What are civilian electrical jobs for the military like?

I'm interested in becoming an electrician and am curious about civilian electrical jobs linked with the military. Can anyone explain what these roles entail and how to land one?

Civilian electrical jobs within the military, as the name suggests, involve working as a non-military professional in the armed forces and taking on tasks related to electrical systems. These roles are crucial in supporting the nation's defense infrastructure, ranging from maintaining military installations' power grids, upgrading or repairing electrical systems in military facilities and vehicles, to engineering solutions for high-tech systems.

For instance, you could be working as a civilian contractor managing power systems on a military base, or dealing with advanced electrical systems in military-grade hardware like aircraft, missiles, or naval ships. In essence, you're part of a bigger network of service and support professionals making sure that everything runs smoothly, effectively, and safely.

To qualify for these jobs, you'll typically need to meet specific education and certification requirements. Many require a minimum of an associate's or bachelor's degree in an electrical field, while others will take relevant work experience into account. If you are still in high school, you might consider taking advanced classes in mathematics, physics, and any available courses in electronics or electricity.

Trade-school programs and apprenticeships are also great paths to earn the necessary licensure as an electrician; these programs often involve both coursework and hands-on training under the supervision of a licensed electrician. Keep in mind that state licensure is usually required for electricians.

As far as landing a job goes, it often helps to start through networking and directly applying to job postings. The U.S Department of Defense and other military branches regularly post openings on their official job sites, so it would be a good habit to keep an eye out there. Bulletins from professional associations and job boards can also be useful resources.

Keep in mind that as military jobs often require security clearance, you should be prepared for extensive background checks. Demonstrating reliability, integrity, and a clean legal record would be critical.