Question about the ASVAB and MOS

[jmloml]

I am prior service - Navy Avionics. Served from 1980 through 1992. Was honorably discharged with a RE1. I have been working with the Guard recruiter and he is suggesting a 15N MOS keeping my former E6 rank.

I'm interested but also interested in 11b. We scheduled my physical for this Friday 8-11-06. I then received a call informing me i would have to take the ASVAB again. Seems it was only good for 10 years from the time of separation? Anyone else heard of this?

He is also pushing hard for the "try one" program and suggesting I reenlist during that year. "Try one is not something I was asking for. I'm committed and want to serve. I really don't need to try it out to find out. I there any advantage to this? He also told me initially that I would qualify for a 15k prior service bonus. Recently he has told me that it's not available and should be captured on the reenlistment. I'm not joining for the cash but would like to take advantage of it if available.

Is he using the try one option with reenlistment to back door a bonus? I'm confused by this approach.

So.. Does anyone know if I can take the 11b, keep my rank and all is well or is he on the mark with this try one program? Am I giving up a potential prior service bonus here?
Any advice would be appreciated.

[Echo]

I initially did the "Try One" back in the Dark Ages...

My suggestion... just tell him what you want:

6 years, E-6 in that 15N slot... and the BIG BUCKS.

If he can't make it happen... and in writing... ask why not? If you don't get satisfaction... ask to talk to his boss.

As far as the ASVAB... I had an 11 year break... and I think (admittedly hazy, not 100% certain) that I DID have to retake it.

[jmloml]

ECHO,

Thanks for your help.

[Echo]

You're welcome... I wish you the best... please let me know how it goes.

(E-6 *might* be the stickiest part? But I can't imagine them denying you the 6 years... and as far as I know... the Prior Service $15K should be a No-Brainer... unless there's some "fine print" that I haven't heard about?)

[jmloml]

ECHO,

I appreciate your help. I'll let you know how it all works out. Yes the E6 is a little tough. I'm told I will have to fill an E5 slot as an E6 for 15N. I wont be able to shoot for E7 until I actually find an E6 slot and remain in it for the alloted time. But... I don't even see any E7 positions in this MOS.

I like everything about 11B except my Wifes reaction to it and feel this may provide the greatest opportunity to make the most of my career opportunities in the Guard. I have looked for posts regarding 11B but haven't been able to gather much information from people who are doing it. I have seen all of the standard published information. I'm looking for what happens during drills / deployments. If any 11B's out there can share I know a bunch of us would be grateful.