Exploring military payroll jobs after high school

I'm thinking about pursuing a role related to payroll in the military. Can someone explain what these jobs typically involve and if there are specific entry requirements or training programs available for recent high school grads?

Absolutely, many high school graduates consider the military for further career development, and payroll-related jobs in the military can be an excellent stepping stone.

Military payroll jobs primarily revolve around managing the salaries and benefits of servicemen and women. These positions may fall under Armed Forces financial management, which involves tasks such as maintaining pay accounts, overseeing transactions, taking care of travel claims, allotments, bonds, and managing financial records. This field also requires a deep understanding of various military regulations and rules around pay and benefits.

As an entry point, high school graduates often enlist and attend Basic Combat Training first, where they learn the basics of being a soldier. Then, they go into Advanced Individual Training, which focuses on job-specific skills. For a payroll-related career, you can aim to get the military occupational specialty of Financial Management Technician (in the Army, this would be MOS 36B). This training educates you in areas like systems and practices for financial management, disbursement of pay, determining military entitlements, and auditing accounting records.

In terms of requirements, you should ideally have an interest in arithmetic, an ability for detailed work, and the knack for dealing with numerical data. Moreover, having a high school diploma is required. To enlist in the military, you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, be at least 17 years old, and meet certain physical, moral, and legal standards.

Remember, while you're in the military, you'll have the chance to take advantage of its tuition assistance programs. This can be a big plus if you want to continue your education. For instance, you may want to get an associate's or bachelor's degree in finance or a related area to advance your military career or to prepare for a civilian job in finance or payroll.

Keep in mind that military life is not just about your job—it's a lifestyle that requires a commitment beyond the standard 9-to-5. It's worth brushing up on what life in the military typically involves and speaking to current servicemen and servicewomen if you can.

In any career path, the key is to gather as much information as possible to make an informed decision. It's fantastic that you're exploring options and asking questions. Good luck with your decision-making process!