Can you change your MOS before your contract is up
John Johnson
Updated on April 11, 2026
It’s important to talk with your recruiter about possible changes to your MOS before you sign the contract. Once you’ve signed, you’ll have to complete your assignment before you can make any changes. The exception is mandatory reclassification. … In some cases, an MOS is eliminated from the MOS structure.
Can I change my MOS in the Army after signing my contract?
You don’t. If you’ve processed at MEPS then you’ve signed your contract.
How hard is it to change your MOS in the Army?
You need to meet a few requirements: You must usually have served 6 months in your current MOS. You must usually have 1 year time on station before the Army will consider moving you again. You need to find the MILPER message (available on the HRC website) for the current in/out calls.
How soon can I change my MOS?
You must usually have served 6 months in your current MOS. You must usually have 1 year time on station before the Army will consider moving you again. You need to find the MILPER message (available on the HRC website) for the current in/out calls.Can you switch MOS in the Army?
In an effort to retain experienced personnel, the Army provides an opportunity to switch to a different MOS during Army re-enlistment. The option is attractive for those who like the benefits of being in the Army but feel bored or dissatisfied in their current job.
What are the best MOS in the Army?
- Combat medic. …
- Explosive ordnance disposal. …
- Diver. …
- Human resources specialist. …
- Counterintelligence agent. …
- Public affairs specialist.
Can you change your MOS after basic training Army?
If you have not attended basic training yet, simply ask your recruiter to change your MOS. If you’re already in the Corps, then you will have to file the proper paperwork. Choose the MOS that you want to switch to. You should do thorough research to make sure you understand the duties of the new MOS.
Can you change MOS after 4 years?
Yes, you can. Though you have to complete at least 3 years of your original contract. After the 3 years has been completed, you can go to your battalion Career Planer, and tell him that you wish to LAT move to another military occupation specialty (MOS) and he will help you on the path to switch your job.Can officers change their MOS?
Yes, active component Army officers may transfer from one branch to another, but there are a number of hurdles to get over if one wishes to transfer voluntarily. Generally, one can only change branches voluntarily when it is in the best interest of the Army.
Can you back out of military after MEPS?If you went through all the motions of signing up for a military service only to decide it is not right for you and you have NOT been to the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) and have NOT taken an Oath of Enlistment, you are free to quit the process at any time.
Article first time published onCan National Guard change MOS?
Yes. Anyone can be moved to another MOS based on the needs of the Army. Usually though, when you enlist specifically for the National Guard, you will have a nearby unit that has an opening, and you will enlist for an MOS that they need.
Do you choose your MOS at MEPS?
At MEPS, you will take the ASVAB, choose your MOS and take a physical. If you pass the ASVAB and physical, you will be able to swear into the military on that same day. … Some of the military branches will ask you to head to basic training after you have completed MEPS. Your recruiter will prepare you for this process.
Can the Marines change your MOS?
Can I change my job or Marine MOS? If you have not started basic training yet, you can change your MOS by simply asking your recruiter to do so. Once enlisted, it takes some paperwork in order to change your MOS. Submission of a personnel action form is required and approved by your chain of command.
What MOS pays the most?
- Military police. National average salary: $41,245 per year. …
- Pilot. National average salary: $43,482 per year. …
- Drone pilot. National average salary: $44,858 per year. …
- Combat engineer. National average salary: $46,201 per year. …
- Interpreter. …
- Translator. …
- Army officer. …
- Captain.
What's the easiest MOS in Army?
The easiest MOS would have to be administration. While you still have to do daily PT, you rarely find yourself in the field . You generally work 9-5 or less, and no matter your rank, you constantly interact with those of power. By far the least militant MOS.
Which MOS are in demand?
- Army Jobs in Demand. …
- Culinary Specialist (92G) …
- Occupational Therapy Specialist (68L) …
- Cryptologic Cyberspace Intelligence Collector (35Q) …
- Computer/Detection Systems Repairer (94F) …
- Military Police Officer (31A)
Do I have to retake the Asvab if I switch branches?
MEPS is MEPS and universal across all branches. You won’t have to retake the ASVAB and most likely not have to do physical again.
Can the military kick you out for having too much money?
The US Military cannot kick you out for having too much money but you can request a discharge if you came into so much money that it required your support.
How can I get out of a military contract before boot camp?
Your first step should be to make a request for discharge, in writing, addressed to your commanding officer. Your letter should clearly state your reason(s) for discharge. If your request is denied, you can simply refuse to report to basic training.
How can I end my military contract early?
In exchange for getting off active duty early, servicemembers agree to serve double the time left on their contract in the Air National Guard. Other branches may have similar programs that allow active duty members off early in exchange for transitioning into the Guard or Reserves.
How hard is it to change units in the National Guard?
It takes prior coordination between units, but it’s not a difficult process. You’ll be paid through your current unit, even though you’re split-training with a unit in your new state. The Interstate Transfer (IST) Coordinator can be helpful in this process.
How soon can you Reclass in the National Guard?
Current Army National Guard Soldiers must meet the following general eligibility criteria to qualify for an REB: You must have less than 13 years and one month time in service at the time of your current ETS, based upon your Pay Entry Basic Date. The total military service criteria includes time in an inactive status.
How many MOS Does the Army have?
The Army has around 190 MOSs available for enlisted soldiers. Similar specialties are divided into “branches” or “fields.” Below are the Army enlisted job fields.
Is boatswain mate a bad job?
Being a BM3 is cool and all, but being a deck seaman is an unpleasant job, a lot of the time. The promotion rate isn’t usually good and there aren’t typically bonuses. The hard skills don’t transfer to a lot of outside jobs, (the soft skills are totally hirable though).
Can you choose your own MOS?
You can choose what MOS you will be initially trained in. You can have that guaranteed in your contract. However: This only guarantees that you will be given this training.
Can I watch my son swear in at MEPS?
Members of your family are welcome to watch you take the oath. A waiting room is available for them. Your family may take photographs of you with the military officer administering the oath.
What are the best MOS in the Marines?
- Cryptologic Digital Network Tech (MOS 2611)
- Avionics Maintenance Chief (MOS 6391) …
- Marine Cybersecurity Technician (MOS 0688) …
- Marine Counter Intelligence / Human Intelligence (MOS 0211) …
- Marine Logistics / Mobility Chief (MOS 0491) …
What is an e8 in the Marine Corps?
Master sergeants (E-8) and master gunnery sergeants (E-9) provide technical leadership as occupational specialists in their specific MOS. The sergeant major of the Marine Corps is the senior enlisted Marine of the entire Marine Corps, personally selected by the commandant.