Using Your Military Occupational Specialty for a Civilian Career

Some military service members may consider their enlisted career to be completely separate from whatever they plan to do professionally once they transition to civilian life — but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, your military occupational specialty (MOS) can be one of the strongest foundations for growing a new career.

There are more than 10,000 specific MOS designations throughout the military branches, spanning a wide range of skills and levels of responsibility. These roles are an important means for specializing in certain work and, depending on the MOS, offer a more generalized experience.

The military experience on your resume will help you move forward professionally in civilian life, whether you choose to continue in a similar field or embark on something new.

Analyze Current MOS-Related Skills

For a smooth professional transition to civilian life, look more broadly at the Career Management Field or the group of career branches that are related to your work. Identify the opportunities for advancement for your MOS within the military. Then, consider if this is the type of work you’d like to continue after your military experience is complete.

List the hard and soft skills you’ve practiced and applied to your current MOS. This will help you see a more robust foundation of learning you’ve developed during your time in the military rather than just thinking that you only qualify for a particular MOS.

Consider Requesting a Change if Possible

If there are other skills you’re interested in and you have enough time, you may wish to request a change of MOS to gain additional training in a different field.

You may have grown and learned enough to have a different outcome from when you first took the Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery – which initially helped develop your MOS. New openings may also be available for different opportunities now.

Enhance Your Resume

Next, you’ll need to update your resume with all the skills you’ve learned in the military. Instead of just listing the MOS, add a more in-depth understanding of what the job entails. Explain your past work experience in terms of skills, experience and training gained rather than just titles and your MOS.

Prospective employers want to see this military experience on resumes and application documents, which can help you stand out.

Look for Educational Opportunities to Elevate Your Skills

Finally, take advantage of the U.S. Department of Defense educational assistance and opportunities to elevate your skills while enlisted. Most active-duty soldiers, warrant officers and officers in the Army, Army Reserve or National Guard are eligible for up to $4,000 for new certifications.

You’ll need to look for an approved provider of the Army Credentialing Assistance Program, like MedCerts. Credentials that support your MOS can add weight to your resume geared toward civilian life, or you could expand your skills to other in-demand fields like healthcare or information technology.

Connect With a Military Education Consultant

The transition to civilian life can be smooth and rewarding, especially if you have a strong career plan and a support system to help you reach your goals. MedCerts offers military students specialized support through our team of veterans who understand the unique challenges you face. Schedule a free consultation call to see how we can help you find success.

The Army, Department of Defense, and Department of the Army are not affiliated with MedCerts and do not endorse our services.