Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 4/28/2009

Question
Hello!
My boyfriend left for OSUT at Fort Benning, GA on April 15th. He begins BCT tomorrow, but he regrets picking Airborne as his MOS (I think that's 11X.)

Is there ANY possible way for him to chnage his MOS during BCT or before he begins the AIT portion of OSUT?

Thank you so much for your help,
Veronica

Answer
Veronica,
Sorry to hear that, most soldiers would kill for the chance to go airborne.  Changing his MOS is not easy but it can be done.  After  IET, he must wait until he goes PCS, then go ask his Company Retention NCO.  Once he's successfully completed the training requirements for the job he's in, then he's eligible to change.  The reason he can't switch now is he hasn't been trained in the job yet, so you obviously don't know from first-hand experience that he doesn't like it, or can't do it.  The needs of the Army always come first and they probably placed him according to his ASVAB scores plus where they needed help.

The Retention NCO has received training, and has access to the regulations that can answer his questions for sure.  Also, his Brigade or Division Re-enlistment office has Career Counselors who answer that type of question all day long.  They have a list on what jobs are understrength and need people to fill slots.  However, if Airborne is also undermanned, he's screwed.

I hope he gives Airborne a chance.  Who knows, he may like it.  I have two nephews in and they can't imagine ever doing anything else.
I wish him luck.
Colonel H