Which MOS?

Question

I'm joining the Army, and I'm trying to decide on an MOS. I've got it narrowed down to two: 68W (Health Care Specialist/ Combat Medic), and 11B (Infantry). What do you all think?

I would prefer answers from people who have been, or are currently in the Military.

Answer 1

I would say become a medic. If you are looking for some combat action, then you can get that from both places, if you get assigned to a combat arms unit. Im a Cavlary Scout serving in Iraq and our medics are right there with us kicking in doors. Also, you could get a better enlistment bonus by choosing to be a medic. As the others have said, your experience as a medic could offer you more in the civilian world. Also, make sure you do well on your ASVAB before going to MEPS. Good luck. SCOUTS OUT!!!

Answer 2

If you are looking for vocational skills after you get out I would go 68W. Since honestly 11B doesn't offer a whole lot of usable skills outside of the military. I was a 96B Intelligence Analyst and medics did seem to get around more than infantry did.

Answer 3

Combat medic.... My husband was in the Army for a few years and the way everyone talked about the infantry was that they had rocks for brains. Now this may have just been because all the shops seem to talk ablout each other to make them feel superior... but that's what I always heard about 11 Bravos. They are both respectable positions and important jobs so whatever you want to do, the choice is yours. You might get more "civilian" job experience being a medic because you really don't get much from being an infantry man I assume. Good luck!

Answer 4

Medic would have the best options for if you decide to get out of the Army. You could use that MOS in civilian life. Infantry doesnt really have a civilian counterpart. If it were me, i would be thinking long term and go for the medic MOS.

Answer 5

My son is an 11B, two years in Iraq and great MOS, and has Nothing to do with Law Enforcement! I am a former Vietnam Marine 1968 a 0311, but I sure appreciate a combat medic! They are both needed! Good for you!

Answer 6

Either one of those is a noble undertaking. However, 68W might give you more to put on your resume when you decide to leave the Army. When I got out in 1981, (4Years as 11B) skills that I had learned did not get me any special considerations in the civilian job market. (Although the looks on their faces when they read about my Sniper Training and Nuclear Biological and Chemical training was priceless).

Keep in mind, when the shooting starts, EVERYBODY is 11B.

Answer 7

Neither one. Do an MOS that keeps you off the front line and offers you some job skills after time in service other than a paramedic or a cop.

But if you must do one of the two, I'd choose the 11B. If you want to be a warrior you might as well go full bore.

Answer 8

I would go with 68W because it is a MOS that you can use to your advantage after you are out of the service. When I went into the service I went in as a 75b and 75c (personnel management specialist) and when I got out it was very easy for me to find employment in an office.

Answer 9

Must be your head is full of delusions of grandeur as you are choosing jobs that will put you in the front line. I would ask you to consider what will happen to your family and loved ones if you get picked off. It's a very real possibility in these mos's. If your chasing medals I would suggest you do a very serious rethink of why you want to join. If you must I would take the Medic job at least you'll be in a position to get a ambulance job after the army. Not much call for infantry in civilian life.

Answer 10

just a suggestion there isn't much of a need for infantry in the civilian world once your out. You can always be an EMT or something related if you go with the combat medic.

The military isn't for everyone, so its always good to have something you can transition out of when ever you decide to get out be it the minimum enlistment or +20years.