What do international military jobs involve?

I'm interested in the potential of working internationally through a military career. What kind of positions involve global assignments and what is the usual scope of this work?

Working with the military certainly provides plenty of avenues for international assignments. Here are a few fields within the military that often send personnel aboard:

1. Intelligence: Intelligence officers often work abroad where they gather, analyze, and distribute essential information about the host nation. This can pertain to politics, economics, military capability, or societal trends. This role is fundamental to making strategic decisions for the country's national security.

2. Special Operations Forces: The Special Forces like the Navy Seals or Green Berets often operate in various parts of the world, undertaking direct action or special reconnaissance missions.

3. Foreign Area Officers (FAO): This specialty entails mastering a specific region's culture, politics, and language. FAOs often serve as liaisons with foreign militaries, provide expert analysis, and advise commanders or ambassadors.

4. Diplomats: Military personnel can be attached to embassies and consulates across the globe, working along with the State Department in diplomatic roles. They play a critical role in security operations and evacuations in case of political unrest or natural disasters.

5. International Health Specialists: These are healthcare providers or administrators who often work overseas as part of the military’s global health initiatives. They not only provide essential health services to military personnel but also engage in training and health diplomacy efforts with host countries.

6. Logistics & Supply Chain Management: Military personnel in these roles ensure the supply of necessary materials to soldiers stationed abroad, from food supply to ammunition. They manage complex logistics networks, adhering to various international regulations and working in diverse terrains.

The scope of these roles is varied, from strategic decision-making, gathering intelligence, diplomatic representations, humanitarian work, to tactical military operations. However, each job comes with its challenges, including language barriers, cultural differences, and time away from family. It's important to note that these roles usually require highly specialized training and possibly post-secondary education. For instance, those in intelligence or diplomatic roles often have a background in international relations or a related field.