Guardsmen, do you consider a civilian career that mirrors your MOS makes a better asset to your unit, or should a unit strive for variety?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 02:45:33 -0400

I know medics who are mailmen and police, and infantry who are mechanics and carpenters. Do you think that this kind of variety is an asset for a unit, or should a soldier focus solely on their intended skillset?

Response by LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU® made Jun 1 at 2015 3:00 AM

LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU® — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 03:00:53 -0400

It can be, but also good to diversify. I have an S6 guardsmen working for me as an IT guy because of his skillset, it definitely helps, especially if you are new to the civilian job force.

As you progress both in the civilian and military career, it is helpful to have a diverse background. Leaders will need this experience

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2015 8:14 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 20:14:38 -0400

It is certainly good for the unit. My MOS is combat engineer. I picked that when I enlisted because it would give me an experience I wouldn't be able to get on the civilian side. Then when I deployed I ended up getting used as a carpenter and electrician because of my civilian experience.

I think the question you should ask, is what will develop you more? And what are your goals? You aren't the company commander, the benefit of the company is above yours or my pay grade. What my job is, and what yours will be is developing and training soldiers. The first step in that process is training and developing yourself. Do you feel that you need a broader experience base? Do you need to zero in on a particular skillset and learn everything you can about it? Each person is different. I'm a jack of all trades. I know a little bit about a lot of crap. I believe that makes me a fairly rounded NCO. Others know a particular niche and know everything they can about that particular thing. What's your personality? What's your drive? What develops you the best will be in the long run best for you and your unit.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2015 11:57 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 11:57:55 -0400

Variety of the backgrounds of guard members is what makes them a unique asset to the military as a whole.

During UTA's (Unit Training Assemblies), training deployments and Real World deployments, that uniqueness stands out and contributes to the success of the mission at hand.

From my own experiences, the guard members are able to 'think outside the box' so to speak in coming up with solutions to issues that come up - due to the fact that they have a varied background of knowledge skillsets.

Many a time guard members came up with solutions to unexpected issues that 'regular active' members hadn't even thought of and/or considered due to the fact that they (usually) only have their MOS or AFSC knowledge to utilize for coming up solutions.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2015 11:58 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 11:58:59 -0400

I think the variety adds a lot to our formations. Guard units tend to be less dependent on support groups when they deploy because they have that varied background of experience at their disposal.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2015 12:07 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 12:07:31 -0400

Strive for variety, it helps out tremendously with DOMOPS, and when you are OCONUS and need to get something done where the regular chain either takes too long or can't provide you with what you want.

Having people who are carpenters, electricians, medics, lawyers, and construction workers pretty much covers a unit for anything that can come up.

I know I have slept far more comfortably overseas than I would have if I had relied upon the ordering system instead of my people who are carpenters on the outside.

Response by CW2 James Krych made Jun 3 at 2015 1:06 PM

CW2 James Krych — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 13:06:03 -0400

As an IT Signal Warrant, we had an advantage over our active counterparts as we had warrants who did all of their IT MOS in the civilian sector as well. For the IT field, it would be vital.

Response by 1LT A. Uribe made Jun 3 at 2015 1:15 PM

1LT A. Uribe — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 13:15:09 -0400

I think that most guardsmen and reservists are better off since it breaks the monotony from everyday life. At least it works for me.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2015 1:28 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 13:28:06 -0400

Every Soldier brings special skills to my unit. I appreciate that in our Drill Sergeant ranks I have electricians, school teachers, linguists, carpenters, and even a financial rep. Theses jobs and skills help us as a team. If I had 100 guys that all had the same jobs on the civilian side that would really limit what I am able to do and how much that we can help each other.

The more skills that you gain and practice the better. The military will train you in one skillset, why not learn another in your civilian occupation?

COL V

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2015 1:40 PM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 13:40:38 -0400

While deployed to Afghanistan I had members of my team that brought a variety of civilian skill sets with them; most were completely separate from their military rate (MOS). We had mechanics, computer ITs, constructions folks, even a banker. This made our ability to overcome obstacles we encountered much easier and allowed us to be more self sufficient. Gotta love the Reserves!!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2015 1:52 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 13:52:23 -0400

I am a reservist now, have been for a few years my mos is a 25U and my civilian job is a cell phone tower engineer. With that being said I think both fields help each other out and make me stronger at both. I don't think you really have to match your civilian and mos up, but I do know it helps and I wouldnt be half the commo guy I am today if it weren't for climbing cell towers and integrating cell phone networks

Response by CPT Dave Dillon made Jun 3 at 2015 1:55 PM

CPT Dave Dillon — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 13:55:36 -0400

I am a PR professional in my full time job and was an infantry officer detailed to public affairs in the Guard. It was an asset both directions for me.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2015 2:00 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 14:00:58 -0400

I think my career as an IT Professional makes me a better asset to my unit than if I were doing something on the civilian side that is related to my MOS (91F - Small Arms/Artillery Repair). As a reservist with limited opportunity to train in my MOS, our drill weekends have a lot of other tasks that relate to organizational capabilities, death-by-powerpoint training, and helping out in other areas. I'm in a small detachment separated from the main unit by a couple hours drive, so keeping the lines of communication open (email, text, phone, interwebs, etc) becomes pretty key to completing our BA tasks for the month.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2015 2:07 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 14:07:39 -0400

Lord, it is an asset. Im in an engineering unit and we have some soldiers who work in their skill sets which is great because they completely know the ins and out of how to build/run machinery etc... But, divercity gives the ability to jump in and talk to different units and get things done because of social skills and civilian experiences. We have the ability to think quick on our feet and get things done fast and right the first time.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2015 2:09 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 14:09:57 -0400

Good afternoon,
I definitely think one must branch out and become a jack of all trades yet still maintain mastery of one. I got off active duty in 2010 and floated around learning new skills until I found my niche. I now focus on IT Project Management/Functional Lead and am loving what I am doing. God Bless

Response by SFC Russell (Butch) Lupkes made Jun 3 at 2015 2:17 PM

SFC Russell (Butch) Lupkes — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 14:17:41 -0400

I believe that it is an asset both ways. if your civilian and military are the same skills you are able to your job at the highest level of effectiveness, on the other hand if you civilian and military jobs are different you have the best of both worlds you bring more assets to both careers. being good at more than one specific skills set is always great news for you ever you are working with or for.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2015 2:20 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 14:20:18 -0400

It depends on what you're qualified for. I'm an intelligence analyst, so I took an intelligence job on the civilian side. I think that my civilian job experience would enhance my military experience and give me the knowledge to mentor junior intelligence soldiers.

Of course, I'm out now, but were I to go back into the military, I would certainly use my civilian-side experience to help my soldiers become better intel analysts, and to provide the commander better analysis.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2015 2:21 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 14:21:31 -0400

I think it's good to have both. The soldiers that have similar civilian careers can share that experience with others in the unit in a directly applicable way, and the soldiers that have civilian careers that don't directly relate will also find ways of applying that experience in their military careers. As I have deployed with my unit over the years, I have always felt that our diversity of backgrounds and skills was a key enabler and possibly an advantage over many similar active component units.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2015 2:32 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 14:32:02 -0400

Yes. I am an infantry squad leader, and in my civilian life I am a Fleet Service Agent for American Airlines. One job complement the other, and my military skills and leadership experience helps me in my day to day basis.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2015 2:42 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 14:42:20 -0400

I started out thinking I'd choose an MOS that would benefit my civilian career, then found out it's much better to pick an MOS that gives you a break by doing something really fun on the reserve side.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2015 2:50 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 14:50:38 -0400

Nope, this is why we are self sustainable when in country. A lot of different talents to contribute to the success of the unit and mission on hand. If you take a line haul unit, and that's all those people know. And your generator craps out. You are stuck waiting on someone else. We as guardsmen rarely have to wait on someone else to take care of a issue for us

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2015 2:57 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 14:57:05 -0400

I am an 88M and a stay at home mom. I did have my massage therapy license but after my third child I decided to be a stay at home mom.

My husband was 11B when he joined and worked as a baker. Right before he became an 88M he started a carpentry apprenticeship and now works as a carpenter for a local school district.

A small handful of my soldiers who are also 88M are civilian truck drivers. While the military can prepare you for a civilian career, ultimately if you crave diversity and doing something different than what you do in the military, then go that route. :)
That's what's nice about being in the guard. You get to be apart of both worlds being a citizen soldier. You can follow any dreams you have now for your civilian size.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2015 3:13 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 15:13:33 -0400

In today's economy the guard doesn't always have the opportunity to pick and choose, but I would say no. I'm a social worker earning my Psy.d. In counseling. I started as a tanker, had to change MOS's to infantry to deploy with the 37th IBCT (OHARNG), then I moved and became an MP/IR. no matter what job any of my soldiers have I believe one should make you better at the other.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2015 3:36 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 15:36:09 -0400

I think for the job satisfaction of the guardsman it helps to have variety and it adds possible different perspectives which can also be a strength. On the other hand having a medic who is also in the medical field in his civilian career that can be a plus too. The answer is...it could go either way.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2015 3:42 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 15:42:46 -0400

I'm a Reservist, not a Guardsman, but the principle remains. It isn't necessary, but it can be a great help if you do the same thing in the Reserve components as you do in civilian life. It makes it a little bit easier to balance the two careers.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2015 3:54 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 15:54:00 -0400

It really depends what you like. Most don't want to burn the candle at both ends. If you spend all your time as a civilian Police Officer, to come in and be an MP might be consuming. Same goes for any MOS. I work with DoD Civilians and Mil-Techs who have different MOS's than their civilian job, when both jobs are in the same unit, just for that reason.
I think it also gives you a better opportunity for personal growth.

Some jobs, like being a Doctor, then to carry over better to both.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2015 4:02 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 16:02:16 -0400

When I've spoken to ac commanders I've always heard that the guards and reserves diversity in work experience is what makes then a force multiplier.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Jun 3 at 2015 4:09 PM

CPT Pedro Meza — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 16:09:29 -0400

Having an MOS that mirrors civilian occupation within specialty fields like medical, legal, firefighter, mechanical, MP/law enforcement, etc is more beneficial for all involved that being the service person, the civilian employer and the unit/service. Look at it as being a Subject Matter Expert that works in the subject matter and continuous with the educational updates withing the subject as well as the addition of new technologies to that field. The question to you who do you want fixing the brakes of your car or better yet removing your appendix?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2015 4:18 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 16:18:56 -0400

I believe for certain jobs in the military mirroring it in the civilian side would be quite difficult I.e. (Infantry , cannon crew operator) because where are you going to find similar employment outside the military? I'm a medic in the reserves and a volunteer firefighter/EMT and work as a PCT in a trauma/burn center on the civilian side I believe that makes me more of an asset as a medic getting more than just a weekend a month or less training in my career field because that's a perishable skill set

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Jun 3 at 2015 4:20 PM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 16:20:48 -0400

That depends on what you want. If you think you can be a COP and an MP, go for it,. It kinda gives you a break from the mundane. Work as a medic all week at work for 3 week and then go be a cook on the week end! or MP or infantry
.
.

Response by GySgt William Hardy made Jun 3 at 2015 4:28 PM

GySgt William Hardy — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 16:28:23 -0400

One of the assets the National Guard is the multi-talented workforce. The number of enlisted personnel who have college and advanced degrees is much higher than the active duty components. Soldiers get their MOS very early in their career, but in the NG it is not uncommon for a soldier to have multiple MOSs. Most everyone I know also has an MOS that is different from their civilian jobs.

I was a social studies teacher in civilian life but I was trained in telecommunications way back when I was on active duty. After joining the Guard, I worked in commo until it was decided I needed to join the S2 shop and I went off to intel school. Along the way I have also been and in NBC and spent a year in Iraq as the day-shift operations sergeant.

When I went to an intel class in Atlanta years ago, we had a SP4 who was a medical intern. I talked with with him and he said he really didn't want to be an Army doctor for now because he enjoyed the break and found intel work challenging. I never knew what happened to him later. Maybe he changed his mind when he could get a commission and extra pay as a doctor...who knows?

What I found unique when we arrived in Iraq in 2006, was that we had electricians, carpenters, plumbers, and other trades in our unit and we were able to upgrade our barracks without waiting for the contractors to come in to do the work. We had enough mechanics among our members that when we went out on a mission, the men were not worried about being stuck on the road. When we one of the guys received a test that required a certified teacher as a monitor, we were covered.

When our Commander needed jobs done, he looked to the enlisted group to help the 4 officers. Many of the enlisted men had BA and Master degrees and were well qualified to handle the work when the officers were out on missions.

To answer your question...No, it might help in some cases, but my experience was that it helped the unit to have people with a wide variety of backgrounds not working in their civilian fields.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2015 4:34 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 16:34:54 -0400

My career included 15 years in the Infantry, 8 in PSYOP, 5 in Intelligence and 3 in Armor. My civilian job was computers, first programming, then system administration. I'm not sure the Guard would have been as much fun as it was, if I had to do the same thing in uniform as I did in civvies. YMMV

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2015 4:40 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 16:40:16 -0400

I think it depends a lot on your MOS. For me being a medic it helps a lot to work in health care. It brings two worlds of knowledge together and allows me to be proficient at my job. Also, if you love something why not do it as much as you can! However, if you are a combat arms man, for example, it may be of great help to have a background as a mechanic.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2015 5:18 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 17:18:58 -0400

For me it is a catch 22. Personally I like to have it different, to give me something different to do when I'm on Army time. It was also great to have all this additional skills available on deployment as well.

However, for my soldiers, I prefer to have medics that do medical jobs and mechanics who work on vehicles in civilian life.

And my absolute favorite are my 68w who have civilian jobs far over there medics skills (Paramedics, nurses, physical therapy etc.) You can't be over trained!

Response by MSG Morgan Fiszel, CPCM, CFCM made Jun 3 at 2015 5:20 PM

MSG Morgan Fiszel, CPCM, CFCM — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 17:20:38 -0400

It depends on the unit but for the most part, yes. If you are enlisted into a medic slot the army needs you to be a good medic, not a good carpenter. Units that have a variety of needs have a variety of slots / MOSs

Response by SFC Richard Browne made Jun 3 at 2015 6:09 PM

SFC Richard Browne — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 18:09:14 -0400

Definitely an asset. It helps the unit and its leaders think outside the box for solutions when you have soldiers from different backgrounds.

For example, in Kuwait in 1991, it was a former oil field roughneck to told his superiors that they could shutdown a lot of the oil wellhead fires just by closing a certain valve. That was incredibly useful knowledge that a normal line doggie might not know ... and the leadership definitely hadn't thought about it.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2015 6:29 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 18:29:12 -0400

In technical or high liability MOS. I'd say an asset. Often times civilian career in same field is light years ahead of military

Response by SSG Buddy Kemper made Jun 3 at 2015 6:34 PM

SSG Buddy Kemper — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 18:34:07 -0400

After Active Duty Infantry, I found law enforcement very familiar and rewarding. It made me a better Guardsman also I think. Interesting question. Thanks for your service.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2015 7:01 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 19:01:38 -0400

Having been prior Active Duty, I believe that is one of the Guard's best assets. We are a group of soldiers who must perform many diverse tasks and having a soldier who is very experienced in a particular task helps greatly. I do, however, believe that having at least one SM who's profession mirror's their MOS is also a great advantage.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2015 7:32 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 19:32:07 -0400

I am a police officer in an air defense unit. I do believe diversity in jobs can be a good thing. Everyone brings something to the table and contributes something to the unit. One of our guys was a diesel mechanic and was in the air defense community. I am consulted when it comes to training for assisting law enforcement during response to hurricanes or natural disasters.

Response by CMSgt Gary Lanham made Jun 3 at 2015 7:47 PM

CMSgt Gary Lanham — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 19:47:21 -0400

I came out of a telecommunications engineering and installation unit. Most of the traditional Guardsmen worked for the phone company (SBC/AT&T) they were more current on the MOS (AFSC) technology than their active duty counterparts. Rumor has it when they deployed to the bad places they "borrowed" company equipment because it was more state of the art. They company patriotically looked the other way. It was all good.

Response by SSG(P) Matthew Bisbee made Jun 3 at 2015 7:51 PM

SSG(P) Matthew Bisbee — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 19:51:33 -0400

National Guard and Reserve units should strive for a diversity in their service members' civilian employment. Not only does this bring a greater diversity of skills that can enhance the unit's mission capabilities, but can also add a diversity in the way the unit members approach a problem.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2015 7:57 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 19:57:50 -0400

It can be good for both. It's great to have both careers aligned because it keeps Soldiers tuned in to their jobs on and off the battlefield. On the flip side, it's great to have to Soldiers that bring an extra skill to the fight due to heir civilian job. Who doesn't want a civilian carpenter or electrician in their unit down range when you have handy man job that need to be done and the contractors arent reliable.

Response by CW2 Timothy Slaght made Jun 3 at 2015 8:10 PM

CW2 Timothy Slaght — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 20:10:22 -0400

Clearly it is an advantage to have expertise in several areas to ensure things can get done when certain support is unavailable.
I find it difficult to maintain my military expertise due to my civilian career which requires me to spend much of my spare time maintaining my civilian skills studying, researching, and reading.
As a Warrant Officer in a skill that does not allow for a lot of actual practice on the reserve side, it is just difficult to keep my skills fresh as I would like them to be.

Response by SSG Aaron Allen made Jun 3 at 2015 8:14 PM

SSG Aaron Allen — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 20:14:38 -0400

If you are just out of high school your AIT will give you training you can use this to get started. After you get your feet under you and start learning more branching out to new jobs can give you real world knowledge that the active component won't have . I have worked in many fields and I have learn from all of them witch gives me more experience that can be used in many way on the battle field . Some job just don't transfer over to civ life but you can use what you know in both worlds

Response by LTC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2015 8:58 PM

LTC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 20:58:02 -0400

I always encourage my soldiers to do what they enjoy on the civilian side, as a commander of an infantry unit we dont had an equivalent on the civilian side. Most of my soldier picked the infantry to do something different on the weekend.

Response by SSG Jeff Lewis made Jun 3 at 2015 9:51 PM

SSG Jeff Lewis — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 21:51:10 -0400

Well, one problem is my MOS was 11C, and not a lot of mortar jobs on the civilian side. If your MOS is similar to a civilian job, the problem there would be military standards to civilian standards. Short cuts that are options for civilian employees may not meet or match military training standards. I think the mix is good, and if someone is a police officer on the civilian side, a break from that is probably welcome.

Response by SPC James Allen made Jun 3 at 2015 11:04 PM

SPC James Allen — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 23:04:00 -0400

Simple: variety. While deployed the Guard unit I was a member of always asked by the Big Army if we had any other skill sets. This is a big advantage that allows the Guard to be a much more adaptive to the mission.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2015 11:16 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 23:16:53 -0400

It is the RC so I say it is at the individual soldiers discretion.

Response by MSgt Aaron Brite made Jun 3 at 2015 11:27 PM

MSgt Aaron Brite — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 23:27:47 -0400

In my experience the variety of skill sets enriches the unit and provides a counterbalance to the "static" careers of most ANG full timers. That allows the unit to have a full time force of "rigid" AFSC people to anchor the flexibility and skill variety of the traditional members. The whole is more capable than the parts.

Personally it keeps me from going batty having two separate careers, or as I say a job and a hobby.

Response by SPC Joel Quey made Jun 3 at 2015 11:30 PM

SPC Joel Quey — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 23:30:56 -0400

When my Reserve unit deployed to Kuwait, there were definitely instances where having civilian expertise outside of our MOS allowed us to bring more knowledge to the table than we otherwise would have.

Response by SGT Liz Georges made Jun 4 at 2015 8:34 AM

SGT Liz Georges — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 08:34:29 -0400

I believe it's truly MOS and unit dependent. Speaking strictly from the medical side, having a well-rounded civilian force strengthened my unit on deployment. Since many of us worked in the field on the civilian side, we were used to providing a higher level of patient care. Many of our medics, a patient admin, and a dental tech have since gone on to med school and nursing school, so we boast doctors and RNs among our ranks. But they took their jobs seriously on deployment and learned a lot. But then, one of our medics is a mechanic for UPS so she ran our motor pool. One of our cooks, unnecessary in country, is an IT guy in the civilian sector, so he networked our TMC along with our TOC, Supply shed, and housing. When we first arrived in country our command, of course an active duty brigade, believed we were going to be jacked up because we were Guardsmen. It didn't take long before they adopted many of our policies and actually apologized for underestimating us.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2015 9:53 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 09:53:57 -0400

After 21 years of being an Engineer on both sides I can say it has definitely benefited me, and I'd like to think it has benefited the Army.

I've had many of my contemporaries tell me they consider me to be the prototype Engineer officer because I have the experience and ability to take on and solve complicated construction problems (skills gained largely from the private sector), yet I also have no issues performing in a combat engineer role. I have no regrets.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2015 10:55 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 10:55:42 -0400

I think it depends on preference. Personally, as a mental health worker, I hate not being able to use my skills to help soldiers, particularly because I rarely, if ever, do any 42A duties. However, I know people that prefer to break it up with a job different from their MOS.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2015 11:56 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 11:56:01 -0400

Depends upon the unit. A MP Company would be better served with Soldiers who have some civilian law enforcement background - the same going for a medical unit. A unit that does not depend upon a specialized skill set would be better off with personnel who have a diverse background. It also depends upon the Soldier as well. I know people who perform a completly different military job than their civilian job because it offers a change of pace, variety and the chance to do something different.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2015 12:06 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 12:06:08 -0400

http://archive.militarytimes.com/article/20140804/NEWS04/308040019/In-supersecret-cyberwar-game-civilian-sector-techies-pummel-active-duty-cyberwarriors

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2015 1:49 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 13:49:02 -0400

As far as I am concerned, a reservist's or guardsman's civilian job doesn't matter as long as the serviceman is competent at his military one.

That being said, I am a reservist Aircraft Avionics Technician, and in the civilian world I am Quality Assurance for aircraft manufacturing. Because thw latter focuses more on structure than systems, there is very little overlap between the two job's requirements outside of aircraft and a need for attention to detail. I do think my individual experience with each makes me better for the other job, if ever so slightly.

Response by MSgt David Roberson made Jun 4 at 2015 2:02 PM

MSgt David Roberson — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 14:02:48 -0400

Definitely in the early days of a career it is a benefit to have a similar civilian career to the military MOS/AFSC. Especially if it is a technical career field (such as comm, aircraft maintenance, vehicle maint, ect...) that keeps you up to date on knowledge. That way both reinforce the other.

Response by MSgt David Roberson made Jun 4 at 2015 2:05 PM

MSgt David Roberson — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 14:05:06 -0400

During an early part of a career it definitely can be an advantage. Especially in a technical career field (such as communications, vehicle maint, aircraft maint, ect....) so that one can keep up to date on advances. That way one reinforces the other.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2015 2:46 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 14:46:20 -0400

I am currently a 92A MOS-T Instructor/ Course Manager. My civilian job is a warehouse supervisor. My company uses SAP which does have some similarities to GCSS-Army. I use them each to enhance my skill in both my job and my unit. I think you need a balance of those who bring skills from other jobs as well as those who have a civilian job that is closely aligned with their MOS. This gives you some people who are subject matter experts, but it also gives you a variety of knowledge and experiences. Both are valuable to a unit, because it allows a unit to be more flexible and adaptable.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2015 6:41 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 18:41:34 -0400

I can speak for the medical side and say that, with a couple exceptions, civilian medical personnel generally see much more acute illness and injury than AD members do (outside a deployed setting), therefore having that civilian experience is a plus. I've seen the same for pilots, with Guard/Reserve pilots getting far more hours flying because of their jobs. Things like infantry have no civilian counterpart, so I don't think a civilian job makes much difference.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2015 8:20 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 08:20:18 -0400

One of the great things about the National Guard is that we have infantrymen that are mechanics and artillerymen that are carpenters and so on and so forth. Good NG leaders recognize this and use it to their advantage and overall mission accomplishment. I was a 91B for a long time and a mechanic in my civilian job, now that I am a 13B my chain of command sees my prior experience and I am the company master driver and I handle all the maintenance issues that come up during drill.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2015 1:37 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 13:37:01 -0400

Honestly, it all averages out in my experience. There are significant advantages either way. I can't really add to the already great comments found here.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2015 7:15 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 19:15:34 -0400

I'm in a guard engineer company and i'm a mechanic there but on civilian side i'm an equipment operator. I personally believe the diversity makes for a stronger unit because were multitask soldiers. Operators who can fix equipment, mechanics that can operate, operators who are cops, plumbers cna's RN's, clerks, retail people, just to name a few.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2015 8:37 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 20:37:14 -0400

I think what makes the Guard so great is the variety of "hats" each Soldier wears. It means the Soldier can adapt to different types of situations better. Personally, had coming from Active Duty to the Guard, my civilian work is the same as my MOS (Warehouse, Inventory, ect).

Response by SSG Bill Ploof made Jun 5 at 2015 11:17 PM

SSG Bill Ploof — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 23:17:49 -0400

I spent 30 years in food service in the VT Guard. My civilian job was a Social Worker. I feel I was an asset to the unit. I don't think the soldier, should focus on their civilian career. Especially when you are in an artillery unit

Response by MAJ Montgomery Granger made Jun 8 at 2015 12:41 PM

MAJ Montgomery Granger — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 12:41:01 -0400

Insightful question, PFC Ward! Citizen Warriors are tremendous assets because they bring in other skills and enhanced skills to their MOS. Units are enriched and abilities upgraded due to professional commitment in and out of uniform. The value of Guard and Reserve soldiers to the U.S. Armed Forces cannot be overstated. The Enemy Prisoner of War unit I spent 9 years and three deployments with performed as effectively and efficiently as it did because so many of the troops had civilian law enforcement backgrounds. Invaluable.

Response by SP5 Rod Cross made Jun 10 at 2015 3:59 PM

SP5 Rod Cross — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 15:59:41 -0400

Diversity of skills sets is always a plus. The more that you bring to the table, the more valuable you are to an organization whether civilian or military.

Also by doing something completely different in the civilian sector from your job in the military, you find that you won't get as bored.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2015 5:34 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 17:34:18 -0400

Working paramedics are a great asset in a medical section of a unit. That's not meant to diminish the non medical working medics in my unit because they bring a lot to the unit as well. It is just nice to have medics drilling that can train others and be in the professional role when called upon.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2015 7:47 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 Jun 2015 07:47:06 -0400

Variety is good, although Medics I would rather see employed in their career field. That is the one job where I think they need all the practical exercise they can get.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2015 6:30 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 18:30:58 -0400

I know it helps me in both sides

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2015 3:26 PM

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 15:26:50 -0400

I think it brings good assets and skillets to the unit. I'm my reserve unit, we have cops, firemen, plumbers, IT, Marketing, Web design, etc. We all perform well as MPs but also contribute to the unit so we are pretty much self sustainable.

Response by SGT Carissa Lara, RCS made Jun 25 at 2015 4:30 PM

SGT Carissa Lara, RCS — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 16:30:47 -0400

I think it depends on the job. Take myself for example. I'm a Cardiovascular Specialist in the reserves. My civilian job only covers half of the skill set I'm expected to perform in my military MOS. The other half that I get very little to no practice on is cardiac catheterizations. If I mess up with a catheter or wire in someone's heart I could kill them. It's a scary thought. It try my best to keep those skills up on my own but it's not as good as being able to do it everyday.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2015 9:05 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 21:05:47 -0400

Do you know what parallel is??? That's how you should think about your life if you are in the reserve!!!

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2015 9:27 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 21:27:58 -0400

I feel that the unit should strive for a variety of soldiers. It can be a MAJOR asset. It can bring in outside views, beliefs, and expertise.

Response by SGT Glenn E Moody made Aug 4 at 2015 10:25 PM

SGT Glenn E Moody — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 22:25:00 -0400

yes i was a mechanic when i joined the guard that is what i joined for but i got stuck in the Infantry. as an Infantry man we ware out on an ambush mission we had a truck at the end of the training mission the truck would not start. so our PLT. LT. said we had to hump back to HQ. i said being a mechanic i said no SIR give me your K-BAR ill get it started.so he gave me his K-BAR i then told the driver to turn on the key i jumped the starter with the K-BAR and we had our ride back working the LT. said give your self an at o boy. so yes it is good to have other trades working together in a Infantry unit. or other units you never know what might happen. and i was also a carpenter to witch came in handy when digging in for the night it helped setting for cover & consealment