Is it becoming more important for career advancement to have more than one MOS?

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 15:27:20 -0500

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2017 3:31 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 15:31:30 -0500

In the Guard it seems to be. I've seen a lot of people jump from one to the next chasing promotions. I only have 19D and 31B because they were what was available at the time. Now that I'm 15T, I'm staying put.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Feb 14 at 2017 3:42 PM

Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 15:42:44 -0500

That's an interesting question. Know I was Air Force, not Army but in the AF it certainly seemed to be the case. You were actually encouraged to cross train in order to help your career. On the officer side there were certain AFSCs/MOSs that were identified as almost necessary in order to move up to senior field grade ranks.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2017 3:51 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 15:51:18 -0500

Took me 3 MOS's to get where I'm at, 1SG Private RallyPoint Member

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2017 4:10 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 16:10:54 -0500

One of the most interesting questions I've read about military career advancement in quite a while. Depending on your initial MOS, especially regarding rank, yes. Example - Most 74D's go gold after SSG. Some MOS's are top-heavy.

Outside of rank, depends on your goals. That same 74D SSG could also be SHARP, Combatives Level 4 certified, or delve deep in another realm to improve the military. A 25CMF NCO could become a great tech with multiple CompTIA, Cisco, and Microsoft certifications and develop an amazing IT system for a brigade.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2017 4:27 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 16:27:00 -0500

it all depends on the MOS as your primary and the MOS of your secondary, as an SFC I was 68w/m6 and 38b Qualified, when I put in my promo packet, I ended up going back to med unit or turn down the promotion, hind sight being 20/20 should've turned it down and waited for 38b slot to open, its a choice go back to what you don't like or wait for what you do like, advancement will eventually come and not everybody has a chance to be dual MOS'ed, it took me many waivers AMMED doesn't like to loose people

Response by SSG Mark Franzen made Feb 14 at 2017 6:12 PM

SSG Mark Franzen — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 18:12:42 -0500

I myself Had both combat MOS and support MOS and attended 37 military Schools which helped me in Many ways.
SSG MARK FRANZEN
USA VET

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Feb 14 at 2017 9:24 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 21:24:59 -0500

People Have One? By the Time I Retired I had 5 NECs (Navy MOSs)

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2017 9:33 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 21:33:19 -0500

I met a MSG that told me it doesn't hurt. I do know a guy in NG who went from 11B to 31B, and I know others who consider switching MOS for promotions or better opportunities.

Response by SGT Aaron Atwood made Feb 14 at 2017 10:26 PM

SGT Aaron Atwood — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 22:26:52 -0500

Being a musician it can go either way. It can help, but depending on the leadership billet it can bite you in the rear.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2017 1:52 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Feb 2017 01:52:19 -0500

As far as the enlisted realm goes, I'm not sure. I myself have re-classed from 12B to 35F, and although it boosted me to E-6 quickly after re-classing, I'm not sure having multiple MOSs will bring much of an advantage moving past E-6 other than being a little more ''well rounded'' than others. Can't speak for other branches of the military. I do see how being a prior combat engineer, grunt, or other combat related MOS such as myself can possibly help you shine in situations where weapon expertise and knowledge are sought after. Now on the other hand, having a secondary ''combat related'' MOS may help you stand out above your peers if an NCO chooses to become a Drill Sergeant or what have you. I think combat or prior combat MOS NCO's make the best Drill Sergeants.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2017 7:43 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Feb 2017 07:43:02 -0500

If you're looking for a promotion into a vacant position, stay in a unit or going to a new unit for a certain MOS. It helps for career advancement other wise it doesn't help. Your NCOERs are much more important the number of MOSs.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2017 8:58 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Feb 2017 08:58:14 -0500

I would say in the Reserves it is helpful. There are only so many units within a decent driving distance. I came into the reserves as an engineer but that MOS went away so reclassed to 92F, then reclassed later to 92L.