Which MOS's in the Army are the most marketable for post-military civilian careers?

Question

I've talked to recruiters from every branch of the military (except the Coast Guard). I like the Army the best. I plan on enlisting pretty soon. I was wondering if anyone could tell me (to the best of their knowledge) which jobs and training are the most appealing to civilian employers once out of the military. Thanks.

Answer 1

Supply and material logistics was replaced by technology based positions. Just don't get over qualified.

Answer 2

You know, its just like a college degree. You cant very well ask, "which major is the most marketable?", it depends on what career you want to go for.
For example, I am a 46Q, a public affairs specialist/writer, basically a print journalist. That MOS makes me very marketable for civilian careers in journalism, public relations and even advertising, but not so much for, say, a mechanics position.
The best bet is to go for what interests you and play your cards with a similar profession on the civilian side. The Army has a job that compares with just about every civilian job out there. You can even be an Army veternarian.
That being said, if you're counting on Army experience alone to get you a good civilian job, be prepared to be sorely disappointed. When I got back from my deployment I still had trouble finding work. People want to see a college degree these days, no matter how much experience you have. Take advantage of all the school they offer you. Every vet and long time Army person I know has told me to squeeze what I can out of the Army. Trust me, you're working hard enough to have earned it!

Answer 3

Well, there's the high tech jobs. Aircraft maintenance, piloting, computer systems, you know, the expensive government training for a high paying civilian job. As I'm sure you know, there is no guarantee that you will get your MOS, you will be tested.

As for what else is appealing for civilian employers, on the whole I would say it is administrative skills. Computer skills, business skills. Basically a desk job in the service will translate to an office position in civilian live. Hopefully you will get other answers with more ideas. I spent 1 1/2 years in the army (got a 6 month early discharge because of the Vietnam de-escalation) and left with some office skills that have served to always land me a job when I needed one.

Even though you know what is going on right now with our armed forces, you are planning on enlisting in the army. You are very brave. I wish you the best of luck.

Answer 4

There are any number of jobs that can relate to a career when you leave the military. An aircraft mechanics job can give you hands on practical experience, but you will still need some additional schooling beyond what you learn in the military. That is, you will want to look into getting your A&P (airframe and power plant) mechanics license. You can do this while you are in the military. This will give you a step up on the rest of the job seekers when you leave the military. Most other jobs give you the basics needed to find a career, but you will still need addition training like some college to become marketable.

Answer 5

It really depends on what you want to do in the civilian sector. If you like the medical field, go into MOS 68W (medic). Law enforcement 31B MP, 21E construction equipment operator, and so on. There are many good MOS's that cross over to the civilian sector, it just depends on what you want to do. Most combat MOS's do not crossover very well.

Now, as a Recruiter for the Army National Guard for the last 10 years, let me give you some advice. Whichever branch you go into, don't fall for the line that they can not guarantee you a job until you go to MEPS. And once you get to MEPS, if the Guidance Counselor tells you that the only job you are qualified for is Infantry, he is lying. Tell him to call your Recruiter because you are ready to go home. Another trick Regular Army Recruiters use is they take your original documents, driver's license, SSN Card, birth cert, HS Diploma and hold onto them until you enlist. Do not let them have the originals, tell them to make copies. Do not let them run rough-shod over you. You are in charge, remember that.

If all else fails, talk to a National Guard Recruiter. We don't play the BS games the other Recruiters play.

Answer 6

Being in the military myself, the best thing I can tell you is that what you do for the military can mean nothing with what you want. While in the army go to school!!

Get the GI bill. I have 40k waiting for me when I get out to finish school. While your in its all free but for books.

Get a job in the military with a security clearance. These cost companies a huge amount of money to do on future employees. Coming out with a high clearance will make you more marketable based on the fact they will save all that money if they take you.

Now that, that is said. Find an mos that could be used in those jobs. Networking, Cysco routing ect. Those can land you a job making close to 90k a year just getting out depending on the area your in.

Answer 7

Good luck in your future service. I was an Army MP, then became a MP Investigator, and later a CID Special Agent. Forget the sniper crap, your an MP, not a ground pounder. Military service does help with getting on police departments, however, you may find you like the service and stay in. Several larger department waive any college requirements for ex-military. Also, MP's have been known to wear white berets, but don't expect it.

Answer 8

MP, and any major combat orriented MOS is helpful if you're looking for an occupation in law enforcement.

However, there are other jobs that relate to civilain occupations in the Army sooo closely. For example, a paralegal. Or a medic, or even a doctor. The best thing if you're looking for education in the job market is basically find what interests you, and talk to a recruiter about something that is close to that.

Answer 9

The Seabees is pretty good. Be sure to get as many certifications and as many classes on equipment you can. Dragline operators can make a lot of money in the civilian world.

Equipment Operator, Builder, Electrician in the Seabees in the Navy are pretty good. Or Redhorse in the Air Force.

If you are good at languages, get into the language programs in the military. Linguistics is big in the civilian world.

Answer 10

Supply is a pretty boring job however, there is money to be made there. One can be a supply guy in any branch then get out and go into Purchasing for contractors making decent money. If you go into a combat arms MOS, try getting into Master Gunner school. Talking to contractors, I hear the money is actually really good in the civilian world.

Answer 11

Just keep ur nose clean whatever job ur suited for or recieve.and dont loose your cool.sane rational people are markrtable everywhere.the guys that get upset easily and bug out seem to get paid less from what I understand.keep ur record clean no negative couseling statments or bad ncoers .some stuff just strait up ends ur career.vurtually the entire time ur in ur a servent.act like it.put your brain in nuetreul.spelling errors I know sorry.just putting my two cents in.srry charley.