What is the best military job (MOS/AFSC) to ensure you are highly employable once you retire or leave the Armed Services? Why?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Aug 2016 22:10:26 -0400

Before my enlistment selection I interviewed 100 Veterans in an attempt to determine what branch and position would empower me for the future. After much guidance, I believed the Guidance and Control Technician or Nuclear operator would provide great opportunities. Air Force and quality of life influenced my decision. Don't regret and recognize with time career opportunities have changed...

Response by CSM Richard Welsch made Aug 24 at 2016 10:13 PM

CSM Richard Welsch — Wed, 24 Aug 2016 22:13:14 -0400

The medical field 18W Rn LPN You will always have a job.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2016 10:16 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Aug 2016 22:16:47 -0400

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_military_occupation_code
Probably changes by decade.
1990, Nuclear Operator
2000, Network Operations
2010, Cyber and security, Master Black Belt Certification (Problem solver)
2020, ????
ROTC seems to be a great opportunity for our kids to become an officer, earn degree and leadership development. Also becoming a doctor or dentist through the military seems to be a great opportunity.

United States military occupation code - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A United States military occupation code, or a military occupational specialty code (MOS code), is a nine character code used in the United States Army and United States Marines to identify a specific job. In the United States Air Force, a system of Air Force Specialty Codes (AFSC) is used. In the United States Navy, a system of naval ratings and designators is used along with the Navy Enlisted Classification (NEC) system.

Response by SGT Eric Flores made Aug 24 at 2016 10:47 PM

SGT Eric Flores — Wed, 24 Aug 2016 22:47:38 -0400

Avionics, Calibration and Certification

Response by SSG Ray Mailloux made Aug 24 at 2016 10:52 PM

SSG Ray Mailloux — Wed, 24 Aug 2016 22:52:01 -0400

You cannot look at the job you are doing in the military as something which you'll be able to turn directly into a career. Though some jobs have a direct connection to the civilian sector (military policeman comes to mind), those jobs are the minority not majority. As a veteran with deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan as bot a Combat Engineer and the Infantryman I recognized that my civilian jobs prospects were slim without completing college. What you need to do is view the military as a vessel to move you from one point in life to the next. Take advantage of schools which the military can offer you for free: Ranger, Airborne, Nonlethal Weapons Instructor (INIWIC), Equal Opportunity Leaders Course, SHARP, Victim Advicate, Drill, Recruiter, etc. These opportunities all put you in a position to complete training which civilians dream about and your experience with them will help you to walk into a conversation anywhere in the world (language permitting) and hold your own. As a result of pursuing such professional development you will also add depth to your resume beyond your MOS duty description.

Response by SMSgt Roy Dowdy made Aug 24 at 2016 11:09 PM

SMSgt Roy Dowdy — Wed, 24 Aug 2016 23:09:02 -0400

Some of the leading MOS's, AFSC's, Ratings would have to be Contracting, Air Traffic Control, Contracting, Medical, Non-Destructive Inspection, Linguists, Aircraft Maintenance, PSYOPs, EOD, Social Actions, Cyber and Information Technology. If one were to acquire the appropriate civilian certifications for these specialties while they were on active duty they would be employed immediately upon ETS!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2016 11:37 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Aug 2016 23:37:28 -0400

With my original enlisted MOS, 92Y, I never could have landed a decent gig with just my original MOS training. Of course if I had a degree in supply chain management and some other certifications it would have been a different story. I'm about to head back in to attend the Army's Doctorate of Physical Therapy program so I'll end up being a 65B. The field is in danger of becoming oversaturated but I'm sure I'll still have no trouble finding a job when I decide to put away my boots for good.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2016 1:02 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 01:02:56 -0400

CPT Private RallyPoint Member Sir, any MOS can empower Veterans with discipline, drive, and leadership skills. Take advantage of education opportunities, and the sky is the limit.

Response by PO1 Rick Serviss made Aug 25 at 2016 4:55 AM

PO1 Rick Serviss — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 04:55:27 -0400

Pick something that can be converted to civilian job like Human Resources.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2016 6:01 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 06:01:07 -0400

Cyber Security. I know quite a few people that were able to go from the Military, directly into the civilian or government sector without even a degree. Get a degree to go along with that experience and you are going to start out in the low to mid 100s. My MOS doesn't deal directly with the security side of things, but due to cross training and a varied career, I have clear paths to choose from when I retire. I'm also working on my degree so I can start higher.

On the future of the field, the entire world is going digital and it's creating a battlefield for both the military (contractor positions anyone?) as well as the civilian sector. You have nation-state actors trying to do everything from stealing secrets to identities, and individual crooks who are getting better and brighter. The Cyber Security field is exploding and talent acquisition is a big deal. I don't personally see it slowing down any time soon as technology keeps us more and more connected.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2016 8:13 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 08:13:59 -0400

Drone Operator - the future is now!

Other than that, you can't go wrong with the Special Operations community.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2016 8:24 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 08:24:43 -0400

Contracting, air traffic control, pilot, any type of engineer, cyber, some signal MOS, intel, CID... Im sure there are a few others

Response by SGT Carissa Lara, RCS made Aug 25 at 2016 10:13 AM

SGT Carissa Lara, RCS — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 10:13:01 -0400

68N Cardiovascular Specialist is one of the best kept secrets in the Army. It directly translates into several civilian certifications that you can be reimbursed for taking through the Army COOL program. The pay in the civilian sector is great. The job itself is both challenging and highly rewarding.
The Army also has an agreement with National American University for those who have completed the course. After completing a few general education courses and passing two test you will be awarded and A.A.S. in Invasive Cardiovascular Technology.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Aug 25 at 2016 10:31 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 10:31:20 -0400

Besides the obvious: Doc, Nurse, Lawyer, Dentist, etc. Engineers, Architects, etc. On the ENL side the Seabee ratings are highly desired although EAs can have a tougher time at it. A lot of the support types such as cooks, financial, and logistics can translate well into the commercial sector. A number of highly technical skills on various systems, many of them classified, tend to wind up working for Raytheon or whatever contractor provides those systems. MAA/MP types tend to slide easily into law enforcement.

The most disadvantaged? Unfortunately trigger pullers in all likelihood.

Response by MSG Mitch Dowler made Aug 25 at 2016 1:17 PM

MSG Mitch Dowler — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 13:17:44 -0400

It is not all about the MOS, it is more about the quality of work you did performing your duties, your ability to document it a and market yourself. I am retired Army Signal Corps and still work in the field as a regional manager for the western half of the country. I have seen many Infantry, Rangers and combat arms folks be very successful starting their own businesses or providing executive security or Contract Operators.

The individual is the biggest limiting factor for one's own career or the biggest single factor of success.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2016 3:05 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 15:05:35 -0400

I'm probably not going to continue as anything intel when I retire. Sure I will have the TS clearance and experience, but I think I would prefer some kind of employment outdoors. Such as Park Ranger. I don't even care if I get a very high paying job as my next career. Happiness is everything to me, as long as it pays decent and I find enjoyment with it most days.

Response by MSgt John Taylor made Aug 25 at 2016 4:05 PM

MSgt John Taylor — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 16:05:23 -0400

Other than the medical fields, Air traffic controllers; they're FAA certified.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2016 4:16 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 16:16:27 -0400

Air Force civil engineering gives one a fair grounding in facility maintenance management.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Aug 25 at 2016 4:59 PM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 16:59:17 -0400

In my opinion, I find the 6046 Maintenance Admin Specialist a good military job. My entire job revolves around proper documentation of any maintenance on aircraft. The beauty of my job is that it's cross platform, so I can work with any T/M/S aircraft and there's no shortage of aircraft breaking and needing to get fixed.

Response by CPT Tom Monahan made Aug 25 at 2016 5:27 PM

CPT Tom Monahan — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 17:27:49 -0400

From personal experience it is Logistics. Having branch transferred from FA to QM and three years later getting medically retired, I thank God I made the switch. My new managerial skill set in Supply Chain made the jump from active duty to civilian industry seamless.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2016 5:41 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 17:41:43 -0400

I've always looked as the military as unlimited opportunity. If you truly are not happy with your career path you can explore a new career field. Most Senior enlisted and Officers want their soldiers, Airman to be challenged and grow. So if you are HUUURRAAAHHH infantry and want to move on, first you should make rank and leadership experience, then look for positions within HHD or another MOS. Also opportunity to become a Warrant or Officer.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2016 6:59 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 18:59:14 -0400

Contracting is 100% transferable to a civilian GS position that is always in demand. The private sector hires them too.

51C in the Army, not sure what the AFSC for it is.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2016 9:43 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 21:43:45 -0400

I think it's all about timing! If you are planning on staying in the military for a tour or two then picking something currently viable will be simple but if you plan on making a career in the military of it for the next 20+ years then you need to realize that things change... The world changes... It's about scoping the education opportunities when they arise therefore I would say pick something you are good at or love and then try to use it to fit into the career you want to progress in. Being able to do that will be more valuable then researching a bunch of MOS's and jobs where may end up choosing one that may become obsolete or you may not end up loving but once again... This is my humble opinion.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2016 10:35 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Aug 2016 22:35:59 -0400

Being an O-10 would sure make seeking post-retirement employment easier!!!

Response by Sgt Peter Bowers made Aug 28 at 2016 1:12 AM

Sgt Peter Bowers — Sun, 28 Aug 2016 01:12:19 -0400

Prior to my ORANG service, I was 11B and 94B. I wised up and switched to AFSC 62250, it helped me get a few jobs. Can't believe that was 25 yrs. ago

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Aug 28 at 2016 4:09 AM

SFC Joseph Weber — Sun, 28 Aug 2016 04:09:03 -0400

Mechanics, because we are super cool.

Response by Sarah Zayas made Aug 2 at 2017 12:02 AM

Sarah Zayas — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 00:02:04 -0400

For some reason even though I log out out when I log back in, I am brought back to this page. I appreciate those who named a specialty. It seems wise that if you're going to sacrifice your life you should be able to find a job when your soul calls you to a different season in life. I'm aiming for Officer but plan B is to go enlisted and I will have to choose an MOS. Still not sure which MOS is right for me.

Response by CPO Glenn Moss made Aug 3 at 2017 12:04 AM

CPO Glenn Moss — Thu, 03 Aug 2017 00:04:35 -0400

Well...honestly, this is a holistic concept.

First and foremost, being honorably discharged is a huge selling point. Some of the biggest problems that employers have are turnover, retention, reliability, and trainability. Having served 4, 6, 8, or more years in the military and then honorably separating tells perspective employers that you are, at the very least, able to show up on time for work, are reliable, and can be trained.

After that comes other factors, such as experience, training, and leadership skills. Obviously, Veterans "target" prospective employers when they're out seeking employment. They package up their supporting job skills, training, experiences, and leadership roles into resumes which are tailored to the job being applied for in the format the prospective employer is looking for.

But all this experience and training is only a part of what it is prospective employers look for. Why? Because there are also OTHERS from the military who may also be applying for the same job(s).

So, how do prospective employers weed through all the chaff? It turns out they use a variety of techniques, from downright whimsical to extremely technical.

For example, a prospective employer has a stack of resumes two inches thick for a job he needs one person for. What's a quick and efficient way of going through all these?

One employer told me he looks at all the resumes without actually reading them first. what he wants to know is "did this person give me the resume I asked for?" If he asked for a one page resume written in reverse chronological order on plain white paper, anything that's NOT what he asked for goes in the circle file. Why? Because the person did not show that he could follow directions.

Now, "highly employable" has another side to the coin...highly employable in what field(s)?

This is important, because what difference does it make if you're highly employable as a teacher when you hate teaching?

If you want to be highly employable in STEM fields, then you need the experience and training that shows this. If you want to be highly employable in the various trades, you likewise need the experience and training that shows this.

Which means that the time one spends in the military should best be spent getting as much of all the experiences and training one can get in the time they're in. Sitting back and just going along for the ride will only take you so far...and maybe not in the direction you want to go.

Response by MG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2017 2:09 PM

MG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Nov 2017 14:09:16 -0500

I would honestly say me branching infantry helped me make a career out of the army anyone who only wants to stay in till captain I would advise not to branch combat arms (infantry,field artilary,armor)

Response by J Williams made Mar 3 at 2018 12:54 PM

J Williams — Sat, 03 Mar 2018 12:54:56 -0500

Air Traffic Controller, Military Police, Cyber (anything to do with IT/Cyber security), helicopter pilot, gunsmith...there are a few MOS that immediately translate into well paying careers in the civilian world.
Combat arms typically is not one of them.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2018 11:01 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 23:01:07 -0500

USAF, Air Traffic control

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2019 10:14 PM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Apr 2019 22:14:03 -0400

100 veterans!!! Thats a little too much time don't you think?