Posted on Jun 22, 2019
Tony C.
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So I graduated from college a little while ago, I'm 24 and have been wanting to join the army for a while. I want to join as an officer so OCS seems like the best option to go. However, I am at a standstill the only thing that has been stopping me from talking to a recruiter is I'm not sure what MOS would be the best fit. I feel like If I walk in there undecided Ill end up just picking whatever and that's the last thing I want to do. My only concern is I want a job that can cross over very well in the civilian side. I'm thinking Signal Officer or Public Affairs right now but I am still doing research on something that I can start when I'm out. I'm thinking long term joining the army and want to be ok and set once I'm out. Opinions or advice is appreciated
Edited 5 y ago
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SFC Retention Operations Nco
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As a career counselor, every single day people tell me they want a job that will translate well into the civilian sector.
I'm going to let you in on a secret, people who like their job in the army stay in the Army to continue doing their job. People who dislike their job in the army, leave the army and never go into that field of work again.
Army jobs don't translate well into the civilian sector, however Army experience translates very well into the civilian sector. The best army job is the one that you enjoy
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LTC Jason Mackay
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Edited 5 y ago
Tony C. Public Affairs is not a basic accessions branch. Your branch is decided following OCS. You do a preference sheet with your priority order, then the big wheel decides based on needs of the Army, what is available, your place on an order of merit list and your priorities.

ROTC is similar but not exactly the same. Also advice how to rack and stack branches. https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-i-choose-an-army-branch-a-framework

How OCS does it: https://medium.com/coffee-and-camouflage/how-the-branching-process-works-for-ocs-7eb07b87cca9

Best Branch (Officers are in Branches, that also has an MOS, but you identify as a branch) is the one you will perform best in and derive the most satisfaction from. Signal is a good basic branch. You could move to several other specializations with the Career Field Designation Board for Public Affairs, Space Operations, as well as a host of other options. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_Army_careers

I do not know if OCS has a branch detail option where you serve in a Combat Arms branch (Infantry, Armor, Artillery, ADA, etc) on "detail" for your first 2-3 years and then transfer back to your Sustainment or Combat Support Branch.

What is your undergraduate degree in? I am concerned that your primary concern is what civilian job you are set up for. That may have absolutely nothing to do with your success or satisfaction with serving in a particular Army branch. soldiers' lives and mission success are riding on it. You will have to "Army" for 6-20 years. Long time to be doing something you potentially hate and or suck at in hopes of the big pay day that may never come. I don't know how to advise you as "best" is a loaded word. Best for you? Best for me? Best for all concerned?
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MAJ Ken Landgren
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You need to focus on leadership as well.
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