rep 63 fine print

[chriss25]

I'm a 33 yr old GS-11 engineer at a DOD/Navy/missile range on Kauai (w/ Navy Diver pin (SCUBA) thanks to the Navy and my job’s need to QA work when the divers come over).

Any advice in regard to the details I’ll look for when I sign the rep 63 contract (18D) this Friday. I’m going to key on “18D”, of course, along with E-4 for a degree, $6K (or maybe $10K, they’re checking) for the MOS bonus, loan payoff, MGIB/K, and BCT, AIT (91W in San Antonio – 16wks), airborne, SOPC, and SFAS start dates.

What else? Any Rep 63 guys (especially 18Ds) like to pass on “fine print” lessons they learned the hard way? E.g. How important are those class dates on the contract?

Aside from the contract, I’ve been told that candidates passing SFAS will be brought back briefly to their Group and promoted to E-5 prior to PCSing to Bragg for the rest of the course. Sound right? I was told this from the recruiter after I forwarded the post about this from the candidate working at the Guard liaison office at Bragg. Thanks QPs!

Should I be concerned that they ask for two other MOSs besides 18D (I understand it to be SOP)? I'm told that 18D is primary and that those other MOSs are ONLY if 18D doesn't work out because of.... (other than VW, I'm not sure why 18D wouldn't work out… maybe snapping a foot off or something). I've found this topic in my searches but didn't find a conclusive answer: The question's an attempt to close the loop.

I've done searches on this website and others about these topics; I’ve learned a lot, and just have these last questions to answer... for now.

Thanks in advance to those that respond and thanks to the QPs for the site.

Very respectfully,
-Chris

[The Reaper]

Should I be concerned that they ask for two other MOSs besides 18D (I understand it to be SOP)? I'm told that 18D is primary and that those other MOSs are ONLY if 18D doesn't work out because of.... (other than VW, I'm not sure why 18D wouldn't work out… maybe snapping a foot off or something).

Very respectfully,
-Chris

Because the Army may not think you are suited for the 18D course, the Army may need you in another MOS track, or because you may fail to accomplish your mission of becoming an 18D and you need another day job in SF (or go to a non-SF assignment).

You have done very little toward becoming an SF soldier thus far. Focus on your 25 meter target of completing your Basic, AIT, Airborne, SOPC I, SFAS, SOPC II, PLDC, and Phase II before you begin worrying about your 18D training.

TR

[chriss25]

Focus on your 25 meter target of completing your Basic, AIT, Airborne, SOPC I, SFAS, SOPC II, PLDC, and Phase II before you begin worrying about your 18D training.

TRWilco.

My comments aside: other than VW, I'm not sure why 18D wouldn't work out… maybe snapping a foot off or somethingThe question:Should I be concerned that they ask for two other MOSs besides 18D? was seeking to clarify/confirm that the rep 63 contract's mention of other MOSs does not take away the contract's "in writing" shot at SFAS upon sucessful completion of preceding stages.

These forums are a great resource of information. Thank you for the input and please forgive my visible ignorance and lack of humor skills.
Very respectfully,
-Chris

[Leozinho]

Aside from the contract, I’ve been told that candidates passing SFAS will be brought back briefly to their Group and promoted to E-5 prior to PCSing to Bragg for the rest of the course. Sound right? I was told this from the recruiter after I forwarded the post about this from the candidate working at the Guard liaison office at Bragg. Thanks QPs!

-Chris


While some REP-63s might have gone back to their unit to get promoted, I haven't seen it. The standard procedure is for REP-63s to stay on initial active duty training until they finish the pipeline. Don't expect to be able to go back to your unit to get promoted or to take a few months off. You may or may not be sent to the board for E-5 sometime in the pipeline.

[Surgicalcric]

...What else? Any Rep 63 guys (especially 18Ds) like to pass on “fine print” lessons they learned the hard way? E.g. How important are those class dates on the contract?

No "fine print lessons."

Aside from the contract, I’ve been told that candidates passing SFAS will be brought back briefly to their Group and promoted to E-5 prior to PCSing to Bragg for the rest of the course. Sound right? I was told this from the recruiter after I forwarded the post about this from the candidate working at the Guard liaison office at Bragg. Thanks QPs!

That is for Prior Service guys who come to SFAS TDY and return. You must also meet Time-in-Service and Time-in-Grade requirements which you will not until near the end of the pipeline.

Should I be concerned that they ask for two other MOSs besides 18D (I understand it to be SOP)? I'm told that 18D is primary and that those other MOSs are ONLY if 18D doesn't work out because of.... (other than VW, I'm not sure why 18D wouldn't work out… maybe snapping a foot off or something).

Unable to obtain/be granted a Secret Security Clearance, unable to meet physical standards, unable to complete training, or you get a Never-To-Return during one of the phases are just a few reasons that come to mind.

You are worrying about things you should not be at this point in time. Concentrate on preparing yourself for the journey, both mentally and physically.

Welcome to PS.

[Para]

Aside from the contract, I’ve been told that candidates passing SFAS will be brought back briefly to their Group and promoted to E-5 prior to PCSing to Bragg for the rest of the course. Sound right?

Never saw that one. Almost all Rep-63 guys attended the Board while in the course. Promotion packets where then forwarded to their respective units for promotion.

Should I be concerned that they ask for two other MOSs besides 18D (I understand it to be SOP)? I'm told that 18D is primary and that those other MOSs are ONLY if 18D doesn't work out because of.... (other than VW, I'm not sure why 18D wouldn't work out… maybe snapping a foot off or something). I've found this topic in my searches but didn't find a conclusive answer: The question's an attempt to close the loop.

Biggest one for 18D, academic failure resulting in recycle or reclassification.

[chriss25]

Thank you, gentlemen.
All comments have been noted/filed.
Update: Honolulu MEPS has delayed my signing until later this week due to complications of HI NG signing me into CO NG. Wrinkles are being worked out presently, I'm told.
Very respectfully,
-Chris