Former 92A MOS workers, also known as automated logistical specialists, can use their expertise in positions that exist outside the Army. Pertinent skills include physical strength, bookkeeping, and inventory management. Reviewing these industries and all they have to offer may help veterans make an informed comparison before deciding which civilian career path to follow.
Career Comparison
| Job Title | Median Salary (2021)* | Job Growth (2021-2031)* | Applicable Military Skills/Traits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hand Laborers & Freight, Stock, & Material Movers | $31,230 | 6% | Precision, manual dexterity, dependability, hand-eye coordination, physical strength, customer service |
| Shipping, Receiving, & Traffic Clerks | $36,890 | -7% (decline) | Clerical, active listening, critical thinking, dependability, communication, detail-oriented |
| Order Clerks | $37,920 | -17% | Clerical, active listening, social perceptiveness, dependability, communication, interpersonal, organizational |
| Wholesale & Retail Buyers, except farm products | $63,470 | -2% (decline) | Management, active listening, critical thinking, problem sensitivity, flexibility, dependability, analytical, decision making, negotiating |
| Logisticians | $77,030 | 28% | Management, critical thinking, active listening, coordination, dependability, communication, organizational, problem-solving |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Relevance to Military Background
An automated logistical specialist is in charge of the supervision, management, and performance of warehouse operations. They mostly organize materials and keep a record of inventory, which is usually associated with ammunition, food, and medical supplies. The job requirements outlined in this career can be found in similar civilian jobs. Those with a military background as a 92A MOS worker may be able to relate to one or more of these alternatives.
Hand Laborers & Freight, Stock, & Material Movers
Hand laborers and material movers are accustomed to manual labor like most 92A MOS workers. They move heavy supplies, like freights and stocks, to and from warehouses. Most of the time, workers retrieve materials from storage areas, trucks, ships, and loading docks. While doing all of this, they review work orders, follow instructions on assignments, arrange cargo, and attach identification tags to containers. There are no educational prerequisites to qualify for a position in this industry, but movers are expected to be trainable and physically fit.
Shipping, Receiving, & Traffic Clerks
Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks share similar tasks to the Army's 92A MOS position. Like the military position, these civilian laborers maintain shipment and stock records or documents. Additionally, their job involves receiving items, inspecting contents, sorting orders, labeling packages, and preparing shipment data or records. Most of their work is done in an office though some duties may be fulfilled inside a warehouse facility. Overall, these clerks, who are equipped with a high school education and hands-on experience, prepare materials for incoming and outgoing shipments.
Order Clerks
Order clerks and automated logistical specialists are committed to reviewing and verifying purchases, bills, and contracts. This is something they have in common, but the civilian job involves working mainly with customers in an office setting. After several weeks of job training, order clerks are eventually taught how to take orders through the mail, phone, or other electronic devices. They then use an entry system to process payments, record customer information and review order statuses. Additionally, they inform customers of prices and shipping dates while also handling any questions or concerns.
Wholesale & Retail Buyers, except farm products
Wholesale and retail buyers manage supply activities mainly from the comfort of their office although some travel is necessary. More specifically, they are known to purchase merchandise and goods from suppliers and then resale them at wholesale or retail value. Other duties also involve negotiating prices with suppliers, discussing transportation needs, suggesting price rates, staying consistent with product quality, and keeping track of buying trends. Aspiring wholesale and retail buyers should at least have a bachelor's degree and some form of experience prior to pursuing this industry. Former 92A MOS Army workers can apply their supply handling and inventory management skills directly to this career. Military-related skills like active listening and flexibility will also come in handy.
Logisticians
Logisticians are familiar with some of the same tasks done by automated logistical specialists in the Army. For instance, 92A MOS workers supervise all inventory and material handling inside warehouses. This civilian job does the same while also maintaining client relations for a business, firm, or organization supplying a specific type of product. Ordinary work may involve overseeing a product's life cycle, handling material distribution, proposing strategies for easier transportation, ensuring a good relationship between suppliers and clients, and developing cost-effective plans. While some are known to have an associate's degree, most hiring companies expect logisticians to carry a bachelor's degree in a related field such as supply chain management.
