The simple answer is it depends. Do you have a plan? Are you going to college? Are you in your twenties or early thirties and looking for work or to make a career change? Or, like I was, are you ready for a break? Do you want to see the world or learn a trade and get paid while doing it? It doesn’t need to be a 10-year or 5-year plan. But give it some thought, create a plan, then write it down.
My plan included the following:
See the world.
Work from somewhere in the Pacific Northwest (preferably Washington state).
Do something that includes radios and weapons.
And gives me time for hunting and fishing.
End goal - $$ for college/trade school.
Your plan could be:
Learn diesel mechanics.
Get stationed in Kansas.
$$ for trade school.
Or your plan could be:
Whatever it is, your best chance to land a job you are interested in is to have a plan.
Otherwise, you will be subject to your entrance test scores and the needs of the service you choose.
Back to the plan. So, you have an idea of what you want, now is the time to get online and see which service offers that job/area of specialization.
If it’s to do with aviation, you are in luck. All the services have aviation components. Drilling down into the sub-components will help identify the differences between engine and airframe mechanics, etc.
If it’s intelligence, you are in luck. All the services have it and need it… Drilling down will show you the jobs. Analyst, Counterintelligence, etc.
In the case of Submarines, it’s what you are assigned to versus a job. Many of the jobs that are on a submarine are also on a destroyer, cruiser, or aircraft carrier.
Once you’ve identified the job or jobs you would like it’s time to give thought to the service.
I looked at the Navy and determined it had the best training but me and rough water didn’t go together at the time. So, I dropped the Navy and looked at the Army and Air Force. After further review I found the Air Force, at the time, was not steeped in the outdoors/hunter culture I was looking for.
So, I went to the Army recruiter and told them what I wanted to do. Of course, they tried to talk me into other jobs, billets they needed to fill but I held firm. Then they sent me to the military entrance processing station (MEPS) and I scored well on the test and in particular for the radio training I wanted.
When I got back and the recruiters saw my scores, they tried again to get me to take other jobs, but I said no and was ready to walk away or come back when the position I wanted was open.
I held my ground and got what I wanted. It all changed at basic training, but that’s another story.
Note: One thing I did not consider was the National Guard. The Army and Air Force Guard units across the states have almost all the same jobs as active duty. As do the Navy and Marine reserves.
The benefit of joining the National Guard is that after training you come home. Often with state benefits that pay for your four-year degree. Your duty is part-time with a couple of weeks for annual training during the year. If you want more, there are full-time positions available and slots supporting the active services.
So, you can probably tell I am pro military service if you work it like any other job/career hunt.
One of the stories I like to tell is of a young man that wanted to get into Federal law enforcement. He entered the Coast Guard in an intelligence slot, went to school at night and got his degree. He was given a commission and started working alongside CBP and DEA. After his service commitment was fulfilled, he was recruited by CBP, INS, FBI, and the DEA. He now works at DEA doing…sorry. If I told you, I’d have to….
Computer Hardware Engineer
Computer hardware engineers are responsible for researching, designing, developing, or testing computers for commercial, military, industrial, or scientific uses. People in this field would need to keep up with rapid advances in computer technology and know how to build, test, and modify product prototypes.
This job is very similar in both a military service setting and a civilian setting, making former service members who work in computer engineering highly employable in the civilian workforce.
Systems Analyst
This military career takes on the role of analyzing and helping rethink computer needs to enhance processes, thus increasing organizational efficiency and overall effectiveness. This role is great for someone who is a natural problem solver. Beyond problem-solving, a systems analyst will also continuously improve existing computer systems and improve workflow.
A military systems analyst would find a seamless transition into filling this role in the civilian world. Systems analysts are vital components of companies in a variety of industries such as engineering, healthcare, manufacturing, and tech.
Army Technical Engineer
Army technical engineers are responsible for supervising and executing construction site development. People in this role will conduct technical investigations, surveys, and drafts using digital equipment and software to prepare construction project plans.
Some common skills for people in this role include an ability to convert ideas into drawings, an interest in maps and charts, and an interest in subjects such as algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
Technical engineers have a place in almost any industry. Depending on what you choose, you could be involved in setting up or building equipment, conducting experiments, or helping design and develop new products.
IT Consultant
Working as an IT consultant in the military would be a great stepping stone to working in information technology back in the real world. IT consultants help evaluate business’s or organization’s IT systems to help them meet their unique objectives. They’ll help clients reach their business goals through an optimized IT infrastructure, helping design and implement technology solutions.
IT consultants are in high demand in the civilian workforce, and veterans would likely find an easy transition from military to civilian life in this role.
Network Engineer
Network engineers are useful in several industries. Their primary role is to maintain connectivity of networks to ensure seamless data and wireless systems. Maintaining a strong network infrastructure is a key part of a network engineers’ daily life, along with improving security and performance over time.
Filling this role as a service member is a great stepping stone to finding a career in network engineering in the civilian workforce.
Computer Information Systems Manager
This role, also referred to as IT manager, is responsible for analyzing their organization’s computer needs and recommending areas for improvement. IT managers will continuously maintain and install computer hardware and software for their organization. Skills for this role include a strong attention to detail, great communication skills, and an interest in computer science.
IT managers are vital for virtually any company in the real world. Any organization with an online presence needs IT help, and your experience in the military is a great background for finding job search success in this field in civilian life.
Computer Network Architect
Similar to a network engineer, a network architect is responsible for managing data communication networks. Network architects take this a step further, working beyond the confines of a singular business or organization. A network architect might work with local area networks, or multinational or globally integrated communications systems.
Similar to many information technology roles, network architects will have their pick of jobs in civilian life, whether it’s working for a large tech company or a growing healthcare organization.
Software Application Developer
As military personnel, software developers will create programs that are applicable to functions of the army, whether that’s designing applications to organize and display intelligence data or helping streamline mission planning. Strong organizational and management skills and an ability to understand and apply math concepts are vital skills for software developers.
In the real world, software developers can find success in a number of different industries. Tech companies are the most common industry for software developers, and the career field is growing each year.
Cybersecurity Analyst
Cybersecurity remains a concern for all industries. Working as a cybersecurity analyst in the military will leave you highly trained to detect abnormalities and fight cybercrime efficiently and effectively. People working in this field must have strong attention to detail and be able to quickly respond to stressful situations.
Cybersecurity careers are vital for many civilian employers in various industries from healthcare to finance and manufacturing. Your career transition will be seamless, as many responsibilities overlap between the private and public sector.
Project Management
Working in project management requires planning, initiation, and execution of a project. Project management is a crucial part of military functions, no matter whether you’re working in the Coast Guard or Marine Corps. Recruiters will look for a strong ability to lead, ability to manage different groups of people, and resolve conflicts. Creative and resourceful problem-solving skills are a must, as is great communication.
Project management is a role that many companies have, from tech to manufacturing and engineering. Working in project management in the military will put you in a great position to take your skills into the real world and seek out job opportunities.
