I am interested in joining the Army. What MOS would most benefit me during and after service?

2023-12-06T22:49:19-05:00

I am a firefighter and going through EMT academy. The recruiter is trying to push infantry and combat medic at me.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2023 11:10 PM

2023-12-06T23:10:53-05:00

Don't go firefighter in the Army. Their promotion rates are slow as hell.

Having been a Medic, it's a great MOS but promotions can be slow.

Infantry. Never been but promotion rates are pretty high.

As for what MOS would benefit you in the civilian world after the service.....any one of them could if you plan it right.

My question to you: What do YOU want to do in the Army? It doesn't matter what the Recruiter wants because he/she/they/them (whatever) are trying to make their numbers.

Response by CPT David Tanner made Dec 6 at 2023 11:39 PM

2023-12-06T23:39:12-05:00

Heavy Equipment operator in a combat engineer unit. Great skill and can work for any highway or DOT department in the U.S.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2023 12:53 AM

2023-12-07T00:53:00-05:00

If you are close to your bachelor's degree, I would suggest you go the officer route.

Firefighter is a great civilian job. Maybe look at National Guard so you can have the best of both worlds, guard will pay for your school as well.

If you are sold on active duty it depends what you want. If you go the CBRN route you can get on a Civil Support Team (CST) and put your fire/ems to work.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2023 9:48 AM

2023-12-07T09:48:29-05:00

There are multiple military jobs that can transfer into the civialian sector, but there's no point in being cabable of doing a job you hate. Infantry is generic and doesn't translate very well - it does have high promotion rates if you are just looking to move up and offers you additional schools (like Airborne).
You need to consider what your interests and likes are - don't just pick a job or settle for something that is recommened to you. Your ASVAB score will also determine your options. IF something you want isn't an option the day you go to MEPS, it's okay to wait (I wish I would have - I settled and wasn't happy.)

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2023 1:06 PM

2023-12-07T13:06:01-05:00

Those are probably the only things available right now based on whatever information you've given. In my first unit, during the second deploymet, we had two soldiers whose MOS wsa firefighter and they were in the Battalion S3...the entire time they were with us. S3 = operations. They didn't do anything related to their MOS. Not before, during or after that deployment. And I think that their promotion rate was super slow, they had to max out points.

I just had a SGM out process who not sure his MOS but he's going to be a financial advisor somewhere when he retires...he never worked at finance a day in his life. He probably was infantry or something like that and now he's going to be a financial advisor at a company. I'm seeing people pop up on LinkedIn I worked with doing stuff that has nothing to do with what they did in the Army. Any MOS you can translate the skills you use - like basic skills as a soldier or if you are a NCO - into the a civilian job if you just know how to market yourself.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Dec 7 at 2023 1:41 PM

2023-12-07T13:41:23-05:00

If you find you like doing EMt work, then medic is the obvious way to go. And if you want to really push yourself, then go for selection and become an SF medic (down the road).

But don't base your Army career on what you do NOW. Base it on what you WANT to do. The military in general, and the Army in specific is one of the very few places where you can go in with absolutely NO prior experience or expertise and be trained everything you will need to be successful (as long as you meet minimum qualifications). Literally, the sky is the limit. Yes, literally, because you can be taught to jump out of planes or fly helicopters. So... what do you WANT to do?

Great, now go do it.

Response by CSM William Everroad made Dec 7 at 2023 3:51 PM

2023-12-07T15:51:13-05:00

Depends on:
What you want to get out of your service,
what you want to do after your service, and
what that timeline looks like.

Plenty of great advice in these comments, but it is all irrelevant if you have different designs for your future ("after service").

Your fightefighter and EMT experience will help in your Army training if you go into one of those MOS, but you will start at square zero on the totem pole just like every other new recruit. After your service, your experience will help you land a job in the same category. But you already held that job... you could do one contract and get the same job after you ETS, with slightly better money, but less benefits. So, what do you want to do when you depart the service and when do you want to do it?

You mentioned in a comment to MSG Private RallyPoint Member, you want to fly. Why not consider flying for the Army or Air Force? That is the only way you are getting experience in the military with "flying", unless you are dreaming of sitting in a passenger seat. Sure there are some hurdles, but the path to get into a pilot's seat is pretty well documented for anyone that wants to pursue it.

The Army prepares you for a lot of things, but what you actually get out of the military service experience is based on what you want. Being an EMT or firefighter in the military really won't get you any closer to "flying" during or after your service than you were before you joined. Being those things in the Army will make you better at them, but like I said before, you already have that job and promotions in the civilian sector in EMT and firefighter can be largely based on seniority.

If you are just focusing on yourself for discipline and limit testing, any MOS works as long as you remember why you joined and what you want to get out of it. The bad thing is all infantry experience gets you after service is... more grunt jobs (unless you supplement that with additional training, i.e. education).

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2023 10:55 PM

2023-12-07T22:55:11-05:00

Draw out a list of pros and cons for your different choices; make a decision as best you can. Don't feel too locked in by whatever you choose. Because I strongly believe that whatever you do, the Army will only be what you make it to be.

For example, I enlisted as a cook. I did that for a few years and didn't like it. My friend and I talked about getting out, going to college, and coming back in as officers. I chose instead to switch over to combat medic and went into the reserves. I really enjoyed that and I did that for several years. But, I ended up returning to the goals my buddy and I made for ourselves in our early days as cooks. I still wanted to be an officer. So, I went through ROTC, got my degree, all the while staying in the reserves, and then I spent about 3 years as a Quartermaster officer. However, I was in a bad unit and learned quartermaster was a bad choice for me personally. Now, I am back in the reserves and working towards Chaplaincy. I should return to active duty in 4 years, give or take.

That's 16 years of service as I figured stuff out. Through it all, I kept some general goals to guide me. I made the Army work for me. There's nothing stopping you or anyone else from doing the same, as long you meet the standards given you by Uncle Sam. In the Army, you'll find you can do almost anything you like, granted you work for it.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Dec 8 at 2023 8:27 AM

2023-12-08T08:27:04-05:00

To deliver advice beyond the obvious we need to know what your mid term/long term goals are.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2023 9:29 AM

2023-12-08T09:29:30-05:00

It is not what you benefit, it is what you like doing the most? Signal and Cyber are really hot right now but if you like the money go Aircraft repair technician (15 Series)...

Response by GySgt Jack Wallace made Dec 10 at 2023 8:09 AM

2023-12-10T08:09:58-05:00

What ever you do , like what that is first* And see if it the MOS has a civilian counter-part. My last 8 yrs in the Corp spent as a MP as I was a policer officer on e the outside. The very best of luck, be safe and be Blessed and pray for guidance.

Response by SFC José Velázquez made Dec 12 at 2023 2:10 AM

2023-12-12T02:10:19-05:00

First take “The ASVAB is a standardized test that reveals areas of strength and ability in science, math, and language. Taking the test is one of the first steps before you enlist.”
2. What is your preference for a job or your skills. If you are 18 or older what are your strengths, do you like health, electronics, office administration etc etc. Everyone is an 11B and the recruiter will try that MOS on your first contact this is for the Army.
Any branch, You are going to ask and they will offer is a negotiation. At the end is up to you. Some MOS offer bonus do you want to learn something for your future? Or you can take the bonus and shoot’s yourself in the foot. On these days of low recruiting numbers who know you may be offer what you want.
All branches of the military are good. Good luck to you.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Dec 13 at 2023 11:58 AM

2023-12-13T11:58:13-05:00

So you need to look at it two ways. You are signing up for a long term commitment. The standard contract is 4 years active and 4 years inactive. That's an 8 year commitment. Pick an MOS you feel will fit your goals and interests. We don't know what you like or what checks your own personal boxes. IT and aviation have plenty of job opportunities post service but if you have zero interest in those things that wouldn't be a good fit for you.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2023 1:02 PM

2023-12-16T13:02:37-05:00

The recruiter is going to push you towards MOSs that need to be filled. Also, it is hard to talk without having some personal bias.
I assume you have taken the ASVAB. Look at all the MOSs you qualify for.
Look at the ones which have bonuses; this means they are hard to fill and retain and may possibly have advancement potential.
Within the medical career field, again look at all the MOSs you qualify for.
My bias, is that I was an Army medic, then went to the Army LPN school, then completed a BSN and was commissioned ANC and was a critical care nurse, among other jobs. Nursing is not for everyone.
Look hard at rad tech, respiratory therapy, laboratory, and especiallly if you are technically inclined to biomedical equipment repair 68 A. Every fancy piece of medical equipment eventuallly needs to be inspected and/or repaired by a qualifed technician.
Along that line, now that a lot of Army hardware is seen on the news, every fancy piece of hardware needs someone to fix it.
If you want 68W Medic, great. But don't think that is all you can do because you are an EMT now.

Response by SMSgt Billy Cesarano made Dec 17 at 2023 2:15 PM

2023-12-17T14:15:16-05:00

If working in a hospital is your desire, find a different recruiter at a base such as Fort Sam Houston that have vacancies in hospital and medical such as Lab Technician. Infantry is basically learning how to effectively and efficiently kill the enemy and break their stuff. Not much use on the outside and you get little if any recognition for it in any real world job. Recruiters have quotas to fill and are in no way interested in guiding you to your best fit. If you have already taken the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery), your aptitude and SKA's( Skills, Knowledge and Abilities) will reflect your potentials to be used in matching required qualification scores in a MOS (Military Occupational Specialty). Infantry is amongst the lowest scores as is MP (Military Police) but MP does open doors outside of the service in security and protection services as well as government positions in Homeland Security, Border agent, FBI, Secret Service and police forces, if that's your thing. Combat medic is basic triage and you don't need high scores or even a separate MOS, at least in my day you didn't. Several of us were selected and certified as combat medics when I was in an !!B position. These positions IE: Infantry (11B) come with a contract and typically a bonus which is extremely difficult to break without consequences. Be sure to have language in your contract that assures your position and specialty is defined. Get a lawyer to review the contract and explain the implications to you. It is possible to move around (cross-train) if you have the support in your chain of command for the good of the service, however, in times of need they will pull you out and back to the 11B you go. Before you sign anything, gather massive amounts of information and implications to the reality those choices you make have on your life in the service.
Good Luck!

Response by LCDR Rich Bishop made Dec 19 at 2023 12:08 PM

2023-12-19T12:08:03-05:00

Cyberspace....very interesting job, very critical to the military and civilian industry

Response by Cpl Craig Howard made Dec 19 at 2023 8:12 PM

2023-12-19T20:12:53-05:00

Bear in mind this is from an old Jarhead, but what interests you the most? If there is a job in the Army where you can get trained and do a good job, and it translates to the civilian world, a job will be there. If you have no specific interest, then any MOS will provide Leadership training and other valuable lessons. Someone who has discipline, a good mind for learning, and willingness to work... I will hire and train you. The other thing to consider is whatever you do find, if you love it, go career. THIS may be that job you want to be working towards.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2023 8:19 PM

2023-12-19T20:19:51-05:00

One of the most survivable and post-enlistment professions would be in aviation. Choose an MOS that leads to the A&P certificate, then once you're in, transition to becoming a WO pilot. The training is excellent, and the aircraft industry is screaming for qualified mechanics, and pilots.
Also, Cybersecurity is a completely marketable skill for post-employment.
Any of the combat arms, but especially infantry will provide with you with excellent leadership training and opportunities, if you pay attention, and learn. Those skills are translatable to the civilian market when combined with another technical skill. While the promotion rates for Combat Medic maybe low while you're in, they can be translated into a PA-C outside, especially if you join the SpecOps community.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2023 7:05 AM

2023-12-20T07:05:27-05:00

Firefighting or Medic MOS, like most skills will gain you experience and opportunities to get certifications or work on your undergraduate degree. If you enjoy this type of work, go for it. Be the best at what ever work you select.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2023 9:18 AM

2023-12-20T09:18:36-05:00

Whatever the recruiter is pushing, is because they need it, not you. Do something in technology, 25 series or something you see yourself doing in the civilian world after service.

Response by Sgt Adam Jennings made Dec 20 at 2023 9:38 AM

2023-12-20T09:38:47-05:00

Whatever you do, research what your contract says before you sign anything. I was assured that the MOS field that I was going into was indeed avionics but it wasn't even close, it was comm maintenance. I wish I had known more about where to get information on MOS fields and numbers before signing. Recruiters will tell you anything to get that signature, DO NOT sign anything until YOU are satisfied with YOUR Contract, after all, YOU will be the one having to fulfill it.

Response by SrA Lisa Hunt made Dec 20 at 2023 3:51 PM

2023-12-20T15:51:40-05:00

The only right answer here is do not go into the Army...GO AIR FORCE! You will learn a higher level of skills, be treated better, and have nicer assignments. I have friends in all branches & trust me USAF is a better choice, hands down. I was 8 years active duty & 11 as a spouse & I wouldn't have been in any other branch. Any job will do, but what you do now is good or anything in communications. Good luck!

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2023 4:32 PM

2023-12-20T16:32:26-05:00

If you ask 100 different Soldiers, you'll get 100 different answers. I started my career in 1992 as a combat medic. I switched along the way to signal and later became a Warrant Officer. We rarely begin a journey in life the same way that we end up. Do what you are passionate about now and let the Army help you find where you want to go in your life and career. It's a pretty great ride.

Response by 1stSgt Tammy Volner made Dec 20 at 2023 7:26 PM

2023-12-20T19:26:36-05:00

For the army I would recommend medical field
Better treatment and most of the jobs you will be employable after you get out

Response by MAJ Kevin Johnson made Dec 20 at 2023 7:37 PM

2023-12-20T19:37:54-05:00

Aviation as an Medivac Medic. I am retire FF and I was an Army Aviator and my last five years I was a medivac pilot. I had three or four medics in my unit who were full time FF. It is a great cross over and you have a great time flying the friendly skis. Also if in the gaurd or reserve you would have a great chance of being called up in time of natural disaster.

Also, on drill weekends and throughout the month you would be required to fly additional periods to keep up the aviation medic skills.

I spent twenty four year’s military and 31 yrs as a full time FF. I retired a Major in Army and a Deputy Chief in the fir department.

As a FF you have plenty of time to spend with a Gaurd or Reserve unit on your off days. Also, infantry is extremely hard on the body and you may not last in the FF field if you spent long enough as an infantryman. I spent 6 yrs as an Infantryman/Off. I am glad I switched. My son has four yrs infantry and 6 Engineers. His body is beat up pretty good. They just finishe an 18 mile ruck March.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2023 8:29 PM

2023-12-20T20:29:39-05:00

I would go signal. 25B or 25S.

Response by SSG Rick Miller made Dec 21 at 2023 3:17 PM

2023-12-21T15:17:45-05:00

Try to go the aviation Warrant Officer route if you want to fly. I started as Infantry, then went Field Artillery. When President Bush (the elder) withdrew the weapons platform from service, the Army picked my next MOS. DA sent the message that I didn't get any of the three I asked for, but was going to be a 73D. I asked what's that? The answer was Accounting Specialist. It took me a bit to stop laughing. I was going from line troop to REMF. Turns out it was a good thing. My civilian career has a six figure salary, still doing the accounting work. I'm not a CPA, just in state government service as a supervisor. The military experience taught me the leadership skills I use every day. Pick one that lines up with what you want to do, if possible, but be open to avenues you haven't considered. Good luck to you.

Response by Sgt Michael Clifford made Dec 22 at 2023 7:34 AM

2023-12-22T07:34:29-05:00

I don't know anything about the Army however as a Marine almost any MOS will provide you with the best leadership training in the world if you pay attention. Some prestigious Universities MBA programs send their students to Quantico for a 3-day abbreviated leadership course at the Marine Corps Officeer Candidate School.

Of course they will push you to infantry. The infantry is the core. All other MOS's are there to provide support to the core. However if you are a fire fighter and intend to continue in that field you may think about the air wing. The air wing requires highly trained fire fighters wherever the wing has aircraft. The MOS easily transitions to a airport firefighter in civilian world.

Whatever MOS you choose take advantage of any and every school that is offered. Don't wait to be asked. Get tight with your units education NCO. Make sure they know you are an enthusiastic learner. Hopefully they will alert to you of opportunities.

I joined the USMC without any intention of going to college. Education NCO at my last duty station dorected me into a part time evening college program and the GI Bill. Changed my life both in and out of the Corps. In service it enhances your service record for promotions and assignments. When I left I continuesd though to a masters degree and a career I would not have imagined right out of High School.

Good luck
Semper Fi

Response by SFC Richard Oliver made Dec 22 at 2023 8:33 AM

2023-12-22T08:33:18-05:00

Irregardless how long you serve in the Army, you need to be considering what will you do upon leaving it. You also should consider the cost of getting a college degree in a field that has no relation to what you did in the Army. I would suggest you look at the communications, intelligence, aviation, and law enforcement career fields.

Response by SPC Sean Bayliss made Dec 22 at 2023 8:59 AM

2023-12-22T08:59:50-05:00

Choose a job that you like, that will make your time in service a little better.

Response by CW3 Thomas Gray made Dec 22 at 2023 10:36 AM

2023-12-22T10:36:07-05:00

Jared, you should be looking at ALL the military occupational specialties (MOS) before you decide. Don't let anyone but you decide what's best for you! The sweet thing about our great Army is (as long as you qualify) you can do anything starting from ground zero, meaning no experience needed. You'll get all the on the job training and more. On top of that you'll get money for college should you want to continue your education growth. I started out in the infantry and after 12 years went into intelligence and was grateful for all the opportunities along the way mostly in the Army Reserves (1977 - 2018). I recently retired from both the Army Reserves and government as an Intel Analyst and would have never been able to obtain decent jobs from skills and training learned in the Army. One more thing to consider - Cyber Command has numerous opportunities and there you'll gain enormous cyber skills into a field that is exploding globally. Good luck!

Response by SFC Patrick Mulhill made Dec 22 at 2023 3:06 PM

2023-12-22T15:06:02-05:00

Are you looking to go active duty or reserve? What are your future plans. What do you want to get out of the military? Can’t really give you advice as to what direction to go unless we have that information. What was your ASVAB score and what jobs do you qualify with the score? Recruiters are going to push you to the positions they are needing to fill and not always the one you want. I wanted to be am MP when I first joined many years ago and they told me to go infantry security forces as it was the same thing as an MP. Definitely wasn’t just like an MP. Spent many years as a grunt in the infantry.

Response by TSgt James Sutton made Dec 23 at 2023 9:58 AM

2023-12-23T09:58:48-05:00

What were your ASVAB scores? Helps determine what jobs you might qualify for. As for what job....what do you want to do with life after the army? I'd say push for those jobs, stay firm with the recruiter. Otherwise, just work on your degree while in the service while you have 100% paid for and go for whatever job you want when you get out. Maybe look for an army job in supply/support type of work that doesn't deploy as much and gives you more free time to study

Response by CSM Bob Stanek made Dec 23 at 2023 12:59 PM

2023-12-23T12:59:45-05:00

QUESTION.. - Isn't Rally Point for Active or Prior Service members? If so, how can this individual who is not in the military at all make a post to this web site? Just wondering?

Response by LTC George Morgan made Dec 23 at 2023 3:12 PM

2023-12-23T15:12:34-05:00

Depends on what you want to do for the rest of your life. If you have a career interest, I suggest you use that as a target. If you make to stay pick the field with the fastest promotion if career is all you are looking at. I got a commission and aimed for Mapping. Wound up getting Supply & Services and a background with Civil Construction, and Combat. Stayed with the Topo and Construction through the next thirty years. Not a definite answer but you are the wildcard here. Mapping & Construction helped me a field with Natural Resources that I still work in after retirement. Used Active Reserve as an IMA and got a lot of assignments. They could not get the skill on an easy basis but often needed it for short assignments. Lead to where you could get registered as a Land Surveyor and a Civil Engineer Technician. Supply bolstered the other skills as ancillary, but proved invaluable to support the others with knowledge. Combat Engineers helped me understand a lot but I really did not want it any more than necessary. It will be what you make it. Do not be afraid of new new experiences and learn from them. But do not hang around to get burnt either, out of pride or what ever. Good luck!!

Response by SGT John Beardsley made Dec 23 at 2023 8:39 PM

2023-12-23T20:39:12-05:00

Go to college, get your degree, THEN decide whether to serve in the military, and which branch/MOS best works for you. Going in as an officer candidate better positions you for both military and later careers.

Response by CDR Keith Johnson made Dec 24 at 2023 6:43 AM

2023-12-24T06:43:07-05:00

Have you taken the ASVAB yet? Unless things have changed, you scores are going to dictate what you are eligible for.

Response by PO3 Dn King made Dec 24 at 2023 7:25 AM

2023-12-24T07:25:10-05:00

Don’t get too caught up in MOS. It seems by the question that you’re young? The biggest career benefit from a military start is experience. Not the career type, the life type. Let your curiosity flit around. You get to have a stable job while trying out different hats. I left my job as an auto detailer to serve as a Navy BM, and ended up a research biologist. It was my experience and the people I met during service that helped me find my way, not my training on how to use a paint brush.

Like college, don’t even consider your post military career until late in the second year. You’re trapping yourself. Get some new experience, meet new people, hear new stories, and then follow your passion as it is at that point. If we all did what we wanted to do when we were kids, space would be littered with the corpses of less than capable astronauts. Be open to change.

Response by CDR Patricia Culver made Dec 24 at 2023 2:21 PM

2023-12-24T14:21:44-05:00

Yes now n the Navy instead and be a corpsman with the marines

Response by SSG Jim Kissane made Dec 25 at 2023 6:45 AM

2023-12-25T06:45:50-05:00

Today, most young adults will hold many jobs and change careers 5-7 times.
Thats why ndividuals need to gain a deeper understanding of their strengths, interests, and values, and how these relate to potential career paths. This involves tools and exercises for self-assessment, exploration of different industries and occupations, and aligning personal aspirations with career choices.
A place to start is by asking yourself, "what kind of lifestyle do I want?"
Then think about the income it will require to acheive that lifestyle.
This can be a beacon for one to use in determining what career / job choices will move you toward that goal.

Response by HN Katherine Wolff made Dec 26 at 2023 10:53 AM

2023-12-26T10:53:26-05:00

It would behoove you to use that EMT experience as well as ask for a "college Kicker" to supplement your income. Ask the recruiter if there are any other benefits to becoming a Medic as well. I suggest not signing up until the beginning of the month as that is when they have more available. Right now they have a "quota" to fill hence why they are "pushing" the whole medic and Infantry MOS. Although there is nothing wrong with either MOS just make sure that is what you want to do for your "career.". When are you thinking of joining and why? Just curious...
Corpsman
Iraq
US Navy

Response by CPO Christian Wilson made Dec 27 at 2023 7:30 AM

2023-12-27T07:30:51-05:00

In most services, anything to do with electronic repair is a good choice.

Response by SFC Barbara Layman made Dec 27 at 2023 12:10 PM

2023-12-27T12:10:14-05:00

All of the response relative to the question "What do you want to do in the Army?" is valid to a point.
First, what are your ASFAB test scores? The results should tell you what Army fields you are qualified for. Next question is what would you like to do?
Consider all of the fields for which you qualify in the ASFAB, inquire about follow up training after AIT, advancement potential in each area. Then correlate with what you THINK you may want to do after the Army.
Best not to let the recruiter make that decision for you.

Response by SGT Karen Emanuelson made Dec 27 at 2023 7:52 PM

2023-12-27T19:52:42-05:00

Because I went DEP & enlisted 6+ months before I went active duty, I worked as a volunteer for my recruiters on Saturdays. Basically, I'd type up address labels & make calls to guys trying to talk them into coming in. My recruiters thought that perhaps they'd talk to a young girl (I was 18) In return, they always treated me to lunch, took me to shoot pool & have drinks (18 was legal drinking age in WI back then) and they always, ALWAYS told me the absolute truth. I was after an MOS in which I'd have great experience with which to get a decent job once I ETSed. My recruiters told me to pick an MOS with a long AIT. That's what I did. Because of the long AIT, I had a 4 year enlistment. Well--I made E5 in just under 3 years, but could never, ever make E6, not in my 9 years of service. See...combat arms folks liked to re-up into my MOS, so they took all the E6 & higher slots. Meanwhile, the points for E6 never, ever dropped lower than 999 points. I had maxed out on both military & civilian education without ever getting close. As for after I ETSed after 9 years? Nothing. I never landed a decent job that paid more than poverty wages & nobody ever gave a hoot about my military experience. SOOOO...my advice is to just join the Army for whatever experience you are looking for: New job, new life, travel to new places? Yes to all of that. Plus, when you ETS & use your GI Bill, don't waste it on college degrees like I did--go to trade school.

Response by SPC Max Waller made Jan 6 at 2024 9:30 PM

2024-01-06T21:30:00-05:00

understand the limitations that you can deal with reliable mutually beneficial relationships - before joining, do some research and interviewing people especially those that you know to have ideas - i studied 1 year at Los Angeles Valley Junior College now known as Los Angeles Valley College that is a community college with previous Naval Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps cadet experience before becoming an active duty u.S. Army 11B10 infantryman with an air assault badge and amphibious assault training and embassy rescue and crowd control training that with my education while on active duty along with my post military years has not benefited me that sadly is not benefiting me as of 6:27 pm Pacific Standard Time on Saturday, 6 January 2024

Response by CW3 Charles Morris made Jan 14 at 2024 10:10 PM

2024-01-14T22:10:19-05:00

As a fire fighter, consider the USAF. My nephew is quite pleased with being a firefighting airman.

Response by SGT Thomas McLeod made Jan 22 at 2024 7:29 AM

2024-01-22T07:29:31-05:00

During your service you have to do what you want to do and not what your recruiter is trying to get you to do. In 1987, when I joined, I told my recruiter that I wanted to be an MP. He said “Yeah, that’s great. Watch this movie, first” and he proceeded to show me a movie about nuclear submarines. I told him that I liked the movie, but that wasn’t what I wanted to do. After 2-3 more movies, I finally said “Ok, I’m going home now” and it wasn’t until then that they showed me the MP film.

Response by SP5 Jose Trejo made Jan 22 at 2024 8:28 AM

2024-01-22T08:28:46-05:00

I went into signal Corps, learned about digital communications which will allow you to work in all aspects of communications and computers. Congrats of your joining. I respect all other mos. We are all needed in a way or another. But I love to be the link from the rear to the front lines. Very important jared.

Response by SSG Bob Robertson made Feb 19 at 2024 1:14 PM

2024-02-19T13:14:27-05:00

I was a recruiter. Of course he is trying to push you that way, but he shouldn't. When I was a recruiter they told me let the people at MEPS handle that. If you don't know what MEPS is, that is where you take the physical and actually sign up. BUT DON"T JOIN THE ARMY. Go Space Force 1st. Their job openings consist more on computers and I mean all kinds of computers. Desk jobs in finance, personnel, etc. If you can't get in there go Air Force. Mostly anything in the Air Force will teach you a trade and they take naps in the morning and afternoon.

Response by MAJ Martin Lucas made Feb 20 at 2024 8:37 AM

2024-02-20T08:37:03-05:00

If you want to learn marketable skills in the service, then Air Force or Navy is where you have the best shot.... those branches actually value their members. There are valuable MOS's in the Army, but Infantry and Combat Medic are not going to transfer well. IF you are dead set on the Army, then look at those less glamorous jobs.... have the Army teach you a new language, or repair a helicopter, or even cook...... And ALWAYS keep in mind, your recruiter is a lying bastard that is trying to fill his mission by doing whatever he can possibly do to fill it....

Response by 1SG Steven Malkowski made Feb 20 at 2024 1:24 PM

2024-02-20T13:24:21-05:00

I think CSM Everroad has the best advice. It depends what you want to get out of it. I was an MP on AD and went on to a long civilian career in law enforcement. But I got the chance in the National Guard to be a Combat Engineer and found I love to blow stuff up.

Response by PVT Mark Campbell made Feb 20 at 2024 4:42 PM

2024-02-20T16:42:59-05:00

I went in the Marines in 1975 wanting heavy equipment, since I grew up working for my Uncle's excavating outfit. At the end of boot I had orfers for Radio School at Twentynine Palms. Then they sent me home on a medical.
Army or Navy back then let you pick your MOS. You had to meet the reqs for it though. Just remember, you can pick your own MOS, but you can't pick your buddy's MOS!!!

Response by LTC William Gilmore made Feb 20 at 2024 5:19 PM

2024-02-20T17:19:30-05:00

Any medical MOS would benefit you as a civilian. Think about the medic choice, 68H I believe. Then think about applying to the Army PA program.

Response by LTC William Gilmore made Feb 20 at 2024 5:20 PM

2024-02-20T17:20:10-05:00

Any job in the medical field will benefit you after service. Think about the medic MOS, 68H I believe, then think about the Army PA program.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Feb 20 at 2024 7:45 PM

2024-02-20T19:45:48-05:00

Recruiters are going to push what they are directed to. Just because they push it does not mean you have to accept it.

What you are offered is going to depend a LOT on what your ASVAB scores are. The higher, the better and more opportunities will be there. That said just because you qualify for something does not mean it will or can be offered as there are limited slots in some MOS's.

What you need to do is think of where you want to be, not right now, not in the next few years but think beyond the military, beyond the now. And then with that in mind look at what helps you get to that goal. Infantry is not going to do much of anything in the civilian world for you.

Remember this... you don't have to accept what they offer. Just because they set you up to take the ASVAB, then go to MEPS and go through all the hoops... you don't have to sign a thing or accept what they offer unless it is what you want. There is no ding on you. They will heap pressure on but in the end it is your decision and there is nothing wrong with holding off.

Take a look at the Army website. Look at enlisted but also look at Warrant and Officer options. There are lots of jobs out there and combat medic is an adder, it is not tied to the infantry as most units have a combat medic in their ranks.

Take the test, see what you score, look over the website and think where you want to be later in life then choose accordingly. Don't settle for something you don't want just because they offer it and try to use pressure tactics.