Just enlisted 21B, three years 16 months. I ship out 4 February. I'm pumped.

Wanted Ranger School, but I have a couple minor non-traffics and a misdemeanor, thus was unable to get security clearance. Recruiter told me I should try to get into Sapper School, in his words, "next best thing."

I'm pumped about 21B. Seems like a legit, no BS combat job, which is what I was looking for. I would like, if possible, when the time comes, to re-enlist and try for Ranger School / Special Forces. Just wanted to know if y'all think this is a legitimate goal or a pipe dream?

Also, what kind of 'Special Classes' are available for 21B?

quote:

Posted Tue 13 January 2009 01:08 PM
Just enlisted 21B, three years 16 months. I ship out 4 February. I'm pumped.

Wanted Ranger School, but I have a couple minor non-traffics and a misdemeanor, thus was unable to get security clearance. Recruiter told me I should try to get into Sapper School, in his words, "next best thing."

I'm pumped about 21B. Seems like a legit, no BS combat job,

Shouldn't be to difficult to get a security clearance, once you are in a while and have proven youself just try again. Also make sure you finances are squared away.

HEY i also got 21b and am leaving feb. 4th! maybe i'll see ya there! one thing i reccommend you get out of the way is Army Airborne. 6 jumps out of a plane and you've got your wings (something rangers need anyway) and from my understanding SAPPERS are just a tough and grueling as Rangers but they are more Technically trained to deal with high explosives and get to see a lot of REALLY REALLY big BOOMS!!!
hope to see ya down there. im goin to Leonardwood with my brother whos also a 21b

You are not eligible for Sapper school until you have made the grade E-4 or possibly E-4 promotable I can't remember

What do you mean "non-traffics"

Welcome to the Regiment! As far as being highseed, I dunno where your first duty station is going to be so I will offer my career path.

I am a Mechanized Engineer at Fort Hood, and this is the "high speed, hooah classes I got"

*Combat Lifesaver
*Field Sanitation
*Armor School
*M2A2 ODSE Bradley OPNET
*R2C2 Route Clearance Course at FLW

And thats it. To me none of that crap was highspeed. I would invite you to try your hardest to get Bragg, Campbell, or Lewis where you can actually learn something. The Sapper School's, and Ranger Schools, Pathfinder, ABN, Air Assualt Schools you can forget about as a mech guy. TRUST ME!! I have re-enlisted for schools over here in Iraq, only to get back and they tell me that the Brigade won't support it. I see to many guys like yourself, highspeed ready to do Sapper Stuff, only to go to a Mech base, and have there little heart crushed when there Squad Leader says.. hey FNG get a broom and go sweep motorpool. Just some BTDT experience for ya. Good Luck To Ya Though!!

21B is a great MOS. Seriously. I am so mad that due to profile I will not be back to finish OSUT. Oh well....looks like CBRN in a combat engineer unit is the best I can hope for.

I have a soldier that I know who was a 21B who has been selected for SFQC. He said that being a 21B prepared him for being in the field and allowed him a wealth of experience to draw from. If SF is something you are aspiring for....you could choose worse MOS's.

As far as Sapper school....well....I could not tell you. From what I have heard and experienced...it is very dependent upon the unit you are in. Light units do seem a bit more prone to sending soldiers than mech units, but one of my battles from a mech division is being told to expect to go when they get back from Afghanistan. Just be a good soldier and do the absolute best that you can...and express(gently) an interest in going. I am a Reservist in a Multirole Bridge Company, and I could have gone had I not got injured. Now I am moving to combat engineer unit, and if I can get off of this profile.....I will be begging to go.

Sappers school qualified soldiers are rare in certain circles....more rare than the coveted Ranger tab...and let me tell you: We showed mucho respect to those with the Sapper tab. We got to see the Best Sapper competition and a few Sapper school training events....and these guys are very low drag. They work their tails off and are highly motivated. Just being around those events will make you want to be the best soldier around.