Every soldier eventually transitions out of the Army. Whether you're planning to serve for four years or twenty, choosing the right MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) can shape your long-term success both in service and after. But we know the transition can feel uncertain—you're stepping into an entirely new world. This guide, developed with insights from veteran organizations and transition experts, highlights 10 Army jobs that serve the mission and translate into high-demand civilian careers. Backed by data from the U.S. Army, Department of Labor, and veteran employment reports, these roles offer real potential to launch your post-military career with confidence.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, several fast-growing civilian careers—including information security analysts, EMTs, and logistics managers—align directly with military experience. These roles offer strong job prospects, competitive salaries, and career continuity for veterans (Bureau of Labor Statistics, n.d.). What Makes a Great Army Job for Civilian Life?
Not all MOSs are created equal when it comes to post-military opportunities. The best Army jobs for civilian careers typically:
- Offer transferable technical or administrative skills
- Align with growing civilian industries (like healthcare, tech, or logistics)
- Provide access to certifications and security clearances
- Set you up for further education using your GI Bill benefits
Top 10 Army MOS for Civilian Careers
Each job listing includes the Army MOS, its civilian equivalent, why it transitions well, an estimated salary range, and new content: what types of employers and environments you might find yourself working in.
1. 25B – Information Technology Specialist
- Civilian equivalent: Network Administrator, Systems Analyst, IT Support
- Why it transitions well: Cybersecurity and IT skills are in high demand across industries. Many 25Bs earn CompTIA certifications during service.
- Salary range: $60,000–$100,000+
- Career Insight: Veterans with this MOS often find roles at defense contractors, federal agencies, and Fortune 500 IT departments, frequently in hybrid or remote work settings.
2. 68W – Combat Medic Specialist
"I transitioned out as a 68W and had no problem picking up EMT work within a few weeks of separation. TAP helped me prep, but it was the NREMT cert I earned on active duty that really made the difference." – Reddit user, r/army (2023)
- Civilian equivalent: EMT, Paramedic, Nurse, Physician Assistant
- Why it transitions well: Soldiers can earn NREMT certification, and healthcare is one of the fastest-growing job sectors.
- Salary range: $40,000–$90,000+
- Career Insight: Many medics work for hospitals, ambulance services, or transition into nursing programs, often in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.
3. 12B – Combat Engineer
- Civilian equivalent: Civil Engineer, Construction Manager, Safety Inspector
- Why it transitions well: Engineering and construction trades are booming. 12Bs learn valuable field and project management skills.
- Salary range: $50,000–$95,000
- Career Insight: Opportunities are strong in state infrastructure agencies, construction firms, and environmental services with both office and field roles.
4. 15T – UH-60 Helicopter Repairer
- Civilian equivalent: Aircraft Mechanic, Aviation Technician
- Why it transitions well: Aviation maintenance is a specialized, high-paying trade. Many 15Ts go on to get FAA-certified.
- Salary range: $55,000–$85,000
- Career Insight: Employers include commercial airlines, private aviation companies, and aerospace firms. Work is often hands-on in hangars or field service.
5. 35F – Intelligence Analyst
- Civilian equivalent: Cyber Analyst, Intelligence Consultant, Data Analyst
- Why it transitions well: Strong analytical and classified systems experience. Security clearances make vets attractive hires.
- Salary range: $65,000–$120,000+
- Career Insight: Common employers include federal intelligence agencies, cybersecurity firms, and defense contractors. Work environments are typically secure and tech-heavy.
6. 91B – Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic
- Civilian equivalent: Diesel Mechanic, Fleet Technician, Auto Technician
- Why it transitions well: Hands-on mechanical experience easily converts to trades, which are in critical demand.
- Salary range: $45,000–$75,000
- Career Insight: Logistics firms, transit authorities, and trucking companies regularly hire mechanics to maintain large fleets.
7. 42A – Human Resources Specialist
- Civilian equivalent: HR Assistant, Payroll Manager, Recruiter
- Why it transitions well: Strong admin, data entry, and personnel management background. HR certifications are accessible post-service.
- Salary range: $40,000–$80,000
- Career Insight: Opportunities exist across industries—corporate offices, government HR, and staffing firms—mostly in structured office environments.
8. 31B – Military Police
- Civilian equivalent: Law Enforcement Officer, Corrections Officer, Private Security
- Why it transitions well: Many agencies offer direct-entry programs for vets. Military Police experience is highly respected.
- Salary range: $45,000–$85,000
- Career Insight: Veterans often pursue roles in local/state police departments, federal law enforcement, or security firms.
9. 25S – Satellite Communications Systems Operator
- Civilian equivalent: Telecommunications Technician, Satellite Systems Engineer
- Why it transitions well: Technical and communications fields are increasingly important. Many soldiers pursue Cisco or CompTIA certs.
- Salary range: $60,000–$100,000
- Career Insight: Employers include telecom providers, space-tech companies, and defense satellite contractors.
10. 88M – Motor Transport Operator
- Civilian equivalent: Commercial Truck Driver, Logistics Coordinator
- Why it transitions well: Soldiers can earn a CDL while in service, and logistics roles are growing with e-commerce and supply chain demand.
- Salary range: $45,000–$75,000
- Career Insight: CDL holders are in high demand by freight companies, local delivery services, and warehouse distributors.
Resources for Soldiers Planning Their Next Move
Helpful Tools and Platforms
- Army COOL: Matches your MOS with civilian certifications
- Transition Assistance Program (TAP): Resume help, job search tools, interview practice
- GI Bill Benefits: Use education funding to finish degrees or get licensed in a trade
- LinkedIn for Veterans: Premium access, job boards, and veteran hiring programs
When to Start Transition Planning
- Start planning your post-Army career 12–18 months before your ETS (End of Term of Service).
- Use your Individual Transition Plan (ITP) to map out education, employment, and VA benefits goals early.
Who to Talk To
- Unit Career Counselor: Get insight on reclass options, transition programs, and credential pathways.
- TAP Advisor: Begin working with your TAP representative as early as possible for guidance on resume building, interview prep, and job placement.
- Installation Education Center: Explore certification programs, tuition assistance, and post-secondary education planning.
Programs That Help with Transition
- On-base Career Fairs: Most installations host quarterly or semi-annual career fairs through SFL-TAP, often featuring veteran-friendly employers, SkillBridge partners, and resume reviewers. Check with your TAP office for the next event.
- Soldier for Life – Transition Assistance Program (SFL-TAP): A mandatory pre-separation program that helps active-duty soldiers transition into civilian life through resume training, career workshops, and job placement support.
- Soldier for Life: A larger initiative that continues to support Army veterans after separation by connecting them with civilian opportunities in employment, education, health, and community leadership.
- DoD SkillBridge: Civilian internships during your final 180 days of service.
- Onward to Opportunity (O2O): Free career training and certification programs.
- American Corporate Partners (ACP): One-on-one veteran mentorship in business and career development.
Top Civilian Employers That Hire Veterans
Veterans bring discipline, leadership, and mission focus—traits that many major companies actively seek. Here are some top U.S. employers known for strong veteran hiring programs:
- Amazon – Offers the Military Pathways program and has committed to hiring over 100,000 U.S. veterans and military spouses.
- Booz Allen Hamilton – A major defense contractor with active recruitment and mentorship programs for veterans.
- Lockheed Martin – Frequently hires for technical roles in engineering, IT, and operations with a strong preference for veterans.
- JPMorgan Chase – Operates the “Military Pathways Development Program” and co-founded the Veterans Jobs Mission.
- UPS – Offers career tracks in logistics, fleet maintenance, and management; recognized as a top military-friendly employer.
- Deloitte – Provides opportunities for veterans in consulting, cyber, and analytics through its CORE Leadership Program.
- Walmart – Created the “Find-a-Future” initiative to help veterans explore careers in supply chain, store leadership, and tech.
- Raytheon Technologies – Prioritizes veterans for roles in aerospace, cyber defense, and advanced manufacturing.
These companies often attend military job fairs, partner with SkillBridge, or run direct-entry pipelines for transitioning service members. Engaging with them early—via LinkedIn, informational interviews, or TAP job boards—can give you a head start.
Additional Resources for Transitioning Soldiers
- The Honor Movement: Resume and Interview Tips for Veterans – A veteran-founded guide with resume formats, interview prep strategies, and transition success stories.
- Army Retention and Career Resource Site – A new platform that provides centralized access to reclassification options, career planning tools, and up-to-date retention guidance for active-duty soldiers considering their future within or beyond the Army.
- CareerOneStop: Veterans Job Matcher – A U.S. Department of Labor tool that lets you enter your MOS and find related civilian occupations, including job descriptions, salary ranges, and required certifications.
Here are additional hand-picked articles and tools—both internal and external—that can guide your next steps:
- Military OneSource: Transitioning to Civilian Life – Official DoD resource for planning your transition with financial, career, and education support.
- VA Transition Assistance – Learn how to access VA services including health care, home loans, and employment after leaving active duty.
- Hire Heroes USA – Free job search assistance and coaching for veterans and their spouses.
- Warrior-Scholar Project – Academic boot camps at top universities for enlisted veterans preparing for higher education.
- The Mission Continues – Veteran-led service programs to help find purpose and impact in civilian life.
- How to Write a Military-to-Civilian Resume – Learn how to translate your MOS experience into terms hiring managers understand.
- Maximizing Your GI Bill Benefits – A practical guide to using education benefits for certifications, degrees, or trade schools.
- Top Interview Tips for Veterans Entering the Civilian Workforce – Get ready for behavioral interviews and learn how to discuss your military experience effectively.
- How to Use LinkedIn Effectively as a Veteran – Build a profile that attracts recruiters and veteran-friendly employers.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right Army MOS today can open doors to high-demand civilian careers tomorrow. These roles align with fast-growing industries such as IT, healthcare, logistics, and public safety—fields that value your skills and discipline. Whether you're just enlisting or preparing for ETS, aligning your MOS with future goals can make a big difference.
Ready to plan your next move? Visit Army COOL to match your MOS with certifications, or schedule a session with your TAP counselor to build a transition plan that fits your goals. Explore Army COOL or speak to your local TAP counselor today.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics. (n.d.). Military-to-civilian career transitions: Fast-growing fields. U.S. Department of Labor. Retrieved June 27, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2024/article/military-to-civilian.htm
Bureau of Labor Statistics. (n.d.). Occupational Outlook Handbook. U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/
GoArmy. (n.d.). Careers and Jobs. U.S. Army. https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs.html
Military Times. (2023, November 6). Best for Vets: Employers 2023. Task & Purpose. Retrieved June 27, 2025, from https://taskandpurpose.com/news/military-times-best-for-vets-2023/
Pew Research Center. (2021). Veterans and the Labor Market. https://www.pewresearch.org/
RAND Corporation. (n.d.). Veterans Employment Research. https://www.rand.org/topics/veterans-employment.html
Reddit. (2023). Best MOS that transfers over to a civilian career? r/army. Retrieved June 27, 2025, from https://www.reddit.com/r/army/comments/ufhgni/best_mos_that_transfers_over_to_a_civilian_career/
The Honor Movement. (n.d.). Resume and interview tips for veterans: A guide to successfully transitioning into the civilian workforce. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://thehonormovement.org/resume-and-interview-tips-for-veterans-a-guide-to-successfully-transitioning-into-the-civilian-workforce/
U.S. Army Public Affairs. (2023, October 25). Army launches new retention website. Army.mil. Retrieved June 27, 2025, from https://www.army.mil/article/286787/army_launches_new_retention_website
U.S. Department of Defense. (n.d.). Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL). https://www.cool.osd.mil/army
U.S. Department of Labor. (n.d.). Veterans Job Matcher. CareerOneStop. Retrieved June 27, 2025, from https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Jobs/match-veteran-jobs.aspx