My son is joining the US Army. What advice would you give him to get the most out of his service?

2019-04-27T19:29:54-04:00

Hes trying to decide between Combat Engineer and Fire Support Specialist. He is an Eagle Scout, in amazing physical shape and is a pretty good shot.

Response by MSG Frank Kapaun made Apr 27 at 2019 8:25 PM

2019-04-27T20:25:01-04:00

Tell him to go for the gusto and put in an 18X packet and become a Special Forces soldier.

Response by SGT Ron Parrish made Apr 27 at 2019 8:30 PM

2019-04-27T20:30:21-04:00

Don't take things personal and keep a good attitude.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2019 8:33 PM

2019-04-27T20:33:59-04:00

Either MOS is fine. If I had it to do over again, I'd have gone to OCS. Take college classes as time allows (degrees can be earned online nowadays).

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2019 8:44 PM

2019-04-27T20:44:47-04:00

The best advice would be to go in with high personal standards for yourself. This can be through long and short term goals. Typically, unhappy Soldiers are those who have no sense of purpose. It is easy in big units to feel lost in the massive amount of people. Have goals for your career and conduct. Stay humble

Response by CAPT Douglas McDonald made Apr 27 at 2019 8:51 PM

2019-04-27T20:51:09-04:00

Go visit with fire department soon

Response by LTC Eugene Chu made Apr 27 at 2019 9:35 PM

2019-04-27T21:35:19-04:00

Visit http://www.goarmy.com to learn more about details and expectations of each MOS

Army Careers: Ways to Serve in the Army

Whether you’re interested in Army Reserve or Active Duty, there are many ways to serve in the Army. Explore the possible Army careers and contact an Army Recruiter.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Apr 27 at 2019 9:37 PM

2019-04-27T21:37:32-04:00

SPC James Anderson there are many posts about this on RP
- https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/i-am-about-to-become-an-apg-in-ait-which-is-a-small-leadship-role-what-does-it-take-to-become-a-good-leader
- https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/if-you-had-one-piece-of-advice-to-a-brand-new-private-what-would-you-say
- https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-can-i-as-a-new-soldier-coming-from-ait-make-a-good-transition-from-a-training-environment-to-my-first-duty-station
-

I am about to become an APG in AIT, which is a small leadship role. What does it take to become a...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2019 10:35 PM

2019-04-27T22:35:50-04:00

As a former Fire Suport Specialist/Forward Observer, I’d say its a very rewarding MOS. I recommend it. Although 12B, Combat Engineer is rewarding as well and that skills that will be taught can be used in the civilian world.

Response by SFC Javier CruzColon made Apr 27 at 2019 10:36 PM

2019-04-27T22:36:40-04:00

Im a former US Army Recruiter, Jumpmaster, Master Gunner. I will encourage him to get some specialization school like Military intelligence, computer specialists, cybersecurity... something more that he can used out of the military when he decided to leave the service or retire because fire support specialists or combat engineers the jobs are very limited to roadsides construction ....

Response by CPT Andrew Wright made Apr 27 at 2019 11:25 PM

2019-04-27T23:25:34-04:00

With respect to the Combat Engineers, a well trained Fire Support Specialist is a force multiplier. I was always glad to have then with our unit. From your description is sounds like he will do well no matter what he decides on. Best of luck!

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2019 1:45 AM

2019-04-28T01:45:45-04:00

Join the Air Force. We are treated better to do alot of the jobs, and we can actually use our training to write off college credits and use our jobs directly in the civilian world. Also, there’s alot more fat people in the army than Air Force

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2019 6:17 AM

2019-04-28T06:17:18-04:00

The Army is what you make it.Nothing to complain about unless you told no you can't go do something that the Army does allow if you have permission

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Apr 28 at 2019 6:33 AM

2019-04-28T06:33:46-04:00

Both jobs are respectable, Fire Support sounds right for what you desribe of him. FS can go liie or heavy Artillery, RANGER AND special Forces easier than the other later on should he choose. Tell him to follow orders, live the Army values and be ready and willing to take on the hard tasks. Thank you for your service.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 28 at 2019 1:59 PM

2019-04-28T13:59:40-04:00

Can he get a ROTC scholarship?

Response by SGM Ronald Cheatom made Apr 28 at 2019 2:37 PM

2019-04-28T14:37:01-04:00

Take advantage, and travel as much as you can. Go to every, and any schools you can. The more you know, the more valuable you are. Ears and eyes, always open, mouth closed.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2019 3:05 PM

2019-04-28T15:05:33-04:00

Not Army-specific, but that he'll get out of it what he puts in.

Response by SGT Christopher Robinson made Apr 28 at 2019 4:48 PM

2019-04-28T16:48:21-04:00

I was a 12b/21b I loved it

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2019 6:51 AM

2019-04-29T06:51:48-04:00

Tell him to try out for the 75th Ranger Regiment which is the most lethal special operations unit. Great opportunity for unparalleled schooling and training. He will get to deploy more than in any other unit to combat to fight for our nation

Response by 1SG Eddie Smith made Apr 29 at 2019 11:18 AM

2019-04-29T11:18:09-04:00

Go to as many military and civilian schools as possible, for those that may stay in the military longer than one period of service—diversity of assignment is a must, i.e. do not stay in one position or duty station for more than two to three years and then seek to move on to another assignment. I spent a little over half of my 29-year military career in various "overseas" assignments and deployments; incredible experience!

Response by SFC Don Ward made Apr 29 at 2019 11:23 AM

2019-04-29T11:23:18-04:00

Keep his nose clean, take all the schooling he can get, and get out and explore when he can.

Response by PO1 Fred Anderson made Apr 29 at 2019 1:59 PM

2019-04-29T13:59:25-04:00

Join the Air Force instead.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2019 4:11 PM

2019-04-29T16:11:48-04:00

Whatever he picks he should remember that he will have a life after he serves, be it 4 or 30 years. Best to get a skill he can use on the outside.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2019 8:54 PM

2019-05-06T20:54:52-04:00

Yeah don't.

Response by Kimberly Holmes made May 20 at 2019 9:14 AM

2019-05-20T09:14:37-04:00

My daughter is Fort Sill right now and my husband has 20 yrs in. I can say that the 13F is intense and many young strong guys love it. It's a real deal, no joke, tough as hell Army MOS,. Highly respected but very hard. An eagle scout in great shape should do well.

Response by SGT Glen Wright made May 1 at 2020 7:14 PM

2020-05-01T19:14:28-04:00

Tell him to go in knowing what he wants or the Army will decide for him and it may not be what is actually best for him. Have him think past the Army. He may just be getting started but time is going to fly by and he could very well get hurt and will need skills to apply to the civilian world if that does happen. I would also to tell him to look at the Army as a service and not something that will pay him through a fat paycheck but more through services (GI Bill, Healthcare, Tuition Reimbursements, Certifications, Leadership experiences) for him to be a better citizen. Last but not least I would tell him to enjoy it, enjoy the shitty days, enjoy the rough deployments because that’s just the Army! I hope this helps!

Response by SPC Donn Sinclair made May 2 at 2020 10:12 AM

2020-05-02T10:12:11-04:00

Forget everything anyone tells you about "how things really are" in the Army. Your experience will be unique despite being surrounded by many people in the same boat, (no pun), as you. Don't be surprised if your outlook on the Army changes more than once, especially during basic training. Don't get discouraged, you'll make it.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2020 12:17 PM

2020-05-02T12:17:07-04:00

Continue to improve yourself. Always have a plan to get out at the end of each enlistment. Have fun and don't be afraid to get out when you're done.

Response by SSG John Jensen made Apr 27 at 2021 9:49 PM

2021-04-27T21:49:22-04:00

line from 'Mary Poppins' - in every job there is to be done, there is an element of fun, it's up to you to find the way!

Response by CPT David Tanner made Dec 7 at 2023 3:12 PM

2023-12-07T15:12:42-05:00

I loved being a combat engineer. Recommend heavy equipment operator engineer. Eagle Scout might give 1 stripe. Sign up for 6 years and you get 2 stripes. Have him do 20 years if he can. Great job, benefits, and medical for life for self and family.

Response by SMSgt Billy Cesarano made Dec 17 at 2023 2:35 PM

2023-12-17T14:35:56-05:00

If he is planning on serving at least 20 years, either is a great choice. Less than that, I would recommend Combat Engineer. The skills and knowledge can easily lead to careers in civil engineering and construction/demolition etc. Properly adapted, Fire Support Specialist can lead to great opportunities in civilian careers in rocketry and space industries. Both are physically demanding which can take a toll after many years if the rank progression doesn't keep pace with the bodily degradation. Rank progression requires one to take charge of their future by being the best of the best, Knowing and applying the KSA's of the advanced position, maximizing points, being ahead of testing and course requirements and waiting only on time-in-service.

Response by SSG Stephen Belschner made Jan 6 at 2024 2:38 PM

2024-01-06T14:38:37-05:00

i would suggest a fire support specialist, we need good men there. i pick that because i hope we never see another war, and war is a waste of human lives. i was an eagle scout and i went to war to protect our freedom for south vietnam. we did win the war but our president at that time , thought different.

Response by MSG Steve Jones made Jan 17 at 2024 9:46 PM

2024-01-17T21:46:43-05:00

Do yourself a favor and be in very good physical condition. Be prepared to take orders. Be a leader versus a follower.

Response by MSgt Sandra Pepe made Feb 23 at 2024 6:06 PM

2024-02-23T18:06:32-05:00

Join the Air Force

Response by CPT Edward Baker made Feb 27 at 2024 4:23 PM

2024-02-27T16:23:54-05:00

The best advice that I can give, is to go with a career that has the benefit of translating to civilian employment. The military is a great place to be but at the same time there are benefits of moving from the Military to the civilian side of the military. There are also benefits in a career that can move to the Warrant Officer side of the military. Like in civilian life, choosing a career that has the most benefits, in the long term, can be extremely rewarding.

Response by SSG Steve Knox made Feb 28 at 2024 6:50 PM

2024-02-28T18:50:42-05:00

He is doing something very few people choose the honor of doing. Stand tall future warrior. My advice, learn to take orders well, live the Army values every day of your military life and in due time, lead well those who follow under your leadership by setting a good example for them to follow. When you leave the service, these values will follow you.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Feb 28 at 2024 7:24 PM

2024-02-28T19:24:11-05:00

The young soldiers who impressed me most had a great attitude and wanted to constantly learn their trade. Their attitudes determined their habits, and habits define a person.

Response by SFC Jerry Meza made Feb 28 at 2024 7:56 PM

2024-02-28T19:56:36-05:00

After serving in both 12 series (combat engineer) and also 13 series, I would suggest combat engineer due to more versatility, upward movement in rank, increased nation-building missions along with other combat missions that may arise, and finally an MOS that is practical once out of the military. Nothing wrong with 13 series MOS as I enjoyed my time and learned much, but engineers are a different breed and can pivot more on missions whether overseas or here in the states. If your son is very motivated then possibly obtain Sapper school slot.

Hope this helps and good luck to your son.

Response by 1SG Dean Mcbride (MPER) (CPHR) made Feb 29 at 2024 8:52 AM

2024-02-29T08:52:56-05:00

Have him look into OCS... Officer's pay is better along with all the perks that go along with the higher ranks. I also agree with MSG Frank Kapaun After putting on your Butter Bars, look into SF qualifications...

Response by SGT James Murphy made Feb 29 at 2024 10:42 AM

2024-02-29T10:42:01-05:00

My GrandSon Went for Combat Engineer.

Response by CSM Bob Stanek made Mar 4 at 2024 8:58 AM

2024-03-04T08:58:05-05:00

Each soldier determines their path as its laid out before him. His ASAB scores will help better define his career and give him more options, in y opinion, He'll probably have more options as a combat engineer than a FSS, but that can depend on his performance in the AIT part of training. Either way, good luck to him. Also, He shouldn't be afraid to volunteer for options when given a choice if he knows what those options are too.

Response by 1SG Marcus Whitfield made Mar 4 at 2024 3:33 PM

2024-03-04T15:33:11-05:00

Be all that he can, stay positive, seek self improvement classes/schools be where you are supposed to be early and in the proper uniform read the posted training schedule know as much as you can in advance, choose wisely who to follow in leadership positions ( not all leaders are squared away) .

Response by SSG Kenneth Weston made Mar 14 at 2024 2:27 PM

2024-03-14T14:27:55-04:00

Join the Air Force.

Response by SGT Justin Brothen made Mar 14 at 2024 10:19 PM

2024-03-14T22:19:38-04:00

Fist over combat engineer, always a star mos quick promotion. They build we destroy

Response by SP5 John Hien made Mar 27 at 2024 7:04 PM

2024-03-27T19:04:40-04:00

He only has to obey his drill sergeant, put up with some harassment, pay attention at the many classes he’ll attend, and learn the importance of becoming a team player…even with those he may not like or approve of.

Response by FN Billy Jones made Mar 27 at 2024 7:19 PM

2024-03-27T19:19:22-04:00

Don't do it

Response by SPC Matt Ovaska made Mar 28 at 2024 8:00 AM

2024-03-28T08:00:07-04:00

I'm sure your are proud of your son. You and your son should talk to a a few vets to find out what's going on in the military. The military can't find men that will join.

Response by Maj William Mitchell made Mar 28 at 2024 8:32 AM

2024-03-28T08:32:47-04:00

Whatever job he ends up in, give it 100%.

Response by SGT Evan McIntire made Mar 28 at 2024 9:18 AM

2024-03-28T09:18:22-04:00

Don't join, they've gone woke! Vietnam Veteran.

Response by CPL Bill V made Mar 28 at 2024 2:52 PM

2024-03-28T14:52:42-04:00

Get to the learning center and sign up for classes and any thing to advance your standing for rank. Plus also for collage and most of the time no cost or low cost.