I’m considering 35P as my MOS, are there a lot of civilian opportunities corresponding to the skills you acquire in this MOS?

2018-11-04T01:45:56-05:00

I’m re-enlisting as a Reservist for a period of time before I go Active again and I’m strongly considering going in as a 35P. My only concern is the civilian opportunities after I get out. My goal is to work in a federal agency later on in life and I want to make sure I’m taking the necessary steps to get there.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2018 1:49 AM

2018-11-04T01:49:02-05:00

Once you make it to the rank of specialist, you can also join civil Affairs and use your language to your advantage. Civil affairs is considered special operations and you have to be a specialist promotable to Sergeant or a senior first lieutenant who is completed his Captain's career course. Something to think about.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 4 at 2018 12:34 PM

2018-11-04T12:34:59-05:00

A Top Secret Clearance is worth a lot of money.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2018 9:25 AM

2018-11-05T09:25:17-05:00

There are a number of 35 series MOSs other than 35P that fit in well with the federal government if that is your end goal. Some fit in very well while others do not, for example 35L has a mission in the states whereas 35M does not. However, being a 35M would enable you to gain a language and another skill.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2018 8:35 PM

2018-11-06T20:35:46-05:00

Coming from a 35P with 9 years TIS as 35P, my first assignment was working for NSA. Most of the civilians at NSA are veterans from one of the branches (though, you will need a 4-year degree to get that sweet CIV gig). I recently updated my profile on clearancejobs.com (since you will need a TS in order to be a 35P), and within days I was getting offers for contracting jobs ranging from $85K to $125K. So the opportunities are out there. I know many 35P soldiers who quit after their first enlistment and now out-earn me several times over.

Response by SPC Ben Phelps made Feb 5 at 2019 7:44 AM

2019-02-05T07:44:35-05:00

It depends on your language really. I learned Arabic and got a job as a contractor with NSA after I got out. Now I work as a contractor at NGA for the time being but next month I start my blue badge (civilian) position with NGA. Money is good in the field. Most likely CONUS locations for contractor/civilian jobs in language-related intelligence are Augusta, GA, Ft. Meade, MD, and the DC metro area. There are always deployment opportunities but they aren't paying nearly as well as 2004-2008 when it was over $200k, now it's about 50-60% of that, so almost not worth it when you can make nearly that amount stateside. I wouldn't worry about civilian opportunities.