What is it like working an office job in the military?

I'm thinking about joining the military and am curious about office roles. What do these jobs entail, and what qualifications should I focus on right now in high school to prepare?

An office job in the military can provide a great opportunity to acquire and hone professional skills that will be valuable both within the military and in more "typical" civilian offices. Military office roles cover a wide range of functions, similar to a civilian office. These roles can include but are not limited to human resources, logistics and supply, finance, and communication. You could be doing anything from managing scheduling and personnel records to budget creation.

Military office workers often perform under stricter regulations than their civilian counterparts and might have duties aligning to security protocols or leadership specific tasks. However, these roles also come with the standard office environment, with clear procedures and well-structured workflows.

To prepare for an office role in the military, consider working on the following areas:

1. Communication Skills: Regardless of the specific role, effective written and verbal communication skills are vital in an office setting. Pay attention to your English classes, particularly when it comes to writing. Joining clubs that focus on public speaking like debate or Model UN can also be beneficial.

2. Computer Skills: Proficiency in basic software like Microsoft Office Suite is essential. Courses in the likes of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint will allow for the progression of skills in these areas.

3. Leadership Skills: The military values leadership skills. Get involved in extracurriculars that allow you to take on leadership roles, such as student government or athletic teams.

4. Customer Service: A lot of office roles involve helping others, whether it's HR answering questions about benefits or logistics providing other units with necessary supplies. Any experience you can get interacting with customers, like a part-time job at a retail store, would be useful.

Lastly remember that all military personnel must meet certain physical and moral standards, regardless of job role. Regardless of whether you'll be in an office or on the front lines, maintaining a good level of fitness and demonstrating integrity and personal responsibility will significantly enhance your chances of being accepted to your chosen branch of the military and succeeding once you're there.