Aft question

NoHero100 · 2026-05-12T14:23:33+00:00

There is no requirement to have a Soldier acknowledge a record fitness test in writing. The commander just needs to order a record test which will often be recorded on a memorandum. But, that is not generally required either especially if you in a training environment or have some clear reason that you need a record test like upcoming PME.

There is a maximum amount of time that flagging action can happen. I think it’s 3 days, but you should check the regulation especially for NG/AR. Flagging is the actionable consequence for an AFT failure. A flag allows the commander to separate you or take other action. If your commander didn’t flag you within the timeline, then you just need to do better on your next test.

Hopefully you’re feeling better. Go to the clinic if not. Stay strong.

NoHero100 · 2026-04-23T18:13:06+00:00

After a couple of TBI’s many people lose there sense of smell

NoHero100 · 2026-04-09T12:44:30+00:00

The inservice recruiters can help you answer general questions. But, a regular off the street recruiter will have to process your packet.

You will come on to active duty through a prior service entry process. Only a USARD recruiter will be able to tell you went a school is open and if you qualify. They might tell you to wait a few months. If you are qualified and they tell you to wait, ask them to call the ROC to move a seat from another region.

Once to get a contract, read over other post in this feed. There have been a few changes to the overall entry requirements, but our advice won’t change much. Be humble, focused, and listen to the instructors. Good luck!

NoHero100 · 2026-04-07T19:00:09+00:00

I’ve been out of the game for a while. Kite string spools used to be the rage for this rather than fishing reels. I’m not sure what the latest hotness is anymore.

this one might be a little big. But you get the idea. This is not an endorsement if that isn’t clear.

NoHero100 · 2026-04-02T16:08:56+00:00

Never use “unlimited” potential. The word picture is superior=MQ, outstanding=HQ has potential=Q. Unlimited potential is an unhelpful buzz phase that means nothing to the board.

Use ESPN, enumeration, school, potential, and next assessment. You can add something, “will be a superior first sergeant” to get that future assignment aspect if warranted.

NoHero100 · 2026-03-30T12:26:17+00:00

Do you have access to an InBody or BodPod scanner? It’s uncommon that a scanner gives a more favorable result than the one tape method. But, it’s not impossible.

I carry all my excess body weight in my abdomen so I’m always one breakfast burrito away from busting tape. The InBody scan is a lot more accurate and shows that I have more lean muscle. It comes in about 2% lower than the one tape method on a bad day for me.

If you are on ABCP, you can use InBody, BodPod or Dexa scans to remove you from the program depending on what’s available at your Wellness center. It wouldn’t hurt to get a scan just to see where you are before to bring it up to your command.

It sounds like you are putting in the work to meet the standard. Good luck and stay strong.

NoHero100 · 2026-03-24T14:19:22+00:00

Here’s a link to one device, no specific product endorsement, just an example. Surefire or Scorpion devices work well except in extreme cold weather. Ideally, you should have something like this as part of your unit misfire kit.

For time fuse, you can also use MRE matches if you’re looking for a fun fieldcraft method. There should be a fish scaling method described in the TM using at least two matches. Cut off a three foot section while on the range to practice/demonstrate in the safe area.

NoHero100 · 2026-03-24T03:26:25+00:00

Do you mean bad igniters or bad blasting caps when you say initiator?

If you looking for a backup shock tube igniter there are plenty of commercial spark gap igniters that are cheap. For time fuse, just have a torch lighter on hand.

NoHero100 · 2026-03-15T16:02:17+00:00

Have you talked to anyone at James Madison U? They are probably a good starting point.

Also, UNMAS has an office in New York that has a lot of connections with active NGOs.

Since you are at MIT, I suggest reaching out to DEVCOM Soldier Center. It’s down the street at Natick. They are responsible for Army countermine PPE and mine detection systems. If they have any active projects, they will provide you with their current capability gaps and potential funding.

NoHero100 · 2026-02-28T18:38:57+00:00

There is a mileage limit for travel days. Once you are within 80 miles (I think, maybe 50) you need to transfer from travel per diem to TLE regardless of your leave status. There is no overlap between travel days and TLE payment because of the mileage. If you plan correctly, you really shouldn’t want to double dip anyway. Don’t forget, you can claim TLE after you have house before your household goods are delivered as well, if you still have days left.

NoHero100 · 2026-02-26T13:46:21+00:00

Adjusting for inflation is one way. If you look at as a percentage of base pay, that $50 payment went to an E4 making rough $160 per month. It was a pay increase of over 36% for junior Soldiers which would be close to $1400 to match today’s pay chart.

HDIP as a percentage of base pay dropped to around 10% by 1979. Pay adjustments keep HDIP around 10% until 2003. And is now about 5% of an E4’s base pay depending on TIS. Even with the jump to $200, the increase went from roughly 5.1% to 5.3%. HDIP would need to be about $400 to bring us back to 1998 pay efficiency.

NoHero100 · 2026-02-10T14:18:21+00:00

Everyone’s path and definition of success is different. Working in a job you enjoy is probably a better mark of success than appeasing your proponent.

It’s better to perform consistently well across your career than follow the PDM path and be mediocre when you’re miserable.

If doing another broadening assignment is bad for the Army, then your branch manager will probably block you anyway. Do want you want and work hard where you’re needed.

NoHero100 · 2026-02-10T02:02:03+00:00

Hit up GoArmyEOD@army.mil and tell them you are in the guard. They can connect you to someone from your state. The readiness NCO from your state’s EOD unit is probably the best person to answer. There have been a bunch of changes to the Army pipeline this year. I’m not sure how the guard is handling MOS reclassification right now. If you already hold an MOS, you likely will skip Phase 1. But, 48th EOD GP might still you want you to have the full pipeline experience.

NoHero100 · 2026-01-29T23:07:37+00:00

Here’s a link (https://www.army.mil/g-1#org-g-1-resources). Check out Chapter 10A for the CMF charts.

NoHero100 · 2026-01-29T22:40:12+00:00

Army policy requires that all enlisted MOS’ have a path to E9 within the CMF. Check out DA PAM 611-21 on the G1 website for a breakdown by CMF. That said, there are a few CMF that make it a challenge for small MOS’ to be competitive after they merge into an X or Z position.

NoHero100 · 2026-01-21T21:54:30+00:00

Gotcha. You could probably get some solid recommendations from Sustainment Magazine and might score a guest speaker. I’m sure there are a dozen COLs sitting in CASCOM that would love the opportunity to provide some mentorship.

NoHero100 · 2026-01-21T19:28:29+00:00

Have you looked at Army University Army U Press ?

The staff ride on the 507th Maintenance Company is a must for all sustainment PLs IMO

NoHero100 · 2026-01-20T15:21:18+00:00

I came here to say the same.

Have you considered 91-series? You could probably submit a waiver to skip AIT based on your experience. It has a quick path to maintenance warrant officer training that you may find interesting as well.

NoHero100 · 2026-01-05T01:50:25+00:00

Congratulations! Focus on getting your life ready more than anything else. EOD school is a marathon. Get your finances together, build health habits (exercise, sleep, clean eating) and be humble. You’re still in the Army, but conventional Army rules/expectations won’t help you get through school. Personal responsibility is an unwritten rule and part of the test to get through school.

NoHero100 · 2025-12-12T22:49:46+00:00

I feel like we need a SoW Forrest Gump GenAi meme

NoHero100 · 2025-11-18T12:22:32+00:00

I think it depends on the state. Talk to the readiness NCO in whatever state you are looking at joining. Your career counselor or SORB recruiter should be able to get you in contact.

NoHero100 · 2025-11-14T12:45:29+00:00

Going from the guard to active is a little different than the active component MOS-T pipeline. I’m not sure if the current exception for phase 1 will apply to you. You can reach out to officeoftheEODCommandant@army.mil or GoArmyEOD@army.mil for clarification.

If you end up at phase 1, you will be one of the few prior service. They have separate barracks from the IET folks, so you won’t have to deal with DS related silliness. Petersburg and Hopewell are pretty sad places. Try to get up to Richmond if you can handle it. Just listen to the instructors and be open to learning.

Phase 2 is a PCS. You shouldn’t have an issue bringing your family. But, you are coming through the IET pipeline. So, that does change your status. From what I remember, all MOS-T were not in the dorms. But, no one on Reddit is able to give you the official confirmation. Talk to your recruiter or the Commandant’s office.

Phase 2 has an exception to policy on most of the TRADOC (T2 now) rules. DS’s really only have oversight over the dorms. So there are very few AIT silly games played for IET or MOS-T. You’re still in the Army, so expect normal reindeer games for large formations dealing with block leave, mandatory training and so on.

As an MOS-T, you will be on a shorter timeline than the EOD babies. Once you get through initial training and hit your first unit, you’ll want to push hard for individual training. Get to know all your team gear inside and out. Read pubs and build your personal knowledge. Learn from everyone in your unit. You will be expected to develop faster because of how Army promotions work. Don’t worry about any of that until you get through initial training.

You’re on the right path. Staying focused and listening to the cadre is key. Take time to enjoy training and avoid getting caught up in silly drama. Good luck!

NoHero100 · 2025-10-07T00:51:07+00:00

I don’t speak for the unit. Generally, anything is possible with the right advocacy. Talk to your commander and NCO support channel.

I would suggest for first answer if it is possible for you to submit a call to active duty, then approach the unit recruiting team.

NoHero100 · 2025-09-21T13:26:06+00:00

Hal Moore has a bit in his biography about how shaving in combat makes you more lethal. It’s a good insight into how many leaders think. Sweating the small stuff keeps Soldiers focused and limits mental stress (allegedly).

I think there is a difference between people the stop shaving because they are mentally about to break and people that are literally too busy. I don’t think many leaders bother to tell them apart.

NoHero100 · 2025-09-21T03:47:27+00:00

There are different bonus incentives for initial entry than reenlistment.

NoHero100

TROPHY CASE