Is 25P a good MOS? Can I roll with the infantry from time to time?

2017-07-14T00:48:54-04:00

Response by AN Christopher Crayne made Jul 14 at 2017 1:00 AM

2017-07-14T01:00:30-04:00

Heads up would be a Microwave Systems Operator/Maintainer

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2017 7:24 AM

2017-07-14T07:24:57-04:00

In my opinion it is a great MOS, it deals with long haul transport of terrestrial communications. The only problem is you must be at the very top of your game for promotions. 25S is another great choice dealing with long haul satellite communications. Both are very technical jobs that set you up for easy transition back to the civilian world with marketable skills when you're ready to get out. Neither one though would allow you to be on the ground with the infantry. 25U will be a better choice if that's what you're looking for. However, you give up some of the technical knowledge if you went that route.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2017 8:53 AM

2017-07-14T08:53:34-04:00

I've known many 25Ps in my career. You can learn some good skills, but the majority I encounter work in a tech control facility somewhere making sure signals are flowing. Also with the majority I know, they tend to get bottlenecked and stuck trying to get promoted (even the really good ones) at E5 and E6. I have a good battle buddy who was selected for E7 last October and still waiting for his sequence number to come up so he can actually put on the rank. Tagging one of my 25P battle buddies who was an AIT instructor for the MOS.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2017 9:54 AM

2017-07-14T09:54:30-04:00

I am currently a 25P. CPT Lillard is correct, you will not deploy with the infantry with our MOS. 25U or 25C is a better choice for that. We work closely with our 25S counterparts in strategic (fixed site) units, and in tactical signal units, we work in electronics maintenance. Promotions are very difficult beyond SGT/E5.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2017 2:58 PM

2017-07-14T14:58:13-04:00

Ok, so a lot of useful information here shared from knowledgeable individuals. And I would say for the most part what they say is correct. As an old mechanic for mechanized Infantry, there is absolutely no need for us. However, that is not the end. Some units support Tier 1 and Tier 2 assets. These units, however, require you to be of NCO rank. They are looking for the E-5 through E-7 that is mature and can go above/beyond their MOS. These units are Group, JCU, 112th, 160th SOAR, and my last unit JCSE. However, I am sad to say that the position for JCSE had gone away when I left. These units support teams in austere environments and truly need people they can count on to get the mission done. So they are looking for the mature NCO's. Now there are other "cool places." Like DISA and White House Communications.
So how do you get to be a mature NCO? This is words of advice from someone who is at his last board facing retirement if he does not pin before 20. No shame though it has been a good ride and if I have an opportunity to pass on knowledge to others like you than I do it.
There are few keys to success not just as a 25P, but also just being in the Army. We all know to be on time, in the correct place, and in the correct uniform. But here are a few more.
1) Learn your craft and become the go to person on it. It is your job so learn not just the level 10, but also the 20 and the 30. So when called upon you can fill those roles even as E4 and below. Once you feel you have a good grasp on those levels learn others MOS's, like 25S. Learn any other 25 series MOS. Why you ask? Because you become a force multiplier. You now can handle more than one job, and they can place you in other areas than just a 25P10 position.
2) Schooling. I can not stress this enough. Military and civilian. While others are out partying you hit the books or be enrolled in a course to better yourself. The Army wants the best and the brightest. And to separate yourself from your peers you will heed this. Volunteer to go Airborne, Air Assault, Pathfinder, anything like that to again to separate you from that. But at the same time ensuring you attend the classes that are required like WLC, ALC, and SLC. Not to mention the SSD's. As far as civilian start now. Last E7 board, they put out they were looking for E6's with Associates degrees. The last E8 board they were looking for Bachelor degrees. And well you can guess what an E9 needs to have. Do not wait until the last minute.
3) 4 people you need to keep in contact and talk to through your career. And all will change, but one. So the first one being Squad leader. Do what they ask, but show them you want to progress by working on steps 1 and 2. By doing this, they should be pushing for promotion. Next the retention or career counselor. These people are your friends. As you make E4 or E4p find out what the trends are in the MOS. Find out what points are and how many have promoted within the last year or two. Like SGT Battle said promotions gone slow. So make that decision do you stick it out or look for another way to serve. Whether it is new MOS, going Officer like CPT Lillard or Warrant like one that I work with here. Next branch managers.By making good with Branch manager's, they can help you make wise decision to add diversity to your background. Here you are looking to going from units like JCSE back to the regular Army. This again was a talking point on last years board about having diversity and not being stagnant for to long. And lastly is the most important person. And that is a mentor. Mine has not changed from day one of assigning him to my ACT (Army Career Tracker). This needs to be someone you respect, someone that will push you, and someone to guide you when you seem lost, another words trust. Try holding on to that person. Make it an NCO or someone who ahs been one. For they will take the time to help you throughout your career which in the long run helps you as they will give you insight into a lot.
4) Last bit advice is this. Do not stop leaning forward. Push yourself to your boundaries and than pushing further. You don't want to be sitting at 18 years saying I should have done this or I should done that. It's to late than. Remember you are the only one to hold yourself from accomplishing anything, not just in the Army, but in life. Millions have boots have walked the paths you are about to walk. There is no difference between you and them.
I know this was long and I promise there almost was tears. But it comes from the heart to you. Pleased to have you not just in the Signal Corp, but also as a 25P. Enjoy your time in the Army I know I have and if E7 falls this way I will continue to love it. Take the knowledge we all have passed on to you and start carving your own path. If you need anything at all, look me up in the Global and shoot me a message.

Response by SPC Robert Patrick made Jul 19 at 2017 10:00 AM

2017-07-19T10:00:33-04:00

As SGT(P) Buffye Battle stated you are not likely deploy but it is not a bad MOS. You can get some really good assignments and if you apply yourself Making NCO is not Impossible. It also is a great MOS to have for transitioning out of the Military due to the set of skills you acquire. You make it a career but if you choose to get out you will be highly marketable in the civilian sector.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2017 7:09 PM

2017-07-20T19:09:28-04:00

I recently separated as a 25P. No you most likely will not. It is ment to be further back from the front lines. Most 25P's work in a Technical Control Facility (TCF) or some version of an electronics maintenance shop. However most commands/leasdership do not seem to have a good understanding of what the 25P's are for so there is a higher chance of not being able to do your job or if your in the maintenance shop for them to not get the equipment that you are supposed to be working on. If you do chose to go this route then ensure you max your correspondence course hours, get any signal type certs you are looking for, go to the board to get recognized and get promoted to SGT. As soon as you get promoted to SGT start looking at re-classing into an application MOS. If you do not go Airborne or Special Forces your chances of getting promoted can be slim.. The MOS went at least 4 years with no promotions to Staff Sergeant.

Response by SPC James White made Jul 31 at 2017 4:07 PM

2017-07-31T16:07:16-04:00

I did 6 1/2 years as a 25P and was never even in a deployable unit. One microwave relay site, one earth terminal complex, and a brigade S-6.

Your experience may vary, but I wouldn't count on being within spitting distance of infantry even if you get assigned to the tactical side of things at AIT.