Expert: Aaron Shifferly - 11/17/2011

Question
Hello Captain. I've been having trouble finding work with just a bachelors degree. I have one semester for my masters degree under my belt but the prospect of another year and a half in school without having any tangible work experience is very unattractive to me. I'm looking into joining the army and I scored a 95 on the ASVAB exam. When I get out, I'd like to stay in government and work for the State Department or Central Intelligence but I'd also like to have skills the private sector will find useful. Becoming an Officer is something I would prefer over going enlisted. What jobs would you advise I consider with the score I have? Thanks.

Answer
If you join under a contract to become an officer; go to basic, then Officer Candidate School, then commission, you won't get a choice in your career field. All OCS slots are on a "needs of the Army" basis. The thing about officers is that after 3 years or so in your initial branch, there are plenty of opportunities to change fields into something more specialized. If you want an exact career choice, I'd advise taking the ASVAB again and trying to score over 110 and then consider the enlisted side. Enlisted is the only way you'll have a job guaranteed in writing and 110 is around where you can hold any job the Army offers.