Prior service woes

Questions and Answers about obtaining an Option 40 Contract and other routes to serving as a Ranger in the US Army.
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mchclay19D
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Joined: September 4th, 2007, 3:18 pm

Prior service woes

Post by mchclay19D »

I visited the recruiter yesterday late afternoon and did not really obtain any useful information.

Ofcourse option 40 for prior service is a no go.

The SFC I spoke with was pretty straight forward. He informed me that it would be no big deal for me to reclass from a 19D to an 11x series MOS and that I would have to attend Infantry AIT, but not the WTC. I was under the impression that all prior service Army would have to attend WTC if they had a break over three years. Also, he told me that I would be able to retain my rank since I was only and E4 on seperation last time. However, he told me that it was possible to get an option 4 contract, but not probable since I was prior service.

It seems like prior service gets the short end of the stick when it comes to options...not sure why.

Just sort of wondering what chances I might have at MEPS if I tell the liason that I am not going if they don't give me the option 4 contract. From what I have read online they will say go home since I am prior service.

If I could atleast get the option 4 contract if not given the opportunity by my unit to go to RIP I could demand it at reup time and have some leverage...I know when I got out last time they were offering me anything I wanted to reup.
2nd ACR 1996-1998
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Silverback
Ranger
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Joined: March 7th, 2004, 11:06 pm

Post by Silverback »

Being Prior service you cannot receive an 40 contract.

Attempting to get a 4 Contract will only hurt if they say now. It never hurts to ask.

Going to RIP will not be offered at REUP, it is not a "School". You might be able to work a reassignment, but as with all things Ranger it may be tough.

You have to decide what your priorities are, are you more interested in serving or serving in the Regiment? I ask because when you have your mind made up possibilities are endless.
RC 2-87
3-75 84/85, 95/97
"thnks 4 pratn merku!"
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mchclay19D
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Posts: 7
Joined: September 4th, 2007, 3:18 pm

Post by mchclay19D »

Ranger Silverback,

I am dead set on making it to the 75th Ranger Regiment. My unit in 2nd ACR was average speed and staying motivated around others who are not is difficult. I don't really want to be in a regular Infantry unit. If I was interested in "just serving" then I would go for a computer related MOS as I am both MCSE and Cisco certified (not to mention it would be a lot easier).

I guess at this point in time my best option is to get the Option 4 contract no matter what and if I have to once assigned to a unit take leave and show up every day asking for an opportunity to go to RIP and a job in the 75th.

I ordered and read a copy of John Lock's The Coveted Black and Gold and it was really an eye opener as to what one might expect. I am sure experiencing it for yourself is somewhat...well...let's say different. It is easy to see why now most Rangers call Ranger School a "rite of passage".

Your thoughts?
2nd ACR 1996-1998
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Silverback
Ranger
Posts: 20119
Joined: March 7th, 2004, 11:06 pm

Post by Silverback »

mchclay19D wrote:Ranger Silverback,

I am dead set on making it to the 75th Ranger Regiment. My unit in 2nd ACR was average speed and staying motivated around others who are not is difficult. I don't really want to be in a regular Infantry unit. If I was interested in "just serving" then I would go for a computer related MOS as I am both MCSE and Cisco certified (not to mention it would be a lot easier).

I guess at this point in time my best option is to get the Option 4 contract no matter what and if I have to once assigned to a unit take leave and show up every day asking for an opportunity to go to RIP and a job in the 75th.

I ordered and read a copy of John Lock's The Coveted Black and Gold and it was really an eye opener as to what one might expect. I am sure experiencing it for yourself is somewhat...well...let's say different. It is easy to see why now most Rangers call Ranger School a "rite of passage".

Your thoughts?
Do what you feel you have to! As far as a "Rite of passage", it's a little more than that. Ranger school is one of the logical steps to assume a position of leadership within the Regiment (and the "regular Infantry" when I was growing up).
RC 2-87
3-75 84/85, 95/97
"thnks 4 pratn merku!"
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mchclay19D
US Army Veteran
Posts: 7
Joined: September 4th, 2007, 3:18 pm

Post by mchclay19D »

Ranger Silverback,

Given what you know about my situation and if you were in my shoes what would you do?
2nd ACR 1996-1998
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