Expert: Rod Powers - 7/5/2006

Question
My recruiter told me if I went into infantry with the Army after 6 months I could change my MOS.  I am still in basic at Fort Benning but they are telling me it is impossible to change your MOS until my 3 year contract is completed.
If I am a conscientious objector would this increase my chances of changing to a different MOS? any suggestions?  

Answer
Hi Mark,

I'm sorry, but your recruiter didn't tell you the truth.

Unless one becomes disqualified from an MOS (such as for medical reasons, etc.), you are not normally eligible for retraining until your have completed for original contract, and agree to re-enlist into a different MOS.  Even then, it often depends on the "manning level" of your current MOS (job), vs. the "manning level" of the MOS (job you wish to re-train into.  For details, see my Army Re-Training Article at: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/armytrng/a/retrainingops.htm

I'm afraid that a " conscientious objector" declaration probably isn't going to hack it.  In order to qualify for CO status in (any branch) of the military, you have to *prove* that you are opposed to all wars, based on deeply seated-religious beliefs.  You have to provide testimony and statements from religious leaders, etc., which state that you are a long-time member of a religion which disavows all wars and fighting.  Even if CO status was approved (unlikely in most cases), it would (these days) most liley result in a discharge, and not re-training.

Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com