What's the next step for moving up when you have a non-common MOS?

2015-08-13T22:19:02-04:00

I'm a 91E and reserve positions are few and far between. I moved to Florida in 2011 and have been going back up to Ft. Belvoir, VA for drill until July 2015 because I didn't have an open 91E slot until now. Looking through the HRC website it seems that e-6 slots for my MOS are non-existent (at least on the reserve side). Is getting promoted up to a higher position in a maintenance platoon while holding my MOS a possibility or is reclassing my only option?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2015 10:26 PM

2015-08-13T22:26:37-04:00

Reclass if you have to! It's based off what the Army need! So, don't be discouraged, weigh your options! Think Warrant or regular officer! I mean do what you think is best for your career! Still, do research or find some career counselor!

Response by LTC John Shaw made Aug 13 at 2015 10:37 PM

2015-08-13T22:37:12-04:00

I am surprised that you cannot find a position in Tampa. You need to get a recruiting command in the area. Find a reserve recruiting command representative in the area.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2015 11:31 PM

2015-08-13T23:31:08-04:00

Reclassing is your only option as a e5. Unless you hit up a recruiter and see which units holds e6 slots for your MOS. Another option is to check out fmsweb, if you know various units UIC you can then figure out which units will gain an e6 slot for fy16 if any.

Your best bet is looking at reclassifying though because it'll count towards your points as military residency courses.

IMO it also looks better when you have more than one MOS especially in a career field that's dead at higher ranks.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Aug 14 at 2015 2:43 AM

2015-08-14T02:43:42-04:00

If there are no positions, you might consider opening up your options. Broaden your horizons and consider the Warrant Officer tract as well as career enhancing opportunities to include Drill Sergeant.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 14 at 2015 3:04 AM

2015-08-14T03:04:23-04:00

While im not completely sure on the reserve side, promotion is there for those willing to work at it. It can be done. 91E is a small MOS, but nothing is ever unattainable. I kept at it from e-4(p) on and have pinned SSG now in 6 1/2 years. Do your research and find out what you need to do to obtain promotion and set your goals. As a 91 series, you can also serve in various other positions such as motor sergeant, platoon sergeant, section sergeant and etc. being an Echo doesn't limit you to only allied trades. Learn the other trades as we all become 91X at SFC. Feel free to hit me up if you need any help.

Response by COL John Rosnow made Aug 15 at 2015 8:49 PM

2015-08-15T20:49:00-04:00

I would certainly consider either getting another MOS, or look at going to Officer Candidate School (could be state OCS with the National Guard) or Warrant Officer Candidate School. I had the same problem as a 75B many years ago. There was only one E6 slot in the unit and that person was not going to leave anytime soon. I ended up getting accepted to State Officer Candidate School so went that route. If I had not gotten in, I would have picked a different MOS that were very prevalent in my area.

The same type of thing can happen to an officer though, so pick a branch that has lots of options for assignments. That is why I chose Quartermaster rather than Adjutant General at time of commissioning.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2015 12:55 AM

2015-08-17T00:55:17-04:00

Reclassifying is always a good option. Moving up the being well rounded is always beneficial in the USAR.
Always try to move to new challenges and experience at the end it is well rewarding. Try to re-class in a MOS that it's permit is larger and has a variety of choice on where you move up in your career.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2015 6:09 PM

2015-08-21T18:09:24-04:00

Come to an Army reserve drill sergeant unit.

Response by SFC Dan Sorrow, M.S. made Aug 28 at 2015 11:39 AM

2015-08-28T11:39:52-04:00

What did your MOS used to be classified as? I was a metalworker 44B until I made SSG. Then, I became a 44E. They were considered allied trades MOS's.