What led you to pick your MOS?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 31 Mar 2021 01:14:53 -0400

I spoke with a recruiter about the different MOS's available for active duty at the moment (going from reserve to active). My #1 choice right now is Parachute Rigger, but I can't help but feel like I'm missing something in my decision-making process. What did you think about when picking your MOS?
Thank you and have a good day.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2021 1:19 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 31 Mar 2021 01:19:34 -0400

Because there's none so fair that can compare to the Airborne Infantry!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2021 1:29 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 31 Mar 2021 01:29:41 -0400

In 1993, I chose medic because nothing else was available for the timeframe I was looking at for Basic Training. I was a junior in high school so time was a factor.

In 1996 when going Active Duty, I chose Combat Engineer because there were no Medic slots available. Looking back, methinks MEPS lied to me.

2008, I chose initially Interior Electrician because it's a great skill and it would get me back in the 12 series MOS. Turns out, I didn't meet the pre-reqs at the time, so I went with Preventive Medicine because there just happened to be an open slot in the Reserve unit.

And the rest is history.

Response by SGT Mark Halmrast made Mar 31 at 2021 7:15 AM

SGT Mark Halmrast — Wed, 31 Mar 2021 07:15:17 -0400

I only ever considered Airborne Infantry.
Would do it again.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Mar 31 at 2021 9:44 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Wed, 31 Mar 2021 09:44:12 -0400

Depending on your personal life goals you should either select an MOS that will enhance your active duty military career or an MOS that will support transition to civilian employment.

If you plan on making the Army a career (20+ years), then select combat arms. The combat arms branches are the operational core of the military. You'll have the most opportunities for combat leadership experience. If possible consider special operations MOS (Ranger, Special Forces), the best of the best.

If your focus is on post-military employment, then select an MOS that transitions well to private or public sector employment. These are mostly support MOS, such as your current specialty. Working in the logistics, communications, or information technology fields will transition well to future employment.

I selected my MOS (actually an AFSC) based on the aircraft types available for me when I graduated from pilot training in 1970. My choices were limited because I graduated in the middle of my pilot training class of 88 students. The fighter, forward air controller (O-1, O-2, OV-10), tanker (KC-135), and C-141 assignments were taken by those higher up the graduation list. My choices were C-130, B-52, or one C-118 (DC7). I took a C-130 because I liked the mission the best of the three choices. BTW the C-118 was a medivac assignment to Europe. The guy at the bottom of the class was left with it. When he got his orders, he was sent to Florida to go to an airline operated school to qualify in the DC9 because his unit was receiving the first Air Force C-9 medivac aircraft. Probably the best deal of all the assignments for those wanting to go to the airlines after their initial service commitments.

Response by CSM William Everroad made Mar 31 at 2021 9:49 AM

CSM William Everroad — Wed, 31 Mar 2021 09:49:37 -0400

SGT Private RallyPoint Member There is a reason 12B is not on the list. Everyone wants to be a Combat Engineer.

Jokes aside, I chose 12B because the queen of the battle can't get to her objective if there is something in the way without a breacher. Most operations plans involve engineers and many key battles in the history of warfare have been won because of combat engineering. It seemed like a no-brainer for me to be involved in such an important role.

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Mar 31 at 2021 10:17 AM

SFC Melvin Brandenburg — Wed, 31 Mar 2021 10:17:53 -0400

I scored a 99 AFQT on the ASVAB. Basically, I had my pick of any job the Army had to offer. I chose to be a cook. It was a good choice. By the time I enlisted I realized I have a type B personality and I understood I am happiest working behind the scenes. It wasn't my hope and dream to be the first kid on my block to get a confirmed kill, although I wasn't afraid to do that kind of thing. I just wanted to serve where I could be useful, in a job that mattered each and every day, and I loved culinary arts. So, it was the right pick for me. I did reclass and earned a 13B MOS as well, but went back to 92G because I was happier as a cook. I made a difference throughout my career and I am proud of what I accomplished. I look back on my periods of service with satisfaction and pride. I say, it is far better to know yourself and make choices that fit with who you are. It worked for me.

Response by CW4 Anthoney Lowry made Mar 31 at 2021 10:24 AM

CW4 Anthoney Lowry — Wed, 31 Mar 2021 10:24:01 -0400

i had 2 options, join as a 19D Cavalry Scout and go to Germany or walk down the street to the Marine Corps recruiting office. 32 years later, still the best thing i ever did.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Mar 31 at 2021 10:36 AM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Wed, 31 Mar 2021 10:36:00 -0400

I picked my MOS for the worst possible reason - it had the biggest bonus. Fast forward 4 years and I couldn't reclass fast enough.

The SECOND time around, I had a VERY limited set of options, but I chose one that seemed to fit my strengths and desires (it didn't, but at least on paper it did).

The THIRD time around, I reclassed because my old MOS was going away. I chose from a relatively limited list based on what I thought would give me some pretty unique skills, including a language (which they did away with between the time I signed up for the MOS and the time I went to school).

And I actually DID my MOS very little beyond that first 4 years. But boy could I operate an orderly room by the time I retired.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Mar 31 at 2021 11:47 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Wed, 31 Mar 2021 11:47:14 -0400

You don’t state why you made this choice, therefore hard to provide an open assessment. Rigger is a very small specialty, even far smaller than your current one. You are limited by location, in promotion, and frankly with other developmental opportunities. Having said that, the top tiered personnel in all fields accel, and are able to progress very well. If an MOS is a small field, so are those that excell.

Response by LTC Jeff Shearer made Mar 31 at 2021 1:22 PM

LTC Jeff Shearer — Wed, 31 Mar 2021 13:22:09 -0400

I started out as a 13B cannon crewman, not happy at all. Went to OCS became 11A or as Mark said Airborne Infantry, hells yea. I shifted to Special Forces great move.

Response by Cpl Bernard Bates made Mar 31 at 2021 1:52 PM

Cpl Bernard Bates — Wed, 31 Mar 2021 13:52:06 -0400

I wanted to be 1800 Tanks I was in tanks for about 8 months then the Marine corp said you will be a 2311 Ammo Tech. So I had to go to Ammo school at Quantico. I got discharged and enlisted in the army I was 2311 made SP/5 as a 2311. I never worked in my MOS.They needed an Armorer so I was an Armorer. Then they needed a supply clerk I was it, then the Supply Sgt. went AWOL so I became Supply Sgt. I Had three months left in Vietnam when Our Ammo Dump got blown up by the VC. I was offered a battlefield comission as a 2/LT. if I would stay another year in Vietnam. Since I had only been married 8 months I chose my wife and went back to the states. They should have had a specialist rating for jack of all trades master of none cause thats what I become. In the Marine corp you are trained to become a leader if your next in line. I got on the job training. Semper Fi.

Response by SFC Corrie Meade made Apr 10 at 2021 8:10 PM

SFC Corrie Meade — Sat, 10 Apr 2021 20:10:22 -0400

the meps station said the only thing open when i wanted to go to basic was rigger, dont regret being a rigger, kunfortuantly nothing on the outside for a rigger

Response by SPC George Wells made Apr 25 at 2021 10:42 AM

SPC George Wells — Sun, 25 Apr 2021 10:42:14 -0400

Back when i enlisted in the army I wanted to travel to as many bases i could. My recruiter set me up as a Parachute rigger. Basic in Ft jackson. Jump school on ft benning, parachute rigger school in Ft lee Virginia. Permanent party in ft Bragg. I got the opportunity to travel and see 4 bases. The mos was what i wanted.

Response by SGT Richard Honaker,jr made May 15 at 2021 12:52 PM

SGT Richard Honaker,jr — Sat, 15 May 2021 12:52:58 -0400

1977 was when I Enlisted I wanted To Go To Chef School at The Green brier in West Virginia But The Class Was Full For That Year ,So Decided to go in the Army Aug -Sept Ft Dix NJ then to E -1-5 at Ft Dix Food service Specialist 94B 10 Grad.on Thanksgiving Day 1977 Spent 15 day Leave at Home then Went To Germany Schweinfurt 2nd Batt 39th FA HHB Dec 1977 -jul 1980 Working in the Mess Hall then went to Ft Knox Ky and Worked in Basic Training Mess Hall A-19-4 Jul 1980 -1983 Jul Then Went To Culinary Art School In Louisville Ky

Response by SPC(P) Clifford Deal made Jun 8 at 2021 3:49 PM

SPC(P) Clifford Deal — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:49:01 -0400

Me: I really want to work communications...I'm a licensed radio operator, with a broadcast endorsed license from the FCC.
Recruiter: How about Chaparral ? That has communications. [ no mention of a bonus OR critical short handed status]........... later, upon reclass for Infantry:

Response by SSG Rick Miller made Jun 13 at 2021 12:21 AM

SSG Rick Miller — Sun, 13 Jun 2021 00:21:29 -0400

I started life in the Army as an 11B. Reup time came around, and I was tired of walking everywhere, so I went Field Artillery, 13N. President Bush (41 not 43) took our missile system out of service, so I had to reclass. I asked for 13B, 13M or 55B. The Army had other plans and they picked my new MOS. 73D. I asked well what the fuck is that? They said Accounting Specialist. After I stopped laughing, I said They want me to ba a what? Turns out, it was kind of nice going to the field once or twice a year, and it gave me a very marketable skill in the civilian world. Think about that when you decide what MOS you want. Not much call on the outside for riggers or grunts or missile maggots.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Jun 13 at 2021 4:21 AM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Sun, 13 Jun 2021 04:21:32 -0400

When I enlisted in the Air Force back in 1966 the draft was still in full force and even enlistees didn't always get what they wanted, the needs of the service came first. You didn't enlist for a job, You got what they gave You. You could request certain jobs but there were no promises and that didn't guarantee You would get them. In basic training We filled out what were called Career Dream Sheets because if You thought You would get what You wanted You were dreaming. I remember the form well, there was even a question, "Would You accept duty in the Air Police ?" I checked NO and then got assigned to the Air Police. I did fine in that career filed and like fungus I guess it grew on Me and between the Military and civilian world worked that full time for over 40 years and even got a BS degree in Criminal Justice.

Things have changed, now people can enlist for specific jobs but it hasn't always been that way.

Response by SGM Frank Marsh made Jun 13 at 2021 12:04 PM

SGM Frank Marsh — Sun, 13 Jun 2021 12:04:16 -0400

I liked chemistry and math. he offered me chemical corps or medical lab...thought to myself, folks are always going to get sick.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Jun 13 at 2021 3:52 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Sun, 13 Jun 2021 15:52:35 -0400

I was a 17 year old non high school graduate, but I had a really high ASVAB. I am not sure if the selection Was done by the recruiter or the guidance counselor who made the decision. Artillery Forward Observer, Airborne, Germany was the whole package. They did me a favor and I enjoyed it

Response by SPC(P) Clifford Deal made Jun 13 at 2021 6:00 PM

SPC(P) Clifford Deal — Sun, 13 Jun 2021 18:00:27 -0400

Frankly, don't regret any of my 3 school choices..16P [SAMS] 54 E [ NBC defence] or 11 B [ Infantry reclass]. Over 7 years, 3 schools let me learn a bit about how every MOS interlocks.

Response by SGT Randall Smith made Jun 13 at 2021 7:09 PM

SGT Randall Smith — Sun, 13 Jun 2021 19:09:12 -0400

As soon as I made E-4 I started checking. The odds of making E-5 were small in my MOS. So I got myself sent to school in another MOS where there were a lot of openings up to E-6.

Response by SPC(P) Clifford Deal made Jun 13 at 2021 9:51 PM

SPC(P) Clifford Deal — Sun, 13 Jun 2021 21:51:38 -0400

..AND Cartoonist wasn't an option..tho I did work for Battalion newsletter a bit.
Sideline job in the 5-52 Ada.

Response by SPC(P) Clifford Deal made Jun 13 at 2021 9:54 PM

SPC(P) Clifford Deal — Sun, 13 Jun 2021 21:54:50 -0400

Cartoonist wasn't offered, tho I did sideline with the 5 - 52 ADA newsletter at Ft. Stewart. [ 24 ID].

Response by 1SG Charles Hunter made Jun 14 at 2021 9:53 AM

1SG Charles Hunter — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 09:53:14 -0400

Choose? You got to CHOOSE?

Response by CSM Bruce Trego made Jun 14 at 2021 10:34 PM

CSM Bruce Trego — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 22:34:00 -0400

I had an unknown rank individual point and say "you guys are all 11C". We looked at each other and said "what's that?" Selection was easy. They did it for you! This was in 1968!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2021 2:20 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 14:20:37 -0400

SGT Private RallyPoint Member I chose 35H, which is now 94H. The print out pictured shows it to be available. The first time I heard the description at Mepps the word torque wrench was in it. With My background up to that point, I was thinking greasy hands in a motor pool. I went home with out choosing that day. Home is right outside Ft Bragg, so I went and found out what the MOS was really about, then went back to Mepps and said I'll take it. Calibration is a technical field that boils down to; If the ARMY uses something to measure something else, Calibrators make sure it measures correctly. AC DC Length Pressure Flow Torque Flatness. The folks that are in charge of it at Redstone Arsenal AL, are the people I served with while active. I didn't go the Federal Job route after being active, I went to the private sector so I could choose somewhere other than around a military installation to live. It's worth a journeymans card from the Department of Labor. Many go in to IT, and Computer fields after ETS'ing I went back to industrial maintenance(fixing broke machines in a factory). The school is tough. I've never had to worry about employment possibilities since.

Response by SSG John Eroh made Jun 28 at 2021 1:19 PM

SSG John Eroh — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 13:19:25 -0400

Waaaay back in 66 I first tried draftsman as I had taken drafting all through Jr. & Sr. high and had wanted to be an architect. Since there wasn't any slots open I went with one of my hobbies of Shortwave Radio Listening and enlisted for 32A10 Fixed Station Radio Operator. After a short stint as an operator at Kyong San Receiver Station outside of Taegu, Korea, I was moved into the commcenter where I OJT'ed as a 32E20 Fixed Carrier (multiplexers) Repairman. Several years later 32E was combined with 26V Strategic Microwave Repairman and i retired as a 26V30.

After the Army I worked in various electronics before retiring. Now i'm a licensed Amateur Radio Operator and joke that my blood is Signal Corps Orange. I've gotten my CADD Certificate (Computer Aided Drawing & Design) at a local college but I don't think I would have enjoyed my careers as much if I had stayed in drafting as I have electronics. And I wouldn't have had the intresting assignments and places that I had.

Response by SPC Clayton Ellzey made Jun 28 at 2021 2:34 PM

SPC Clayton Ellzey — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 14:34:35 -0400

I chose 12 B Combat Engineer somehow it just felt natural to me. The choice of duty station and enlistment bonus didn't hurt either.

Response by SPC Matt Crawford made Sep 8 at 2021 6:32 AM

SPC Matt Crawford — Wed, 08 Sep 2021 06:32:43 -0400

It was picked for me.