Switching MOS within a field in the Guard

[JDTC]

Hey guys,

Just took my ASVAB today (roooocked) but unfortunately the PAARNG is basically booked solid. My goal is to get into the 35 field, but none of the current vacancies are the positions I had my eye on (35F, 35M, 35P).

My question, basically, is how easy is it to switch MOS in the Guard? My recruiter said that it isn't too hard, but I heard from an Active Army soldier that it's pretty difficult. Is MOS switching only easy for the National Guard, or does it depend on the current state of things, unit, number of vacancies, etc?

Thanks all.

[SGT Juggernaut]

depends on the state. In my state it can be pretty difficult. It all comes down to money, and if the state is willing to spend more of it to retrain a soldier that is already qualified in a MOS. Most people that switch do it when thier re-enlistment comes up. Or in my case when your original MOS for your state goes away all together. If you happen to be in a critical MOS for your state your chances are very slim and you risk losing your bonus by switching.

[JDTC]

Thanks for the reply, SGT.

Might be a long shot, but anyone a member of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard that could shed some light on this? Or if anyone has any other experience to share, I'd much appreciate it. There's a position in the 35 field available for me, but it really isn't one I'm all that interested in... I figured that, by taking it, I could get my foot in the door but I'm wondering how viable that really is.

Which brings me to another question: Is switching fields possible? Say, going from the 25 field to the 35 field?

[JBourgeous]

You can switch fields according to MOS needs in the state. I myself went from 25 to 35 series some years ago (and have loved it btw). There are a couple of things to keep in mind beforehand: First piece of advice would be to not talk about the change with your unit (unless it's an MI unit) until you find out about the 35 series vacancies in the state (recommend contacting the MI readiness NCOs directly or talking with a guard recruiter. Recruiter can't make changes, but he will know vacancies statewide). Sometimes units get weird if they find out you want to leave. Second thing is to make sure you've put in the minimum time in your current MOS. Many units require three years in that unit and MOS under the initial enlistment contract. Once that time is burned, you're golden. Good luck, 35 series is a blast.

[Thundergrunt]

JDTC

Well I can tell you the same as others it can vary state to state, but I can give you some straight scoop as I just switched MOS. I am MOSQ 11B,11C and was trying to reenlist but State said no go for Infantry. I am an E5 and they slotted me in an E4 slot as a 13B , I hunted around for 13F slots and found some as well as 31B, then I asked if there was any 13F E5 slots available in the Battalion there was and they swapped me over, then 3days later got notified they took an MOSQ 13F, so I was on the Road again I made a couple calls on my own and now I am going to be a E-5 31B. So it can be done very quickly in somcases although it's not exactly a direct answer to your ?, but hope it helps. It all comes down to how bad you want somthing, I have found alot of work has do be done by yourself and on the low, this can be good and bad But you'll never know unless you roll the dice. If you are an E5 35H we'll say, and you want to be a F,M or P and they are full but have an E4 slot open and will take you, it's up to you if you want it or stay somwhere else. All comes down to you. Just my 2c. PM me if you have any more ?'s

SGT. W

[GARNG_Recruit]

If you're going to a MI unit then it might be easier. I'm in a engineer unit and I was able to gain a secondary engineer mos easily because I'd be staying with the same unit.