How did you or do you plan to transition your MOS into a civilian career?

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Sun, 11 Jun 2017 16:49:28 -0400

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 11 at 2017 5:50 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 11 Jun 2017 17:50:54 -0400

I did not plan to transition my MOS, Field Radio Operator, into a civilian career. My plan was to work for the Space Program, and I knew that I needed a degree to do that. I moved to the Houston area, found a good job and started college under the GI Bill. Five and a half years later, I had my degree, and started work on the Space Shuttle program.

Response by SGT James (Jimmy) Crone made Jun 11 at 2017 6:09 PM

SGT James (Jimmy) Crone — Sun, 11 Jun 2017 18:09:22 -0400

I can honestly say i didn't plan to transition into civilian sector my mos doesn't have an equivalent civilian job title i am a 19K M1A1 Heavy armor crewman and the only thing that is very close is heavy equipment operator but i had to retain in and my mos didn't even qualify me to operate some of the equipment

Response by 1SG Clifford Barnes made Jun 11 at 2017 7:40 PM

1SG Clifford Barnes — Sun, 11 Jun 2017 19:40:19 -0400

I planned and looked ahead for speacilty and used my leadership skills I was taught and learned. I had no issues transitioning to the civilian world. There's no real difference. You go to work dress the way your supposed to and be on time and are courteous polite and follow the company rules. I always felt that if I wasn't 15 minutes early I was late. I was raised that way and it always pays off

Response by 1SG Clifford Barnes made Jun 11 at 2017 7:40 PM

1SG Clifford Barnes — Sun, 11 Jun 2017 19:40:19 -0400

Response by MSgt John McGowan made Jun 11 at 2017 7:50 PM

MSgt John McGowan — Sun, 11 Jun 2017 19:50:56 -0400

I chickened out. I signed up for school VA style. Didn't get my first but second worked like it was suppose to. Went to school for 18 months and tire company came around looking for maintenance people. As I had many years as AGE it was right up my ally. I was offered a job and 18 and a half later walked out with pension. Pay was great, on short term possible better pay than smaller factories. Overall life time who can tell. More than likely the degrees. No looking back.

Response by SGT Aaron Atwood made Jun 11 at 2017 11:50 PM

SGT Aaron Atwood — Sun, 11 Jun 2017 23:50:52 -0400

It's significantly more competitive to work as a musician on the civilian side, especially in a world renowned ensemble, vs being a Marine Musician. Auditions are much more competitive, and the judges are extremely picky. After doing six major auditions up to this point I find our regular auditions in the Marine Corps to be extremely easy.
Of course, musicians in said world renowned ensembles are also seeing a much bigger paycheck as well. Basic pay for a hornist in the Chicago Lyric Opera is similar to the base pay of a 1-3 star general.

Response by SrA Tony Schamberger made Jun 12 at 2017 1:22 AM

SrA Tony Schamberger — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 01:22:51 -0400

By getting a masters degree then staying with minimum wage jobs for 10 years, not staying at one for more than a year due to disabilities and missing too many hours. :|

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2017 4:30 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 Jun 2017 16:30:43 -0400

While I was active duty, I would have these conversations with my soldiers periodically. I joined late so had over a decade in the regular work force before becoming a soldier. I'd ask them to see how they valued themselves, what their goals beyond the military might be. I would encourage them to take classes or training and certifications that would be somewhat valuable in the "real world" or at the least as good padding for their resumes. There's always the transition assistance program (formerly ACAP, TAP, whatever the call it now) that helps with the workshops on resume building and such. Some MOSes aren't as transferable as those like Signal Corps, but while I went through the program, we joked about infantryman can put "landscaping" as a skill on their resumes because we all know when nothing else is going on, there's always area beautification to be done for 1SG.

A lot of people transitioning out of the military does not realize the value of their security clearance either. There are many jobs within the defense industry that will hire on veterans with a clearance and a brain, and train them for whatever they need. Regardless of MOS, you typically are a SME with the equipment you've used in the military, and whoever manufactured that piece of gear will hire people like you to train others on it, or maintain it as a contractor.

Look at job sites that list the type of job you're looking for and start working towards those certifications or qualifications that will help you land that job. Start building your network of people to stay in touch with on the outside world that may help you get a job. Most of the time those in your unit and those in your same MOS working the outside world who got out before you did will help you get that transition accomplished.