Would you reclass for an MOS you would enjoy, or one that would set you up for civilian life ?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Oct 2020 09:51:13 -0400

I am not really happy with my current MOS. I have no issues with the Army and i would like to stay in. My dilemma is deciding whether to reclass for something i would enjoy, or for something that would benefit me as a civilian.

Response by SSG Paul Headlee made Oct 1 at 2020 9:54 AM

SSG Paul Headlee — Thu, 01 Oct 2020 09:54:49 -0400

Do the fun stuff while you can. You've got the rest of your life to just work. Your fuse is burning and some day you'll be old and weak like me, lol.

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Oct 1 at 2020 9:58 AM

LTC Kevin B. — Thu, 01 Oct 2020 09:58:28 -0400

Hopefully you can find an MOS that combines those two characteristics. They aren't necessarily mutually exclusive.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 1 at 2020 10:01 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Oct 2020 10:01:03 -0400

If it helps my options are 89D or 17C. Or go back to SFAS

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Oct 1 at 2020 10:14 AM

SGM Erik Marquez — Thu, 01 Oct 2020 10:14:30 -0400

SSG Private RallyPoint Member There is no perfect answer, it depends on you, your goals, plans, and some luck.
If you stay in, work hard get promoted through the ranks, regardless of MOS, you will achieve experience, and skill that translates to the civilian job market if you choose.
That said, many, most, ok.. a lot of employers give no credit for military service unless its a specific certificate or skill set that directly translates over. So medical, Signal to some degree, IT, heck even fuel handlers and mechanics, truck drivers and such.
I would have happily changed MOS to MP for a chance at being a dog handler when I was a SSG, getting down with DS duty knowing it was a very limiting position for rising in rank and positions of authority....It did not work out so back to the Infantry went, for another 16 years.
Im not at all unhappy with my service in the Infantry, the opportunities to do the things I did, positions I was entrusted with, people I met.......But Id have traded it to be a k9 Handler at the time.

Now I get to work with dogs almost every day, so not all is lost, and with some luck and work, perhaps be a handler in my current employment pastime.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 1 at 2020 2:11 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Oct 2020 14:11:30 -0400

Do something you enjoy. No matter what MOS you pick you’ll require additional training, education and certification to be competitive in the civilian workforce once you separate. You’ll be better off doing a job you enjoy and retiring at 20 years than doing an MOS you don’t love so that you can do more of the same as a civilian

Response by SFC Steven Borders made Oct 1 at 2020 2:16 PM

SFC Steven Borders — Thu, 01 Oct 2020 14:16:17 -0400

Kind of a hard question SSG Private RallyPoint Member, I came into Active as a 91D that's the job I wanted because that's what my father did in the Air Force. Didn't really do that job, until I got to WHCA. Then wanted something that I could use out the outside as well in the Reserves, bam 25B. Well to get picked up for E6 either had to go to JBLM or reclass. That was an easy decision I reclassed to 88N. After having traveled so much with WHCA I wanted to have nothing to do with traveling. So, it really boils down to what you want to do. At least in the signal world you can get your A+/Security+ etc... and set you up on the outside. I wish I had a better answer for you. I wish you the best in whatever decision you make.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Oct 1 at 2020 2:41 PM

CMSgt James Nolan — Thu, 01 Oct 2020 14:41:41 -0400

There are two schools of thought: do something similar to your civilian career because you bring experience from and to both (this includes taking a military job that can open a civilian door for you).
The other is do something in the military that you love doing, that only the military can offer.
Here is two cents: I was an option A and B guy. I have loved my law enforcement career, and the Marines literally allowed that door to open (twice). Most (as stated by others) civilian employment could care little for what you learned-until they see it in action. Some things have to be experienced in life, not a textbook. Military is full of those experiences.
That said: there is no right answer, but you have to pick something that really interests you-as you will sacrifice a lot of your life to do that Reserve Duty. Make it something you care about-not just a job.. Then time will fly.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Oct 1 at 2020 2:42 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Thu, 01 Oct 2020 14:42:09 -0400

Trying to win a golden goose is defeating the purpose of serving the nation (my opinion). An MOS that you enjoy and love doing would be better in my mind

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 2 at 2020 2:50 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 02 Oct 2020 14:50:43 -0400

Your happiness often fuels passion which makes you genius sometimes.