What Can I Do in the Military?
The military offers a wide range of career paths and opportunities for individuals to serve their country, gain valuable skills, and advance their careers. Whether you’re looking for a stable job, a chance to travel, or a way to make a difference in the world, the military has something to offer. In this article, we’ll explore the various roles and opportunities available in the military, and help you decide what you can do in the military.
Career Paths
The military offers a variety of career paths, including:
• Combat Arms: Military personnel who serve in combat roles, such as infantry, artillery, and armor units.
• Support Services: Military personnel who provide support to combat units, such as medics, cooks, and administrative assistants.
• Intelligence: Military personnel who gather and analyze intelligence, and provide it to commanders to inform their decisions.
• Engineering: Military personnel who design, build, and maintain military equipment and infrastructure.
• Medical: Military personnel who provide medical care to service members, including doctors, nurses, and medics.
• Aviation: Military personnel who fly aircraft, operate air traffic control systems, and maintain aircraft and equipment.
• Logistics: Military personnel who plan, coordinate, and execute the movement of troops, equipment, and supplies.
• Communications: Military personnel who operate and maintain communication systems, including radio, satellite, and internet systems.
Roles and Responsibilities
Here are some examples of roles and responsibilities within each career path:
Combat Arms
- Infantry: Basic Training, Ranger School, Sniper Training, and Leadership Positions
- Armor: Tank Commander, Tank Crew Member, and Mechanized Infantry
- Artillery: Cannon Crew Member, Fire Direction Control, and Target Acquisition
Support Services
- Medics: Basic Life Support, Advanced Life Support, Surgical Technician, and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- Cooks: Mess Sergeant, Food Service Manager, and Supply Chain Management
- Administrative Assistants: Secretarial, Administrative Support, and Payroll Management
Intelligence
- Intelligence Analyst: Basic Intelligence Training, Advanced Intelligence Analysis, and Counterterrorism
- Cryptologic Language Analyst: Language Training, Cryptanalysis, and Signals Intelligence Analysis
Engineering
- Engineer: Basic Engineering Training, Construction Engineer, and Electrical Engineer
- Airmen: Aerial Engineer, Aircraft Maintenance, and Avionics Technician
Medical
- Doctor: Medical School, Residency Program, and Specialty Training
- Nurse: Nursing School, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), and Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)
- Medic: Basic Life Support, Advanced Life Support, and Surgical Technician
Aviation
- Pilot: Flight School, Jet Pilot, and Rotorcraft Pilot
- Aviation Maintenance: Aircraft Maintenance, Avionics Technician, and Engineer
Logistics
- Supply Specialist: Supply Chain Management, Inventory Control, and Transportation Management
- Transportation: Truck Driver, Truck Commander, and Logistics Coordinator
Communications
- Communication Specialist: Basic Communications Training, Radio Operator, and Satellite Communications
- Network Operations: Network Administrator, Network Security, and Network Engineer
Benefits
Serving in the military offers many benefits, including:
• Education Benefits: GI Bill, Tuition Assistance, and Student Loan Forgiveness
• Healthcare Benefits: TRICARE, Veterans Affairs (VA) Healthcare, and Chiropractic Care
• Housing and Food Allowance: Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) and Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS)
• Retirement Benefits: Military Retirement Pay, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), and Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
• Travel Opportunities: Temporary Duty (TDY), Rest and Relaxation (R&R), and Leave
Conclusion
Serving in the military offers a wide range of career paths, roles, and responsibilities. Whether you’re interested in combat, support services, intelligence, engineering, medical, aviation, logistics, or communications, the military has something to offer. Additionally, military service provides many benefits, including education, healthcare, housing, retirement, and travel opportunities. If you’re considering a career in the military, we hope this article has provided you with a better understanding of the many options available to you.
