Overview

The military offers a wide range of careers that extend far beyond combat roles, encompassing fields such as engineering, healthcare, logistics, technology, and intelligence. These positions provide rigorous training, discipline, and the opportunity for leadership development, with a strong emphasis on teamwork, mission accomplishment, and service to one's country.

​Military careers can be challenging but offer unique experiences, skill development, and benefits that can be valuable both during service and in civilian life.

On this page you can learn more about careers in this area and where you can obtain training or educational experience. 

Intro Video

Career and Occupation Information

  • U.S. Army - Defends U.S. interests and those of its allies through land-based operations anywhere in the world. Army personnel work in jobs ranging from general administration to the operation and maintenance of weapons, vehicles, aircraft carriers, and electronic systems. The Army National Guard can be called to active duty as a reserve of the Army. The National Guard also assists during times of natural or other state emergencies.​
  • U.S. Navy - Defends the right to travel and trade freely on the world's oceans and protects U.S. interests overseas during times of international conflict. They serve on ships, submarines, in aviation positions on land and sea, and at shore bases around the world.
  • U.S. Air Force - Flies aircraft, such as long-range bombers, supersonic fighters, and many others, to protect the interests of America and its allies. Find U.S. Space Force opportunity information as well. 
  • U.S. Marine Corps - Marines fly planes and helicopters, operate radar equipment, drive armored vehicles, and gather intelligence. Training programs emphasize the development of mental strength and physical prowess.
  • U.S. Coast Guard - Protects U.S. coastlines and inland waterways by enforcing customs and fishing laws, combating drug smuggling, conducting search and rescue missions, maintaining lighthouses, and promoting boat safety. In times of war, the Coast Guard is under the command of the Navy.
  • Military Reserves - Each military branch has a reserve component. Participation in the reserves provides valuable benefits without giving up your civilian employment or schooling.

https://www.careeronestop.org/ExploreCareers/Learn/military-options.aspx

Local / Statewide Programs

Becoming an enlisted personnel or warrant officer:   
  • Enlisted personnel carry out the fundamental operations of the military. Their roles are like those of company employees and supervisors. Each service of the military has different enlistment programs and offers training and employment in more than 2,000 enlisted specialties.
  • High school graduation is one requirement for enlisted personnel who are between 17 and 35 years of age (varies by service). Recruiters can explain eligibility differences based on what training and assignments match the applicant's interests. Applicants are sent to a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) for a physical examination. They then take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). The results of these determine basic eligibility and training program qualifications.
​​Becoming an officer: 
  • Officers are the leaders of the military, similar to corporate executives or managers. They work closely with more senior officers to supervise groups of enlisted people. As officers advance in responsibility and rank, they direct more enlisted personnel, begin to lead other officers, and may eventually become the senior leaders and managers of the military.
  • Minimum age varies by service. For service academies, like the U.S. Naval Academy, enrollees must be between the ages of 17 and 22. Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) enrollees must be between the ages of 17 and 21. Officer Candidate School (OCS) enrollees are between the ages of 19 and 29. The National Guard may choose to enroll soldiers in the OCS program up to age 35.

Learn more here: ​https://www.careeronestop.org/ExploreCareers/Learn/military-options.aspx

Get Experience Now!

You can get experience in this field in the following ways:
  • ROTC Programs: High school students can join Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) programs to get a sense of military structure and discipline.
  • Physical Fitness: Regular exercise and participation in school sports can help meet the physical requirements of military service.
  • Cadet Programs: Organizations like the Civil Air Patrol (for aspiring Air Force cadets) or the Sea Cadets (for those interested in the Navy) offer training and education.
  • Leadership Activities: Engaging in student government, clubs, or sports teams can help build leadership skills.
  • Scouting: Boy Scouts of America and Girl Scouts offer programs and merit badges that encourage skills similar to those used in the military.
  • Academics: Focus on doing well in school, especially in subjects like history and civics to understand military roles in society and government.
  • Informational Interviews: Talk to veterans or current service members to learn about military life and career options.
  • Military Academies Summer Programs: Some military academies offer summer programs for high school students to experience life at the academy.
  • Camps: Attend camps focused on disciplines related to the military, such as cybersecurity, aviation, or engineering.

Career Videos

Even More: Career Ideas based on RIASEC Score 

  • Realistic: Infantry Soldier, Military Police, Combat Engineer, Aircraft Mechanic, Navy Hull Technician
  • Investigative: Intelligence Officer, Cryptologic Technician, Military Strategist, Operations Analyst, Cyber Warfare Engineer
  • Artistic: Public Affairs Specialist, Military Photographer, Graphic Designer in Military Media, Combat Camera Operator, Multimedia Illustrator
  • Social: Chaplain, Military Counselor, Personnel Specialist, Medical Corps Officer, Education and Training Manager
  • Enterprising: Military Officer, Logistics Officer, Recruiting Officer, Defense Contractor, Operations Officer
  • Conventional: Supply Chain Manager, Administration Specialist, Finance Clerk, Human Resources Administrator, Legal Assistant