in. If you are no longer in a position that doesn't require you to be Ranger or Airborne qualified you lose the "V" SQI and pick up the "5S" ASI.

Has anyone else dealt with this?

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2015 1:31 AM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Dec 2015 01:31:57 -0500

I agree, what is the difference?

Response by Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2016 1:58 PM

Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 26 Jul 2016 13:58:57 -0400

The codes “V” and “5S” both denote a Soldier that is Ranger-Parachutist qualified:
Soldiers in the enlisted ranks that are Ranger-Parachutist qualified are awarded an enlisted special qualification identifier (SQI) of “V”, whereas Soldiers in the commissioned officer ranks that are Ranger-Parachutist qualified are awarded an officer skill identifier (SI) of “5S”.

As for separate Parachutist and Ranger qualifications...
Parachutist qualified: SQI = "P" and SI = "5P" / Ranger qualified: SQI = "G" and SI = "5R"

Hopefully that answers your question and clears up confusion.

Response by LTC Martin Glynn made Sep 4 at 2021 1:42 PM

LTC Martin Glynn — Sat, 04 Sep 2021 13:42:15 -0400

The difference between a Skill Qualification Identifier (SQI) and an Additional Skill Identifier (ASI) is supposed to be that an SQI is more important and will influence the assignments you get from HRC, while an ASI does not necessarily do that. An SQI can also denote when you “owe” the Army an assignment; i.e., the obligation to serve for 36 months on jump status if you go to Airborne School.

So if an NCO holds the SQI “P” he will have a strong chance of being assigned to an Airborne unit. If he holds the SQI “G” he’ll have a strong chance of being assigned to a Light Infantry Ranger-coded billet, and if he holds the SGI “V,” it will be to an Airborne Ranger-coded billet.

However, if he holds the ASI “F7” for Pathfinder, that does not mean that he will be assigned to a Pathfinder unit.

Officers don’t get SQI’s, they only get ASI’s, and their have different codes for whatever reason. So for us O-type silhouettes, it’s ASI 5P for Paratrooper, 5Q for Pathfinder, 5R for leg Ranger, 5S for Airborne Ranger.