VA Military Memories Competition
SP 4 Johnny Conroy, U.S. Army (1967-1970)
What was your primary Occupational Specialty in the Military? What was the most significant skill you learned and was this useful in your civilian life?
Like many veterans on this site, I had several PMOSs assigned to me. In the Navy, it was Boatswain’s Mate and Aviation Ordnanceman. In the Army, I was a Guided Missile Technician, Infantryman, and Infantry Instructor. I learned a lot from each of these, except the Army missile tech, which I never worked in. The Navy taught me essential military skills and something about becoming a small unit leader. 18 months supporting the war from an aircraft carrier offshore whetted my desire to become more personally involved in Vietnam. Working with ordnance that others would use in combat was not enough for me.
SSG Victoria Ryan, U.S. Army (1973-1988)
What was your primary Occupational Specialty in the Military? What was the most significant skill you learned and was this useful in your civilian life?
When I enlisted in the Army in 1973, I was almost two months past my 23rd birthday, about five years older than the majority of enlistees. I already had five years of work experience in general administration and communications with New York Telephone Company.
Because of my strong typing skills and speed, I was assigned the primary MOS of 71B (clerk typist). As time went on and I achieved a higher rank, the MOS was automatically upgraded to 71L (administrative specialist).
While on active duty, I held various positions: Company clerk, librarian assistant, intelligence administrative specialist, and casualty operations NCO, just to name a few.
During my first reenlistment, I applied for and was awarded a secondary MOS of 81E (illustrator). This was primarily based on college art courses and my interest in pursuing an art-related field in the future. No military training in this MOS was offered or provided to me, and I never had the opportunity to utilize it while on active duty.
However, after my formal retirement, I utilized military opportunities for my art education, expounding on my secondary MOS. I have been able to create painted landscapes, which I have successfully marketed and generated revenue from.
SGT Edgar Medina, U.S. Marine Corps (1969-1977)
What was your primary Occupational Specialty in the Military? What was the most significant skill you learned and was this useful in your civilian life?
Wow! When one hears the slogan, Adapt, Improvise, and Overcome, they are talking about my beloved Marine Corps. When I enlisted in 1969, after boot camp, I was given the 0351 infantry specialty of anti-tank assault. I learned to operate the 106mm recoilless rifle along with the attached 50mm spotting rifle. Another neat “toy” I learned to fire was the 3.5 rocket launcher (Bazooka) but, that was not all I also learned to operate and fire the flame thrower. Months later, while en route to Vietnam, I had visions of blowing up enemy tanks and burning the Vietcong out of tunnels with my flame thrower. When I arrived in Danang, my instructions were to report to the 81mm mortar section, H&S 1/1 1st Marine Division. Well, I adapted, and over time and countless fire missions, I not only learned about mortars, but I worked my way up to assistant gunner and had my sights set on becoming the gunner. Well, the needs of the Corps trumped my personal ambition, and shortly after, I was transferred to Mike Company, 3/1 1st Marine Division. This was due to this unit sustaining many casualties and desperately needing replacements. Well, after my experience as a 0341 mortar man, I was once again transitioning into an 0311 infantryman. I’m not one who likes to tell war stories or talk about my experience in the war, but while I had seen some limited action with mortars, it was like a walk compared to what I was getting into. My new unit was operating in an area called “Arizona territory”. I believe this was in or near An Hoa. After being with this unit for a short while, the Marine that carried the M79 grenade launcher was due to rotate back to the States, and he designated me as his replacement. I loved this weapon, often referred to as the blooper, because of the noise it made when fired.
SSgt John House, U.S. Air Force (1977-1991)
What was your primary Occupational Specialty in the Military? What was the most significant skill you learned and was this useful in your civilian life?
My primary AFSC was 328×3, Electronic Warfare Systems Specialist and I achieved a 7-level before being medically discharged after being struck by a drunk driver. My first two assignments were 1st Special Operations Wing (Tactical Air Command at first, then later Military Airlift Command) at Hurlburt Field, where I participated in the Iran hostage rescue mission in April 1980 as part of the 100-member logistics crew that accompanied our special operations aircraft to Egypt for the forward staging location, and the 51st Tactical Fighter Wing (Tactical Air Command) at Homestead AFB where I worked on the last operational F-4D squadrons. I worked within my primary at both of these first two assignments and loved working on aircraft outside on the flight line.
SFC Michael Taylor, U.S. Army (1977-2008)
What was your primary Occupational Specialty in the Military? What was the most significant skill you learned and was this useful in your civilian life?
From the Battlefield to Brotherhood: A 30-Year Journey of Duty, Leadership, and Lifelong Bonds
Hey there! My Army career span was November 1977 through August 2008 resulting in full retirement. So, let me tell you about my time in the military. I started off as a 75 series, which eventually led me to become a Tanker (19K) and then transition to Human Resources (42A). It was quite a journey, I must say!
One of the most rewarding aspects of my military experience was the opportunity to provide support to my fellow soldiers. Whether it was on the battlefield or in the administrative realm, I always found fulfillment in being there for my comrades. There’s something incredibly special about being able to lend a helping hand and make a positive difference in someone’s life.
And boy, did I get to see some incredible places! Traveling was a big part of my military life, including going overseas. I got to immerse myself in different cultures and environments, which really broadened my perspective. Those memories and experiences have had a lasting impact on me, shaping who I am today.
SPC Vergie Terrell, U.S. Army (2010-2016)
What was your primary Occupational Specialty in the Military? What was the most significant skill you learned and was this useful in your civilian life?
In the military, my primary occupational specialty was as a 25L, which stands for Cable System Installer Maintainer. This role is crucial within the communications field, focusing on installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting cable systems that support various communication networks. The responsibilities of a 25L include working with fiber optic and copper cabling and ensuring that communication lines are operational and reliable for mission-critical operations.