Whats the best MOS for a high school graduate that can lead to a good civilian salary?

Barry Bob — Mon, 01 Jan 2018 15:13:28 -0500

Response by MAJ Alvin B. made Jan 1 at 2018 3:25 PM

MAJ Alvin B. — Mon, 01 Jan 2018 15:25:53 -0500

The salary for every MOS, career field, AFSC, or rate is the same, and based on your pay grade. There are, in certain cases, bonuses, incentive pay, and other special pays; based upon circumstances (e.g. hazardous duty, air crew, or proficiency). These are above and beyond the base pay for a specific pay grade.

As to the best MOS, that totally depends upon what you want to be, learn, and do. Each MOS, AFSC, etc... contributes to the mission.

Response by PO2 Peter Klein made Jan 1 at 2018 3:34 PM

PO2 Peter Klein — Mon, 01 Jan 2018 15:34:34 -0500

It depends what you are good at.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2018 3:44 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Jan 2018 15:44:34 -0500

Barry Bob As others have mentioned, the pay is the same based on your pay grade. Carefully research all of the military branches and what they have to offer. Pick a MOS that appeals to you and that you qualify for. While you serve, continue your education, for an eventual civilian career. Good luck.

https://www.military.com/join-armed-forces/military-service-branches-compared.html

Head To Head Comparison of the Military Branches

Get an overview of all the services and continue exploring details throughout the site.

Response by LTC John Mohor made Jan 1 at 2018 3:50 PM

LTC John Mohor — Mon, 01 Jan 2018 15:50:58 -0500

They're all good ones! Supply, logistics, maintenance even Engineering MOS's would. E good if you're trying to go straight from the service to a job within your first enlistment. A number of us had more than "one" job while in the service. You'll get outta your service what you put into it! Get degrees and certifications while you're in service it'll hold you in good stead throughout your adult/ work life. Most of all don't be afraid or averse to getting dirty and do every task possible to the best of your ability. In the beginning I went from Being a Field Artillery Officer directing indirect fire to being responsible for production than sanitation at a poultry plant that processed a million 300,000 chickens a week. You learn and grow be a life long learner it'll pay better in the long run!

Response by LT Brad McInnis made Jan 1 at 2018 4:07 PM

LT Brad McInnis — Mon, 01 Jan 2018 16:07:10 -0500

Depends on what you like. Research the different MOS's. Then, put a list of your top MOS, and then have a couple of backups.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2018 4:18 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Jan 2018 16:18:15 -0500

Almost any MOS has a civilian application with some exceptions, like nuclear arms etc. Combat arms crosses over well to Law Enforcement and security, so don't rule them out. Even if it is an "almost" military-specific there are jobs with the defense contractors. How well you perform is equally important as what your MOS was. Do some research on civilian jobs and cross-match them to military. High tech is always in demand, and data seems to be wide open now in most all areas. Medicine is always in demand and aviation/support. Even the MOS's that most think have low opportunities actually do. Motor T and food service are examples. It's really more a matter of what you want to do after the military. If you find an MOS you like, continue to study toward certification or with college. That is just as important as the right skill, with a solid military record. Most don't like the idea, but skilled trades are always in demand as well. You can serve your apprenticeship while in and almost be able to be certified by the end of your service. Many skilled trades can earn as much or more as someone with a general degree from college.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2018 4:32 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Jan 2018 16:32:25 -0500

I would recommend learning all about yourself first. Figure out your good at, and figure out what you aren't good at. Since you are graduating high school soon (I assume), you will have plenty of opportunity to do that in the coming years. Once you have your personal skill set figured out, research many different MOS, and choose a good match based on your unique skill set.

It might not seem like it now, but you will figure things out in terms of which MOS/civilian career you want to pursue. You'll be fine. Good luck!

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jan 1 at 2018 4:46 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Mon, 01 Jan 2018 16:46:31 -0500

Selecting an MOS by potential civilian salary is ill advised and destined for disaster. Remember, you have to perform that job, potentially for a very long time. You may want to look at what you like doing or could get into that you could stick with.

You could use the DOL salary comparison tool and look to see what the current average min and mix salaries are by region or nationally. It will also tell you the put look for the next 7-10 years. Then you can use the DOL conversion tools to cross walk the MOS to a civilian career.

Transportation, Maintenance and Logistics (Army 88 series, 92series, 91 series, 42series) includes truck drivers, transportation coordinators, cargo transfer specialists, water craft operators, food service, mortuary affairs, riggers, automated logistics specialists, fuel specialists, postal specialists, diesel mechanics, allied trades, electronics repair, power generation among others)
HVAC Technician for commercial and residential systems (may be an AF or Navy career field)
Licensed plumbers (Army 12 series, analogous AF and Navy CFs)
Licensed electricians (Army 12 series, analogous AF and Navy CFs)
Certified welding (Army 91 series, welders and machinists, analogous AF, Navy, and USMC CFs)
Air Traffic Control (three branches for sure, maybe all)
Calibration of test measurement and diagnostic equipment TMDE (Army 35H, USMC, Navy, and AF have similar CF)
Small Arms Repairer (Army 91 series)
Prime Power (12E USACE specific)

In general a specific license or set of certifications will be the key to succeeding in certain civilian careers. This question is a mile wide and a mile deep.

Life is too short to do things purely for monetary reasons

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jan 1 at 2018 5:32 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Mon, 01 Jan 2018 17:32:20 -0500

I understand why you phrase the question as you do, however, answering you properly would obviously ne far easier with considerably more information. Trust me, take the time, time consuming though doing so might ne, and really elaborate on yourself in considerable detail. Education, ambitions, hobbies, interests, goals, all those are Paramount to having a chance at getting your efforts to do what youre considering right. Please believe me when I tell you, the single thing I lacked when I went in was adequate information, both as to where specific work I'd wanted to do was done, and, likewise, who actually did it. Further, I had little clue of the social responsibilities involved in going in, I wish, quite honestly, many, many times, over the succeeding decades, that I'd known considerably more about precisely how to have gone about it properly, what questions to ask, who to ask them of, and what training I should've had before even trying to go in. I appreciate your eagerness, I comprehend your interest, however, you should explain what services would interest you, what you've looked into for each one thus far. How much you've researched each one, as well. You need to understand something I'll try to convey to you here, doing what youre considering is in all likelihood te single most profoundly life changing, life altering event you could ever possibly think to consider. I'm not saying that to dissuade you, merely to try to enlighten you, that's all, honest. You can't just consider one service, to my way of thinking, that's entirely the wrong approach. Also, what you want only matters up to a certain point, what matters is what the services want, which, I assure you, is absolutely paramount that you entirely realize, and completely comprehend. Once done, it's a forever thing, it can never be undone, that's why it is absolutely essential, critical, in fact, that you go into the whole thing as completely well informed as you can possibly be. I was to have gone in under Army ROTC, I went in under USAF OTS instead. I'm glad I did it, doing it did me infinite good, it also carried with it responsibilities, very gravely serious ones, I didn't at that point, even remotely comprehend the gravity of, I assure you, which is why I'm trying to explain what happened to me to you, so as to try to make you understand and comprehend. When youre in, youre a public servant, a bound one, you voluntarily agree to that by going in. Your conduct and cooperation, as well as your cheerful, unflagging enthusiasm must be absolutely above and beyond any conceivable reproach, at virtually alp times. You'll have your own personal problems, those can never. Ever, so far as possible, be allowed to interfere with your responsibilities. The single most important attribute essential for anyone going is is absolute willingness to cooperate, regardless of what tasks you might be given. To worry about which specific assignment you'd be given, and what civilian salary you might get afterward, while perhaps understandable at your stage, is, I assure you, utterly and completely beside the point, please do trust me on that. One does not go in to improve oneself, I was told that once in a very long, draining discussion I once had with my unit CO, a very serious Vietnam war hero. I was taught while in Army ROTC by several other Vietnam war heroes, all of whom I remember, quite vividly, to this day, that you also may he assured of, believe me. If you go in, you are there to help further the mission of your unit, nothing elsrx your wants and wishes are utterly and completely secondary, to be utterly subordinated yo the goals and function of your unit. It is obviously not that no one will care about your wants, wishes, goals, and/or ambitions, however, only up to a certain point, and absolutely no further. Your career is your own, what you make of it is your own, what you're there to do is to help those you'd ne assigned to, thats what you agree yo, that's what you put your right hand up to do, irrespective, and completely regardless, of where youre sent, or what youre asked to do, and that you understand that is positively essential for you to entirely and completely comprehend beforehand, that much, I needed a very, very long time to learn, quite frequently the hard way, often due to my own banal stupidity, which,, and please believe me, I am very definitely trying to spare you. I wish I coudltve stayed in longer, I wish I could've done more, contributed more, however, I was woefully unprepared, in retrospect, precisely because I focused on what work I'd be doing, not realizing that the work any as to wear the uniform, not the given task at hand at any one moment. So, as I said, take the time to really elaborate here, as I'd explained, go into high school, college, grad school, specific coursework, specific majors, what you'd ultimately like to be involved with. Not what pays well after, but what you'd enjoy doing. However, realize, at the same time, that what you'd want, as I'd said, is entirely secondary in that world, if you get it, great, you get it, if you don''t, you don't, that still wouldn't lessen in any way your responsibility to perform well in whatever you'd wind up doing. You'd have PME yo do while in, you'd be expected to do college,, whether undergrad or grad, while in, you'd ne expected to volunteer while in, as I said, it's what you make of it, not what it males of you, OK? I realize that's a lot to take in, my intention was not to overwhelm, my object was to inform, and tell you the absolute unvarnished truth, at the sa!e time as trying to !maintain your enthusiasm, so, if you want advice, ask, however, the more you explain, and the greater detail you give biographically, the more those here can suggest to you, I hope that helps, truly, of be most eager to know your thoughts, nice New Year as well, of course, many thanks.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jan 1 at 2018 5:33 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Mon, 01 Jan 2018 17:33:57 -0500

Reme!Ber this always, OK? If you go in, youre there to serve, not ne served, I hope that encapsulates my previous thoughts as aptly and concisely as I can phrase them, if you'd care to chat further, I'm obvioisly willing. Anytime, of course, as well.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jan 1 at 2018 5:34 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Mon, 01 Jan 2018 17:34:49 -0500

Sorry for the typos, I'm on a clumsy tablet, with a rather problematic keyboard, I'm afraid, prone to frequent errors, despite my nest efforts.

Response by SPC Diana D. made Jan 1 at 2018 6:41 PM

SPC Diana D. — Mon, 01 Jan 2018 18:41:16 -0500

Barry Bob Forget about what you can make after you get out. Concentrate on finding a MOS that you enjoy and then the money doesn't matter so much!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2018 7:08 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Jan 2018 19:08:00 -0500

I’d rather have 1 soldier who wants to be there vs 20 who don’t.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2018 7:11 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Jan 2018 19:11:30 -0500

My apologies, wrong post.

But from what I have experienced is that unless your MOS gives you a credit certificate in that field (Air Force gives you a community college credit) then only thing that carry’s over from a technical skill is experience. Whatever job you would like to have you would have to get certified once again in a civilian type school. For example if you choose MP, once you get out you would still have to go through a academy and get certified.

Response by SGT Russell Wickham made Jan 1 at 2018 8:17 PM

SGT Russell Wickham — Mon, 01 Jan 2018 20:17:32 -0500

The one you love doing. Pick a job you enjoy, and you'll never work a day in your life. Pick a job you hate just because it pays well, and you'll hate that paycheck because of how miserable you are. As for a good career after the service, I could have taken my infantry training, joined a civilian contractor company, and made $150,000 a year as a mercenary while overseas. Or I could have taken my technical engineer training and worked starting at $50,000 a year a survey job right out of school, and worked up. Didn't love either one like I love building up a small company as an auto mechanic manager even if I am only making $30,000 this year.

Response by Maj John Bell made Jan 1 at 2018 8:35 PM

Maj John Bell — Mon, 01 Jan 2018 20:35:37 -0500

First, figure out what you want to do as a civilian. Then determine if an enlistment opens doors or closes them within that fields. Remember, while you are off in the military, your military experience is going to be weighed against the industry experience of your peers. Depending on the field, you may be better off with military experience, or you may be behind.

As a general caution, if you love the work, you'll find a way to make it work for you and yours; if you hate the work, the money will never be enough.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2018 10:04 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Jan 2018 22:04:02 -0500

My first mos was chemical. And let me tell you this... those morons at the training center were acting like you could walk into a fire department and get a six figure CBRN job. Lol total joke all it qualified you to do is read is a hazard sign, I am being dead serious. Be very careful how you digest information about military jobs they are NOTHING like the civilian world

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jan 1 at 2018 10:39 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Mon, 01 Jan 2018 22:39:22 -0500

You should first pick a career field that matches your abilities and interests. If you’re still in school, your guidance counselor may be able to administer interest test. Let’s say you are interested in being a mechanic. If you test well enough then you might choose an MOS or AFSC as a mechanic ranging from diesel mechanic to marine engine mechanic to jet engine mechanic. Picking the Service is a whole different string. There’s many career fields that are closely related to civilian occupations besides mechanics. IT has many opportunities, but so does being a cook or truck driver. It really depends on what you want to do. Don’t overlook the possibility of staying in the Service for a career of 20 years or more.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2018 10:51 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Jan 2018 22:51:17 -0500

68C if you have a passion for nursing

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2018 11:29 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Jan 2018 23:29:37 -0500

If you have the qualifying scores, anything in the Military Intelligence field will assist you with getting a job in the civilian world.

Response by COL David Turk made Jan 1 at 2018 11:43 PM

COL David Turk — Mon, 01 Jan 2018 23:43:02 -0500

Heavy equipment operator. Construction engineers, prime power, any of the mechanics,

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2018 1:11 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Jan 2018 01:11:24 -0500

I will say don't put all your hopes into a single MOS. Whenever you take the ASVAB, there is no guarantee that you will get the scores needed for a specific MOS or that a slot for that MOS will be available at that time.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jan 2 at 2018 1:38 AM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Tue, 02 Jan 2018 01:38:15 -0500

Barry Bob A 40 Year Old Conversation, "I Want to be a Radioman" "No You Want to be a Cryptologic Technician" "No I want to be a Radioman" "No You Want to be a Cryptologic Technician" "I want to Work on Radios and Antennas" "As a CT You'll work with More Radios and Antennas than You Can Imagine" "OK Then I Want to be a CT". Be Open to New Ideas. You Might Be Pleasantly Surprised. Respectfully CTO1 Wm "Chip" Nagel USN(R). Retired and went straight to work in the T-Com Industry.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2018 8:11 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Jan 2018 08:11:26 -0500

Every single one of them can, believe it or not. If you are good at something and have a passion for it, chances are you will be successful at it. Find something that you think will make you happy, period. I know it's not the answer you are searching, but money will come the longer you are at the job and if you are good and happy with it. I'll take happiness over money any day of the week.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Jan 2 at 2018 10:31 AM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Tue, 02 Jan 2018 10:31:25 -0500

That's like asking an alcoholic which beer is better. Combat Arms if you want to get into private contractors doing force protections and such. Combat Service / Service Support if you want more civilian jobs. Get on line and look up MOS cross training with civilian jobs. Only you can answer this question for yourself.

Response by CW2 Joseph Evans made Jan 2 at 2018 11:38 AM

CW2 Joseph Evans — Tue, 02 Jan 2018 11:38:22 -0500

The MOS is less of a determination than personal drive. Yes, certain MOSs give you greater access to training, education, and skills that align with civilian sector jobs, but the MOS itself will not get you those certifications/degrees, you need to seek those out in your own time. Differentiate yourself from your peers while in and you set yourself up for success when you leave.
Look to the things you enjoy doing now. Find a civilian career field that is related and pays well. Find a corresponding MOS.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2018 1:14 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Jan 2018 13:14:33 -0500

If you agree with the notion that every MOS is a Soldier/Sailor/Marine/Airman, than it should not matter what job you take so long as it grows and fulfill you. On that note, I couldn’t be happier with my choice to go Infantry straight out of high school. Leave it all on the field, and walk away with some of the closest friends, best experiences, and finest examples of truely great leadership that you’ll ever have. Pivot that into another career within the military (I highly recommend the Warrant Officer Flight Training program), or into a successful civilian career. There are all to many organizations out there looking for great leaders who can backfill that skill set with some basic industry-specific subject matter expertise. If you’re good in the military, you’ll learn how to lead and manage resources in the absence of personal specialty, which is a skill set that the civilian world could use much more of. In short, don’t join the military for a job title - make the best out of whatever job you do and use that experience as a dry run for future success.

Response by PFC Brandon Hammond made Jan 2 at 2018 2:36 PM

PFC Brandon Hammond — Tue, 02 Jan 2018 14:36:13 -0500

Anything in information technology and cyber Secuirty

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Jan 2 at 2018 3:13 PM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Tue, 02 Jan 2018 15:13:33 -0500

Depends on what you want to do and what you consider a good salary. I'm a records clerk and consider my salary comfortable enough to make a living while enjoying some creature comforts. But maybe you'd rather be an aircraft mechanic and probably make even more money on a specialized skill.

Don't think about the money. Think about learning a skill you can enjoy. Because a good salary won't mean much if you're miserable every day you go to work.

Response by CW5 Ranger Dave made Jan 2 at 2018 7:11 PM

CW5 Ranger Dave — Tue, 02 Jan 2018 19:11:28 -0500

155E, Fixed Wing Pilot. High School to Flight School. Fly Army and Be All You Can Be!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2018 12:06 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Jan 2018 00:06:07 -0500

Aviation or medical

Response by Conrad Burchfiel made Jan 6 at 2018 6:14 PM

Conrad Burchfiel — Sat, 06 Jan 2018 18:14:24 -0500

11b

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2018 1:27 PM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Jan 2018 13:27:42 -0500

Engineers. I say Hooah

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jan 25 at 2018 8:00 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Thu, 25 Jan 2018 20:00:11 -0500

NOT JOINING!!! You serve to serve, not reaps rewards. I had SVN USMC grunts, get out become a bank VP, and came back into the 82nd ABN DIV as a combat medic. Education, unless you get a technical field is the key on civilian life.

Response by SPC Dean J. Thompson made Feb 16 at 2018 4:16 AM

SPC Dean J. Thompson — Fri, 16 Feb 2018 04:16:17 -0500

Jet engine repair in air force or marines or navy. Also nuke power systems repair in navy...

Response by SGT T Mo made Mar 4 at 2018 7:03 AM

SGT T Mo — Sun, 04 Mar 2018 07:03:13 -0500

i got out in 2014 i have sporadic patches and skin inflammation. I received t 6 different rounds of the Anthrax vaccines God knows what's in the cocktail i call my blood stream .

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Mar 4 at 2018 10:52 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Sun, 04 Mar 2018 10:52:24 -0500

If you are joining to make a great life in civie world, then you are joining or the wrong reasons. Thatbeing side, probably a technical MOS.

Response by SP5 Bruce Seltenright made Mar 10 at 2018 7:00 PM

SP5 Bruce Seltenright — Sat, 10 Mar 2018 19:00:04 -0500

For a civilian afterlife, hard to beat avionics, helicopter repair, electronics troubleshoot, diagnostics.
Exacting, precision work.
Highly rewarding, good income.
If you are considering a career, leadership, command will yield great career opportunities following 20 years.
I was a communications tech and led to jobs that allowed me to travel all over Europ, Asia and the States.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2018 5:13 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 17:13:57 -0400

Good rule of thumb is the length of the school. The more the military pays to train the more valuable that training and your experience will be.

Response by MSG Don Burt made Mar 11 at 2018 9:15 PM

MSG Don Burt — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 21:15:53 -0400

It really depends what type of student and grades you made....the better the grades the more sophisticated the job...Computers, Electronic Warfare, Test Instrument Repair, Radar/Microwave Repair, there are many more...just Google them and select what you'd like to do...then go to the Recruiter and see what the requirements are...good luck...for me out of high school I went into what was called Fixed Station Radio Repair 271.1 relates to 32Bxx...after the Army worked for GE Mobile Radio Dept then US Navy Systems, then a small Electronics Manufacturers Representative Co. and finally, Electronics Specialist for NASA....a great exciting life! Give it a try.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2018 3:54 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Mar 2018 15:54:22 -0400

Something in IT/Cyber, Intel or Medical.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2018 7:10 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Mar 2018 19:10:21 -0400

Cyber or 25B.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2018 12:31 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Mar 2018 00:31:21 -0400

College. Look at engineers, not combat but the construction ones. Your best bet to go pick what you like do your time and use your GI Bill. Or compete for a green to gold scholarship and be an officer.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2018 6:57 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 23 Mar 2018 18:57:36 -0400

Engineer; power plant!!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2018 11:05 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 23 Mar 2018 23:05:33 -0400

Your question requires the responder to assume certain things since you don’t go into details.
Your question also assumes that a “good civilian salary” is primarily skill-dependent.
Since we’ve just come through a period of economic stagnation (when you look at the real numbers, not the news headlines) and it’s still too early to tell whether that will change with the new policies, the fact remains that there are millions of people out there without a job and you will be competing with them. And although employers may be looking for certain skills, the fact is that most of them will focus on hiring the right people.
The right people are defined by their attitudes, their interaction capabilities and their potential for leadership. You can develop and hone those skills in any of the military’s “MOSs”, although even that presumes you have good leaders mentoring you and providing an example you can emulate. So the specific skills you acquire may be important, but it is the work ethic and the attitudes that you develop that will ensure your entry into the job market.
Having said that, you have to look at yourself. What are your current skills? What can you do well? What do you like? What are your test scores and what do they qualify you for? Check those scores again. What do they qualify you for?
Then go back to that “what do you like” question. Take some time to think the answer through, but ask yourself “Of those things I qualify for, what do I really think that I would ENJOY doing?” Because time and again, it has been proven that what people enjoy doing, they do well. If you enjoy what you are doing, you will be successful doing it. I don’t care what it is: programming, cooking, coordinating, talking, writing, traveling, leading… whatever. If you enjoy it, you will excel at it… and if you excel at it, sooner or later you will be very well compensated for doing what you enjoy.
So don’t get hung up on “looking for the eventual money-making MOS”. Think about who you are and what you like to do. Then do THAT… and do it well. Go out of your way to develop a good work ethic. Learn skills related to interactions with other people. Look for good leaders and learn from them.
The money will take care of itself.

Response by Maj John Bell made Mar 24 at 2018 5:24 AM

Maj John Bell — Sat, 24 Mar 2018 05:24:33 -0400

Not a good reason to pick an MOS, but if that's your plan Air Traffic Control.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2018 8:32 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 Mar 2018 20:32:28 -0400

I joined to fight for my country. If you want a decent salary job in the civilian world stay a civilian and go to tech school or med school.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2018 1:38 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Mar 2018 13:38:57 -0400

Those are all the standard answers, and they are good answers, but, if you can get into cyber command, and enjoy doing JavaScript along with other coding, then a career in cyber security has a pretty good future. Infantry will lead to a future as a contractor overseas, as long as you get multiple deployments during your active years. Combat engineers become heavy equipment operators, and transportation have direct translation to big rig drivers in the civilian world. The first thing you need to know is that your military occupation specialty is your life until you either ETS, or reenlist for a different MOS. It is very difficult to change jobs, reenlistment is pretty much the only time you can do that, and if your MOS is critical, they will offer a bonus to talk you out of changing jobs. Cyber command is the hot and sexy newbie on the block, so the bonuses are good, but the job is seriously crucial to the internet security of the nation, as well as military operations, So only the best will be chosen for that. Good luck

Response by Georgeann Carter made Mar 27 at 2018 2:13 PM

Georgeann Carter — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 14:13:32 -0400

PO2 Steven Smith ....can you provide some good info on this topic.....

Response by PO2 Steven Smith made Mar 27 at 2018 3:24 PM

PO2 Steven Smith — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 15:24:29 -0400

I may be partial because of my current area of focus, but any specialty related to Computer/Cyber/Information Security is in great demand in the private and public sector. However, I recommend that every individual pursue a field that is truly of interest to him/her, because passion for something is a great predictor of future success in that endeavor--whatever it may be. In addition, high school graduates have a long time to really determine what they want to do with their lives and it may or may not relate to their military experience.

Response by SFC David Pope, MBA made Mar 31 at 2018 10:00 AM

SFC David Pope, MBA — Sat, 31 Mar 2018 10:00:24 -0400

In the army I was a radio teletype operator, then multi systems radio operator. I then became a forward observer. Just in those MOS’s I had various identifiers. After retirement I got an MBA in Accounting and run a rebar placing company. One of my employees that I trained as an estimator is a plumber in the military. Decide if you have the drive to do what you want after you get out, don’t worry about what MOS you have when you are in.

Response by SrA Ronald Pant made Apr 1 at 2018 12:40 PM

SrA Ronald Pant — Sun, 01 Apr 2018 12:40:11 -0400

What is your motivation for joining the military?

Response by SGT Jason Anderson made May 15 at 2021 5:16 AM

SGT Jason Anderson — Sat, 15 May 2021 05:16:43 -0400

Infantry.

Seriously though - if you don't like to do it, you won't make any money at it because:
1. You will not be any good at it
2. You won't put any effort into it
3. You will hate going to work, get ulcers and die
4. Some who likes that kind of work will run circles around you
5. You will quit because you would rather be doing something you enjoy

Response by SFC Steven Powell made Dec 11 at 2022 9:25 PM

SFC Steven Powell — Sun, 11 Dec 2022 21:25:09 -0500

25B Army Information Technology Specialists