What's the future of the Army, MOS speaking?

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Feb 2016 14:22:25 -0500

My reenlistment window opens in March, I would like to get advice on what are the better options available. I have a GREAT Retention NCO, but I would like to have more opinions from outside.

What would you advice to do to a 1st term Junior Enlisted?

Response by SSG Audwin Scott made Feb 8 at 2016 2:24 PM

SSG Audwin Scott — Mon, 08 Feb 2016 14:24:57 -0500

First question I have for you is what is your current MOS?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2016 2:53 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Feb 2016 14:53:33 -0500

17C and 25D. Both are cyber Moe's. I think the Milper message with info on cyber MOS's is 15-293

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2016 3:04 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Feb 2016 15:04:10 -0500

Changing MOS's is a good move. As you get higher in rank MOS changes can be difficult to impossible in some cases. First check your line scores against any MOS's that you might be interested in. You don't want to waste your time pursing an MOS you aren't qualified for. If you intend on making the Army a career 20+ years then you need to consider the promotion trends for any future MOS you select. You don't want to pick a new MOS field only to find out you can never be promoted and end up getting RCP'd at 14 years.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2016 3:26 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Feb 2016 15:26:05 -0500

What are your interests?

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Feb 8 at 2016 3:54 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Mon, 08 Feb 2016 15:54:09 -0500

If you are looking at making the military a career, look at the numbers.

Promotion and Timelines are based on MATH. It's really simple in the long run.

1% of the force is E9, and it "pyramids" down from there. How many SGMs are in your current field. How many SGMs or CSMs are in the field you are looking to go into. As an example, in the USMC there were 9x 0291 MGySgts (my feeder MOS), and countless SgtsMaj. "Numerically," I would have been better off pursuing SgtMaj (CSM) at E8, just from a numbers (quantitative) perspective. However, based on "longevity" that may not be the same argument (my field would have been about the same).

So... how many Unit Supply Specialist SGMs are there? How many CSMs holding that MOS. Now compare that number to your "potential" MOS choices. Will that speed up or slow down your potential career path? Then start looking at MSG, SFC, SSG, and SGT as well.

It's great to pick up Sergeant faster... but not if you're going to sit there until HYT. You have to look at both the long term and short term goals. You're sitting at Spec now, and you want to get to SGT and SSG (or close) within this next enlistment if at all possible.

This means a bigger playing field "may" be better for your (more promotion chances, meaning faster turnover, and more buffer during drawdown). Also, depending on your education, you may want to consider the possibility of going WO/CO in the future so keep those options in mind as well.

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Feb 8 at 2016 4:15 PM

SSG Carlos Madden — Mon, 08 Feb 2016 16:15:14 -0500

Sounds like a good question for SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4". Cyber would be my initial answer. Also the new-ish 51C MOS (Acquisition, Logistics &
Technology Contracting) and Civil Affairs. Those three MOS's aren't going anywhere any time soon.

Response by SPC James Dollins made Feb 8 at 2016 4:36 PM

SPC James Dollins — Mon, 08 Feb 2016 16:36:51 -0500

Get as much civilian Ed as you can! I don't know what the TA system looks like these days since the budget is jacked up, but get Ed in something that you can use on the civilian side. Make it a safety net, just in case!!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2016 5:17 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Feb 2016 05:17:20 -0500

I would stay away from 25D, the Signal Corps rushed to failure on that one. And the discussion on that is a whole other topic of discussion. 17C might be a good option. It is a packet application though. Of all the applicants in the local Cyber Center, only 1 was selected for a seat in the next class. And that kid is insanely smart with code and computers. If you get selected, be ready to never leave the east coast. Also, get very used to being in a building with no windows for about 12 hours at a time.
Some one on here said it, look at the numbers and the promotion rates. look for something that you can enjoy doing as a career or something that makes you more marketable if you pull hitch. If you are looking at a technical field, also look at the Warrant path for that filed...Because if you are gonna reclass to be a technician, then go the extra step and actually be the SME technician.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2016 6:31 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Feb 2016 06:31:02 -0500

1. Make sure its something you love to do, life is easier that way.
2. If you cant get what you love to do, then ensure that if you get hurt and have to leave the military you are in a MOS that will benefit you.
3. 25D is the hot MOS right now.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2016 6:49 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Feb 2016 06:49:13 -0500

Reclassing to regular Army MOS's is pretty difficult right now. If you are into computers look into 17C or 25D very hot jobs right now but the packet for them is a beast. MI, Psyops ,Civil Affairs are good jobs to get into also, TONS of opportunities for unique training, assignments and missions. Basically what I'm saying is these "packet" MOS's or "small" Army jobs are the way to go.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2016 7:51 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Feb 2016 07:51:06 -0500

CID is worth looking into. They have a bonus and excellent room for advancement. You really can't go wrong with any of the packet MOS'. Personally my favorite part of CID is working with other soldiers who want to be there and enjoy doing their job. Everyone I work with is actively trying to advance whether in their college or military career.

http://www.cid.army.mil/join_CID.html

Click here to find out how to begin your career with CID. To read more about the training CID Special Agents go through, click here.

Response by SFC James Kebbel made Feb 9 at 2016 8:53 AM

SFC James Kebbel — Tue, 09 Feb 2016 08:53:09 -0500

The most important question you should ask yourself is "Do you like your job"? I was a taker for 27 years. Loved the job, but it didn't have a civilian equivalent. If you see yourself making a career in the Army, follow your heart. If you aren't a lifer follow your head and select a job with transferable skills.

Response by SFC Chris Crossley made Feb 9 at 2016 8:54 AM

SFC Chris Crossley — Tue, 09 Feb 2016 08:54:24 -0500

Antonio,
The best advice I can provide is the same I briefed when I was in OCOI.
Visit the EPMD website, and do sole research into what MOS currently has "in and out calls." What the bonus levels are, what the educational and length of service obligations that you will incur and make sure your ASK is updated to reflect your current preferences.
Best of luck to you and thank you for your service.

Christopher Crossley

Government Program Manager
Speer Operational Technologies
Work: [login to see]
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http://www.speeroptech.com/

https://www.hrc.army.mil/EPMD/Enlisted%20Personnel%20Management%20Directorate

Speer Op Tech

Life saving and survival gear for first responders world wide.

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Feb 9 at 2016 9:02 AM

1SG Michael Blount — Tue, 09 Feb 2016 09:02:39 -0500

Two questions: have you completed WLC? If you have, then I'd consider Drill Sergeant Academy (00G series)

Response by LTC Barry Hull made Feb 9 at 2016 9:08 AM

LTC Barry Hull — Tue, 09 Feb 2016 09:08:24 -0500

First, look for something you enjoy. second, look for something that translates to employment in the outside world. The great thing about the military is that you can have two professional lives. One in and one out. Let the military educate you.

Response by SGT Byron Labadie made Feb 9 at 2016 9:31 AM

SGT Byron Labadie — Tue, 09 Feb 2016 09:31:55 -0500

Which do you want more? Happiness, rank, or pay? If you are lucky, you can find a MOS where you will get all three, but then again, perhaps not. Are you aware of every available job the army offers? Did you know for example that there is a "Observational Meteorologist? (Not to be confused with a artillary FC meteorologist that uses a FADEC computer to direct artillary fire based on air temperature, mass, and density...they sit in the field with the other grunts, nothing wrong with that, just was not my cup of tea). The (at least at one time 93E MOS) released weather balloons, and recorded weather conditions with a variety of tools, including a wet bulb thermometer and a sling psychrometer, and gave pilots weather updates. The AIT was or perhaps still is in Illinois at a Air Force Base (Just because you are in the army does not always mean you will train at a army base) This is a type of job that can translate to the civilian sector after a military career has ended. Do you like to fly? Did you know the Air Force has actual flight operations for enlisted soldiers? How about a in-flight aerial refueling specialist, refueling planes from a KC-130 tanker? They travel all over the world, even the Antarctic. Loadmasters also fly, though nothing like looking out the bay window while refueling a jet. I was in a combat arms MOS (16E), and had I reinlisted, would have picked a job more suitable to my liking. I remember a guy who ran the NCO club, and wondered how he got that gig...I did not know there was a position for that one! I attended Drill Sergeant School as a active reservist while in college with the 95th Infantry Division. Good luck to you now, and in all of your future endeavors.

Response by CPT Ethan Nelson made Feb 9 at 2016 9:44 AM

CPT Ethan Nelson — Tue, 09 Feb 2016 09:44:48 -0500

Consider your options carefully. You can change your MOS, submit a Green to Gold packet, change your duty station, etc. I was up for promotion as an E-5 when my Green to Gold packet was accepted. A year before that I was very close to reenlisting for a new duty station. Don't feel rushed in making your decision and be sure that you are planning for the long-term.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2016 10:09 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Feb 2016 10:09:20 -0500

You should be checking your qualification scores from enlistment against those score necessary to qualify for current listed critical MOS's. There are many that offer E5 or WO. In addition, they offer bonuses in many cases.

The most critical question is for you ... What do you want to be when you grow up and leave the military?

Many skills translate to critical needs on the outside. Current trend ... CYBER. Information Systems Security Engineers are required in many secure areas at civilian contractors to keep funding. It is a high demand job at the moment.

Additionally, if you plan on going reserves, CYBER is critical there as well. No job is worth all the money in the world if you don't like going to work most days.

Best of luck, and watch the trends in Army Times!!

Response by CW3 Geoffrey Cline made Feb 9 at 2016 11:58 AM

CW3 Geoffrey Cline — Tue, 09 Feb 2016 11:58:14 -0500

Look into INSCOM and Cyber Command.

Response by COL David McClean made Feb 9 at 2016 12:35 PM

COL David McClean — Tue, 09 Feb 2016 12:35:39 -0500

If you have the skills, I would highly recommend anything dealing with information technology. This would guarantee you a second career in the corporate world.

Response by SGT Robert Andrews made Feb 9 at 2016 1:13 PM

SGT Robert Andrews — Tue, 09 Feb 2016 13:13:07 -0500

I would get a technical mos might not sound exciting but getting training as a linguist has a very high potential for hire there are a lot of companies including the FBI looking for linguists that can hold security cclearance

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Feb 9 at 2016 4:28 PM

CPT Pedro Meza — Tue, 09 Feb 2016 16:28:18 -0500

MOS is based on your scores so the best thing is to see where you rate, followed by what you want to do and what unit are available and talk to your wife if you are married cause she too will be serving.

Response by SFC Martin Applegate made Feb 10 at 2016 5:39 AM

SFC Martin Applegate — Wed, 10 Feb 2016 05:39:45 -0500

Change over to an Intel MOS that you are qualified for, Morse Code and Languages are one trick ponies but a Network Computer MOS is interesting and although they may not promote really quickly to the higher ranks, you do make SGT and SSG Quickly especially if you are doing well in the core items like PT and generally a good soldier. The real up side is when you get out you have a Clearance that can get you a great job. I had a position 4 months before I retired as an SFC and have been a defense contractor for L-3 Communications for going on 16 years. Intel MOS's dont go to the field much either, you tend to work in a large office like NSA.

Response by SPC Charles Zeller made Feb 10 at 2016 5:40 AM

SPC Charles Zeller — Wed, 10 Feb 2016 05:40:28 -0500

There are so many options for you today versus when I joined 26 years ago. I was young and wanted to do the "fun" stuff and joined the Infantry. I don't regret being an 11B I met some life long friends and had fun and learned how to lead. At the same time I could have listened to the folks at MEPS that tried to get me into satellite communications or MI or other positions that could have put me in a position to have different job in the civilian world. So look for something that you think you would enjoy doing for the rest of your life in the civilian world because the army is going to give you the best training for your future. Best of luck in your search for a new MOS.

Response by SGT Leon Riege made Feb 10 at 2016 7:05 PM

SGT Leon Riege — Wed, 10 Feb 2016 19:05:30 -0500

if you are gonna stay in id say do what you like if you plan on getting out before retirement do something that translates like engineer or medical ... jobs like 31v ,76c and 19d havent meant alot to anyone out here

Response by CW3 Chuck Huddleston made Feb 11 at 2016 9:12 AM

CW3 Chuck Huddleston — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 09:12:08 -0500

Think about what environment you would like to work with and then select a MOS that corresponds to your plans. For example, in a hospital environment there are lots of specialized schools such as medic, radiology, nuclear medicine, etc. training as well as technical Biomedical Equipment Repair school (which can lead to a Warrant Officer commission). All of these can ensure you a good career path in and out of the service. Whatever you pick, try to reenlist for a specific school.

Response by PFC Tuan Trang made Feb 11 at 2016 10:10 AM

PFC Tuan Trang — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 10:10:32 -0500

What is your future plan for the army if you decided to reinlisted?

My is if you still love to serve, motivate and enjoy benefits that been offer.

Response by SSG John Jensen made Feb 11 at 2016 4:09 PM

SSG John Jensen — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 16:09:20 -0500

while you're young do tour of something like airborne status, the 82d has variety of the support MOS's, while a medic in the Avn Bn, one of the female clerks transferred to the medical plt, and went to FT Sam Houston to reclass, she said that as a woman from the 82d, she was treated like a visiting 2- star

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2016 7:15 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Feb 2016 19:15:34 -0500

I agree with LTC Hull, of you don't enjoy what you will be doing you will be unhappy and may not last. And some day you will get out and want it to translate into usable skills.That being said, look to the understrength MOS with low promotion points. It all depends on what you want to do, cyber, logistics, intelligence, engineer. Look within yourself- what are you passionate about? Pursue that, then you will be happy at work, most of the time anyways....

Response by SSG John Jensen made Feb 14 at 2016 4:35 PM

SSG John Jensen — Sun, 14 Feb 2016 16:35:03 -0500

and don't forget that somewhere in your new MOS you will run into someone that "you aren't a real___________, 'cause it's not your 1st MOS"