Should I transfer to another MOS to help me get job outside the military or should I apply to a government job using my current MOS?

2022-06-29T22:09:21-04:00

Looking for advice. I am debating if i should try to transfer to another MOS after my contact end. that will help me to get job outside the military when I finish my contract, or if i should apply to a government job using my current MOS. I am a 35S. I have previous medical experience and I joined to explore something outside the medical field. I enjoy what I am doing but I am unsure if I should stay in or move on to better opportunities

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2022 10:59 PM

2022-06-29T22:59:10-04:00

35S can lead you into working for an employer that usually goes by 3 letters.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2022 1:54 AM

2022-06-30T01:54:59-04:00

I find it weird when people ask what job they should do for a career outside the military, when they have an actual career with Healthcare, 401K, guaranteed pay raises, 30 days of vacation time a year and a guaranteed pension after 20 years.

I mean, if you hate the military then get out and do something you like. But if you like what you're doing you'll be hard pressed to find a job where you can stop working after 20 years and keep getting paid, that has so many free benefits and no union dues or health care costs

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2022 9:44 AM

2022-06-30T09:44:34-04:00

..stay in, seriously, stay .... long term career is your best bet if you like what you are doing

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2022 2:48 PM

2022-06-30T14:48:01-04:00

Don't you have a GI Bill at the end of your contract to utilize to get the specific training you desire.

Using the military (a place it sounds like you want to leave) for more training in another field only to tie up more time doing something you may or may not like seems pretty risky to me.

At some point in life you pigeon hole your career pathway.

You have a TS/SCI, but that doesn't mean it's a place you'd want to be. It means you have a ticket to a ride others do not. However it sounds like you don't like the ride.

I wouldn't waste my time hoping the military is going to get you the leg up you want in the civilian sectors. That's what your initial enlistment was for, and now you have a TS/SCI and a GI Bill that will float you one solid venture into a completely new pathway if you follow through without wasting any time on the education benefits.

How much more do you think the military can provide you before you venture out onto your own? The longer you wait the harder that break will be without narrowing your civilian choices.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jun 30 at 2022 3:22 PM

2022-06-30T15:22:45-04:00

Nobody can tell you want you want but you. You could stick with the current MOS, lat move to another job field , get out or you could go the NG/ reserves route if you want to have one foot in each world. These are all viable options and without knowing you I have no idea what to recommend.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2022 11:22 AM

2022-10-04T11:22:50-04:00

It truly depends on where you want to take your career. I spent over 10 years as a 35S. I retired last year, so I do not know the current outlook for 35S. I did see a drastic and constant reduction in the number of 35S slots across the Army. If your ultimate desire is to retire as the SMA, then you will not attain that position as an Intel professional, so change your MOS. 35S related job opportunities outside of the Army, normally requires a degree to be competitive. If that is your goal, finish your degree before you get out. Evaluate your competitors when considering applying for jobs: experience, degree, management experience and so on. Make an educated decision on your prospects. Talk to your 35S NCOs and read the OCMI 35S updates that come out though ACT and be informed. Hope this helps.