What post-military careers would be good choices for those who are infantry?

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 16:30:48 -0400

I'd like to start out by saying, I plan on making a career out of the Army. But, stuff happens and things change, so I was wondering, since I'm going to be infantry, what would be good jobs outside of the military for me?

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2015 4:47 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 16:47:17 -0400

It depends, what are your hobbies? I hired a grunt to wash aircraft and later cross trained him to avionics. It mostly depends on your capacity and willingness to train in another proficiency.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Jul 6 at 2015 5:20 PM

SGT Richard H. — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 17:20:48 -0400

Anything if you play it smart. When I got out I landed a low paying, crappy mechanic job based on about 20% experience, 20% creativity, and 60% BS. Within a couple of years I was a lead mechanic, then in a couple more I was leading a construction crew, and then almost a dozen construction crews. Now I'm a division manager with responsibility for about 75% of my company and a pretty nice compensation package. The Infantry didn't teach me a thing specific to what I do, but it taught me a ton about adapting, improvising, working toward objectives, and most importantly...leading.

Response by PO1 Dustin Adams made Jul 6 at 2015 5:42 PM

PO1 Dustin Adams — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 17:42:02 -0400

College Student, and intern in your field of interest.

Response by SGT Jeremiah B. made Jul 6 at 2015 5:42 PM

SGT Jeremiah B. — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 17:42:09 -0400

There are no real direct external applications to infantry that pay well (aside from merce..I mean, "Contractor"). That doesn't mean anything though. Get your education, develop your leadership and problem-solving skills and do stuff on the side when you can. "Transferable skills" are very valuable when you have some education and history.

Response by SGT Terry Ryan made Jul 6 at 2015 6:26 PM

SGT Terry Ryan — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 18:26:49 -0400

Don't think the mob has applications!!!!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2015 6:40 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 18:40:48 -0400

I've heard some Infantry guys go the police officer route sometimes

Response by SFC Nikhil Kumra made Jul 6 at 2015 6:58 PM

SFC Nikhil Kumra — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 18:58:12 -0400

It will apply to ANYTHING you get your degree in. Somewhat directly too. You'll figure it out. Quit worrying about that stuff, become an expert at being an infantryman. Everything else will follow.

Response by SP6 Scott Elam made Jul 6 at 2015 7:49 PM

SP6 Scott Elam — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 19:49:57 -0400

Just as with 19d cavalry scout as it has been my experience, the civilian market offers nothing for combat arms mos's. Except security guard type positions. I was given a job at Tyson under their camouflage to khaki program for management experience gained I'm the military. but I think that was more for their public relations. Sure,they'll hire a VET, but they'll want you to move place to place to place. And each place you go, there is no guarantee that they'll want to keep you. So if you want to go back to say Florida, and they hired and moved you to Nebraska, and let you go from there for some reason, then you're on your own getting back. But combat arms jobs in the civilian market is a nightmare. Be wise and use your education benefits offered to you and create your own destiny to write your own ticket

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2015 8:19 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 20:19:15 -0400

Security would be good. If only the transitioning provided licensed certification for all states for both armed and unarmed poditions!

Or how about entry level law enforcement. With garanteed placement into open positions!

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Jul 7 at 2015 2:49 PM

COL Jean (John) F. B. — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 14:49:27 -0400

PVT Private RallyPoint Member - High-end paramilitary security at national defense sites. Hard to get on with, but a very good job with a great salary and benefits.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2015 3:57 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 15:57:17 -0400

PVT Baxter,
One of the common tools I provide to my soldiers in counseling sessions when my soldiers inquire about jobs and positions in the civilian workforce that relate to their military MOS's is http://www.armypays.com. Once the homepage opens click on Current Partners on the left and then List of Pay Partners and start surfing for corporations and jobs that appeal to you.

Army PaYS

This site best viewed at a screen resolution of 1024 X 768 pixels or higher. To change your resolution go to Start Menu/Settings/Control Panel/Display/Settings. Please disable any browser pop-up blocker, turn Compatibility View off and insure Adobe Flash Player has been installed. For additional help call 502-613-1222 or email usarmy.knox.hqda-asa-mra.mbx.payshelpdesk@mail.mil.The presence of logos, URLs or other information identifying...

Response by SGT Mike Rudd made Jul 7 at 2015 6:31 PM

SGT Mike Rudd — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 18:31:03 -0400

Security, TSA , homeland security , border patrol and a lot more just contact your veterans rep at the employment center in your city your going to live and you could check out job opp. For the gov. USA jobs dot com. It doesn't matter if your infantry you can pick what ever you want and apply for it . A lot of places want you because your military experience. Just go for it!!! I hope I helped!

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2015 7:11 AM

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 07:11:55 -0400

I have found that being infantry opens few doors in the civilian world. Most of my friends have become truck drivers or went to the oil field or became a gym rat. However, being infantry, your leadership skills are much stronger than a civilian who has not been in the military and it is noticed. Police and government agencies look for that quality and welcome you with open arms. So I suggest going into law enforcement somewhere or go federal and join the DEA or something along those lines. Or find civilian contractors like black water and go back overseas.

Response by CPT Ahmed Faried made Jul 20 at 2015 3:39 PM

CPT Ahmed Faried — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 15:39:04 -0400

Infantry isn't as limiting as others say it is when it comes to pursuing a civilian job. But to properly answer your question I'd have to ask you if you plan on pursuing some advanced degree? BA, BS, etc. It all can add to your attraxctiveness to potential head hunters.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2015 5:14 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 17:14:05 -0400

Security specialist, Law Enforcement. Any of the Federal Agencies, just get your degree. Teach High School JROTC, Personal Trainer. Military training goes along way if you aply it correctly.

Response by SP5 Michael Cates made Jul 20 at 2015 9:47 PM

SP5 Michael Cates — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 21:47:00 -0400

Any EDUCATION THAT YOU CAN GET IN GENERAL AND THAT MEANS ALL ALL ALL FROM PT TO BEING IN THAT LINE UP ON TIME OR EARLY NEVER NEVER NEVER LATE! KEEP YOUR STUFF IN ORDER YOUR STUFF AND IF YOU CAN HELP ANOTHER FINE BUT GIVE IT SOME THOUGHT BEFORE YOU MAKE A SUGGESTION! SO IT IS NOT TAKEN THE WRONG WAY! ALWAYS TRY AND DO MORE THAT YOU ARE ASKED TO DO!!! KEEP YOUR EYES AND EARS OPEN ALL THE TIME!!! YOU WILL ALWAYS TRY AND BE THE BEST EVEN THOUGH YOU MAY NOT END UP FIRST!!!! THESE WILL TAKE YOU A LONG WAY IN THE ARMY AND IN CIVIALIAN LIFE!!! I WAS ALWAYS WATCHING AND LISTENING TO THE OFFICERS IN THE STATES AND VIETNAM! LEARNED LIFE LESSONS FROM ONE CPT. WIDFELT THAT I HAVE USED OVER AND OVER AGAIN AS THE OWNER OF BROADWAY GYMNASTIC SCHOOL IN LOS ANGELES, CA. OVER THE LAST 30 SOME YEARS AND COUNTING!!! BUT BUT BUT THERE WERE OTHERS THAT I LEARNED WHAT NOT TO DO IN MILITARY LIFE OR CIVILIAN! HOPE THIS HELPS YOU!!!!