Which MOS would your recommend?

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Nov 2014 04:58:19 -0400

I have a 17 yr old teenager, he wants to go infantry. I'm trying to save him. I'd like to hear which MOS you would recommend for an enlisted soldier and which branch you would recommend for an officer...and please give at least three valid talking points. Not... you ain't shit if you're not cavalry. I'm looking for a MOS that will transfer skills to the civilian world, upward mobility, and possible longevity. Thanks in advance.

Response by 1LT Nick Kidwell made Nov 1 at 2014 5:00 AM

1LT Nick Kidwell — Sat, 01 Nov 2014 05:00:32 -0400

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member - I was a 92Y when I was enlisted and I enjoyed it while it lasted, but promotion opportunities tend to be limited. I was a ChemO as an officer, and that was certainly an interesting career path, if not somewhat scary in training.

However, were I to do it all over again, I would have gone either 11 series or MP, done some time as an NCO, and THEN went officer in the same branch.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Nov 1 at 2014 8:31 AM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Sat, 01 Nov 2014 08:31:45 -0400

I will say that all you can do is to be supportive and allow him to choose what he would like to do for himself.....if he is going to make a career out of serving (especially if on AD) promotions always seem to be quicker in the Combat MOSs, if he is going to serve one enlistment and then get out, then I would recommend something in the computer or signals career fields as they will transition better to civilian life.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2014 8:38 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Nov 2014 20:38:05 -0400

On the enlisted side, I'd say that the Sustainment side of the house best translates to civilian employment. The top three would be 68 series medical, 91/94 series maintenance, and (best of all) 27D paralegal.

For officers, the above for Sustainment remains true but it goes beyond that into government employment as well.

Counter point: Ask him why he wants to join up as 11B. Describe him to a recruiter and that recruiter will be able to explain why.
Honestly, there are worse fates than the infantry. He will always be able to reclass into shortage if he doesn't like it; or apply his post 9-11 benefits to get a degree, and become an officer in a preferred field if he wants to stay in the military.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Nov 1 at 2014 10:23 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Sat, 01 Nov 2014 22:23:16 -0400

MP - you're going to see just as much action and deployment time as INF. To boot, MP companies are more heavily armed and you don't walk everywhere

SC - If you like technical stuff, SC is the place to be, especially now with all the network and new cyber MOSs that will translate easily into civilian jobs. The best place is a 25U attached to an MP Company.

EN - Again, you'll see a lot of action and deployment time depending on the type of EN unit you belong to and the MOS you want to pursue.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2014 10:50 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Nov 2014 22:50:18 -0400

I would recommend, if you already have interest into the IT fields in the civilian sector, I would definitely go with a 25 series (signal) MOS. Its beneficial because the IT field is growing, and at this rate, will never cease to grow, so based on your specific MOS type within the series, you could translate well overall, as you have access to any IT based certifications.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Nov 2 at 2014 12:28 AM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 00:28:07 -0400

I will say Human Resources, and I am MP, and I did not say become an MP. The HR field is number 3 of the top 10 career fields. In the HR field, Soldiers must be a Soldier and depending where they get stationed, they can go AA, AB, and even try out of SPEC OPS. This field will be even better not only back up with Army experience but will college as well. Good luck to your son!

http://www.careercast.com/content/10-best-jobs-2012-3-human-resources-manager

The 10 Best Jobs of 2012: 3 - Human Resources Manager | CareerCast.com

CareerCast helps job seekers find a job, create a resume, get email job alerts, read career news and best job rankings. Employers post jobs to multiple sites.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Nov 7 at 2014 11:02 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 23:02:08 -0500

Don't pick 15S. They killed my beloved OH-58D!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2014 11:07 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 23:07:50 -0500

I know you said he wants to go Infantry which isn't a bad choice.
1. Promotion rate is one of the fastest in the Army.
2. You name the Army school and it is most likely available to him.
3. I think the leadership skills you acquire can be an attribute to any job in the civilian workforce.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2014 12:47 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Nov 2014 00:47:49 -0500

I am with the crowd that says let the kid do what he wants to do. It is his life and if being infantry makes him happy, then let him be happy.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2014 1:00 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Nov 2014 01:00:17 -0500

My advice would be UAVs. I am watching all kinds of young Soldiers get a military education and run straight to the civilian sector making 6 figures. It is just my observation though.

Response by CW2 Joseph Evans made Nov 8 at 2014 1:08 AM

CW2 Joseph Evans — Sat, 08 Nov 2014 01:08:44 -0500

I'm honestly surprised 35 series hasn't raised it's ugly head yet.

The technology on the Military Intelligence side of things is usually one of the first things to get upgraded. He'll get to dip his hand into the IT side of things and get a Top Secret clearance right off the bat, which as long s he doesn't step on his crank during his service, allows for civilian transition into different fields like security, intelligence, law enforcement, investigative, industrial espionage, and industrial counter espionage. Work as a government contractor, civilian contractor, etc.

While in he can provide support of just about any combat arms, including options of Direct Support, Zone Support, and BDE, DIV, and Corp overwatch scenarios. This also includes assignment to Special Forces Groups and even BN and BDE HQ at Ranger Regiment, allowing him to go "Infantry" with a foot outside the 11 bang bang mentality and still stand an opportunity to get his Ranger tab.

Special Skills programs abound, most of which can't be mentioned in this forum.

If there is a another series that gives you any greater opportunity to experience the total variety of what the Department of the Army has to offer a Soldier and still know everything that is going on, I have no idea what it is.

Did I say how good the post career opportunities were if you don't lose your clearance?

A Soldier who served with me in Iraq is currently being considered as part of the Google global security team... 35series... If he's a hard charger, this will take him to the top, get him used to working around O-6s and up and stand his ground when he knows what is right...

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2014 2:43 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Nov 2014 02:43:39 -0500

25370

Response by Cpl Ray Fernandez made Nov 8 at 2014 2:53 AM

Cpl Ray Fernandez — Sat, 08 Nov 2014 02:53:19 -0500

I won't recommend an MOS to anyone, I would ask them to consider what they enjoy, what they're interested in, and what type of work they want to have after they leave the military. Not everyone is going to have the same interest, and what ever MOS a person chooses they're going to have to do day in and day out for years before they can lat move, or get out. Also if they're not out to make it a career, have them consider the job market for that MOS.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2014 10:07 AM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Nov 2014 10:07:59 -0500

When I emails yes seven years ago I got advice from everybody and their momma about what I should do. My father was infantry and talked me out of going true blue just as you are now, so I chose to be a 35F (intel analyst). Hated it by the way. 2 years later I switched to 38B, thinking special ops was the better way to go; also not the way to go for me, but still chose it to because of influence from others. Today I'm a newly commissioned officer in the infantry and haven't been happier. My recommendation is to provide your son with every information possible about MOS's he may be interested in. Furthermore, your in a unique position to take your son to work and to see for himself what each job does. Lastly, my advice to you is this your not saving your son by talking him out of infantry, it's not for everyone but it's everything to some, let him make his own decision and support him. If he still wants infantry then that's great, he will need all the help he can get with the recruiters; get him a RIP contract or X contract. If your that worried about him then surround him with the best and provide him with the tools to have a successful career/ERB get him airborne or at the very least get him to a unit that has lots of funds i.e 82nd 173rd, 101sg ect. Let your son be his own man!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2014 12:43 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Nov 2014 12:43:55 -0500

The best thing you can do is let you son chose what he wants to do but you can influence it like others have mentioned. Take him to work and let him witness the day to day ops. Like you, if he doesn't like his MOS he will eventually have an opportunity to change it, if he wants to stay in. Now the MOS which translates well into the civilian sector are, 25 series, logistics (92 series), 31 series, 35 series and 68 series. If you want him to not be an 11B, the next best thing is to me is a 68W which also translate really well in the civilian world. For officers I would also go with 25, 92, 15 and 35 series AOCs but infantry officers are very marketable.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2014 1:09 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Nov 2014 13:09:41 -0500

Sorry if this doesn't really help with your son, but maybe it will help with his decision.

When I joined the Army (also at 17), no one including my ex-Marine father could tell me not to join the Infantry. Even my recruiter thought I was nuts because my GT is 127. He told my I could have done anything, then he went on to say he isn't Infantry and from what he know about it would never do it.

After about 5 years of jumping out of plans and humping all over Ft Bragg, I decided I wanted a skill. I switched over to 15R (Apache Mechanic) and found I really enjoyed it.

When I joined the Army I thought I know everything about the military but I found, of course, I only knew what I say in movies.

Thou I am much happier in Aviation, I never really regretted being in the Infantry first. It was a really great learning experience (even the bad stuff). I learned a lot and I think it made me a better Soldier.

Response by SN Elaine Streaker made Nov 8 at 2014 1:36 PM

SN Elaine Streaker — Sat, 08 Nov 2014 13:36:28 -0500

SSG,
Not knowing your son specifically, it's difficult to say which branch would be best for him. I served in the Navy, then married the Army. This would be my answer for my own boys, if they ask:
1) Navy CTI is great for both military career and civilian.
2) Warrant Officers give and receive the most respect from both enlisted and officer ranks. (That's just my observation).
3. Look at (research)your options. I chose an MOS in each branch before I decided that the Navy was best for me. I would encourage my own sons to do the same.
Best of luck to you and your son!
-E

Response by 1SG Mike Case made Nov 8 at 2014 2:53 PM

1SG Mike Case — Sat, 08 Nov 2014 14:53:29 -0500

With a son who is about to join as well, I would say what he has a desire to learn and do. Sure, any job in MI will get you a TS/SCI and that opens a lot of doors in the civilian market, but what if it isn't what he has a desire to do? You can't make him like something he doesn't want to do. I am a 35T, Military Systems Maintainer/Integrator and the job possibilities on the civilian market are great, just like an 35 Series but what if after three years he tells you he hates it? I am not saying don't help make him an informed decision but at the end of the day, let him make his decision.

But not wanting to leave without giving insight:
- Any MI MOS will get you a TS/SCI security clearance. The job skills that the 35 series MOS does has a high marketability on the civilian market, usually in the government sector. I see lots of Soldiers receiving job offers, while still serving.

- UAV's are a job that aren't going anywhere and are also in the civilian market.

- Aviation is another field that has tremendous transfer-ability to the civilian market.

Response by SGT Donald Shoup made Nov 8 at 2014 3:50 PM

SGT Donald Shoup — Sat, 08 Nov 2014 15:50:49 -0500

21B Combat Engineer. Get to do the cool infantry stuff ( sapper school, pathfinder school, airborne school etc.), gain a skillset that transfers to multiple facets of civillian occupations ( demolitions/ explosives training, heavy equipment certifications, construction, etc.) . Sounds to me ftom the question presented the prospective Soldier wants to do the infantry things but wants a skillset that can provide career progression both military and civillian. Warrant officer is a good alternative to full commision and warrant officers are SME's in their feild as well. Best officers in my experience and opinion are those whom at one time before their commision were NCO's. Being an NCO gives you a more in depth and invaluable experience as to leadership and mission accomplishment from the E-1 private to the senior leadership.

Response by A1C Peter Anthony made Nov 8 at 2014 4:20 PM

A1C Peter Anthony — Sat, 08 Nov 2014 16:20:08 -0500

not a thing wrong with infantry!! but i would try to get in aviation

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2014 4:30 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Nov 2014 16:30:05 -0500

http://www.taonline.com/skills-translator/MosToCivilianOccupations.asp?moc=74D

This site allows you to enter an MOS and it will list likely civilian jobs that use similar skillsets.

You could run a few through it to get an idea of what has better potential. Having said that, who knows how things will change 6,8, 10 more years from now.

While I love my MOS enough to put in for CBRN Warrant Officer, if I had to do it over, I would consider something that would boost my computer/IT skills, or maybe MI mos's.

I noticed you are in my State.. are you instructing at the RTI in Monmouth?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2014 4:42 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Nov 2014 16:42:42 -0500

It depends on what HIS goals are. If he's looking at one enlistment contract and out, getting training towards a civilian career afterwards, my MOS (25B, Information Technology Specialist) is a good one. IT is everywhere these days, almost every business out there needs IT support. It can be a well-paying job even without a college degree, although a degree would certainly help. More important are the various IT certifications, many of which the Army can help pay for.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2014 5:01 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Nov 2014 17:01:53 -0500

Personally, I think you've got to take the individual's personality into account. If they are an "outdoorsie" type of individual, they're going to hate being in an MOS that sits behind a desk all day long. If they're an indoor type and hate the great outdoors, then that individual should try to do something like infantry or go Ranger. They're going to hate it.

Now if they are an indoor type of individual that likes to learn about stuff. If that person in interested in problem solving and critical thinking... Then I suggest my MOS, 35F, All Source Intelligence Analyst.

With the skill set and the TS/SCI a veteran can be in the running to get into defense contracting with companies like Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, ect. Just a suggestion.

Response by SSG Lawrence Crow made Nov 9 at 2014 11:46 AM

SSG Lawrence Crow — Sun, 09 Nov 2014 11:46:28 -0500

I would rrcommend ENTEPRENUER

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2014 11:53 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Nov 2014 11:53:35 -0500

I recommend the Army. Depending on if he wants to move around or be away from family or friends if he should go active or reserve or national guard. I went National Guard because I wasn't with my daughters mom and didn't want to be stationed away from her. My unit is a very close knit family and we take care of each other for the most part. Plus with our Battalion being deployed 5 times since 07 we have become a family and have created bonds that will stay with us forever. I've never been active but we've had a lot of active duty transfer to our unit and all of them say it's better. Now you can't make a living financially just drilling but with us being a community within a community there are a lot of guys who work together or can give you a good reference and leads to work. Of course this is just my opinion but personally I love the Guard and my unit. Either way he can't go wrong whichever branch he decides.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2014 12:01 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Nov 2014 12:01:46 -0500

Also a lot of Guard Units are limited to which MOS he could choose. I think I only had 3 or 4 I could choose and stay in my unit. But if he likes excitement and wants to possibly see combat you can't go wrong with 12B.

Response by CW4 Ray Montano made Nov 9 at 2014 12:07 PM

CW4 Ray Montano — Sun, 09 Nov 2014 12:07:50 -0500

Michael, this is very difficult question to answer, with out more information. What is your son's interest and what are his skills? Obviously, the trend is anything intelligence or IT related. I was an MP/CID agent. Obviously, a very transferable job set. My son is an AF firefighter. Also very transferable.

One would first need to know his interests. As for branch, that too depends. Personally, Air Force, but Army might be easier to get into (based on numbers).

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2014 1:55 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Nov 2014 13:55:04 -0500

First: check where his interests lie, then inform him on choosing a job that will translate well into the civilian world.
1- One of the best kept secrets of the Army is the boat MOS 88K (Deck) or 88L (Engine). The assignment places in VA and HI, and the promotion rate is very attainable.
2- If he's into gaming, UAV operator is a great choice too. And the clearance and knowledge he will get will ensure high-paying jobs when he's ready to get out.

Hope that helps.

Response by PO1 James Maynard made Nov 9 at 2014 8:31 PM

PO1 James Maynard — Sun, 09 Nov 2014 20:31:32 -0500

Anything in computer networks is a good job that transfers to civilian jobs after the military.
not sure about other branches but I know with the Navy's IT fields Surface and Subsurface, you get a TS/SCI clearance, Certs that are from Civilian companies and get the training for Microsoft Certs that with studying few other books you can take and get Microsoft Certs also.

Response by SFC Wesley Arnold, Jr made Nov 9 at 2014 8:45 PM

SFC Wesley Arnold, Jr — Sun, 09 Nov 2014 20:45:17 -0500

Wow, good discussion some off the wall responses (may 2 cents) … I’m not MOS or Special Skill Identifier bias, but what I do know is how hard it is obtain a Degree while on active duty. We all chase the degree for different reasons, some for promotion other for the Degree itself and lastly for both. The idea that a degree and our Professionalism, Integrity, and Discipline will lift us over the civilian slackers has, in my opinion, is a bygone phrase or idea thanks to the current unemployment rates.

First course of action is to have a general idea or a plan of what you want to do when you leave the military for whatever reason. There are almost as many Bachelor Degrees, Master Degrees, and GED’s competing for the same job (minimum wage or just above) … one of the favorite phrases is that you are “Over Qualified”. This has nothing to do with the aspect of whether it is the perfect job for you; not to mention that not all military qualifications are accepted.

Ex. Florida Highway Patrol – regardless of qualifications, everyone must attend their academy. (Military Police or even Out-of-State Law Enforcement)

Police Departments / Sheriff’s Offices – only require an equivalency of training course (92 hours / 68 hour for corrections) this will vary slightly based on the location and instructors. The equivalency of training is a demonstration your proficiency in the high-liability skills areas.

Using as much Brasso I can to make my 2 cents look better … before talking to a military recruiter talk to a vocational specialist about a perspective job and possible military qualifications that might make getting hired easier.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2014 9:26 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Nov 2014 21:26:50 -0500

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member it all depends on what he wants to do in the future. Does he want to make a career out of the military or later enter the civilian work force? What does he enjoy doing? When I enlisted I thought of what best would transfer into what I wanted to do as a civilian job. This was especially important for me being a guard soldier. Because of this I choose to enlist as a 42A (HR Specialist). I love my job and wouldn't trade it for any other MOS. Best of luck to your son!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2014 9:49 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Nov 2014 21:49:11 -0500

I would let him make his own decision. The Infantry will teach him to be a leader which a lot of other MOS's lack. I have never been Infantry myself but did spend 9 years in USAREC. I can tell you that some of the best and brightest applicants I have had chose the Infantry. If you talk him out of it now he will end up doing it later. Your consent is required for him to process, it is not required for the MOS he chooses. Help him make the best decision for him, but understand that it may still be the Infantry.

Response by CW3 Russell White made Nov 10 at 2014 11:02 AM

CW3 Russell White — Mon, 10 Nov 2014 11:02:15 -0500

Many of the young soldiers that I served with crewed Blackhawks or Chinooks. They had the opportunity to function as part of the flight crew on missions, and to earn an A&P (airframe and power plant) license. Crew chief on my aircraft functioned as a door gunner in the air and as an aviation mechanic on the ground. They get to use all the cool gear like night vision devices and other tech specific to aviation operations. Many go on to work as an aviation mechanic or avionics technician on the civilian side. Demand for qualified crew chief in the guard is pretty good as well.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2014 1:23 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Nov 2014 13:23:13 -0500

Everyone wants to go Infantry, especially me! I'd love that!

Anyway, here's my idea:

MP
Signal Corps (enlisted and officer)
Medical (Both)
Civil Affairs
Aviation

I am a Signal Soldier; I teach down in Ft Gordon. Nearly every Signal Soldier I know has been able to use their MOS in the civilian world. I pull cable, program phones, switches, routers, I set up an entire network within a building! Medical is a big thing in the civilian world and we will always need it in the military as well. MP opens doors for Police, security, etc. I have a buddy that was actually a Sonar Operator in the Navy, went Signal in the Army and now has a really good career with his local PD.

Response by SFC William "Bill" Moore made Nov 10 at 2014 7:32 PM

SFC William "Bill" Moore — Mon, 10 Nov 2014 19:32:37 -0500

I retired with 5 MOS' s, one of them being Infantry. However, if I was to do it all again, I would go straight into 89D, EOD. You are trained to the best you can possibly be, before you ever come into harms way. It takes a special animal to straddle explosives, but, I was never more alive. I have also been able to acquire a very good civilian job.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2014 7:54 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Nov 2014 19:54:10 -0500

Great question.....although, and I am not infantry meself, but I don't think "being saved" from them is all that necessary.

First, I would ask, what does he like to do? How long do you think he will stay in? Will it be active? Reserve? Depending on his likes and talents, here is what I would suggest:

1) Communications route: Anything dealing with networks, communication gear, etc. Great opportunity outside of the miltary.

2) Cyber seems to be big ticket item right now. Again, great opporunties.

3) Aviation. There is a (or there used to be a) High School to Flight School option you can apply for. If he goes Active Duty, he won't have any say in the platform he flys, but could still get to fly. If he goes NG, then it is usually tied to a unit, therefore tied to a platform and can garentuee what he flies. Great movement upward as a warrant officer in aviation. I would recommend staying warrant in aviation if flying interests him. Plus, once he does leave the military, flying is still an option in the civilian sector.

4) Medical: There are great MOS that provide outstanding civilian opportunies. Radiology Tech is one, Pharmacy Tech is another. Medic can lead to EMT, possibly PA school down the road. All leading to opportunities outside the military.

Hope this helps!

Response by Cpl Richard Mowery made Nov 10 at 2014 10:52 PM

Cpl Richard Mowery — Mon, 10 Nov 2014 22:52:42 -0500

I am a former Marine and after a 15 year break in service joined the Air National Guard. The one thing I have found today versus when I got out of the Marines is that there is a greater focus on education while you serve. Currently the unit I serve in is primarily a predator unit and we have a high demand for both pilots and sensors. There has been a greater focus on education and I believe its up to the individual to utilize all of the benefits provided to him. The Air Force has a ton of occupational specialties that he could go into and transfer his knowledge to the civilian workforce rather easily. He can work on planes and go the FAA route, he can enlist in a cyber school since everything is computer based these days there are tons of options out there. I think your son should choose the branch he best suited for and let the rest take care of itself. No matter which branch of service he chooses he will come out a better man in the end.

Response by CPL Ashley Gochneaur made Nov 12 at 2014 4:24 AM

CPL Ashley Gochneaur — Wed, 12 Nov 2014 04:24:58 -0500

First and foremost, ask your son WHY he wants to be infantry. Then ask what he plans to do after military, whether that be in 2 years or 26. An MOS can always be changed. If a person doesn't like what they are doing, they will not enjoy their career.

Response by SSG Michael Hathaway made Nov 12 at 2014 4:53 PM

SSG Michael Hathaway — Wed, 12 Nov 2014 16:53:27 -0500

Being a medic, there are many options open. A 68W can work in a clinic settings doing sick call and appointments or on the line dealing with first-responder trauma scenarios.
- We do get a good amount of training for our MOS, trauma and clinical
- We cross-train with our line troops to learn their job so we can help out as well
- We train troops, domestic and foreign, in CLS (and more)
- Holding a EMT card can open doors in the civilian side

Some points from GoArmy
Administer emergency medical treatment to battlefield casualties
Assist with outpatient and inpatient care and treatment
Patient-care techniques
Emergency medical techniques

Being in the medical side, a 68W has a smoother line to some schools or programs such as becoming a LPN, RN, PA, etc.

There are many other good points about being a 68W that I can share if you like.

Response by SSG Tim Everett made Jan 4 at 2015 3:05 AM

SSG Tim Everett — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 03:05:14 -0500

"I'm looking for a MOS that will transfer skills to the civilian world, upward mobility, and possible longevity."
-- Based strictly on this, to the exclusion of all other opinions regarding your post SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member?

Military intelligence, specifically anything with a TS/SCI clearance *and* a language. He'll want to take the DLAB, that's something that his recruiter should already square him away on... but make sure you bring it up anyway. I mentored an MI soldier who was given a vanilla intel MOS with no language. I made him bitch and moan to his recruiter until he got a DLAB test date, and he ended up going to DLI for Chinese Mandarin.

Response by CWO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2015 3:24 AM

CWO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 03:24:53 -0500

SSG LoGiudice,
Does your son only want to go Army or is he open to other options? What area's of interest does your son have (ie: computers, electronics, aviation, environmental, law enforcement, etc...)?

If your willing to take a trip, there is a Coast Guard recruiter near Portland, OR.

Vancouver
8109-F NE Vancouver Mall
Vancouver, WA 98662-6786
[login to see]

Have him talk to them and see if he would be interested.

Cheers!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2015 3:39 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 03:39:11 -0500

I've been in an Engineer unit since the start. I'm a 91bH8 (wheeled mechanic/recovery asset). its a very good MOS because I've learned so much in not only maintenance but also in construction equipment. my unit also encourages cross training so I do carpentry, plumbing, and masonry often. Now that I'm older with my own home I utilize all those skills in my daily life and at work.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2015 3:52 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 03:52:16 -0500

I would suggest, if you're looking for transferable skills or upwards mobility, Air Defense Artillery MOSs. It provides a sound foundation in a lot of technical skills depending on which MOS your son chooses.
It can also open the door to a lot of exterior military contracted positions such as Letterkenny, Raytheon and Lockheed Martin.
As for the atmosphere, it does have a laid back atmosphere as far as Army, but it can provide several good leadership skills outside of the usual "You do because I say" due to it's inherently diverse field group.
As some have said, it's up to your son, but it helps knowing a little about other groups to help them make a more informed decision

Response by TSgt Frederick Horne made Jan 4 at 2015 4:12 AM

TSgt Frederick Horne — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 04:12:47 -0500

Does it have to be Army? If he's planning on going enlisted then I'd recommend joining the Air Force and going TACP. As a TACP you get to work with the Army with the added benefit of being Air Force. While as a TACP he’ll work directly under JTACs and will have the opportunity to become one himself. As a TACP we can go to Airborne, Air Assault, Halo, Ranger, Pathfinder, RSLC, and other Army schools. Every deployment I’ve been on all I hear is how soldiers regret not joining the Air Force. He'll have little buyer’s remorse. If he wants to go the officer route then I'd recommend he tries out for the 13L program. If he’s selected and completes the schooling he’d be a non-rated Air Liaison Officer (ALO).

Response by A1C Peter Anthony made Jan 4 at 2015 12:13 PM

A1C Peter Anthony — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 12:13:18 -0500

Not sure if therapy has reopened firefighter jobs! But that definately has upward mobility, and flows right into civilian world, fire school is at good fellow AFB in texas

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2016 9:02 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 Apr 2016 09:02:18 -0400

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member, I assume your son has already selected his branch. Coming into this WAY late. I am at the Pentagon right now so I have the bird's eye view of the Army. I've seen what MI folks do and I've seen what is posted here. If he wants infantry, MI isn't the right choice. I suspect he'd hate it, but you never know. On the enlisted side, it's very narrow in focus. As an analyst, he can transfer his skills outside the military, but an MI officer has a better selling value in the open market after the military. Cyber is another issue entirely. There are a lot of positions being created in cyber right now and an new command is standing up (CYBERCOM). Right now the Army has CYCOE (pronounced psycho). The Cyber Center of Excellence. It's at Fort Gordon. They are accepting transfers from other branches. Surprisingly ADA is also a growth market. People will talk up the general leadership skills in the infantry and the cavalry, but leadership isn't just in those two branches, so unless he has a burning desire to be a front line soldier, it's not the right fit. That being said, the world needs infantrymen.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2016 9:19 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 Apr 2016 09:19:00 -0400

My two cents...
1. Is your son more of a "hands on" type of person? Likes to be involved, wants to become a master at his trade or within his specific field? Is he more of a planner/manager? Deciding between those will determine whether he'd prefer to become an Officer, or whether he'd prefer to enlist. I didn't know how much Officer's are limited within their career fields when I chose to do ROTC. Yes, I am fortunate that I was able to get a Bachelor's degree, but the specific SME type jobs I wanted (K9 Handler, Military Police Investigator, etc.) were not available for Officers.
2. If you son likes law enforcement and would want to pursue a career in law enforcement (local or federal) or investigative type work, this is what I would suggest: enlist as a Military Police Officer, obtain at least 4-5 years of experience as an LEO, once he hits SGT/E-5, he can apply to become a CID Special Agent or even a CID Warrant Officer (if investigations beyond arrest are what interests him). Taking this route will provide him with a TS clearance and the years of experience that outside civilian law enforcement agencies require for hire. As an MP and later a CID agent, he would obtain federal credentials (CID) and schooling specific to that field (ie: forensics, special victims, child abuse prevention, etc.). All of those things combined would set him up PERFECTLY for a future civilian job, in the long term. Along the way, he could work on his Bachelor's Degree.