I'm really into computers and thinking about joining the military after high school. Can anyone share what the best computer jobs are in the military? I want something that translates well to civilian life later on.
One notable position you may be interested in is a Cyber Operations Specialist (in the Army, this is coded as 17C). These individuals are responsible for detecting, identifying, and responding to attacks against friendly networks and ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive data. Besides the active defense tasks, they also engage in offensive cyber operations to disrupt and destroy adversaries' computer networks. If you're interested in cybersecurity and potentially transitioning into a career in information security post-military, this is a fantastic option.
If system administration and networking are more appealing to you, then you might want to consider a career as an Information Systems Technician (for the Navy, it's coded as IT; the Army has 25B for Information Technology Specialists). These roles work on communication and data systems. They manage networks, software, servers, and security systems to ensure seamless information flow. In the civilian sector, this could set you up for a role like a systems administrator or network engineer.
An alternative path could be to Intelligence. For instance, a Cryptologic Technician in the Navy (CT) or a Cryptologic Cyberspace Intelligence Collector/Analyst for the Air Force (1N4X1) might be appealing. Both roles involve utilizing computer skills to decipher encrypted messages and gather intelligence. This would potentially open doors to positions in analytics or consulting roles in intelligence post-military.
Always be sure to do further research on each of the positions you're considering. Check the requirements and paths for training, and what the day-to-day looks like, and reach out to those in similar roles if possible. While these jobs are all computer-related, the specific tasks and work environments can vary quite a bit.
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