Posted on Jul 10, 2020
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I scored pretty high on the ASVAB and have been given a choice to go to state OCS or go the enlisted route via the National Guard. My main goal is to land a job on the civilian side whether is be in law enforcement, three letter agencies, intelligence/signal or any other lucrative position. Do you think I would have more opportunities going the enlisted route as 25S or 35N (both have security clearances and appear to have a specific skill) or become an officer? In my mind the enlisted route seems to offer more opportunities because I get a hard skill, secret clearance and general military experience which most law enforcement agency like. However, most people I speak to say I should go officer because of the money. But keep in mind it is the guard and only part time. Although I will be making more money isn't a game changer. Am I thinking about this the wrong way?
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LTC Hardware Test Engineer
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having been on both sides, it's been my experience that the officer route offers more opportunities. fair or not, most of the times if you go into an interview, they are going to be more impressed by a CPT in the NG than they are a SSG or SFC.
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SGT Justin Brothen
SGT Justin Brothen
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True enough sir, but I'd vote that asshole E-7 into a job first lol
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SSgt Investigative Analyst
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Edited 4 y ago
BLUF-this is my enlisted opinion.

I always thought the officer cadre in any branch was more network-driven than enlisted personnel. It isn’t always what you know, but who.

If an employer that would know the difference (and any of the agencies you mentioned would) sees you are or were an officer, they will rightly assume you are a college graduate. Right or wrong, having a degree surmounts a significant barrier to entry.
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SGT Justin Brothen
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You can reach out the places you want to be employed by in the future and ask them as well. They will give you some good guidance.
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