I mean nocking on the door to E6? That's not 3 year territory typically. If it's 3 years active, no deployments these guys are right, but for all I know this could just be what you think is "relevant" and you've been in 6 years or 8 years- deployed 2 or 3 times etc. How many combat deployments with the military? How many years with the military and in what MOS's is going to play a role in knowing what you are or are not qualified for. Whats out there for prior service snipers? Originally Posted By: Griffin ArmamentOriginally Posted By: Alex111787been a sniper for a year now and SDM 2 years prior to that. Whatever you do, be the best, and don't settle for less than your best. I work with some that make anywhere from $75k-$175k for a 9-5 job. Once you get tired of welding, you can always be a consultant/contractor too. The tradeoff is that you will be away from your family and those 6-7 months will be long days. PLUS for that kind of cash you only work 6-7 months a year. If'n you get real good and don't mind a bit of travel, you can make well over $100k/yr doing the nuclear outage circuit.
The local unions (yes we have unions in GA) will train you and there are jobs a plenty. If not, I would strongly suggest welding. It might not be for you, but there are some alpha male types that HAVE to have things done their way so if that's you, get a degree. While these people are far from poor (they make considerably more through their contracting company), they will not be able to advance into a management or supervisor position. At my job I see tons of people with decades of experience being overlooked because they worked in a trade (welding, coatings expert, concrete, etc.) rather than getting a degree. My advice would be to decide on whether you want to be in some sort of management position or not. If you can't afford to be in college, get a contract job, network, and if you get laid off or the site closes, fight your way to the next job. If you can afford it, at least get an associates degree and then you can probably get a job in law enforcement. Volatile fluctuation of market conditions (Job today does not equal job tomorrow). Training and deploying and finding no slots available (working in a lower paid shooter position Training for jobs that don't exist (a seat on the bench) Work out and make sure you are at your physical peak, and make sure you have a job lined up prior to getting out. That said if you want a sniper job outside of the military I would milk the military for every day you can put on your experience, do your vetting and get accepted to a program prior to getting out, and turn down the E6 promotion if it forces you out of your section. The market isn't that hot, and it's not going to be looking up with the direction of the economy and government budgeting IMO. Who knows OP may become CSM some day, or maybe just retire as an E6, but either way with free education and so many special programs in the military there is no reason not to succeed. It is one thing to be good at your job, but another if you can lead others in that same occupation.īy achieving the degree or certification you can then get out of the service because you want to, not because you have to. Honing your leadership skills and getting some time under your belt will allow you to establish yourself in your given community(occupational community). Being a tech, mechanic, operator, or even cook is only one facet of the total package. What OP is going through is very common with mid career enlisted, they become proficient at their job and then get that itch for something better. Also as mother stated above, that piece of paper will open more doors and opportunities. Obtaining a degree ,rank or both shows dedication and discipline. OP or any military member has a trade, what he does with it will determine their success in the future.