Military MOS and 1811

[esl550]

To the 1811's out there: is there a military specialty you tend to see in successful applicants? I'm looking into both Marine and Army OCS, and I figure that intelligence or JAG would be great ways to get relevant 1811 experience. But I read about psychological operations the other day and that looks pretty interesting. So I guess my question is, does specialty matter or just the fact that the applicant has solid military experience?

[Switchback]

Military experience is fine. Otherwise, it really doesn't matter. We see guys that are former SOCOM, but it is not their MOS/experience that makes them as marketable as the kind of guys that those in those types of slots tend to be (if that makes sense).

[Kimble]

We've got many former military folks with my agency, from all different MOS'es, though we do have a high number from intel or criminal investigative (active duty with Army CID or USAF OSI) backgrounds. We've got plenty others who were infantry, comms, IT, supply, etc.

[esl550]

Military experience is fine. Otherwise, it really doesn't matter. We see guys that are former SOCOM, but it is not their MOS/experience that makes them as marketable as the kind of guys that those in those types of slots tend to be (if that makes sense).

Yeah I get what you mean. That's good to hear, the way I see it I wouldn't want to choose a "second choice" MOS then realize years later I want to go career military and don't like my specialty.

We've got many former military folks with my agency, from all different MOS'es, though we do have a high number from intel or criminal investigative (active duty with Army CID or USAF OSI) backgrounds.

I actually just read that you can apply for the AF's OCS with the intention of becoming an AFOSI agent. Probably will look into that more. Also read that you can't join CID as an officer, which is unfortunate.

[Kimble]

I actually just read that you can apply for the AF's OCS with the intention of becoming an AFOSI agent. Probably will look into that more. Also read that you can't join CID as an officer, which is unfortunate.

Just understand that for the most part, regardless of whether with OSI or Army CID (and Coast Guard's CGIS for that matter), if you want to work investigations you've got to be an active duty enlisted solider/airman (or in some cases warrant officer). Officers in both OSI and CID are managers, not case agents (OSI does have their officers work investigations their first couple of years but then they're shuffled off to management for the rest of their careers).

[esl550]

Just understand that for the most part, regardless of whether with OSI or Army CID (and Coast Guard's CGIS for that matter), if you want to work investigations you've got to be an active duty enlisted solider/airman (or in some cases warrant officer). Officers in both OSI and CID are managers, not case agents (OSI does have their officers work investigations their first couple of years but then they're shuffled off to management for the rest of their careers).

Huh, didn't know that. Does that mean, then, that if I did go into AFOSI as an officer I wouldn't really get any relevant experience?