Prior service 18x? Going back active.

[ranger2339]

I tried to search the subject and couldn't find what I was looking for,maybe I wasn't searching with the correct key words, I'm not sure? Sorry in advance if this subject has been covered.

So I'm going back AD, I spent 3 years with the deuce from 99-02,had a couple years break in service, then decided to join the guard in 04. I just got my release from the guard last week, so now its off to the AD recruiter.

My initial plan was to go back on the line, pound around there for a bit, get in super stud shape, get a SF packet together with the local SF recruiter and attend SFAS. To my surprise the Army isn't taking any prior service 11B's right now, so I ask the recruiter about those 18x contracts I've been hearing about. The next day I come back and he says yes its something I can do. Great that's the best news I've heard all week.

I guess my question is, how does it work for guys like me,since I dont have to go to basic,AIT or Airborne school? Do I just get my orders and report to Bragg, get put in some training unit and then get ready for SFAS? Do I need to go to Airborne retrain, since its been about 8 years since my last jump?



Thanks in advance,

Josh

[wet dog]

I tried to search the subject and couldn't find what I was looking for,maybe I wasn't searching with the correct key words, I'm not sure? Sorry in advance if this subject has been covered.

So I'm going back AD, I spent 3 years with the deuce from 99-02,had a couple years break in service, then decided to join the guard in 04. I just got my release from the guard last week, so now its off to the AD recruiter.

My initial plan was to go back on the line, pound around there for a bit, get in super stud shape, get a SF packet together with the local SF recruiter and attend SFAS. To my surprise the Army isn't taking any prior service 11B's right now, so I ask the recruiter about those 18x contracts I've been hearing about. The next day I come back and he says yes its something I can do. Great that's the best news I've heard all week.

I guess my question is, how does it work for guys like me,since I dont have to go to basic,AIT or Airborne school? Do I just get my orders and report to Bragg, get put in some training unit and then get ready for SFAS? Do I need to go to Airborne retrain, since its been about 8 years since my last jump?



Thanks in advance,

Josh


Why did you not transfer to an SF guard unit? They take applicants, have try-outs, trainers and can put on the SF path.

[ranger2339]

I have no desire to be in the guard anymore, I want to go active. I have a family now (wife and child) so I need them to be covered, financially and medically when I'm gone.

[Scimitar]

I was talking to 19th last week.

It seems possible to go thru ARNG, who I personally believe have better systems to prepare you, and then stick your hand up for Active Duty once you're out of the Q.

I'm not completely sure of the details or of its viability to fit your wants, but its definitely woth it for you to look into. I wouldn't write it off to soon.

In answer to your question…

The 18X pipeline is
11B-OSUT (Basic+11B School) / BAS (Jump School) / SOPC - Spec Op Prep Course (or whatever they call this now) / SFAS.

For prior service guys going 18X, depending on how long you've been out generally you will be slotted back into Basic at somewhere between week 3-10, ssome go to the Warrior Transition Course down in White Sands I think, but I doubt that's for you. Then you hit Jump school and SOPC.

In your case it sounds like they’ll give you OSUT (I’m guessing you where 11B in the Guard as well?)

So it’s looking like 3 weeks of Jump cos you’ve been away from that so long and then 4 weeks of SOPC (– is it still 4 weeks?)

The councilor at MEPS will give you a clear run down, but I'm guessing you want to get a feel of how much run time you have up to Selection so you can see how much time you have to prep?

HTH


Scimitar

[Defion69]

I don't know if you are an NCO, if not, you would have to go through WLC. Since you haven't jumped in a while, you would have to go through abn refresher (provided...don't worry about too much). Aside from that, you most likely will go straight into the pipeline.

On that note, good luck and kick it in the butt. Sounds like you are a bit older than the guys going through the pipeline but don't let that (your age) discourage you one bit. I know a guy who just graduated the Q at 48 and another guy who graduated Ranger school at 42. Yeah it may hurt a bit more but don't listen to the naysayers (and there will be plenty).

Take care and kick it in the arse!

Blue skies

[CoolT]

Consider yourself lucky there killer. I'm PS as well and there were no 18X contracts available while I was at MEPS. I had to take 11B. I've been in contact with the 1st sgt at SORB in Benning and he is supposed to hook me up with an SF recruiter once I get to my duty station.

Do any of you gents have an idea of the time line right now for getting hooked up with a recruiter at duty station to actually leaving for SFPC/SFAS? I've heard different times, ranging from 2 weeks to a few months. The shorter the better.

I'm scheduled to ship 20100301

[deepblack 18x]

Consider yourself lucky there killer. I'm PS as well and there were no 18X contracts available while I was at MEPS. I had to take 11B. I've been in contact with the 1st sgt at SORB in Benning and he is supposed to hook me up with an SF recruiter once I get to my duty station.

Do any of you gents have an idea of the time line right now for getting hooked up with a recruiter at duty station to actually leaving for SFPC/SFAS? I've heard different times, ranging from 2 weeks to a few months. The shorter the better.

I'm scheduled to ship 20100301

The 18X rep at the FSC just told us that they are now briefing qualified 11B guys at Benning on a switch to 18X. He said it had something to do with a lot of the guys losing their options in BCT.

DB

[Scimitar]

Firstly,

I am pretty confident when I say there are ALWAYS 18x contracts, the question is WHEN are there 18X contracts.

The way the recruiting system works is a recruiter can only see open MOS slots that are something like 3 months out. When YOU enlisted there weren't any avaliable in THAT timeframe.

If you had asked they would have rang the Rock and opened a slot for you as they did for me.

However, it also may have been cos you didn't actually qualify for an 18X contract.

OPTIONS:
1) Go back to your recruiter advise him that you understand his mistake and request a ReNo to an 18X contract.

2) If you really want to you can push to be transfered over to 18X during 11B OSUT or BAC - Jump School. No gurantees.

It can take anywhere from perhaps 6 to 30+ months to get the the Q Course after getting to your first station, assuming you're Selected. What rank are you going in as? E2, E3, E4?

Are you sure you qualified for 18X? What makes you think you did?


Scimitar

[greenberetTFS]

I tried to search the subject and couldn't find what I was looking for,maybe I wasn't searching with the correct key words, I'm not sure? Sorry in advance if this subject has been covered.

So I'm going back AD, I spent 3 years with the deuce from 99-02,had a couple years break in service, then decided to join the guard in 04. I just got my release from the guard last week, so now its off to the AD recruiter.

My initial plan was to go back on the line, pound around there for a bit, get in super stud shape, get a SF packet together with the local SF recruiter and attend SFAS. To my surprise the Army isn't taking any prior service 11B's right now, so I ask the recruiter about those 18x contracts I've been hearing about. The next day I come back and he says yes its something I can do. Great that's the best news I've heard all week.

I guess my question is, how does it work for guys like me,since I dont have to go to basic,AIT or Airborne school? Do I just get my orders and report to Bragg, get put in some training unit and then get ready for SFAS? Do I need to go to Airborne retrain, since its been about 8 years since my last jump?



Thanks in advance,

Josh

Josh,

How about filling out your public profile..............:rolleyes:

Big Teddy :munchin

[Scimitar]

The 18X rep at the FSC just told us that they are now briefing qualified 11B guys at Benning on a switch to 18X. He said it had something to do with a lot of the guys losing their options in BCT.

DB

Hey DB,

Thanks for the updated info. Could you explain in a little more detail. Briefing?, losing options?

S

[ranger2339]

Josh,

How about filling out your public profile..............:rolleyes:

Big Teddy :munchin

Big Teddy,

I was under the impression that once we were in the "pipeline", we should sterilize our info.?


Thanks,
Josh

[CoolT]

Thanks for that intel. I didn't qual for 18X cause i'm 32. They told me my best option was to put in for SF once I got to my DS. However, I have heard that they will sometimes ask for 18X volunteers during initial training, as you stated above. If they come asking, i'll definatley be raising the hand.
Thanks again.

[Scimitar]

Did you request an age waiver, there not to hard to get. Recruiters don't like the paperwork. What did they tell you exactly about the age thing. You didn't advise me of your entry rank.

I'd encourage you to be proactive, don't wait for them to come around, Ask you're DS during the later stages of OSUT or go during Airborne. Go to them, don't wait for them to come to you.

Do you otherwise qualify for an 18 series contract. Many a lad has gone in thinking he want to go SF, not realising he don't actually qualify.

S

[Anevolution]

Big Teddy,
I was under the impression that once we were in the "pipeline", we should sterilize our info.?
Thanks,
Josh

Ranger,
He wasn't asking for you ssn or you zip code, they just want to know who you are and units served in etc. Also x2 on what DB said Mr.Olsen puts out good up to date info on futuresoldiercenter.com I would send him a pm on there he can sort you out, he is the Man. From what I understand 18x is always open maybe not when you went, but in the near future it will be if that's what you want don't take anything else. If it is not in your contract it may be awhile before you get to SFAS. Plus with the new pipline you get a lot more prep before hand.

V/r
Anevolution

[ranger2339]

I don't know if you are an NCO, if not, you would have to go through WLC. Since you haven't jumped in a while, you would have to go through abn refresher (provided...don't worry about too much). Aside from that, you most likely will go straight into the pipeline.

On that note, good luck and kick it in the butt. Sounds like you are a bit older than the guys going through the pipeline but don't let that (your age) discourage you one bit. I know a guy who just graduated the Q at 48 and another guy who graduated Ranger school at 42. Yeah it may hurt a bit more but don't listen to the naysayers (and there will be plenty).

Take care and kick it in the arse!

Blue skies

I'm an E-5 right now, I graduated Honor Grad at WLC (that course was a joke) About 75% of the "leaders" there should of been sent back to basic, or kicked out of the Army. I dont mind going back to ABN training at all, I welcome the challenge of any schools,it would be nice to hit up the Bragg Pre Ranger course before SFAS.

Im only 28 years old, not to old IMO. I was 19 when I went to Ranger school, pushing well into the extended scale on my APFT, my goal is to be in that shape before SFAS.


Thanks for all the advice guys,

Josh

[wet dog]

I have no desire to be in the guard anymore, I want to go active. I have a family now (wife and child) so I need them to be covered, financially and medically when I'm gone.

Families are covered, same as AD. NG SF gives you options, like the pipeline.

Will you enjoy AD, if SFAS or Q do not come to fruition?

[ranger2339]

Not making it hasn't even crossed my mind, its something that I dont think about. I'll cross that bridge when I get there.

[CoolT]

I'm going back in as an E-4. I asked if I could get an age waiver and they said no. I may have been getting the run around though. There's no doubt that i'll be proactive about the subject during OSUT or Jump. But back to my original question. If I have to wait until I get to my duty station, from the time I talk to an SF recruiter until the time i'm at SFPC, does anyone know approximatley how long that is on average?

[Red Flag 1]

Big Teddy,

I was under the impression that once we were in the "pipeline", we should sterilize our info.?


Thanks,
Josh

This is well out of my lane, however; a QP has asked you to fill out your bio/profile, as all of us have, and IAW site rules. Your response should be, "Thank you greenberetTFS, will do":lifter:lifter. I note you bio/profile is still missing.

Back to my lane.

RF 1

[ranger2339]

This is well out of my lane, however; a QP has asked you to fill out your bio/profile, as all of us have, and IAW site rules. Your response should be, "Thank you greenberetTFS, will do":lifter:lifter. I note you bio/profile is still missing.

Back to my lane.

RF 1

My profile is filled out.


Thanks,

Josh

[Scimitar]

I'm going back in as an E-4. I asked if I could get an age waiver and they said no. I may have been getting the run around though. There's no doubt that i'll be proactive about the subject during OSUT or Jump. But back to my original question. If I have to wait until I get to my duty station, from the time I talk to an SF recruiter until the time i'm at SFPC, does anyone know approximatley how long that is on average?

Things are changing all the time, I'd recommend talking to the SORB guys again, but my understanding is once you have reached E4 you can drop the packet. You're probably looking at no longer then 3-6 months + around a 3 month delay between SFAS and the Q.

May want to think about your plan to communicate the fact that you're going SF with your new unit. Response isn't always friendly. They can't really stop you from going but they can make life difficult as many reports have suggested they don't appreciate losing a good guy. Also be aware that a deployment could possibly significantly stretch out this time line.

There are others on this board who have been in your situation who can comment from experiance but I hope this gave you some things to look into further.

Cheers

S

P.S. I'm not to sure you'll get SOPC, there was a time where soft MOS where getting some sort of prep course, not sure if this is still happening, as an 11B though their gonna assume you're ready, although I have heard reports that if you request SOPC at SORB they may be able to give it to you under the assumption that you may not have the experiance that most non-18X line soldiers are bringing into play.

[The Reaper]

There are a lot of opinions being bandied about here. The most ridiculous is that the Army is going to put someone back through the Basic Airborne Course because it has been a long time since they jumped.:rolleyes:

The next person who fails to read and comply with the stickies at the top of this forum, to include this one http://www.professionalsoldiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22758 is going to have some issues.

TR

[Dozer523]

23 posts.
12 GO's
11 NoGO's

[Defion69]

I'm an E-5 right now, I graduated Honor Grad at WLC (that course was a joke) About 75% of the "leaders" there should of been sent back to basic, or kicked out of the Army. I dont mind going back to ABN training at all, I welcome the challenge of any schools,it would be nice to hit up the Bragg Pre Ranger course before SFAS.

Im only 28 years old, not to old IMO. I was 19 when I went to Ranger school, pushing well into the extended scale on my APFT, my goal is to be in that shape before SFAS.


Thanks for all the advice guys,

Josh

Alright I extended some advice and will do so once more.

I don't think it is wise to go around calling a professional military school "a joke" regardless of your personal opinion about the instructors and the instruction. That kind of banter just isn't professional or mature (what SF is looking for...maturity).

I never mentioned anything about going back to airborne training (all). What I did write is Airborne REFRESHER. As an NCO who is airborne qualified (YOU), look up in the appropriate Army regulation regarding refresher training. Also, hit up Bragg Pre Ranger? You are already Ranger qualified according to your post...unless you went and failed.

Be the NCO that you are and read your regulations. The majority of your answers are in some AR...find them.

Take care

[Surgicalcric]

If you get back in on the 18X contract you will report to SOPC then head to SFAS from there. If selected you will attend BAR (Basic Airborne Refresher-not the entire 3 weeks) and begin the SFQC to include PLDC/BNCOC.

Crip

[Acholin]

t

[LOA]

If you get back in on the 18X contract you will report to SOPC then head to SFAS from there. If selected you will attend BAR (Basic Airborne Refresher-not the entire 3 weeks) and begin the SFQC to include PLDC/BNCOC.

Crip


Has this changed since 2010?

I'm finalizing plans for keeping my truck and personal items stored and want to be as considerate as possible to those nice enough to store my property.

If I'm headed back to OSUT for a while, I would like to tell those that are helping me out that it will be a few months longer until I can pick up my things.

(Recruiter has no idea and reservation has me bouncing back and forth between Benning and Bragg a few times which I don't see happening.)

Background- 11C airborne qualified NG to 18x via conditional release.

Thanks.

[LOA]

Has this changed since 2010?

I'm finalizing plans for keeping my truck and personal items stored and want to be as considerate as possible to those nice enough to store my property.

If I'm headed back to OSUT for a while, I would like to tell those that are helping me out that it will be a few months longer until I can pick up my things.

(Recruiter has no idea and reservation has me bouncing back and forth between Benning and Bragg a few times which I don't see happening.)

Background- 11C airborne qualified NG to 18x via conditional release.

Thanks.

Update: Word from a prior service SF candidate who just went through 30th confirmed that a soldier which is already infantry MOSQ'd and airborne qualified (been through OSUT and BAC) will head directly to SOPC hold after 30th.

V/R
LOA

[lonetlan]

If anyone would know it would be these guys!

[Mako]

This thread came closest to answering my question. I am a prior service guardsman (11B) E4. I recently signed an 18x contract and ship June 7th. My Career Adviser at MEPS couldn't provide sufficient clarity on my training pipeline as the system has seemed to change. I was advised that my SOPC course would be facilitated under the new mountain warfare school at Benning. It was to my understanding SOPC is at Bragg and acts as an administrative hold for SFAS. After SOPC I was told I would report to ABN. Once ABN is complete I would fall into an OSUT class to do an "11B refresher course". My training pipeline on my reservation sheet from MEPS looks like this:

PREREQ BENN 20170616 8WKS 0DAYS
PREREQ BENN 20170811 3WKS 4DAYS
OSUT. BENN 20170905 2WKS 3DAYS

My questions are, does this seem correct? Can someone define the "PREREQS"? Any clarity on what to expect upon reporting to Benning would be greatly appreciated Gents! I'm a new guy here and I am very thankful for the wealth of knowledge that is available on this forum. Thanks!

VR

[WarriorDiplomat]

This thread came closest to answering my question. I am a prior service guardsman (11B) E4. I recently signed an 18x contract and ship June 7th. My Career Adviser at MEPS couldn't provide sufficient clarity on my training pipeline as the system has seemed to change. I was advised that my SOPC course would be facilitated under the new mountain warfare school at Benning. It was to my understanding SOPC is at Bragg and acts as an administrative hold for SFAS. After SOPC I was told I would report to ABN. Once ABN is complete I would fall into an OSUT class to do an "11B refresher course". My training pipeline on my reservation sheet from MEPS looks like this:

PREREQ BENN 20170616 8WKS 0DAYS
PREREQ BENN 20170811 3WKS 4DAYS
OSUT. BENN 20170905 2WKS 3DAYS

My questions are, does this seem correct? Can someone define the "PREREQS"? Any clarity on what to expect upon reporting to Benning would be greatly appreciated Gents! I'm a new guy here and I am very thankful for the wealth of knowledge that is available on this forum. Thanks!

VR

It doesn't sound right, if you signed an 18X contract once you leave Benning everything else is at Bragg by 18 series instructors your dates seem weird not having a recruiting background but 13 weeks at Benning almost sounds like a basic/AIT redux

[Mr Weiss]

It doesn't sound right, if you signed an 18X contract once you leave Benning everything else is at Bragg by 18 series instructors your dates seem weird not having a recruiting background but 13 weeks at Benning almost sounds like a basic/AIT redux

This is actually how my contract looks as well as the contracts of the fellow 18x recruits I know. It is confusing, but I think the computer is spitting out duplicates somewhere. My career counselor said it's still the OSUT - Airborne - Bragg route and to disregard everything until I get an actual airborne class date during OSUT.

[Mako]

Rgr. Thank you for the responses. So there will be a retrain on OSUT although I am 11B qualified? (Not that that is a huge deal). I have been told that getting to 30th AG I will be immediately separated from the privates and sent through my own prior service in processing funnel at Benning, from there they may decide to chuck me into an OSUT class or send me straight to ABN.

[Mako]

This is actually how my contract looks as well as the contracts of the fellow 18x recruits I know. It is confusing, but I think the computer is spitting out duplicates somewhere. My career counselor said it's still the OSUT - Airborne - Bragg route and to disregard everything until I get an actual airborne class date during OSUT.

Are you shipping June 7?