What careers allow civilians to work alongside military members? I'm interested in jobs that involve collaboration or support roles within military environments. Any advice on where to start looking?
There are numerous civilian roles in and around the military that you may be interested in. Many of these positions provide vital support to military operations, with roles including everything from engineering to healthcare to administration.
One obvious place to start is the Department of Defense. The DoD hires civilians for a variety of roles, including logistics, intelligence, technology, and more. Similarly, each branch of the military also employs civilian workers for a multitude of tasks that support military operations.
Additionally, government contractors play a huge role in supporting the military. Companies like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Raytheon, or Northrop Grumman hire civilians to work on a range of projects such as building defense systems, providing IT support, and creating military equipment.
The Veterans Affairs (VA) department is another avenue. Though it's not directly part of the military, it serves a crucial role in supporting veterans after their service. Typical job roles there include medical, psycho-social support, and administrative roles.
The U.S. Department of State also employs civilians in roles that require coordination with the military, particularly in areas related to foreign policy and international relations.
When looking for these jobs, you can start your search on USAJOBS.gov, the main job site for federal government jobs. You can also check out the careers section of various defense contractor companies' websites.
Remember to tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight any experience or skills that would be particularly relevant for working in a military environment. Skills such as leadership, the ability to operate under pressure, and teamwork are highly prized.
On top of these, it's crucial to have patience. Government and contractor jobs alike can have a longer hiring process compared to the private sector, taking several months from application to hire. But with incredible benefits and the opportunity to contribute to important missions, these jobs are often worth the wait.
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