Publication: Occupational Outlook Quarterly
Publication Date: 22-MAR-07
Delivery: Immediate Online Access
Author: Dillon, C. Hall
Article Excerpt
Men and women serve in the U.S. Armed Forces for a variety of reasons. Some consider military service a matter of family tradition or patriotic duty. Others want to further their education or see the world. Still others seek the kind of character-building challenges that the armed services offer.
For many people, military service provides all of these things, and more: Another draw for prospective servicemembers is the chance to gain hands-on experience. The military trains people for numerous occupations that have civilian counterparts, such as air traffic controller, plumber, and paramedic. It may help their job search later, too. In August 2005, the unemployment rate for veterans (3.9 percent) was slightly lower than the unemployment rate for the labor force as a whole (4.6 percent), according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
But joining the armed services is a serious commitment. Signing a contract obliges service for a specified number of years--and, unlike other employers, the U.S. Armed Forces offer no option to walk away before that contractual period ends. And there's always the possibility of combat.
In other words, this high-quality training comes with some pretty strong strings attached.
If you're considering military enlistment as a career-training strategy, this article is for you. It begins with a section describing some of the training opportunities in the U.S. Armed Forces. The next section provides information on decisions related to joining, followed by a section describing life in the armed services. Finally, there are sources of additional information.
Career prep, military style
The military trains you to be technically proficient in whatever occupation you are assigned. But you'll also learn teamwork, perseverance, leadership, and other skills widely applicable in the civilian workforce. In fact, some employers looking for workers with specific qualifications, such as security clearances, often seek out former military personnel.
Most armed-services jobs have a direct civilian counterpart. If you learn how to repair and maintain vehicles, for example, you might later use these skills as a mechanic in the civilian world. If you're trained to cook for a battalion, you could be well on your way to becoming a chef. And if you learn to maintain military computer systems, you might find civilian work as a computer specialist.
In the military, you'll earn career credentials. You'll also have a chance to further your education while you serve--and afterward.
Occupational specialties
Enlisted personnel fill more than four-fifths of the military jobs available. Officers, who are not the focus of this article, fill the remaining portion in jobs like nurse, pilot, and lawyer. (For more information about officer training programs, including Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) and military schools, see the "Learn more" section at the end of the article.)
The military has more than 140 occupational specialties, most of which relate to civilian jobs. Not all of these are available in every branch of the military. Your preferences will be considered, but the specialty you are assigned will depend on your aptitude and the needs of the armed services at the time you enlist.
The following are some examples of military occupational specialties.
Aviation. Workers in aviation, including air traffic controllers, air crew, and mechanics, often get their start in the armed services. Most people earn licenses from the Federal Aviation Administration as part of their training--and those are licenses that they can later use as civilians.
Combat operations. Enlisted servicemembers in combat operations have jobs that are among the most specific to the military: infantry, armored vehicle operation, artillery and missile crew, and Special Forces. Although these specialties do not relate closely to civilian occupations, they teach skills that civilian employers value. Among the skills servicemembers learn are how to lead others, how to operate complex equipment, and how to perform under pressure.
Computers. Servicemembers in computer specialties learn to set up and troubleshoot computer networks and systems for the military. They also learn computer security: protecting computer systems from natural disasters and defending them from hackers and other threats. And some specialists earn widely accepted certifications. Computer specialists in the armed services are often prepared for civilian jobs as computer network and systems administrators, computer support technicians, and computer programmers.
Construction. To raise buildings and construct barricades and other structures, the military trains construction specialists. These servicemembers perform a range of tasks, including carpentry, plumbing, and masonry. They also train as cabinetmakers and surveying technicians. Some complete registered apprenticeships to become journeyworkers.
Food services. Fortunately for hungry service personnel, the military trains food service specialists to order, inspect, prepare, and serve healthy food. These specialists learn about many...
NOTE: All illustrations and photos have been removed from this article.
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