The Relationship between a Soldier’s Current Military Occupation And Their Post-Military Occupational Goals

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to identify the relationship between a soldier’s military occupation and their preferred occupational outside of the military. The goal was to relate the information of their military experiences to the outside world and occupations that are pursued after the military contract is completed. The research was completed through surveys distributed to soldiers transitioning out of the military. The results suggest that many soldiers were unsure of their direction after the military but most where favoring an occupation in their military occupational specialty (MOS). Participants indicated they selected their occupation because of the ease of transitioning without any more schooling. A number of respondents, seventy-two percent, reported wanting a different military occupational specialty (MOS) when first entering the service. ). Results of this survey research also indicate that most service members had not completed education prior to entering the service and only a few gained degrees while serving. This is a noteworthy career decision factor, since the ease of transitioning without any more schooling appeared to play an important role in post-military occupational choice. Lastly, seventy-two percent of respondents reported wanting a different MOS when first entering the service than what their actual MOS was.