Best MOS to join as an army officer?

Tony C. — Sat, 22 Jun 2019 17:27:44 -0400

So I graduated from college a little while ago, I'm 24 and have been wanting to join the army for a while. I want to join as an officer so OCS seems like the best option to go. However, I am at a standstill the only thing that has been stopping me from talking to a recruiter is I'm not sure what MOS would be the best fit. I feel like If I walk in there undecided Ill end up just picking whatever and that's the last thing I want to do. My only concern is I want a job that can cross over very well in the civilian side. I'm thinking Signal Officer or Public Affairs right now but I am still doing research on something that I can start when I'm out. I'm thinking long term joining the army and want to be ok and set once I'm out. Opinions or advice is appreciated

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 22 at 2019 5:29 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 22 Jun 2019 17:29:32 -0400

ARMOR!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 22 at 2019 6:03 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 22 Jun 2019 18:03:19 -0400

Your path is very similar to mine. I joined the Army at 24 as well. You will initially be given some random MOS until you get through basic training. You will be a 09S (Officer Candidate) from the start. You will immediately join as an E-4. You will then go to OCS.

I went the Engineer route. Couldn’t imagine a better field. It encompasses many different MOS’ that you can use on the civilian side afterwards. Honestly, as an officer, you won’t be doing much of your MOS. You will need to know enough to manage your platoon, but for the most part, you will learn way more from your soldiers. All are equally important and need good leaders. OCS is tough mentally and physically. Prepare yourself.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jun 22 at 2019 6:19 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Sat, 22 Jun 2019 18:19:48 -0400

Tony C. Public Affairs is not a basic accessions branch. Your branch is decided following OCS. You do a preference sheet with your priority order, then the big wheel decides based on needs of the Army, what is available, your place on an order of merit list and your priorities.

ROTC is similar but not exactly the same. Also advice how to rack and stack branches. https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-i-choose-an-army-branch-a-framework

How OCS does it: https://medium.com/coffee-and-camouflage/how-the-branching-process-works-for-ocs-7eb07b87cca9

Best Branch (Officers are in Branches, that also has an MOS, but you identify as a branch) is the one you will perform best in and derive the most satisfaction from. Signal is a good basic branch. You could move to several other specializations with the Career Field Designation Board for Public Affairs, Space Operations, as well as a host of other options. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_Army_careers

I do not know if OCS has a branch detail option where you serve in a Combat Arms branch (Infantry, Armor, Artillery, ADA, etc) on "detail" for your first 2-3 years and then transfer back to your Sustainment or Combat Support Branch.

What is your undergraduate degree in? I am concerned that your primary concern is what civilian job you are set up for. That may have absolutely nothing to do with your success or satisfaction with serving in a particular Army branch. soldiers' lives and mission success are riding on it. You will have to "Army" for 6-20 years. Long time to be doing something you potentially hate and or suck at in hopes of the big pay day that may never come. I don't know how to advise you as "best" is a loaded word. Best for you? Best for me? Best for all concerned?

How do I choose an Army Branch?: A Framework | RallyPoint

The purpose of this article is to address one of the biggest Rally Point questions among Army ROTC Cadets: I am a with a major in , which branch should I choose? One of my goals is to help you filter through what you will get back. After all, don’t we all turn to the nameless, faceless internet trolls to determine our future? The immediate challenge is that the people responding are well intentioned but generally don’t know you from Adam....

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2019 1:34 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Jun 2019 13:34:52 -0400

As a career counselor, every single day people tell me they want a job that will translate well into the civilian sector.
I'm going to let you in on a secret, people who like their job in the army stay in the Army to continue doing their job. People who dislike their job in the army, leave the army and never go into that field of work again.
Army jobs don't translate well into the civilian sector, however Army experience translates very well into the civilian sector. The best army job is the one that you enjoy

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 24 at 2019 4:17 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 24 Jun 2019 16:17:47 -0400

Google army branches.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 24 at 2019 6:39 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 24 Jun 2019 18:39:28 -0400

You need to focus on leadership as well.