Reclassification opportunities are available to certain aviation systems and aircraft maintenance enlisted soldiers affected by the Army's phased elimination of the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior from its inventory of helicopters.
The Army's aviation restructuring initiative calls for the service to divest its fleet of OH-58 armed scouts, and replace them with some 100 AH-64 Apaches from the National Guard. The Apaches, which are attack aircraft, would be used for reconnaissance and scout missions.
As part of that phased transition, the Army is encouraging military occupational specialty 15J Kiowa armament, electrical and avionics systems repairers to retrain in MOS 15Y for similar duties on the Apache.
Also, the Army is encouraging 15S Kiowa mechanics to reclassify to 15R and serve as Apache mechanics.
To qualify for reclassification, 15J and 15S soldiers must have at least two years of Army aviation experience, and agree to extend or re-enlist to meet a four-year service-remaining requirement without exceeding the retention control point for their rank.
Reclassification requests must be endorsed by a soldier's company commander and the first lieutenant colonel in their chain of command.
For specific details about the reclassification program, soldiers should consult MilPer Message 14-223, dated Aug. 12, and contact their local career counselor or retention NCO.
Application packets must be received at the Army Aviation Center, Fort Rucker, Alabama, no later than Nov. 1.
