25U/31U as a feeder to 18E?

amatlis · 02-05-2009, 14:13

If any 18 echo's don't mind sharing their wisdom, I'm curious how many of you took the 25U course (previously 31U) and found it useful as a feeder to 18E. I had planned to push for an 11B rep-63 contract, but wiser minds suggest 25U would be a good use of my time. I may not have a choice, in any case, as it seems National Guard requires feeder MOS's that correspond to each 18 series. I originally wanted 11B so I could keep it short and focus on PT, but I've heard that you aren't given enough time in the day in 11B for sufficient PT.

Thanks in advance!

SpetsnaZ · 02-05-2009, 14:59

amatlis,

I enlisted as a 19D, deployed as a 11B and became an 18E, So heres my $.02

1. 11B is great for field exposure and a suck factor which you're gonna need in the future

2. During the Echo course I wish I had a prior commo MOS which would have helped ease the studying
3. I went through "the last hard class"

, and the Q course is now easier so what ever route you pick you have some choice's:
a) 11B- If you fail or quit you'll become a grunt in a line platoon
b) 25U- If you fail or quit you'll become a poug in a line platoon
c) 11B- "If" you make it you'll never be referred to as a poug
d) 25U- "If" you make it you'll just be a better commo guy

So its your choice?

Swank · 02-05-2009, 15:26

I'm not an echo, but I need one.

And if I were hiring you, I'd rather you had an infantry background. I can send you to school to learn radios. Patrolling, et al, are life skills. I was in tanks prior to going SF. I make up for my shortcomings by surrounding myself with guys who I know started in places harder than I did. My team is my security blanket.

Not only would I go 11B, I'd go ahead and get that V tacked on there. Unless you just want to be a commo guy with a green beret, in which case do your 25U or whatever. Some people are better at support. That's not meant to be an insult, it's just the way it is.

Surgicalcric · 02-05-2009, 15:38

He isnt talking about spending time as an Infantryman vs commo guy prior to coming to SFAS; he is talking about coming straight in off the street (18X/REP-63).

See here for more history on the topic... http://www.professionalsoldiers.com/...ad.php?t=21644

amatlis · 02-05-2009, 15:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swank

I'm not an echo, but I need one.

And if I were hiring you, I'd rather you had an infantry background. I can send you to school to learn radios. Patrolling, et al, are life skills. I was in tanks prior to going SF. I make up for my shortcomings by surrounding myself with guys who I know started in places harder than I did. My team is my security blanket.

Not only would I go 11B, I'd go ahead and get that V tacked on there. Unless you just want to be a commo guy with a green beret, in which case do your 25U or whatever. Some people are better at support. That's not meant to be an insult, it's just the way it is.

When you say infantry background, do you mean basic+ait 11B, or do you mean actual time spent in infantry? I am going rep-63 directly into SFAS after my MOS.

Also, what is the V you mention?

Thanks!

Surgicalcric · 02-05-2009, 15:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by amatlis

....Also, what is the V you mention?

Airborne and Ranger School qualified.

amatlis · 02-05-2009, 15:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Surgicalcric

Airborne and Ranger School qualified.

Thank you Surgicalcric. I am willing to do anything to get myself ready for SFAS. I don't know if I can get Ranger School in my contract. Would you recommend it?

Swank · 02-05-2009, 16:01

Oh, didn't realize you were doing this as an X-ray. I wasn't aware that you could pick anything other than 11B as your pre-req.

V is the identifier for airborne ranger, vs P which is just airborne.

Question: if you already do all this networking at home, why do you want to go to an MOS school for it? If you have a choice in MOS's, wouldn't you want to pick something up that will better crosstrain you and make you more marketable? Just a thought. Most 18E's that came before you were not commo previously.

Another thing to consider if you have a choice in your 18series selection: 18D's and 18E's get the MF'n shaft when it comes to promotions and schools. Half my class of 18D's are warrants now because it was the only way to stop being "the doc". And you wouldn't believe the hoops jumped through to get a fox slot. It's easier to go B or C first and then reclass to E. Just something to think about. Depends on what your long term goals are. And that's a looooooooooooong way down the road from where you are.

amatlis · 02-05-2009, 16:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swank

Another thing to consider if you have a choice in your 18series selection: 18D's and 18E's get the MF'n shaft when it comes to promotions and schools. Half my class of 18D's are warrants now because it was the only way to stop being "the doc". And you wouldn't believe the hoops jumped through to get a fox slot. It's easier to go B or C first and then reclass to E. Just something to think about. Depends on what your long term goals are. And that's a looooooooooooong way down the road from where you are.

I don't have a hard-set long term goal. My immediate goal is to get on a team and start learning to be an asset. I figured I could help out more with 18E due to my background. But, really SF in any capacity is my goal.

Quote:

Question: if you already do all this networking at home, why do you want to go to an MOS school for it? If you have a choice in MOS's, wouldn't you want to pick something up that will better crosstrain you and make you more marketable? Just a thought. Most 18E's that came before you were not commo previously.

I used to do computer network support in college and I have a computer science degree, but I don't know about radios, antenna theory, and satellites.

amatlis · 02-05-2009, 15:42

Thank you SpetsnaZ! I appreciate the feedback!

Initially, when I was told I had to do 25U, I was disappointed because I wanted exactly what you mentioned: field exposure and suck factor. I suddenly saw myself installing Microsoft Windows and configuring local area networks, and I thought, "Crap, I already do that stuff at home. I don't want to be doing desk work for 18 weeks!" But, then, in addition to your comment, Surgicalcric also mentioned that he heard several new 18Es say it was helpful to have more of a commo background, so I began to take it seriously. I looked over the 25U curriculum, and I can see how a lot of the radio, antenna, and satellite training would be helpful. I'm a little worried, however, that I won't be given time to PT properly. I don't mind studying hard for 18E in the future. I do worry a little about the physical preparation, more so lately that my work load at the office is interfering with my PT time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpetsnaZ

amatlis,

I enlisted as a 19D, deployed as a 11B and became an 18E, So heres my $.02

1. 11B is great for field exposure and a suck factor which you're gonna need in the future

2. During the Echo course I wish I had a prior commo MOS which would have helped ease the studying
3. I went through "the last hard class"

, and the Q course is now easier so what ever route you pick you have some choice's:
a) 11B- If you fail or quit you'll become a grunt in a line platoon
b) 25U- If you fail or quit you'll become a poug in a line platoon
c) 11B- "If" you make it you'll never be referred to as a poug
d) 25U- "If" you make it you'll just be a better commo guy

So its your choice?