I'm curious about opportunities for high school graduates at military space bases. What kinds of jobs are available there, and what skills or interests would be a good fit? Trying to figure out if this is a viable path after graduation.
Space Force, the sixth and newest branch of the U.S. military, does employ individuals to sustain, maintain and operate space-based systems. Opportunities for high school graduates interested in this area are diverse. You could become a space operations specialist, space systems operations specialist, or a cyber surety specialist, to name a few roles.
Space operations specialists could involve assessing space situations using a variety of information gathered through satellites and other intelligence systems. This career field might be a good fit if you have an interest in space, analytics, and detailed operations.
Space systems operations roles include managing and maintaining multi-mission satellites - from ground control stations to space warning and surveillance. If you have a propensity for technology, this could be a great opportunity.
Cyber surety specialists, on the other hand, directly support and sustain the operation of systems, networks, and applications, ensuring their confidentiality, integrity, and availability. If you're interested in cybersecurity, this could be a possible job role.
Generally speaking, having a strong foundation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects is an often-cited necessity for these job roles. Further, demonstrating strong analytical, communication, teamwork and leadership skills can also be beneficial.
For concrete next steps, you might consider contacting a military recruiter or visiting the "Careers and Jobs" section of the Space Force website for more detailed job descriptions and qualifications required. You could also consider reaching out to those already in roles you are interested in, if you have the chance, to gain more firsthand knowledge.
Remember, joining the military isn't just a career - it's a significant commitment that has its own unique challenges and benefits. You should carefully weigh this decision alongside other post-high school options.
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