Considering joining the military, but I'm looking for an MOS that will give me strong prospects for civilian jobs afterward. Any suggestions on which to choose?
Certainly, in the military, there are many career fields (or MOS – Military Occupational Specialties) that could translate well into the civilian job market. Here are a few options to consider:
1. Cyber/IT specialties: As technology evolves, so does the demand for IT professionals. Many military branches have positions that revolve around information systems and cybersecurity. For instance, in the Army, the MOS 17C for a Cyber Operations Specialist or MOS 25B for Information Technology Specialist can lay a strong foundation for a career in IT or cybersecurity in the civilian world.
2. Medical Personnel: Health care professionals are consistently in demand in the civilian world. MOS like Army's 68W (Health Care Specialist), Navy's HM (Hospital Corpsman), or Air Force’s 4N0X1 (Medical Technician) can provide excellent healthcare training and experience.
3. Engineering: The military employs a wide range of individuals in the field of engineering. For instance, the Army’s 12B (Combat Engineer) or the Navy’s CE (Construction Engineer) provide skills that can be applied to civilian engineering jobs.
4. Finance/Accounting: Finance and accounting jobs are constant in the civilian market. Positions like the Army’s 36B (Financial Management Technician) or Air Force’s 6F0X1 (Financial Management and Comptroller) provide valuable experience in the financial sector.
These are just a few options. Remember to consider your personal skills, interests, and long-term goals when choosing an MOS, and consider speaking with a military recruiter to learn more about the training, education, and career development opportunities each of these roles can afford you.
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