Hello all. I'm a 91E Allied Trade Specialist (Machinist & Welder). Should I re-up or stay in?

2015-12-12T19:26:51-05:00

I have a secret clearance & my mos is over strengthened. My only options right now is to stay at my unit, which I don't or needs of the army. This would be my first re-up & I'm about 11 months from my ets.
I've been told I can make good money out side the army. Which is really important, I have a family of 5.
I'm very interested in staying with the government, maybe DoD?
I haven't been through ACAP, either.
Suggestions & advice please!?

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Dec 12 at 2015 7:33 PM

2015-12-12T19:33:50-05:00

SGT Private RallyPoint Member I would stay in and seek and explore other opportunities. Have you thought about going Officer. Follow your heart. I am glad I stayed in 25 years later, I am thankful for what the military provided for me and my family.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2015 7:40 PM

2015-12-12T19:40:07-05:00

Only you and your family can make this decision. What are your career goals and do you have the required skills and education for these goals? Since you have 11 months, you have time to see about jobs outside the Army. I would consider the needs of your family as a big part of your decision. I would recommend that you continue your education in the field of your choosing.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Dec 12 at 2015 7:45 PM

2015-12-12T19:45:41-05:00

SGT Private RallyPoint Member I'll let currently-serving members speak to staying in or not, but I'll say this: you can't count on 'I was told'. Yes, welders make a lot of money in the civilian world...but that doesn't mean that YOU will get a job in a time frame that doesn't hurt you financially. So keep that in mind. If you DO decide to go that route, start looking right now. Like, literally, tomorrow. Don't wait.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2015 8:02 PM

2015-12-12T20:02:52-05:00

My suggestion is to go to ACAP. You have no clue about the civilian world yet.
This isn't the kind of question you ask other people, it's something you determine yourself and start planning for a year out.

Response by SGT Patrick Reno made Dec 12 at 2015 8:21 PM

2015-12-12T20:21:04-05:00

Joe, there is a big demand for your field depending on location. I have been a Maint. supervisor in the timber industry for over 20 years. Where do you want to live? Do you want to work out on the road away from home? or do you want to work for a large manufatuer?

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Dec 12 at 2015 8:31 PM

2015-12-12T20:31:15-05:00

SPC Munoz, Do a lot of research. Exceptional, gifted, overtime hound welders can make a lot of $. OVERTIME is a requirement for the big$. You would undoubtedly require additional schooling and certification courses. Those take time and cost $!

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2015 9:23 PM

2015-12-12T21:23:50-05:00

SGT Private RallyPoint Member a couple things to consider.
1-shop health/dental insurance for a family your size
2-research where you want to live and use a site like bankrate.com to compare current and projected cost of living.

A higher salary does not always equal more money in your pocket. For example, I'm transitioning and was researching a job in NYC with a nice looking salary but found out I need to make 95% more than I do now for a similar standard of living, and this job wasn't paying 95% more.

Also, prepare a resume, talk to recruiters, and try to determine if that good money is really out there.

Good luck on the decision!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2015 11:08 PM

2015-12-12T23:08:37-05:00

This is an interesting post. My brother wanted to Join specifically to do this mos. it was the hardest process to get him in. The MOS was never open, and the recruiter was lazy as sin. We were told it is a small MOS, which leads me to believe promotion can be tough.
I do know welders get paid a ton on the outside. He since went to school to become a certified welder and is doing really well.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2015 11:27 PM

2015-12-12T23:27:47-05:00

The question to get out or stay in is a very personal decision that everyone needs to make for themselves. If you are 11 months out from your ETS and you don't plan on going to re-up like next week then you should start the ACAP process. Starting to ACAP does not mean that you cant stay in and maybe it will help you make up your mind one way or the other. You should also go talk to your career counselor. Remember you have more options like re-class. Good luck.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2015 11:35 PM

2015-12-12T23:35:02-05:00

I'm surprised someone hasn't freaked out about ACAP yet, it's a hot topic these days. Call the ACAP center, or whatever it's called these days. They will give you lots of info and it will help you complete it in the event you get out. They will give you a couple of websites to start your job search. One of those websites is just for people with clearances which always pay more. I believe it's clearancejobs.Com but don't quote me. Good luck

Response by PO1 John Miller made Dec 13 at 2015 3:15 AM

2015-12-13T03:15:50-05:00

Does the Army have a program that would allow you to get your journeyman's license in welding? From what I've been told by Navy welders is if you don't have that expect to either not get a welding job at all or starting at the very bottom.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2015 5:31 AM

2015-12-13T05:31:46-05:00

You always want to ensure that you already have, or are in the process of getting a job prior to getting out. Welding is a good trade, but you will want to see what the marketability is like for you and in what areas you might have steady work with a decent income. It also wouldn't hurt to stick it out for another enlistment, especially if you're fairly young. Have you thought about reclassing? See what other MOSs you might be interested in? I was a heavy equipment operator when I was enlisted and had a blast doing that.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2015 5:48 PM

2015-12-13T17:48:04-05:00

Have you considered assessing into Special Operations? Special Forces, Psychological Operations or Civil Affairs?

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Dec 13 at 2015 7:10 PM

2015-12-13T19:10:06-05:00

What you can do is compare all the conditions and put them in most important to least important like: Pay, Insurance, Retirement................. then compare staying in and getting out.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2015 7:23 PM

2015-12-13T19:23:08-05:00

Although financial compensation for your work is a consideration in deciding if you are going to reenlist or not, it isn't the main factor. What makes the decision for you is answering a simple question; do you want to be a Soldier, or not?

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Dec 13 at 2015 11:26 PM

2015-12-13T23:26:50-05:00

The Affordable Care Act is a killer. Stay in for as long as you can.

Response by SSG Timothy McCoy made Dec 15 at 2015 8:50 AM

2015-12-15T08:50:51-05:00

SPC Adonis Munoz,
I don't know where my post from yesterday went, but I will send some others here, so that you can network with them.
TSgt Hunter Logan,

Good Luck in you your choice of the future.
Tim

Response by SFC Robert Becker made Dec 17 at 2015 12:38 PM

2015-12-17T12:38:36-05:00

Stay in for 20. So many of the contractors I know are kicking them selves in the butt for not staying in. You have a family of 5! Do you know what health care cost? Its outrageous! Last resort go reserves or NG but rember you will not revive retirement till 65. If you make it to 65 LOL

Response by CW4 Angel C. made Dec 23 at 2015 8:05 PM

2015-12-23T20:05:42-05:00

Here's my advice: go to ACAP/SFL ASAP (next month). Build your resume and apply for multiple jobs (9 months out). If you don't have that great job you hope for as a civilian by the time you get to 6-5 months out run to your Re-up NCO and reenlist for an understrength

Response by SPC D.j. Watson made Nov 10 at 2017 11:56 AM

2017-11-10T11:56:51-05:00

Id say get out, the country is hurting for welders. I was 91E in the army. Now im a welder for one of the biggest DOD contractors