What should I do if my my unit closed my MOS slot & is trying to send me back to reclassify?

2017-05-01T09:55:34-04:00

I just came home from basic and AIT. I arrived at my unit for the first time and they said while I was gone the closed my mos slot because the downsized while i was in training. I'm a 68S. They want me to reclass. But i am currently 18 and trying to start my college. they are holding back my pay and bonus and not really doing much to give me information, while forcing me to continue to attend drills.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2017 9:58 AM

2017-05-01T09:58:42-04:00

You can fight it, but it would be moot, really, especially if you want to stay in that unit. Now, one thing you can do is see if there are any other units within your State or even in a nearby state that has a Sierra slot. If they do, then you can try for an Inter-State Transfer. If you like being a Sierra and want to stay one, then you will have some hard work to do.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2017 10:00 AM

2017-05-01T10:00:01-04:00

In regards to finding a new unit, get with your Retention NCO and see if they can do a search for NG units with open Sierra slots.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2017 10:00 AM

2017-05-01T10:00:06-04:00

What do you mean "what do I do" no one is garrenteed a job in thier MOS I have 4

Response by SSG Paul Carrier made May 1 at 2017 10:37 AM

2017-05-01T10:37:08-04:00

This is unfortunate but it happens.
Unit MTOE change and slots go away. There isn't really anything to fight.
Ask them to check around for units nearby with your MOS but if you want to stay in that unit you will have to re-class.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2017 11:25 AM

2017-05-01T11:25:21-04:00

PFC Private RallyPoint Member, I am sorry some of your first expiriences in the Army are negative ones. Sometimes it is like that. However, I would point out that MTOE changes don't sneak up on units; they are known well in advance. Especially one that involves a unit restructure that will affect assigned positions and equipment.
As to what to do, there are a lot of things at work here:
1. Your bonus (without looking at your contract) may well be tied to becoming MOSQ and assigned to a qualified position - most bonuses are. Also possible is that the unit itself is all or part of the bonus for affiliation. You need to look at your bonus addendum and find out.
You are not out of luck, as this change is not the fault of you, so any reassignment or reclassification would be due to the needs of the Army.
2. They are not "forcing" you to attend drills. You are in the Army and are assigned to them. Scheduled training events are required for you to go to unless you obtain permission to be excused. Don't compound the problem by not showing up or letting your irritation with the situation affect your attitude or performance.
3. The unit has a duty and responsibility to present you with options to address your situation. Perhaps reclassing to another MOS will allow you to remain there. Maybe reassignment to another unit with 68S in it makes sense. Could be you need a conditional release to pursue options in the Reserve is your best bet. No matter what, they own you until you're not assigned there.
4. There are lots of ARNG and USAR opportunities in the Ft Dix/ Greater Phillidelphia area. See a career counselor to explore your options and the pros and cons of each so you can make the best decision for you.
Good luck!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2017 11:41 AM

2017-05-01T11:41:15-04:00

I am not sure they can hold back your bonus and pay, you fulfilled your part of the agreement. But as far as reclassing it happens. I came to a unit as an engineer, when to PLDC as it was called back then and when I got back they asked me how I liked training and would I like to train some more. My slot was deleted when USAR changed their mission. But in the reserves your Reclass if you take a reserve course is not as long. It may even have two phase which you could spread out over two summers. I know I reclassed into 92L and neither phase was longer than 15 days. I took the whole thing back to back just to get it over with.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2017 2:49 PM

2017-05-01T14:49:54-04:00

PFC Private RallyPoint Member check with your retention NCO. From my understanding the bonus is based on contract. If it is the Army that forces you to reclass then you are entitled to the money if you had completed your end of the deal (MOSQ and not flagged). What do you mean holding back your pay? Are they not paying you for AIT or drill? If not that is a HUGE issue and must be addressed immediately.

As far as having to reclass you SHOULD have two options: reclass or if there is a unit close by that requires that MOS you can transfer to that unit.

Response by SSG Paul Carrier made May 1 at 2017 5:43 PM

2017-05-01T17:43:34-04:00

Sabrina, are you on a bonus ?
That will complicate things much MUCH more.

Response by MSgt Carl Stokes made May 5 at 2017 10:14 PM

2017-05-05T22:14:14-04:00

the best thing you can do in the NJARNG is transfer to the Air Guard. Your rank will carry. Since the 50th division has closed, and the essex troop gone, the guard has been jacked up. I made the move in 2000 and it was the best thing I ever did.

Response by SPC Alfred Cummings made Aug 26 at 2018 1:58 PM

2018-08-26T13:58:00-04:00

Call your branch, sounds like you are in the reserves.