I'm a high school junior thinking about going into the military after graduation. Can anyone share what kinds of jobs are available within the military? Would love some insight to help me decide!
The U.S. Military offers a wide range of career opportunities, often referred to as Military Occupational Specialties (MOS). Positions can be divided across different fields, from combat roles to support roles.
1. Combat Specialty Occupations: These are the jobs most people think of when they consider a military career. They include roles as infantry, artillery specialists, combat engineer, and special forces.
2. Administrative Careers: These roles encompass planning, organization, and clerical tasks. They include roles such as personnel clerks, legal specialists, finance and accounting positions, and logistics support.
3. Healthcare: The Military offers a complete set of Healthcare careers such as combat medics, surgical technologists, dentists, nurses, physicians, dietitians, and psychological operations specialist.
4. Support Service Occupations: This includes roles that support the daily maintenance of military facilities and systems. Some examples are food service specialist, religious affairs specialist, water treatment specialist, and civil affairs specialists.
5. Legal and Law Enforcement: Within the military, there are a number of specialist law enforcement and legal roles including military police, criminal investigator, paralegal specialist, legal officer, and military lawyer.
6. Transport and Vehicle Maintenance: These roles cover transport and vehicle operation and maintenance. From motor transport operators, aviators, ship crew members, to mechanics for different vehicle types.
7. Communication and Technology: The military also has roles like cyber network defender, intelligence analysts, multi-media illustrator, and satellite communication systems operator-maintainer to name a few.
8. Specialized Officer Positions: Officer positions would require a college degree. They include fields such as engineering, social work, religion, law, and medicine.
In the military, you can focus on a career that aligns with your interests and skillset or one that offers training towards a profession you aim to pursue after your service. Many roles even come with extensive training opportunities and oftentimes certifications which can enhance career prospects in civilian life too. Prior to committing to a military career, it would be beneficial to meet with a military career counselor or recruiter to discuss your interests, life goals, and the many career options that are available.
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