Desperately wanting to reclass from infantry to get more civilian ready skills. Any advice?

2015-08-26T20:44:13-04:00

I have been considering changing my mos. I love my current mos as a 11B as it has provided me with useful information as well as being part of a long tradition of being a infantryman. But I have come to the conclusion that my current mos provided little to no employment opportunities on the civilian side other than law enforcement which is hard to achieve nowadays. Which mos do you currently have or have had in the past that provides a great employment opportunities on the civilian side. And what are the daily routines of the said mos.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2015 8:53 PM

2015-08-26T20:53:24-04:00

Some sort of IT job. To be honest pretty much any job besides Infantry. Human resources, X-ray technician, you name it.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2015 8:54 PM

2015-08-26T20:54:33-04:00

There are more jobs out there for an 11B. Talk to the folks down at ACAP/Soldiers for Life.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2015 9:04 PM

2015-08-26T21:04:32-04:00

This was just posted on RP, check it out. It's posted under Cyber, Good Luck
Applications for 17C cyber transfers due by Aug. 31
The Army is about to close the fiscal 2015 application window for enlisted soldiers who want to reclassify into 17C, the new military occupational specialty for cyber operations specialists.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2015 9:32 PM

2015-08-26T21:32:38-04:00

I haven't been in for long & am NG versus RA but I'm Intel & if you get your experience in you can land some really nice jobs in the civilian world. From what I was told last week from a recruiter, RA is in need of 35 series as well so if you qualify for the clearance & have the ASVAB scores, I def recommend Intel!!

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2015 9:35 PM

2015-08-26T21:35:17-04:00

I don't get anything from my AKO email anymore & havrby for quite a while.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2015 9:39 PM

2015-08-26T21:39:54-04:00

I'll ask my husband when I get home. We used to be stationed at Bragg not that long ago & he was supply. Hopefully you can find someone who happens to have extras (slim chance but it does happen).

Response by SSG Toryn Green made Aug 27 at 2015 12:27 AM

2015-08-27T00:27:18-04:00

I am currently an 88N. I absolutely love the MOS. It is a very well respected MOS that gives you a plethora of skills that can be utilized in the civilian world. It is also a very high demand MOS. Things and people in the Army are always moving around. It is the 88N's that coordinate these movements and allow these things to happen.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Aug 27 at 2015 8:46 AM

2015-08-27T08:46:46-04:00

I have to say, I feel that 11Bs often sale themselves sort when it comes to finding civilian employment. Sure, there isn't a 1 to 1 comparison of military MOS to civilian job but why discount your skills so quickly? Sure, it might take some work and work on your resume, but if you look at your skill sets besides kicking in door and all that type of stuff, 11Bs and other combat related jobs in the military leave you with some amazing skills that others don't have. Leadership, project management, working well under pressure, organizational development, strategic thinking, self motivated, working with little to no supervision, the list goes on.

Yes, it is easier for some non-direct combat related MOSs but it is not like I walked into my first job interview and said I was a 25Q (formerly 31R) and they just handed me the job. Employers are looking for skills and the ability to do the job you are interviewing for. While your first job may not be your dream job with the corner office on the highest floor of the building, that first job will teach you things like how to work well within a corporate environment.

In the end, having a certain MOS on your resume isn't the golden key. It still takes work and preparation to get that job. Just don't sale yourself short based on your MOS alone. One thing I tell Veterans a lot is when it comes to writing your first resume, pull out your 638s and NCOERs, pull some information from the bullets. If you are wanting to reclass, I would talk to your Career Counselor, check out the MOS and it's promotion rate. You wouldn't want to enter a MOS to find out the points have been maxed out for the last 10 years because they are top heavy.

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Aug 27 at 2015 9:13 AM

2015-08-27T09:13:07-04:00

Well, I re-classed to Military Police. I suggest something in the Cyber or computers. I seen a a couple of sites like Ratheon they like patriot missiles and stuff like that!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2015 12:55 AM

2015-08-28T00:55:27-04:00

Drop a Civil Affairs packet

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2015 11:11 AM

2015-08-28T11:11:34-04:00

Consider going to Special Forces, Psychological Operations, or Civil Affairs selection. You will get training that is very handy in the civillian sector - such as Language training, medical, communications, marketing, etc...

Response by PFC Tuan Trang made Aug 29 at 2015 6:17 AM

2015-08-29T06:17:08-04:00

Sitdown with your chain of command and let him/her know.

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Aug 29 at 2015 10:39 AM

2015-08-29T10:39:26-04:00

Try 88M transportation or logistics

Response by SGT Scott Bell made Aug 29 at 2015 10:40 AM

2015-08-29T10:40:39-04:00

92Y

Response by SGT Brandon Bergeron made Aug 29 at 2015 10:53 AM

2015-08-29T10:53:13-04:00

I hold two cambat arm MOS 11B and 19D looking at a third 12B which is for promotion purposes and possibly looking into EOD. But as for a MOS that will go good in the civilian sector you have to look whats out there and see what will peak your interests in both the military side and civilian side.

Response by SGT Christopher Churilla made Aug 29 at 2015 10:55 AM

2015-08-29T10:55:43-04:00

I would say either find something you're good at or something you like doing. If those two things are the same, pursue that.

Response by SFC John Durham made Aug 29 at 2015 11:46 AM

2015-08-29T11:46:15-04:00

Aviation, 15 series. After AIT , as you work on base you can also get your Airframe and Power plant license through the FAA.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 29 at 2015 12:45 PM

2015-08-29T12:45:25-04:00

Liste, I medically reclassed from 11b to 42a. It sacked but was worth it. I was the promotion clerk at a CORPS level. And from my experience, a 35 series is the way to go. Not only are the promotions automatic, but it sets you up for a guaranteed job in the civilian sector.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Aug 29 at 2015 2:35 PM

2015-08-29T14:35:22-04:00

I went aviation after being a grunt but that was only because the medical field was closed down at the time. I thought it would be cool to go home every once and a while. I should have stayed infantry. That would be my do over.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 29 at 2015 3:22 PM

2015-08-29T15:22:46-04:00

This was my first time working with a cadet directly. It blew my mind when I heard that the CO said this. I had to post so I could get the truth. Needless to say he was supposed to follow me around so I could drop some leadership knowledge on him, but he has been at the PT field since 0800 looking for his room key. It's the second time he has lost it. The field is made of rocks. Damn cadet is already lost and he hasn't even got to 2LT yet lol.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 29 at 2015 5:24 PM

2015-08-29T17:24:16-04:00

If it helps I went from (Active duty) 11b to 42a (Reserves)

Response by SGT Glenn E Moody made Aug 29 at 2015 6:42 PM

2015-08-29T18:42:17-04:00

well many trades in the Military to look into but it would depend on how much time you have left it is easy to go from a trade in the Military to the Infantry but not from the Infantry to a trade i have tried when i was in but things might be different now. i am sure they have a NCO. or an Officer that you can talk to. good luck hope you find something before it is to late

Response by PFC Tuan Trang made Aug 29 at 2015 8:37 PM

2015-08-29T20:37:39-04:00

For Transition from military skill to civilian, It also depend on what your mos, as you say you're 11b, the closet civilian skill that be useful is police. If you love your mos i suggest you stay as 11b, Since you a guard, It mean you have time between drill to re class if that what you want. Or just try something, You will gain experience as you work.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 29 at 2015 8:44 PM

2015-08-29T20:44:02-04:00

As a 11B you might have a good advantage going Intel. A lot of the reclass 11Bs I've worked with have a different view on the products and things we make, that would have been over looked without their input. Worth looking into.

Response by CPL(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 30 at 2015 4:47 AM

2015-08-30T04:47:59-04:00

Medical, Medical, Medical. There are two areas of concentration I tell people to get into MED or Engineering, and if you're already in, get to be a radiology tech or something on those lines that have civilian counterparts that make 65-75k per year. Otherwise I strongly suggest something transferable like being 88M and driving trucks, or be a wheeled vehicle mechanic and grab the ASE license. If you pick 15T you need to wait 3 years to take the FAA test for A&P. If you do Avionics 15N(?) you get to take the FCC license and could go work for an airline (hence airline benefits for the family). If you have the aptitudes and the ASVAB/GT for it I strongly urge you to do medical stuff. After-all, people keep both popping out mini human units and old people refuse to die so you'll always have a job helping others.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 30 at 2015 9:20 AM

2015-08-30T09:20:43-04:00

I think you need to take the long view. The leadership, toughness, and discipline gained from being an Infantryman will serve you far better than a technical skill alone. Additionally, the DoD is usually about 20 years behind in most technical fields, and you'll be hard-pressed to to competetive from that base alone. Take the initiative and drive and seek whatever technical training you want outside the Army. When there are a group of you with identical technical qualifications in the room interviewing for one position, it's your Infantry experience that will set you apart.

Response by CW4 Russ Hamilton (Ret) made Aug 30 at 2015 12:25 PM

2015-08-30T12:25:28-04:00

If you can go MI into an MOS that requires a language, you can get a free ticket to DLI. Learn a language and go to an advanced course. Knowing a foreign language such as Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Arabic, etc can get you some interesting jobs as a translator overseas. Getting a degree in business could open the door to some well paying jobs as well plus having a TS/SCI clearance will benefit you as well.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 30 at 2015 1:29 PM

2015-08-30T13:29:27-04:00

Leveraging your military training regardless of MOS should be your main focus to be successful, as for skill set to assist on the civilian side, take some college courses figure out what you're good at before you shoot yourself in the foot for an mos that may be lackluster in the day to day experience

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 30 at 2015 3:36 PM

2015-08-30T15:36:52-04:00

Just off the top of my head, contracts, computers, cyber security, robotics if available, budget.

Response by SFC Terry Fortune made Aug 31 at 2015 9:38 AM

2015-08-31T09:38:53-04:00

You might look into E.O.D. You've got the Infantry experience to go along with. That is a job that's going to be around for a long time. You can work here in the States or over seas.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 31 at 2015 5:40 PM

2015-08-31T17:40:51-04:00

I'm 11b in the guard, and on active I was a 12b. Neither have any 1 to 1 equality. Shooting people and blowing their stuff up, or looking for IED'S just isn't a civilian thing. However that experience in combat arms has made me an mvp in the civilian sector. The self discipline has made working on my degree a breeze. In the work force I have greater credibility than my peers in the security industry, and I have the engrained versatility to fill multiple roles very well. Being a grunt doesn't necessitate stupidity, and strongly discourages incompetence. Be proud of being a grunt.

Response by SSG Eric Eck made Sep 2 at 2015 6:57 PM

2015-09-02T18:57:36-04:00

I re-classed from infantry when I was active, and although, I did it for the same reason you are talking about, it was one of the worst mistakes I ever made. It still worked out in the long run though. I re-classed to be a Bradley mechanic, every day in the motor pool until the motor sergeant says you can go home, busy or not. That sucked ass big time.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2015 10:03 AM

2015-09-04T10:03:05-04:00

92g good promotion potential with a great walk in the civilian world

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2015 8:23 PM

2015-09-04T20:23:22-04:00

Vertical engineers

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2015 8:03 PM

2015-09-29T20:03:02-04:00

Being 11 series does not hurt your chances in law enforcement. The only mos most police departments don't like is 31b because of the way they are trained. I assure you multiple police departments especially here in Texas love prior military. Only if you try for like fbi and via do they require specific degrees. Also being in the army alone gives you managerial skills follow up with a buisness degree and it will make more then one field of employment after you get out. Secondly seek out additional duties that help like Upl, sharp, EO rep once you get into the nco ranks. Just make sure you can articulate what you have done into the civilian equivalent. Lastly you have PMC type of work as a option to.

Response by PFC Justin DuBois made Oct 29 at 2015 1:12 PM

2015-10-29T13:12:30-04:00

Infantry gave me the tools to push myself through all dirty situations that present themselves..I own a small dairy farm in northern michigan I do very well..it all depends on what you can do for you. That's my opinion anyway...or you can look at it as who wants to take advice from a guy covered in cow shit 16 hrs a day?

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 1 at 2015 4:09 AM

2015-12-01T04:09:49-05:00

I know I am 3 months behind on this topic but after reading through some of the comments, it seems you have interest in Law Enforcement. Civilian LE have always interest in former Infantrymen. However if you want to stay AD, you might want to consider in the 31 series, which includes MP, K-9, CID, MP Investigator, Traffic, or Corrections and many others LE gigs.

Response by SPC Duncan Koebrich made Jan 4 at 2016 3:05 PM

2016-01-04T15:05:27-05:00

The only advice that I feel I can responsibly offer is to consider that, as an infantryman, you will come to fundamentally understand some things that lend themselves to philosophy. I was as surprised as my Ethics professor at how blown away he was, for example, when he asked the class for a list of "virtues" and I still had my "Army Core Values" card to offer.

If practicality is limited to financial considerations, this won't be a field to pursue as a career, but a professor will help with giving you a foundation to begin to explore philosophy on your very own. Good luck!

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Jan 21 at 2016 10:52 PM

2016-01-21T22:52:22-05:00

You can follow your passion(s), or you can follow job opportunities. If the former, then I can't really point you in any direction there. However, the old saying is "Build a career around what you love and you'll never have to work a day in your life." If the latter, the health industry makes up almost 20% of our economy, and projections are that it will expand even further. A medical MOS would be a good place to start. Also, a signal MOS provides tons of opportunities in the private sector. Good luck!

Response by SSG Kyle Johnson made Apr 26 at 2016 3:19 PM

2016-04-26T15:19:07-04:00

SPC Richardson,

11B's sell themselves short during interviews with Hiring Managers on the civilian side. Infantrymen are very knowledgable in many aspects that make them invaluable in the workforce. The work ethic of a Grunt is usually above par, depending on what schools you have attended you have leadership qualities from WLC, ALC, UCC, Sanitation, Sling Load, ext....The biggest problem with grunts is when they go into interviews they do not highlight the aspects that matter to employers such as- Team Building, Leadership, Problem Solving, How you handle constructive criticism experiences...these are all things that can be answered to highlight your military experience and make you more desirable as a candidate. You can highlight some of your experience through awards you received and what you did to obtain them, use your chain of command for letters of recommendation that can be added to your portfolio. Once you become a NCO you can use your NCOERS to help build a case as to your work ethic and sell the potential employer on what they should expect if hired.

Stay away from some of the deal breakers of how you discipline in the military because it is not acceptable in the Civilian world. Instead use that as one of your weaknesses and build from it by stating that you are actively working on how to manage Gray areas and how to discipline them in that way if its for a supervision area.

Use the experience you have to be unforgettable in a good way and always remember to be well kept, professional and say thank you following all interviews and send a thank you email or card a few days after. This shows that you are interested in the position still and most employers appreciate the added appreciation of there time.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2017 11:21 AM

2017-01-25T11:21:38-05:00

15T. I promise you, you won't regret it.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2017 9:33 PM

2017-01-26T21:33:06-05:00

Check into the 91 series jobs. There is always jobs in the civilian world for mechanics

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2017 9:34 PM

2017-01-26T21:34:30-05:00

Look into the 91 series mos's. there is always a need for mechanics in the civilian world

Response by SPC Patrick Ansburg made Jan 31 at 2017 2:08 AM

2017-01-31T02:08:06-05:00

Was in your position, Before joining I obtained a welding certification in hopes to find employment however it didn't happen. So I enlisted hoping to get a job in that feild but they offered infantry and I went for it. After getting out I back to school and slowly realizing even the infantry doesn't help in the job market now Adays. I've been trying to become a cop now for the passed two years and I've been currently working on my degree in criminal justice. My advice to you is find something you enjoy and try to find an mos similar to it. Education while your in might help if you can't change jobs. I know a lot of people leaning towards medical still hard to obtain work but a hell of a lot easier to obtain than the general security force.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2017 9:56 PM

2017-10-22T21:56:26-04:00

I tell every 11B recruit I used to see in the ARNG, go to colleges and learn something useful outside of the Army. I recommend nursing school. It's pretty reasonable with a ton of growth potential. You can even direct commission if of the Army is looking for RNs that year.
I'm glad I could say I've been an infantryman, but I'm really glad I learned a new trade.