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Active Component Reclassification Process

Steps to Planning Your Acquisition Career

The Army is actively recruiting motivated NCOs interested in reclassifying to MOS 51C Contracting NCO, who meet the established eligibility requirements. Reclassification into MOS 51C offers Soldiers the opportunity to master a highly specialized craft while gaining valuable, transferable skills through advanced training, education, and professional development.

The accession process is competitive, but the career benefits are significant and long‑lasting. To help you better understand the mission, career path, and impact of MOS 51C, we encourage you to explore our new recruitment video and download the official recruitment flyer below.

For specific deadlines, packet submission instructions, and additional program details, please review the links provided below.

Reclassification Process: How to Apply

Step 1

To complete the application process, visit the Career Acquisition Management Portal (CAMP) at https://apps.asc.army.mil/camp. Read the Acceptable Use Policy and click “I understand and accept.” Then:

  1. Click on AAPDS
  2. Click Apply
  3. Select the FYXX 51C Active Component Reclassification Panel

You will be directed to the application page. Upload all required documents with designated naming conventions annotated in the application. Once all required documents are uploaded, you will be able to submit your application. The 51C Proponent NCO reviews each packet to ensure its complete and meets all eligibility requirements. Packets that do not meet these requirements are returned to the applicant for corrections.

Applicants will receive a confirmation email once their application has been properly submitted in CAMP.

Note: If you experience issues logging in or uploading documents, please contact the 51C Proponent NCO at: usarmy.belvoir.usaasc.mbx.nco@army.mil or (703) 835-5197.

Step 2

After the Board convenes, all Soldiers will be notified via email of their approval or disapproval status within 90 days. Board results will also be published after all applicants have been notified directly on the USAASC website.

Step 3

Upon acceptance into MOS 51C, Soldiers must coordinate with their current MOS Talent Manager to request a branch release, and with HRC to secure a class seat for The Army Acquisition School (TAAS). MOS 51C will be officially awarded upon successful completion of the required training. Acceptance letters remain valid for four months from the date of receipt.

Panel Dates

FY26:

  • Application Window: 3 August – 30 October 2026
  • Board Convenes: 9 November 2026

All Soldiers will be notified via email of their approval or disapproval status within 90 days after the conclusion of each review panel. Board results will also be published after all applicants have been notified directly on the USAASC website.

Background on MOS 51C

Contracting NCOs and Contracting Officers are part of a logistical supply plan. These Soldiers create, examine, and monitor contractual agreements between an organization and the vendor who is providing supplies or services to the unit.

51C Contracting NCOs are experts in purchasing goods and services, conducting market research, determining price fair and reasonableness, negotiating, and evaluating suppliers. These Soldiers ensure contractors are remaining compliant with contract guidelines.

Contractual obligations between the United States Government (51C Contracting NCO) and a vendor/contractor support the warfighter. These actions are what provide all materials, from uniforms, chairs and desks, gear to deploy with, military vehicles and weapons. Working as a 51C Contracting NCO is not any different from looking to purchase goods or services online, buying a car, or a home. The Army is looking for the best deal or best value for Army organizations and units, in both garrison and deployed environments.

Prerequisites

Category Requirements
Eligibility by Rank & Time in Service
  • SGT–SSG only are eligible to apply
  • Under 10 yrs TIS: Eligible without waiver
  • More than 10– less than 12 yrs TIS: Eligible with DACM waiver (panel‑determined)
  • 12 yrs or more TIS: Not eligible

SGT‑Specific Requirements:

  • Not required to be promotable
  • Must have 24+ months as E‑5 (CPL time does not count)
  • Must be eligible for promotion; ALC credit granted after TAAS if needed

Performance &

Evaluation

Requirements
  • Demonstrated successful performance as SGT/SSG
  • NCOERs covering 4+ years prior to panel (or all available if less than 4 years)
  • Must have at least 2 NCOERs
  • Include all DA 1059s and AERs
  • Senior Rater MFR required if last NCOER “Thru” date is before application window
  • MFR must address gaps in rated time and provide honest assessment
Administrative Requirements
  • DA 4187 signed by Company Commander or higher confirming:
    • Stable personal affairs (AR 600‑20)
    • Height/weight compliance (AR 600‑9)
    • No temporary profile
    • No derogatory information in their OMPF
  • HRC conducts additional checks; derogatory findings or temporary profiles may result in removal
  • Cannot be on assignment instructions

CONUS: Must have 9+ months at current duty station by panel date
OCONUS Requirements:

  • 3‑year tours: 24 months completed
  • 2‑year tours: 12 months completed
  • 1‑year short tours: No restriction
Education Requirements
  • Bachelor’s & Master’s Degrees: Provide transcripts (with conferment dates) and diplomas
  • Associate Degrees: Provide transcripts, diploma, Education Plan MFR, and Education Center MFR validating non‑duplicate credits
  • College Credits, No Degree: Provide all transcripts, Education Center MFR validating total non‑duplicate credits, and Education Plan toward bachelor’s
Security, Conduct & Personal Readiness
  • Must have current SECRET clearance or higher (no interim)
  • Unit Security Manager must provide MFR
  • No derogatory information in OMPF (including restricted files)
  • Must maintain stable personal affairs (AR 600‑20)
  • Must be able to receive/retain government travel card
  • Single parents and dual military must have valid Family Care Plan
Physical & Fitness Requirements
  • Submit current ATIS training record (ACFT/AFT + HT/WT + Body Fat Worksheet)
  • DA 4187 must validate most recent AFT
  • Submit current DA 3349, regardless of profile status
  • Temporary profiles allowed at submission but must clear 30 days before TAAS attendance
  • Must have maximum PULHES rating of 222222
Requirements to Be Awarded & Maintain MOS 51C
  • Must meet deployability standards (AR 40‑501 & AR 600‑60)
  • Must be eligible for reclassification (AR 614‑200)
  • Must successfully complete 51C reclassification training (MOS awarded after training)
  • Must pass the AFT
  • Must be able to obtain/maintain official military passport
  • GT score 110+ (non‑waivable)
  • Must be a U.S. citizen
  • Must have valid U.S. driver’s license
  • Must maintain deployable status
  • Must sign 60‑month Service Remaining Requirement (SRR) statement (DA PAM 611‑21, Chapter 10) if selected and received a course date.
  • Must reenlist to meet SRR no later than 30 days before TAAS attendance
  • Failure to meet SRR will result in removal from the course
  • Once awarded MOS 51C, reclassification to another MOS during SRR is not authorized
  • Must complete all required MOS 51C qualification courses

 

Active Component inquiries may be directed to usarmy.belvoir.usaasc.mbx.nco@army.mil. You may also contact the 51C Reclassification Proponent NCO, SSG Summer McMahon, at summer.l.mcmahon.mil@army.mil or (703) 835‑5197.

Application Instructions

Document Instructions

DA 4187

Example

 DA 4187 will be signed by the Company Commander or higher. Please follow the example provided in the hyperlink.
Soldier Talent Profile Soldier Talent Profile: Redact/blackout demographic information (gender, race, ethnicity, and photo) on both pages. Please upload a copy in most legible format for panel to review.

NCOERs and Senior Rater MFR (if applicable)

SR MFR Example

Provide FOUR years of evaluations

OR

  • Provide all evaluations NCO currently has if not able to provide for four years (but must have at least two)
  • Provide Senior Rater MFR to cover any time between your last NCOER up to date of application window opening

Upload NCOERs in sequential order. SR Rater MFR can be at the end. Please use the following naming convention: 1. NCOER# (From Date-Thru Date). For example: 1. SR MFR (Date). 2.NCOER#1 (20180302-20190407 3. NCOER #2 (20170302-20180301).

* A Senior Rater memorandum for record is REQUIRED if the NCO’s last NCOER “Thru” date is prior to the opening of the application window. Please follow the example provided in the hyperlink.
DA 1059 Provide all 1059s. Please upload your AERs in sequential and chronological order by date from the most recent to earliest document. Please use the following naming convention: 1. AER 1059 (Date). For example, 1. ALC 1059 (20190308) 2. BLC 1059 (20170501)
ATIS Training Record

Provide ATIS Training Record that show the history of ACFT/AFTs and Body Composition Data sections. Follow these specific instructions to generate the document appropriately: Go to: https://atmc.atis.army.mil/training/djb  using Microsoft Edge. From the left-hand menu, select Physical Fitness, then ACFT/AFTs and Body Composition. Right click the screen, select Print. Print the pages to PDF. Change orientation to Landscape, Click More settings, Fit to Printable area, In Options check Headers and footers, Save the file to PDF.

Important: Do not apply filters. Do not cut images. The official PDF version includes a date/time stamp (top left) and your name (bottom left). Documents missing these identifiers will be rejected.
DA 3349 Every NCO shall submit a copy of their DA 3349 regardless of profile status.

Career Counselor MFR

Example

 Memo must be signed by your unit Career Counselor. Please follow the example provided in the hyperlink.

Soldier Reclassification Request

Example

 Soldier Reclassification must be accurate and signed by the Soldier. Please provide a valid phone number in which you can be easily contacted (cell or home phone, and military email address.

Degree, Transcripts, Education Plan, & Education Center MFR

Education Plan MFR Example
  • Bachelor’s & Master’s Degrees: Provide transcripts (with conferment dates) and diplomas
  • Associate Degrees: Provide transcripts, diploma, Education Plan MFR, and Education Center MFR validating non‑duplicate credits
  • College Credits, No Degree: Provide all transcripts, Education Center MFR validating total non‑duplicate credits, and Education Plan toward bachelor’s

*The Education Center MFR= Degree Verification MFR
Letter to the Board This is not a requirement but upload if circumstances require. Format IAW AR 25-50 (Unit address as letter head) (Use one or two paragraphs to succinctly inform the board of the issues you have that are not otherwise reflected in your application.)

Security Clearance Verification MFR

Example

 Security manager MUST provide an MFR that verifies a SECRET or higher security clearance.
Additional Documents Any additional documentation you would like the panel to review and consider for recommendation. Ex: Letters of recommendation etc.


Panel Results