Need Help Deciding On My MOS EOD Or Infantry

[TJBLonghorn]

Hi, I'm joining the US Army, and have taking the test. I scored a 75 on it, which the recruiters say is very good, but I don't know myself. Its not their job to make me feel like crap. Anyways I had a lot of jobs come up, and the ones that jump out at me are Special Forces, EOD, and Infantry. Special Forces is out because my recruiter suggest not going straight into Special Forces, because its a tough physical class, and you should be in the Army first to better your chances of passing. So Infantry and EOD are the two I'm looking at. Both jobs catch my interest well, but my goal is to stay in the Army or get out and get into law enforcement. I was told that EOD gets job offers in the civilian world while still in the military. Supposedly the jobs are abundant outside of the Military for EOD. Is this true? Does my score seem good enough to get through that training? Which job gives me more opportunity outside of the Army? I have to make a decison soon please help :confused:

[EODDVR]

Since I'm a Navy guy, I cannot speak to specifics of your choices in the Army. As an EOD Tech who has served on active duty and as a reservist I can tell you that there are many civilian job opportunities with experience as an EOD Tech. Some are essentially the same, but wearing civilian clothes. It translates well now, and will increase in the future to law enforcement. Finally, there are analytical positions, especially in DC.

If your goal is to be SOF, I'd ask if there are restrictions in moving there from EOD.

[TJBLonghorn]

Thanks, so the training you receive in the military makes you qualified or over-qualified for job in the civilian world? Which job is considered more dangerous infantry or EOD? With that score (75) do I have a chance of passing the training?

[Wes]

Which job is considered more dangerous infantry or EOD?

If this is a big concern of yours you might want to stay away from all of the career fields you are looking at.

Also if your ASVAB score is 75, what is your GT score? SF, some Infantry schools, and EOD requires at least a 110 GT score.

Some former Infantry guys become cops after they get out. EOD would obviously open many doors in the civilian world, both in LE agencies and elsewhere. And you can do many things with a SF background.

So what do YOU want to do the most? I don't suggest going for any of the above careers if you plan on going in half-assed.

[mrwill]

1. Why do those MOS’s jump out at you? What interests you about them specifically? Do you feel that you have a grasp on what the daily life is like in these MOS’s? What prior research have you done concerning these MOS’s?

2. Infantry and EOD are quite different in the amount of time required for a contract. You would be able to get an infantry contract for a little under 3 years, whereas EOD requires a significantly longer contract amount. How many years are you willing to devote to either MOS?

3. You state that your goal is “to stay in the Army or get out and get into law enforcement”. That is not a goal,that is a decision. It is understandable that you do not know which path you want to take right now, since you do not know how military life will be like. To clarify, what appeals to you about Law Enforcement or Army life? How badly do you want to serve in either profession?

4. Quote: “I was told that EOD gets job offers in the civilian world while still in the military. Supposedly the jobs are abundant outside of the Military for EOD.” The amount of jobs available to you in the civilian world is based on your qualifications and past performance. The higher your performance level and subsequently, your evaluations are, the more readily available they are. Are you interested in just Law Enforcement jobs? If so, what type? Are you only interested in EOD related LE (Law Enforcement) jobs, or do you want to be a detective, etc? Browsing the LE forum here can be a great help to you in answering that question. Primary question here: are you interested in LE, or only EOD LE jobs?

5. “Getting through the training” that you have to go through in either job is a lot more dependent on your desire and effort in the actual training and preparation for your training than scores. ASVAB scores are generalized tools that the Army uses to place certain candidates in certain jobs. It doesn’t mean you can’t do that job, it just means that based on averages, past data and statistics, that if you don’t meet the necessary score, you may not be suited for that job. It all comes down to how badly you want to serve in that job. Keep in mind, you CAN always retake the ASVAB prior to signing your final enlistment papers. There are ASVAB prep book available in book stores. How badly do you want to serve?

6. Type 18X into the search function in this website. Read, a lot. Don’t base what you can do on other people’s opinions, now, or ever in life. Again, your desire and work ethic have a lot more to do with what you are capable of. Do a lot of research into what the standards are for Infantry/ EOD or any other MOS you are interested in. Can you meet these now? If not, how much work are you willing to put in to meet them? What sacrifices are you willing to make to meet the standards? How badly do you want to serve?

The questions I posed in this post are more for your benefit than ours. Take some time and go through them, and really think about them. I believe that you will be a lot clearer on your desires and goals once you examine these questions.

And finally, you DO have time to make this decision. Your enlistment contract is not final until you sign your final enlistment papers immediately before you ship out to basic training. Based on the fact that you are still deciding on an MOS, you are not at this point. Do not rush this decision. Understand the jobs based on facts, not emotion. Being in a blast resistant suit working on live explosives in 120 degree weather in Iraq in the wrong time to wish you had a different job. Hopefully this will help you clarify your desires a bit.

[Dumpsterchair]

Do yourself and EOD a favor. If you want to be a killer, go infantry. If you want to be a bomb technician, go SF (:D that is a reference to all of the "swc kids" we got at the EOD school while I was there). I'm kidding. If you want to be a bomb technician, go EOD. It's that simple. There is a world of difference between the two career fields. They are nothing alike. Too many guys don't seem to understand the difference I guess. And yes, you are much more marketable in the civilian world with EOD creds than 11b creds (unless you are looking at PSD work).

If your ASVAB qualifies you for EOD then you are smart enough (probably) to grasp the concepts put out at EOD school. The only question is do you have enough motivation and self discipline to finish a school with an academic attrition rate as high as NAVSCOLEOD?

I will leave you with this. Don't be one of those frustrated SF wannabe types in EOD. No one likes those guys. If you are using EOD as a stepping stone to SF more power to you, just keep it to yourself. However I would recommend that if SF is really what you want than screw your recruiter and go SF. If you want it bad enough you'll prepare yourself for the challenge and make it. If you don't then you won't be prepared and you'll have your answer. Besides, you'll wind up at EOD school regardless. :p

[TJBLonghorn]

If this is a big concern of yours you might want to stay away from all of the career fields you are looking at.

Also if your ASVAB score is 75, what is your GT score? SF, some Infantry schools, and EOD requires at least a 110 GT score.

Not a Huge concern, just a question. As far as GT I'm not sure. I took the test Monday Night, but when he looked in the computer most were 110 through 120 I believe. I can ask for the real results, but it doesn't matter these are the jobs the computer said I can pick from. Infantry wasn't on the list actually he had to call and check for me. You guys have really been great, and I believe I made my decision. I really appreciate the honesty. Thanks.

[The Corporate Guy]

... and I believe I made my decision.

Which is?

[SOTB]

Which is?Well, I don't know about HIS decision, but I have decided to pimp $3k a day chicks....

[Inspector Cluseo]

Funny, I still have my "Statment of Understanding of the Enlistment Options Program" "USMC RS MACON GA" document , for Infantry (option G1)...talk about a naive 17 yr olé with a high GT and I thought getting a guarantee to "combat arms" to ensure I was Infantry was necessary.....but to this day I still think it is one of the most honorable professions.....
Semper Fi

[The Corporate Guy]

Well, I don't know about HIS decision, but I have decided to pimp $3k a day chicks....

Give a hollar if you need help with quality control...you don't want such fine merchidise heading out the door without proper vetting. Oh, and no you can't do it...you will have too much invested to give an objective opinion. :D

[Massgrunt]

I volunteer for due diligence work.

[smp52]

Uh....I've got QA experience...yea. Ammo or chicks, same difference, right?

[Johan]

Well, I don't know about HIS decision, but I have decided to pimp $3k a day chicks....

Oh! Do you need a Pilot!? ;)

[Johan]

I volunteer for due diligence work.

Volunteer for Quality Control/Assurance. Maybe get a brand that says "Massgrunt Approved, Baby", for use on right side of the- :)

All involved must have nice purple hat, with good feather. SOTB would also require some kind of impressive cane and excellent platform shoes.

Regards,

[Toy Rock Soldier]

I only read a couple comments above but shit... turn BLUE baby... I was infantry and I loved it, best shape of my life and I met more fuck heads just like me. Besides, when you turn BLUE you can make fun of all the other MOS's :P The way I looked at it though, is if you go infantry might as well goto Ranger School later on since its pretty much on the same path. The SF thing I dont know thats on you.

As for job opportunities. After your time in infantry and still on top of your shit, yeah most of the guys I was with went into law enforcement or contracting and Blackwater.

I was kinda like that too when I went in. I had EOD offered but I didnt take it. I figured... if Im going to go through this shit... might as well "GO BIG or GO HOME".

I guess it all depends if you like the military life and if you really want it if you know what you want to do.

[TJBLonghorn]

Which is?

I'm going to go Infantry and try to get into sniper school. Infantry was my first choice, but EOD seemed cool to. From what I gather EOD would be great when your blowing up a bunch of weapons, but thats a small percentage of the work EOD does. Thanks again for the info. :)

[Hot Mess]

Might want to look in to an option 40 contract. It may not be SF, but is sure the hell a great place to grow up, and 1000% better than the regular Army:eek: BTW, your recruiter sounds like a pussy. I bet he's a leg.

[TJBLonghorn]

Option 40 Contract? Whats that? Recruiter sounds like a pussy? Is that because he say don't go SF fresh into the Army? He's a leg? Don't know what that means, but he is Infantry if your curious.

[The Corporate Guy]

He's a leg? Don't know what that means, but he is Infantry if your curious. Infantry legs are still legs.

[TJBLonghorn]

Infantry legs are still legs.

Ok....

[Sharky]

LOL


A "Leg" is anyone who isn't Airborne qualified.


Option 40 is unassigned Ranger. Guarantees you a shot at RIP. If you fail RIP you get assigned as to the needs of the Army. Hope you like Korean food. :)

[TJBLonghorn]

Ahhh... I see. The recruiter is Air Assault qualified. I will ask him about a Option 40 Contract.

[Sharky]

The recruiter is Air Assault qualified.



Ask him why he's still a fucking Leg.....LMFAO

[Whitebean54]

Ask him why he's still a fucking Leg.....LMFAO

Quickest way to wind up in Alaska:D

[Hot Mess]

Ahhh... I see. The recruiter is Air Assault qualified.



Yep, he's a pussy:eek: Air Assault= dope on a rope. 12 hardest days in the Army huh:rolleyes:

[TJBLonghorn]

The guys done two tours in Iraq.

[Longrifle]

The guys done two tours in Iraq.
Be sure to thank the leg for his service. Seriously.

[Greenhat]

Yep, he's a pussy:eek: Air Assault= dope on a rope. 12 hardest days in the Army huh:rolleyes:

Well, it sure isn't the 12 hardest days in the Army. Of course, jump school isn't exactly tough either. :D

[Whitebean54]

The guys done two tours in Iraq.

Dude, they are joking around.

Unit A makes fun of Unit B and Unit B makes fun of Unit A.

Airborne and Air Assault go back and forth all day.

[TJBLonghorn]

Oh I'm not getting mad, though I wasn't sure if you guys were joking or not. Just stating what I know about him. He has worked close to Special Forces and Marines, and says they are great guys. He says that he is sure SF makes fun of Infantry, just like Infantry makes fun of the rest or Army. He also said the British are Tough Cool SOBs.

[Silverbullet]

Longhorn,
How old are you?

[TJBLonghorn]

Longhorn, How old are you?

24 years old

[mrwill]

oy vey.

[Toy Rock Soldier]

LOL more of this Dope On A Rope hating.

[Guy]

24 years oldRead more post less!

First, tell the recruiter to recruit, not give opinions about units he has never served in or worked with.

Secondly, Infantry, EOD, MP, Driver, etc. You're most likely going to get involved into some stuff! Don't wish for it; just prepare for it!;)

Third, many have came before you and ain't joined one of the branches...why should we look at you any differently?

Stay safe.

[Hot Mess]

Be sure to thank the leg for his service. Seriously.


LMFAO:D But he has two tours in Iraq, just like everyone else in the Army:p

TJBL, dude we're just messing with you. But as LR said, he's a dirty nasty leg.

GH you got me on that one BAS was a three week course that could have been compacted into a week.

As for AA bashing. An import E-4P showed up to my plt with, yep AA on his BDU's. I made fun of that pouge for e-v-e-r, as did everyone else:D

[TJBLonghorn]

Thanks, I realize that I am most likely gonna get involved into some stuff. I don't wish for it though. I don't expect to be looked at differently. I pulled a RES. today, but realize I'm not in the Army yet.

[The Corporate Guy]

GH you got me on that one BAS was a three week course that could have been compacted into a week.

I'm not so sure about that...it would really screw up the scheduled three meals a day, 8+ hours of sleep per night, nights and weekends off and 8+ minute per mile runs. :D

[Almighty Bones]

Actually everyone used to want orders for Alaska. Didnt see many go to Korea either, when I was at Benning. It was all screaming chickens and 82nd. I was the only one outta like 60 that got called out for Richardson. Although with the new Brigade up there, they probably would need a few more joes...

[Sharky]

In 1988, EVERY RIP failure that I know of went to Korea....LOL

[Almighty Bones]

well I went in 2002 so with the beginning of the war and being Airborne Qualified most guys went to the 82nd or 101st to fill the ranks for the beginnings of the wars.

The day I got orders it was like 25 for Campbell, 30 for Bragg, 1 for Alaska (hooray for me.....), I think 2 for Italy, half dozen or so for Lewis, and a few stayed at Benning and walked across the street if I remember correctly.

I do remember them laughing at me asking me if i had cold weather gear and then me cussing as the guys right next to me got Italy.

[Hot Mess]

Dude, they are joking around.

Unit A makes fun of Unit B and Unit B makes fun of Unit A.

Airborne and Air Assault go back and forth all day.


Kind of, 1/75 makes fun of 3/75 and vice versa, nobody cares about 2/75:D . But then there is a pecking order. SMU's make fun of everyone. SF makes fun of Rangers. Rangers call everyone not in a SOF unit a leg (including the 82nd). I guess the 82nd makes fun of the 101st (?). And then somewhere in the Army there is some inf unit where they can't say shit:D Damn I'd hate to be in that unit:D

[Hot Mess]

In 1988, EVERY RIP failure that I know of went to Korea....LOL


Moral of the story, unless you like Korean food be a winner:p

[Greenhat]

somewhere in the Army there is some inf unit where they can't say shit:D

Any grunt can always make fun of treadheads, redlegs and REMFs...

[Hot Mess]

Any grunt can always make fun of treadheads, redlegs and REMFs...


Ah yes tankers:rolleyes: Redleg? artillery? And yes, just plain pouges:D