Is it worth it to change the MOS 42A to 25M?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Jan 2020 19:41:40 -0500

Hello, I'm 42A Human resource specialist. I want know more information about 25M I know is like graphic design in the ARMY also I have a degree on Graphic design. What are the goods and bads of either of this MOS? Anyone with the same MOS, please tell me which would you recommend? they send you a lot to TDY? What the best these twos MOS get a job as civilian when I get retirement?
Is it worth it make the change the 42A to 25M ?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2020 8:00 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Jan 2020 20:00:12 -0500

As a 25M, promotions are slow and PCS moves are limited. There's a 90% chance you will be assigned to a PSYOP unit at Bragg and sometimes to a SF group.

You will deploy with the Spec Ops Soldiers. Rotations can be between 3 to 9 months. Depending on the BN you are assigned too, you will will support COCOM which supports and focuses on a region, for example SOUTHCOM focuses on South America. So they go on missions to Columbia, Peru, etc.

Hopefully, this helps. I have no complaints about the MOS and fast tracked through the ranks with some effort. Good luck.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2020 9:32 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Jan 2020 21:32:19 -0500

First drawback is that it's difficult to find class seats. Not impossible, but by the time one becomes available, chances are the MOS will go over strength or you will be getting promoted. Promotions are very slow compared to 42A. 42A has great promotions to SSG and almost 100% pickup rate for Warrant. Promotions slow down to E7-E9, but with some work and patience, you can reliably make E7 or E8 before 20 years. There are also civilian HR certificates you will be eligible to apply for after several years of HR.
If your goal is to be a graphic designer when you retire, then 25M would allow you to gain some experience and maybe even moonlight doing graphic design while on active duty.

As for retirement, you'll make enough money in your pension that you can do whatever you like as long as you work. You probably won't even work in your MOS field when you retire. Twenty years down the road you will have experienced a lot of new career opportunities, many that you've never even heard of. So, figure out what you could see yourself doing for the next 15-20 years and do that. You got 42A with great career progression and assignments everywhere in the world, and you have 25M with poor assignment choices and progression but in a field you are already interested in. You just have to figure out which is more important to you.

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Jan 20 at 2020 11:30 PM

CPL Gary Pifer — Mon, 20 Jan 2020 23:30:55 -0500

To be honest Graphic Artists are a dime a dozen worldwide... I pay about $10 per job in India Bangladesh using Fiverr. Many have Master's degrees.... Follow your heart... I'd rather create than eat donuts, keyboard and BS.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2020 3:11 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Jan 2020 03:11:48 -0500

Be aware the 25M MOS is being phased out in the coming years. The Signal Corps is consolidating most of the 25 series MOS’s to reduce redundancy. Most 25M duties will be assumed by 25V Combat Doc Specialist (aka ComCam). 25M is a great mos to gain graphic design knowledge, but there isn’t really a future for it in the Army.

Response by SGT Kenneth Butler made Jan 21 at 2020 7:03 PM

SGT Kenneth Butler — Tue, 21 Jan 2020 19:03:10 -0500

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Response by SFC Barbara Layman made Feb 3 at 2020 6:53 AM

SFC Barbara Layman — Mon, 03 Feb 2020 06:53:16 -0500

Your question is misstated. I read it as thought the Army was changing 'nomenclature.'
The true question is "Is it worth it to RECLASSIFY from 42A to 25M?" In reality, you are not 'changing' anything, but adding to your resume.