Forum: Air Force Life

Depending on how much I enjoy what I do with my first AFSC, correct me if I'm wrong but there will come a chance I can "cross-train" into a different AFSC....is this correct? I have been told by my recruitor (might not be the truth, but I like to give the benifit of the doubt?) on my second enlistement (around the 3rd year mark) I will be granted the oppertunity depending on how my first enlistment went? Just wondering if any of this can be verified by anyone who has done cross training from one AFSC to another.

Currently I have an Associates degree in computers and I went to a 2 year college for that (which is how I got E-3 right off the bat, because I had enough college credits.), but I was wondering if there are limitations to the type, subjects, where, and when for gaining more education. At the moment to be honest I'm trying to think about what else to study. Of course there will always be computer courses and such, but I guess I'm looking for something more (Math and Science aren't exactly an option because I am terriable at math.), but I'm more interested in psychology and communications (just to name two), does anyone have any suggestions on what I should study to help my career become that much more succesful during and more importantly after my military career?

If anyone knows what the Private Sector/DOD/Gov't Jobs are looking for schooling wise I believe that knowledge would be very helpful to leading me in the right direct for what type of schooling I should take.

Also after my military service, does the education benifits that I recieve end or do they continue for a while? Which is more common, Online/Actual in Class at a college....guess it all depends on your schedual and what works best for you (I know personally that I enjoy doing things like course work online, however I need the classroom interaction, I'm a visual/audio learner.). Thanks once again for all the information you guys are providing, I'm using it all to my advantage and to better myself and my future.

Respectfully,

Rob

F-16.net Sponsor

It sounds like what your recruiter is talking about is a CJR, or Career Job Reservation. You MUST have a CJR to re-enlist. From AFI36-2606:

1.17. Actions Involving Retraining CJRs. Eligible first-term airmen may apply for CAREERS retraining even if they have approved CJRs in their current skills, or are on the CJR waiting list. However,
retraining applications don't prevent expiration of approved CJRs in their current skills.

1.17.1. When airmen receive approved retraining, HQ AFPC/DPPAER:

1.17.1.1. Issues CJRs in their retraining AFSCs (reenlistment availability code "B") when airmen can satisfy the retraining retainability requirement by extending their enlistments for a total of 23
months. These airmen must extend before the CJRs expire. They’re not eligible to reenlist until they complete the technical training (refer to paragraphs 2.10. and 3.1.).

1.17.1.2. Issues retraining CJRs in their current AFSCs (reenlistment availability code "K") when airmen can’t satisfy the retraining retainability requirement by extending their enlistments. These
airmen must reenlist before the CJRs expire. They’re not eligible to extend their enlistments for the retainability.

1.17.2. Airmen may request CJRs in their current skills, as an exception to the normal CJR eligibility criteria (paragraphs 1.14.1. and 1.14.2.), if they were eliminated from retraining for reasons beyond
their control, or the Air Force canceled their retraining.

Your recruiter is only giving you about half ths story. To re-enlist, you MUST have a CJR. You will apply for a CJR sometime around your 33d month of service (for a four-year enlistee) and if you have kept your nose clean during your enlistment, it should get approved. However, if you are in a critical career field (and these change from year to year, but you can almost bet working on F-16s in any capacity is a critical career field) your retraining CJR may not be approved.

I AM NOT A PERSONNEL SPECIALIST, BUT NEITHER IS YOUR RECRUITER. If you have any questions about retraining, you should have your recruiter direct you to someone who actually knows the answer. If you are near an AF base, they can find someone for you to talk with about this question.

Bottom Line: You MAY be allowed the opportunity to retrain, but it is not guaranteed. If your recruiter is promising you something that you don't see on paper, GET IT IN WRITING.

Regarding your education benefits, I find it hard to believe that you have not been handed material regarding your educational benefits. Everything is explained in this material. Most military have up to ten years after they separate to use their GI bill educational benefits.

Best Regards,

Forum: Air Force Life

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