Exploring Military Outdoor Recreation Jobs

Does anyone have experience with military outdoor recreation jobs? I'm really into outdoor activities and was wondering what kind of opportunities might be available in the military that align with these interests.

There are indeed various roles in the military that involve outdoor activities. These roles can range from physical training instructors to serving in more specialized units like the military's outdoor adventure programming, which deals with activities such as rock climbing, kayaking, hiking, and more.

1. Physical Training Instructor: PTIs are responsible for the physical fitness and conditioning of servicemen and women. Their job often involves being outdoors and leading physical exercises.

2. Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) Specialists: This job, specific to the Air Force, involves teaching other servicemen and women survival techniques for various environments, such as forests, jungles, and deserts.

3. Infantry: While not directly tied to outdoor activities as leisure, the duties of infantry personnel often involve operating in outdoor environments, from patrols to outdoor training exercises.

4. Special Forces: Serving in any branch's special forces often requires extensive outdoor training and survival skills, as well as potentially providing opportunities for scuba diving, parachuting, and wilderness survival.

5. Outdoor Recreation Specialist: These individuals can work in a variety of outdoor settings like camps, aquatic centers, outdoor recreation centers, and more. Their job can include leading and coordinating outdoor adventure trips, team-building exercises, classes, and other activities. In the US Army, the Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Programs offer these opportunities.

Keep in mind, entering these roles usually involves rigorous physical training programs and meeting high physical fitness requirements. This might be desirable for someone who's really into outdoor activities and is looking for a challenge. Additionally, being viable for these roles depends on detailed physical and medical assessments. For instance, vision requirements can be a significant factor in certain roles.

Remember too that being in the military doesn't always mean you'll be engaged in field-based outdoor work. There tend to be more desk jobs than field jobs in the military. But if you're passionate about being outdoors, it could very well be a good fit for you!