I'm thinking about joining the military after high school, but I'm curious about what jobs you can actually do. Are there specific roles that might be interesting or better for someone interested in tech or engineering?
There are indeed many roles within the military that cater to a wide range of interest areas, expertise, and skill sets. If you're leaning towards technology or engineering, there are several military occupational specialties (MOS) that could align with your interests.
For example, in the U.S. Army, roles like Signal Officer (25A) or Information Technology Specialist (25B) could be appealing given your interest in tech. The job of a Signal Officer involves incorporating the use of technology by the Army, managing all systems of communication for a given mission. An Information Technology Specialist, on the other hand, supports the Army's computer systems and data networks.
In the area of engineering, you might be interested in the field of civil or construction engineering. The U.S. Navy has the Civil Engineer Corps (CEC) Officer who leads construction efforts and infrastructure development, while the U.S. Army has a role known as Combat Engineer (12B), which involves the design, construction, and maintenance of various structures, including roads, bridges, and fortifications.
The U.S. Air Force offers roles such as Cyber Operations Officer (17S) or Space Operations Officer (13S) which encompass network defense and satellite communications, respectively.
Finally, the newly formed U.S. Space Force might interest you as it centers on space and cyberspace, often dealing with managing satellites, radars, and other technological aspects of military space systems.
It's advised to check out each branch's official site for more detailed information on the roles and requirements. Always consider your long-term professional goals and how serving in the military might align with or support those. Remember, most military roles also provide significant training and education opportunities, which could further your career in tech or engineering post-military. Keep in mind each role comes with its own set of duties, risks, opportunities, and level of commitment, all of which should factor into your decision.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.