What kind of jobs can a 12B get after leaving the Army?

2019-01-17T09:29:57-05:00

Response by SPC Michael Vroman made Jan 17 at 2019 9:31 AM

2019-01-17T09:31:41-05:00

This really depends on a number of factors. Do you have any college completed? Do you have experience in the military that was part of an additional duty (unit armorer, Ops, etc.)?

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2019 9:38 AM

2019-01-17T09:38:51-05:00

Go on goarmy.com and search for 12B. It will tell you the types of jobs you can get after service as a 12B.

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Jan 17 at 2019 10:02 AM

2019-01-17T10:02:58-05:00

One way to see what many 12Bs are doing for their civilian career:
Go to the search link below, add 12B to the 'Military Specialty' filter, and sort for 'Veterans' in 'Member Type' filter. That should give you about 11,500 profiles to check out. Some might be retired, but many will have their civilian experiences listed so you can see a wide range of examples. Good luck to you, brother!
https://www.rallypoint.com/search?search_type=profiles

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Response by COL John McClellan made Jan 17 at 2019 10:17 AM

2019-01-17T10:17:02-05:00

A 12B can do anything! You could work for a construction contractor that uses demolitions; or drive a truck; work in security - armed or unarmed; or work for Google mapping terrain! Did you do any construction in the Army - drive a bulldozer or operate a backhoe? It all depends. But a 12B knows how to think creatively, solve problems, maintain equipment, and take charge! Good luck!

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jan 17 at 2019 10:24 AM

2019-01-17T10:24:44-05:00

I have several friends working in both the public and private sector. You level of training, grade and experience will say a lot. Work hard while you are in, 6?or 20+ years and it will pay off. Thank you for your service.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Jan 17 at 2019 10:50 AM

2019-01-17T10:50:46-05:00

Lots of 12Bs in the construction management and Quality control fields.

Response by MSG Frank Kapaun made Jan 17 at 2019 11:14 AM

2019-01-17T11:14:04-05:00

Walmart is always hiring and roofers, along with plumbers are always looking for helpers.

Response by CPL Mark Andersen made Jan 17 at 2019 11:16 AM

2019-01-17T11:16:34-05:00

As a 12B I worked in construction, for a lumberyard, then in a call center. Then I went back to school and got my bachelors in IT, and a Masters in communications.

Today I work full time as an IT OSS analyst For a telecommunications company, and part-time as a writer.

I can tell you this, if you go to school and get trained for telophony, or networking, the company I work for would give you a look for a service Technician role.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2019 11:16 AM

2019-01-17T11:16:45-05:00

Whatever job you want.

The most valuable skill the Army teaches is leadership. That contains a subset of skills like creative solutions, resource management, grit, and teamwork that will enable you to overcome any challenge afterwards, plus give you a GI Bill and Tuition Assistance to get the job you want, and a VA home loan to buy your first house, and even a VA small business loan if you want to become an entrepreneur. If you're thinking about what entry level technical skill you can leave the Army with, you're thinking too small.

Response by SFC Josh Billingsley made Jan 17 at 2019 11:58 AM

2019-01-17T11:58:36-05:00

I've hired a number of 12Bs in the semiconductor industry for field service technicains and engineers. It depended on their level of education and military service, but I know a number of defense and semiconductor companies that love to hire them. A combination of college and experience in the military will make you more marketable. Keep in mind that if you stay active for a very long period, you may be stepping back a bit pay-wise when entering a new career field. If you have any specific questions, please feel free to message me directly.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2019 12:42 PM

2019-01-17T12:42:07-05:00

Some considerations:
- Consider staying in until you make at least E-6
- Plan on using your GI Bill and do as much coursework while you are still in as you can do and do well.
- Consider National Guard service when you leave - in some states, such as Florida, you could / used-to-could get free tuition and fees at state universities and colleges AND STILL DRAW YOUR ACTIVE GI BILL.
- Network with defense industry firms that create or deliver training (military training - as an employment opportunity for yourself as a trainer or training developer). Do this before you get out.

When I first got out, I went back to school and took a night job in the alarm industry. The alarm industry, by the way, stinks (or did for me). I languished 7 years there. Then I discovered the defense industry.

If you leave the Active, Regular Army as an E-6 or higher, and especially if you have an active clearance, then you can probably find a good job in the defense industry creating or delivering training. Combine such a job with online college education and possibly the National Guard option, and transition should go very well. I got into the defense world as only an E-5, but that took some extra effort. I recommend sticking around for E-6. I also recommend making use of the defense industry as a springboard into your civilian career.

I have ended up, after a long, winding journey, as a software developer - which has nothing to do with 12B whatsoever, but when i got out of the alarm industry, I REALLY needed out of that industry and I was very glad to have found a position at that time in defense.