Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 4/14/2008

Question
Hello Ma'ma,
   I am currently in Iraq and I am a 25U (US Army)(Signal Support Specialist). I do not do my job and have not sense I have received my MOS title. I have been doing the job as a 25B. I want to change my MOS. I am not close to reenlistment. Can I put in for a change in MOS or am I stuck in my current MOS.

Answer
Dear Coty --

You may submit a DA Form 4187 to request a change in military occupational specialty.  Your change of command recommends approval or disapproval, and then Human Resources Command makes final decision and if the decision is favorable, awards you a new MOS.  

The justification for changing your MOS will be fairly easy if the one you want is the job you are currently doing for your unit.  If not, it will be more difficult to justify the change, but still doable.

I do not recommend changing your MOS if you received a recruitment bonus based on your job specialty.  You could be required to pay back a pro-rated portion of your bonus.  The amount of pay back is based on the percentage of service obligation time you did not serve in your entry MOS.  However, this repayment might be waived, if the MOS you want to join has a higher demand than the one you are leaving.

If you have more questions, please write back.  I wish you the best of luck, and thank you for your service.