Can I Have a Business While Enlisted in the Military?

I'm thinking about starting a small side business, but I'm also considering enlisting in the military. Is it possible to run a business while serving, and are there any specific restrictions or hurdles I'd need to be aware of?

Yes, it is possible to run a small business while serving in the military, but there are some factors and guidelines you need to be aware of.

Firstly, the military's time commitments might present challenges, especially for individuals on active duty. Unlike a regular job, the military often requires long hours, includes deployments, and involves changing station locations, all of which can significantly limit the amount of time you could dedicate to managing your business. Many service members find that running a business while on active duty is more manageable if they have a reliable person, maybe a business partner or manager, who can oversee the business when they are unavailable.

Secondly, there are ethical guidelines to consider. The Department of Defense has regulations that prohibit active-duty service members from using their military position or title for private gain. Therefore, you should ensure that your military service and your business operations stay separate.

Lastly, you'll want to make sure you're abiding by any rules about secondary employment, which can vary by branch, and often require approval from a superior. It's worth discussing your plans with your chain of command or a legal advisor to ensure that you are within the guidelines.

Keeping all this in mind, many service members have successfully started and run businesses while serving in the military. It requires some careful planning on your part, but if your business model is flexible and you have a trusted team, it can certainly be viable. Having a sound business plan that takes into account the demands of military life can ensure the stability and success of your enterprise despite the challenges you might face.

For instance, consider a business model that can be managed remotely or outside regular working hours. Online enterprises, freelance work, or businesses that involve hiring employees to carry out most of the workload can be compatible with a military lifestyle.

Remember, your first obligation will always be to serve, so make sure your business practices stay flexible enough to accommodate that. One successful approach taken by some military entrepreneurs is to view the military as their stable, full-time job, and their business as an evolving, part-time venture that can grow with time, patience, and resilience.