What are some non-combat jobs in the military?

I'm considering joining the military after high school, but I'm more interested in non-combat roles. What are some options available in non-combat military jobs, and how do they differ across branches?

There are a variety of non-combat roles available in all branches of the military, ranging from healthcare to communications to technical specialties. Here are some examples:

1. Healthcare: Like civilian healthcare, military healthcare has a need for everything from nurses and medical technicians to pharmacists and physicians. The Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force all have their own medical commands and need a variety of healthcare providers and support staff. The medical field in the military, much like in the civilian world, offers a variety of specializations, from general medicine, psychiatry, through to dental care, and more.

2. IT and Communications: Military operations require robust and secure communications. Careers in these fields can include everything from operating satellites and managing networks to ensuring secure communications and carrying out cyber operations. It's a crucial field and one that's often at the forefront of technological advancements.

3. Engineering and Maintenance: Engineering roles are available in nearly every branch of the military. They ensure the functionality of everything from vehicles and aircraft to electrical systems and buildings. Maintenance roles overlap with engineering to keep everything running smoothly.

4. Intelligence: The intelligence field involves gathering, analyzing, and disseminating vital information to support military decision-making. Jobs in military intelligence can range from signal intelligence and imagery analysis to human intelligence collection and linguistic support.

5. Legal and Finance: Nearly every professional sector has a place in the military. Legal and finance jobs can range from paralegals to judge advocates (military lawyers), while financial roles can encompass budgeting, accounting, and auditing.

The types of roles available can vary by branch. For example, the Navy has marine engineering roles that manage ship systems, while the Air Force and Space Force have aerial and space system engineering roles. The Army, while encompassing a diverse range of non-combat roles, has a heavier focus on ground-based operations. The Coast Guard, a branch of the military tasked primarily with maritime law enforcement and search and rescue, offers jobs related to maritime services like vessel inspection, marine science, and environmental management.

In general, your job assignment in the military will depend on your interests, skills, and the results of the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) that all recruits take as part of the enlistment process.

Keep in mind that while these roles are classified as non-combat, all military personnel must undergo basic training, and there is always a potential risk of deployment to combat zones depending on global situations and specific mission requirements. Your commitment to the military will always take precedence, even in a non-combat role.