Which military roles transition well to civilian jobs?

I'm planning on joining the military but want to ensure I have solid options when transitioning to civilian life later. What military roles are known for equipping service members with skills that are highly valued in the civilian job market?

You're making a wise choice by considering the transition to a civilian career even before you join the military. Military service does indeed equip individuals with a range of valuable skills that can translate to civilian roles. Here are some key military roles that often provide a smooth transition to civilian life:

1. Information Technology Specialist: This role covers an array of military specialties, such as cyber operation specialists, recording information and processing systems, etc. It can set you up for a career in information technology or cybersecurity in the civilian world, a field with rapid growth and high demand for skilled professionals.

2. Health Care Roles: Careers in health care such as an army medic or navy corpsman could lead to roles in the civilian health sector, including positions as registered nurses, paramedics, or physician assistants.

3. Military Police/Security: This naturally lends itself to a variety of jobs in the civilian law enforcement sector. It could lead to roles in local law enforcement or state and federal roles such as within the FBI or DEA.

4. Logistics/Supply Chain: Military roles involved in the moving, supplying, and storing of military personnel and equipment—often listed as logistics, supply, or transportation—could set you up for a career in civilian logistics, operations, and supply chain management.

5. Pilots and Aviation Operations: These roles could lead to jobs as commercial pilots or aviation project managers.

6. Public Affairs Specialist: This role involves preparing and presenting news and press releases, newsletters, or reports on military matters. This skillset can translate to positions in corporate communications, public relations, or media relations in the civilian sector.

While this list provides some specific roles, it's important to keep in mind that military service in general fosters a wide array of skills that are highly valued in the civilian job market—such as leadership, teamwork, adaptability, and discipline. These are transferable skills that could help you succeed in virtually any field after your military service.