Elie P.

Elie served as a paratrooper in the US Army from 2008 to 2012. He used the GI Bill to graduate from UC Berkeley where he majored in English. He currently works as a writing tutor, a freelance writer, and a bartender, is completing a novel based on his time in Afghanistan, and is pursuing graduate school. See his Cornell University profile to learn more.

US Army Officer Candidate School Details & Guide For 2026

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army ocs

The United States Army operates Officer Candidate School to train prospective commissioned officers. Army OCS is attended by qualified enlisted personnel, prior service members, inter-service transfers, and eligible civilians. The program provides standardized instruction focused on leadership, decision-making, and military fundamentals required of Army officers. What is Army Officer Candidate School (OCS)? Officer Candidate School … Read more

Army MOS 18X Explained: Special Forces Guide For 2026

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Army MOS 18X

Army MOS 18X is the Special Forces enlistment option for individuals seeking one of the most elite combat careers in the U.S. Army. Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) are used by the Army to define a soldier’s role, responsibilities, and training pipeline while serving. MOS 18X is unique because it does not represent a single job … Read more

Army MOS 11X: Infantry Careers Explained For 2026

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army mos 11x

Army MOS 11X is a designation used to group infantry-related career fields within the U.S. Army. These specialties fall under the Army’s Military Occupational Specialty system, which assigns roles based on operational needs and training pipelines. Infantry positions are combat-focused roles that require extensive physical training and specialized instruction. Understanding what MOS 11X represents helps … Read more

Army Carpentry & Masonry Specialist (MOS 12W) Guide For 2026

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Army Carpentry and Masonry Specialist - MOS 12W

Army Carpentry and Masonry Specialists (MOS 12W) support construction and infrastructure projects for the U.S. Army. The role involves carpentry, masonry, and related construction tasks used in both garrison and field environments. These specialists apply trade skills under Army standards to help build, repair, and maintain facilities and structures. Education, Qualifications, Training and Duty Stations … Read more

Army All Source Intelligence (MOS 35D): Career Details

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Army All Source Intelligence (AOC 35D)

Army All Source Intelligence (MOS 35D) officers are responsible for collecting information from multiple sources. AOC 35D, or Area of Concentration, is the area that all Military Intelligence officers begin their career in. As they advance, they may require additional AOC training to enter into specialty areas. Qualifications and Training MOS 35D is a position … Read more