What is your opinion on reclassifying from 35S to 35L or 37F, primarily because the promotion rates?

2017-05-04T09:55:10-04:00

Since I would like to stay in the Army for a career I don't want to be stuck in an overstrengthed MOS

Response by SFC William H. made May 4 at 2017 10:34 AM

2017-05-04T10:34:47-04:00

I would presume that as a 35 Sierra, you have language skills. Your profile does not say. 35L is going to require a language in most cases. However, this "skill"l can either get you what and where you want or drag you into countless jobs you do not want. I wanted DLI for Portugese so I could go to Europe and the "needs of the Army" came into play and I ended up with Spanish and spent my life in Central America. Go to the nearest MI office and have a talk; preferably with a Senior Agent (E-7 to E-8). Promotions should not be the driver for your career. Being happy in what you do and will it translate to a civilian career should be paramount.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2017 4:44 PM

2017-05-04T16:44:14-04:00

Based on one of the responses, I wanted to make a few points to start off with, just as an update to modern CI, as things have likely changed a good amount over the years.

1. 35L does not require a language in the majority of the field, so do not worry about the language part, as long you you have a grasp of English (spoken and written). There are much fewer positions that may require a language, and you'd have to apply to certain programs to get in it anyway, they aren't just regular branch assignments.

2. PSYOPS is not MI. All MI MOS' have been consolidated into the 35 series; even 35T, which do not perform an MI function, but are the heart behind some of the systems MI uses.

I agree that promotions should not be your primary driver for reclass to 35L. I am not saying you shouldn't want promotions and increased pay, just that if the promotions go stale, how will that affect your ability too want to continue performing. 35L is very short at the Entry Level (E5), but also has a greater tendency to push enlisted folks toward Warrant Officer, so you could also consider that into promotion possibilities.

As someone else said, 35Ls in a FORSCOM assignment are subject to the same stuff as everyone else, as most FORSCOM MI don't have legal a stateside function. This of course opens them up to regular army details and taskings.

My recommendation is, look at both MOS' for their job duties, then talk to someone who has held multiple assignments in that MOS, to determine if you will like that job. If you think you would be a good fit for the job, THEN look at the promotion rates. For instance, 35L as a base, has a lot of writing reports and talking to people for hours (when in the right assignment). If those aren't things you enjoy from the start, it might not be the right field for you. There are other sub-categories of 35L that drastically reduce the part of having to talk to people, but you may not be able to get into those other programs for one reason or another.

Go to the local 902nd MI Group field office on your installation, and they can provide you more in-person insight to 35L. Like I said, we need more E-5 Agents, but, we don't want them to be upset about promotions, and want to leave immediately either.

Response by SFC Grant Ross made May 4 at 2017 5:29 PM

2017-05-04T17:29:45-04:00

I would never reclass to a new MOS based upon promotion rates. I have had three and I will tell you each decision was based on my personal need to be challenged and do a difficult mission. I love the CI community, but it does have its limitations, making E8 is very difficult so something to look at depending how far down the road you're seeking to travel. CA is a great MOS as well, having worked with many. Every MOS has its duds and rockstars, it boils down to your desire to challenge yourself and be the best. Go talk to CI and CA and see what best fits you. This is just my opinion though.

Response by CW4 Russ Hamilton (Ret) made May 4 at 2017 5:55 PM

2017-05-04T17:55:20-04:00

35L is a great MOS, HOWEVER, not everyone will qualify for it - nor is it everyone's cup of tea. I just checked 35L MOS strength by rank: E5 is 55%, E6 is 112% and E7 is 102%. So don't look for fast promotions in CI right now. Back to qualifying for 35L: There are many hurdles to jump before being accepted and you must pass all of them before going to the 18 week school. Once you graduate, you will be on probation (1 yr active, 2yrs reserve, both extendable) - another hurdle. You need to have strong reading and writing abilities - if you can't write a report you are useless in this MOS and you will write A LOT of reports. You need to be good at being able to talk to people who don't want to talk to you. I could go on. That being said, I've been a CI agent/tech for almost 30 years now. I love the MOS and it is what you make of it - just be sure you look into the realities of it vs BS you've heard. If you have visions of carrying a badge, a concealed pistol and fighting international spies, this is not for you. Make sure you go talk to a senior CI agent first.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2017 3:57 PM

2017-05-09T15:57:10-04:00

I am also considering reclassing. 35S has some great assignment locations but we are notoriously underutilized and promotions are stagnant. Don't reclass based on promotion only, unless you're close to your RCP date. Look for a career you will be satisfied with and that can give you skills, experience and certifications needed in the civilian world. 25 series is good. They test for security plus/ A plus. Those certifications a great for marketing yourself later on.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2017 10:55 PM

2017-05-12T22:55:28-04:00

Your career, your choice. I personally don't believe you should consider reclassifying based on promotion rate if you like and are good at what you do. Finding job satisfaction is key. There will always be a need for the 35L's. Whether Active Duty, National Guard, Reserve, or even a civilian equivalent.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2017 9:59 AM

2017-06-06T09:59:44-04:00

I enlisted in the Army as PSYOP, and I absolutely love my job. You should choose an MOS that you enjoy, not just because of promotion rates. As a reclass, sure, you'll get promoted once you've finished the Q Course, but then when it comes time for the SSG, you be competing with all the other E5's for promotion. Now this isn't to discourage you from reclassing to 37F, just letting you know the reality of it. If you have civilian education and deployment time, that will help set you out above the rest. And if you go to Jumpmaster school, you'll already have a one up on your competitors. If you have any question about 37F, shoot me a message, I'll be more than happy to help.

Response by CW2 Michael Wells made Oct 16 at 2017 9:52 PM

2017-10-16T21:52:27-04:00

Have you considered WOCS?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2017 7:47 PM

2017-12-15T19:47:53-05:00

Do it