Posted on Nov 24, 2016
Do you ever regret your choice of job in the military (MOS, AFSC, etc)?
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I haven't thought about this in years, but it's been popping back in my head a lot lately as I go through my initial AMEDD officer training.I initially wanted to be a medic and I had the test scores to go that route, but at 17 I just wanted a bonus and a short AIT.I can't help but think about how much further along I would be in my career (physical therapy officer) had I followed my initial route.
MOS
Military Career
Enlisted
Officer
Jobs
Edited 9 y ago
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 29
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Nah. Where else could a 21 year old kid get keys, codes and a gun and drive 100 miles through a snow storm in 20 below weather through the prairies of North Dakota at 0330 on Christmas morning in a beat up maintenance van to fix an off alert missile with a nuke on top. (sorry for the run-on sentence) It was glorious!
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I had an aviation guarantee when I went to The Basic School (All USMC LT go to learn how to lead and fight a rifle platoon) I enjoyed the infantry training and dropped the guarantee. No Regrets.
When I was deciding to leave the Marine and realized that skills like planning and executing a non-illuminated night attack, fire support planning, and thorough knowledge of all charts and tables related to an amphibious assault didn't translate well into the civilian world, no regrets, but some concern on how I was going to feed, shelter, and clothe my family.
Decided to open my own service business more grateful to 22 year old me for choosing infantry than you can possibly imagine.
When I was deciding to leave the Marine and realized that skills like planning and executing a non-illuminated night attack, fire support planning, and thorough knowledge of all charts and tables related to an amphibious assault didn't translate well into the civilian world, no regrets, but some concern on how I was going to feed, shelter, and clothe my family.
Decided to open my own service business more grateful to 22 year old me for choosing infantry than you can possibly imagine.
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I wouldn't say regret but I could have had one that more naturally fit with me such as Human Resource or finance
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CPT (Join to see)
I definitely think medic would have been a better fit for me. On the flip side the jobs I did in the Army pushed my outside of my comfort zone and helped make me who I am. I still can't help but think that if I became a medic way back then I would've still applied to the same program at least a decade ago and I'd be a faculty member by now instead of a student. I know that type of thinking doesn't help anything though. I just need to make the most of the opportunity in front of me and move forward.
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SSG Melvin Nulph
Even with all the issues I am having with my physical situation, I have no regrets at all with my pick of an MOS. Now when it comes to some of the other choices that led to my article 15's, I believe if I had it to do over I would do a few things differently on some, (not all).
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11Bravo and no! I learned much that helped me later in college and my professional life!
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CPT (Join to see) - Regret? No. Wish I could have done something different? Sure.
Don't get me wrong. I loved the job I had while in uniform. Being an Intelligence Analyst gave me exposure and experience to things I never dreamed of. In that regards, I wouldn't change a thing. I was "voluntold" into the INTEL field because my dad had a clearance (Honest John/Little John systems) and my clearance was half complete the day I was born. I had originally wanted to be a firefighter or combat medic. As those are the jobs I've entered after retirement, they would have been more beneficial for follow on employment.
Don't get me wrong. I loved the job I had while in uniform. Being an Intelligence Analyst gave me exposure and experience to things I never dreamed of. In that regards, I wouldn't change a thing. I was "voluntold" into the INTEL field because my dad had a clearance (Honest John/Little John systems) and my clearance was half complete the day I was born. I had originally wanted to be a firefighter or combat medic. As those are the jobs I've entered after retirement, they would have been more beneficial for follow on employment.
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No regrets, loved my job!
Though i have occasionally thought "what if", if the Marine recruiter had contacted me first all those years ago, instead of the Navy.
Though i have occasionally thought "what if", if the Marine recruiter had contacted me first all those years ago, instead of the Navy.
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I loved being a Field Radio Operator. I knew what was going on, and could call for support when needed. No regrets.
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SPC Mark Brown
That would be a lot better than sitting on a hill top somewhere with one infantry or MP squad to provide security. Not very secure feeling at times.
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I wouldn't say "Regret", more so that I wished I had did more research on it. I like some did was picked my MOS based off of how it sounded. (15R- AH64 attack helicopter repairer). Don't get me wrong I like aviation for now.. but do wish I had looked more into something else.
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Never, even today I think out of all the choices, Infantry was a wise choice for me. I was an extremely shy introvert before the training and my tour on Active Duty. I learned so much in regards to leadership when NOT to listen to someone in authority or with lots of scare me badges and WHEN TO listen to someone with same. Definitely changed my life for the better. The Recruiter gave me a chance each enlistment time to change the MOS or "choose something better" as he would say. No way, happy where I was.
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