How do military IT contractor jobs work?

I'm curious about IT contractor positions within the military. How does this career path operate, and what should I know if I'm interested in pursuing this after high school? Any advice on getting started would be appreciated!

Military IT contractor jobs are positions where you'll be working for a private company that has a contract with the military, rather than being employed directly by the military itself. These companies provide the armed forces with specialized IT services, such as systems engineering, cybersecurity, data analysis, technical support, and more.

The first thing you should understand is that these jobs can be quite different from military service roles. While you might work closely with members of the military and even be stationed on a military base, you are effectively a civilian employee. This means you wouldn't go through military training or be subject to military regulations.

If you're considering pursuing a military IT contractor role, there are a couple of key steps you'll want to take.

1. Get Particular Qualification: Before anything else, you'll need to ensure you have the prerequisite IT skills. This typically means earning a degree in an IT-related field like computer science or information systems, although some positions might accept equivalent work experience or specific industry certifications. Remember, the military often deals with highly sensitive information, so they require the capacity to handle complex IT tasks and systems.

2. Security Clearance: Many military IT contractor roles require a security clearance. This is a certification that you're trusted to handle sensitive information. The process to obtain a security clearance usually involves extensive background checks and can take several months. While you might not need one to secure the job initially, being willing and able to get a security clearance will greatly broaden your opportunities.

3. Apply to Specific Roles: Once you've got a basis of IT knowledge and a willingness to undergo a security clearance process, you can start looking for specific roles. This generally involves applying to companies that contract with the military. Many well-known defense and IT companies have such contracts. From there, the application process is similar to any other job: submitting a resume, possibly cover letter, and attending interviews.

4. Continuing Education: Technology is a field that evolves rapidly. Keeping up to date with latest trends, systems, and threats is vital to remain efficient in your role.

To get a head start, exploring internships or part-time jobs in the IT sector during or after high school could be extremely beneficial. Gaining hands-on experience can broaden your understanding of the field and can help solidify if this is indeed the path you wish to take. Volunteering for tech-related tasks or joining relevant clubs or organizations at your school could also provide valuable experience. Most importantly, keep being curious and vigilant about learning, as technology is every-evolving, and staying up-to-date with your skills is crucial.