Which military jobs don't require a degree?

I'm thinking about enlisting right after high school and am wondering about military jobs that don't need a degree. Do these roles still offer opportunities for advancement and skill development?

There are quite several roles within the military that don't require a degree. The majority of enlisted positions don't require a degree, as most branches offer training programs specific to the job.

Just to provide some examples from the different branches:

1. The Army has roles such as Infantryman (11B), Military Police (31B), and Practical Nursing Specialist (68C), among others.

2. The Navy offers positions like Aviation Machinist's Mate (AD), Boatswain’s Mate (BM), and Hospital Corpsman (HM).

3. The Air Force has jobs like Security Forces (3P0X1), Aircraft Loadmaster (1A2X1), and Aerospace Medical Service (4N0X1).

4. The Marine Corps has roles such as Rifleman (0311), Combat Engineer (1371), and Radio Operator (0621).

5. The Coast Guard provides positions like Gunner's Mate (GM), Boatswain's Mate (BM), and Maritime Enforcement Specialist (ME).

6. And finally, the most recent branch, the Space Force integrates personnel from the Air Force and has enlisted roles that include Space Systems Operations and Missile and Space Facilities.

Each of these roles provides training and development opportunities. Additionally, many of the skills and certifications you earn from these roles are transferable to civilian jobs. So if at some point you decided to transition from military service, you would already have a set of skills employers are looking for.

As you progress through your military career, opportunities for advancement are generally based on your performance, experience, and time in service rather than on whether or not you have a formal degree. That being said, should you choose to pursue a degree while serving, all branches of the military provide opportunities for further education, often with significant financial assistance.

My biggest advice would be to do your research into each branch and role that interests you. Speak with recruiters and current military personnel to better understand what each job entails and the opportunities for advancement each provides.