My son is in the decision making process. He scored beyond ASVAB requirements for all of the 25 MOS (130's). His drawback to not getting his first choice of 25S or B is that he had a non traffic teenage arrest and GED. He is 4 hrs short of college credit to overide the GED restriction. Recruiters said he could possibly move to those jobs after sometime of good performance in another 25 MOS. That said, which other 25's that he could be eligible for would provide the best experience for post Army career or transition to S or B if possible? 25F appears to be a good link and job. However, from assorted message boards it appears this is being phased out and replaced with 25N. He saw no mention of 25N though. Is it available for new recruits or is it still 25F for enlistment and transitioning to N in the process? Any info, ideas, or advice appreciated.
25F is just a speed bump these days, a place holder for troops unfortunate enough to hold it. There is absolutely no guarentee that if he choses 25F that he will transition to any other specific MOS, its strictly needs of the Army. If he can, I would suggest getting that one semester or quarters' hour worth of credit. Believe it or not the GED restriction serves a pretty good function, not necessarily academic, but more one of perseverance. It shows the ability to stick with a program and complete it in spite of its drawbacks.
My younger brother is a 25F. The Army has reclassed many of his buddies, mostly to 25N, but he himself has not reclassed. He also has his GED, but I told him not to reclass (if he can help it) until he has at least 12 hours of college.
I don't know if a high school diploma is needed for 25N, (yes it is offered at entry level) but I would have to say that you need a HS diploma. That being said, I would HIGHLY ADVISE your son to get the college credits necessary in order to get the 25S MOS (I am one myself). He can take a couple easy CLEP or DANTES tests (Public Speaking and Here's to Your Health come to mind) and that would give him six more hours.
thanks for the input. appreciate others thoughts too whether differing or the same. i understand about the difference in positions. another factor i should have mentioned though is the current $20K QS bonus to ship out by 08/27. i know it is a personal decision but from your perspective would forfeiting that bonus be worth the difference of shipping out as a 25S over a 25F-N-U lesser position. thanks!
I wouldn't call a N a lesser position than a S. I have both in my platoon and for all practical purposes in my platoon they do the same thing. I also have Cs, Us, and Qs. I need all of them, and none is more important than the other.
U's are the utility players, S's and N's are more pigeon-holed, F's are history. C's are a funny dinosaur, more like an old 05B (without the repair skills) than anything else automation has left them as a one trick pony.
If he's patient I would suggest waiting for the credits. He may decide in that time that he wants to go a different route all together. Or if he wants to jump right in I would say go 25U since its an all around job. I say that mainly because he will get a chance to see what each 25 gets to do and when he re-classes he will know for sure which job is right for him. Just a thought. Best of luck.
