Are there government jobs in Florida related to the military?

I'm a junior interested in both government work and the military in Florida. Can anyone share what kind of government jobs are available in Florida that have a military focus, and how I might prepare?

Absolutely, there are numerous government jobs available in Florida that have a military focus. Many of these jobs are directly with the Department of Defense (DoD), and they span across a range of fields such as intelligence, logistics, research and development, IT, and more.

One significant avenue for employment is through Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), where you could work as a contract specialist or quality assurance specialist. Another avenue is through the Veterans Affairs (VA) office, where positions range from administrative jobs to medical roles supporting military veterans.

For jobs with a more direct military focus, consider looking into facilities like Eglin Air Force Base, MacDill Air Force Base, Naval Air Station Pensacola, Naval Station Mayport, and Patrick Space Force Base. These bases require both military personnel and civilian support across many roles, contributing to mission planning, equipment maintenance, cybersecurity, and operations.

Now, in terms of preparation, it really depends on the type of job you're interested in. If you're leaning towards something technical like IT or engineering, then obtaining a relevant degree and certifications is a great starting point. If you're more interested in roles like logistics or administrative positions, a degree in public administration or a related field may be beneficial.

Gaining some military experience could also be helpful and provide a unique perspective and understanding of the field. This could be through programs like the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) available at many colleges, or by serving in a military reserve component while in college, which would give you hands-on experience along with leadership training.

Also keep an eye on internship opportunities. For example, the DoD offers a few internship programs for high school and college students that can give you firsthand experience and potentially lead to a full-time position after graduation.

Finally, make sure to develop a strong foundation of soft skills such as leadership, teamwork, and communication as these are crucial in any government or military role.