As a 25B, should I get out or reclassify?

2018-01-06T19:32:39-05:00

I'm a 25B wondering whether to get out or reclass? My ETS is 2019 Dec, so I'd have about four years of experience as my BNs Sysadmin. I have a TS/SCI that'll still be valid. My certs as of now include Sec+ and MCSA Win10. Working on some more, and hopefully promote to SGT this year, but I need to start deciding things and planning.

I'm thinking of getting out and taking my kin of 3 to Colorado.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Jan 6 at 2018 10:25 PM

2018-01-06T22:25:53-05:00

What brings you to consider getting out? What brings you to consider to reclassify? Do you like the Army?

Response by SN Greg Wright made Jan 7 at 2018 12:31 AM

2018-01-07T00:31:17-05:00

Only you can answer that definitively.

/thread

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2018 3:02 AM

2018-01-07T03:02:09-05:00

I think you have to look into existing employment oppertunities in Colorado and the immediate requirment of your skill set locally. Reach out ASAP to potential employeers and see how difficult it is to secure employment. If you are not locked in on a job, consider if you are willing to vacate your paycheck and benifits and how that will potentially impact your 3 kiddos. If there is a better oppertunity waiting on you, go for it. If you are just assuming your DD214 and clearance will open doors for you, I would play it safe. If you are currently hating going to formation everyday, maybe you should persue a reclass or at a minimum a new assignment. Sometimes all you need is a new set of challenges to master to stay engaged and progress. Maybe an overseas accompained tour with oppertunites to experience new things with your family will motivate your decision. Best of luck to you either way.

Response by MSG William Hesser made Jan 7 at 2018 12:37 PM

2018-01-07T12:37:07-05:00

You have the option of looking in the outside' world to see how many opportunities there are out there. If there aren't that many jobs with upward mobility available, then consider a change in the military by going to another school and getting another specialty.
In my own case, after a total of 28 years of military service, including my reserve time, I ended up with a 'bucket full' of MOS's. 11BP, 11HP, 05BP 31VP, 05BP, 31VP, 18B, 18E, 18Z to name a few. I am sure I missed a few. Over the years, I lost track of all of the training schools and MOS development schools I went to.
So, remember, that along with the 'Continuing Education' services available on Post, there are over 3,000 training schools available in the Army. So you may consider a change in MOS that will allow another 'hitch' that will give you a chance to get some more college under your belt that will give you a broader choice of jobs.
Either way, you can talk with your unit career counselor to try to play out our future.

Response by SFC Jorge Diaz Caro made Jan 7 at 2018 1:54 PM

2018-01-07T13:54:25-05:00

You can always get in to the reserves if you can get a good job. If your are unable to find a good job file for unemployment so you still have some sort of income.. MAKE SURE YOURE TAKING INTO ACOUNT EVERY SINGLE THING .DO NOT get your self into any financial bind.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2018 3:12 PM

2018-01-07T15:12:52-05:00

You should start looking into jobs in CO now and try to get net+ and whatever other cents you can grab. A friend in my last unit was a 25B and got a job doing the same thing in Alaska with the AF making some good money. He did have a ton of certain though. You need to decide what’s more important, family or Army.

Response by SPC Terry Helms made Jan 8 at 2018 8:11 AM

2018-01-08T08:11:33-05:00

I would look into warrant officer!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2018 10:20 AM

2018-01-08T10:20:21-05:00

(Former) 25B here. I just came back in as 09S to go the officer route and am going to try for Cyber or Signal. What would you be looking to reclass to? As others have said, only you can decide what is right for you, but from my experience, I think the idea of at least going Reserves or National Guard may be a good idea if you're unsure.

How marketable are you in the civilian side? Have you looked at jobs yet to see what you're qualified for? I think that's your first step. See what you could realistically apply for and get hired for, what your salary would be, etc. With four years exp, I'd think you'd be able to find something that pays pretty decently.

But it all boils down to what you're looking for with your life. I have been a software developer for the past 10 years, and have decided that the higher salary is great and all, but I don't get the fulfillment that I did in the military, so it is better for me right now to be satisfied with what I do. Everyone's situation is different. Maybe you've got some debt and need that higher salary. Or maybe you're just burnt out of military life.

I wish you luck in whatever you decide! But again, I'd suggest considering Reserves/Guard.

Response by SGT Amin Thrasher made Jan 9 at 2018 2:56 PM

2018-01-09T14:56:52-05:00

switch over to 17c which is a new cyber division that the army is going to. And don't get out until you have some Certs under your belt.

Response by SGT Darin Jenkins made Jan 20 at 2018 8:08 PM

2018-01-20T20:08:31-05:00

As a fellow 25 B I would tell you to stay in until you can complete your masters in computer science I learned the hard way in the civilian world the military certifications mean absolutely NOTHING. Stay in REENLIST. Get your masters.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2018 12:50 AM

2018-06-19T00:50:38-04:00

I am a reservist 25B & 25U. With 2 deployments, and 3 years active duty under my belt. And with my TS/SCI from the army, I work in the DoD as GS-11 IT Specialist (INFOSEC) for my civilian career. Just to give you an Idea for a different approach.

FYI,
US government jobs for IT Specialist (INFOSEC) is very hot right now.