6 answers
4
Questions
6 answers
John Arnold
Metrology (Science of Weights and Measures) / Military Career Coach
12
Answers
Updated
John’s Answer
Connor's comments are great! However, they only represent one option which is Enlistment which usually only requires a high school diploma or GED. If you are degree seeking or already have a four year degree you may want to consider becoming an officer in the Armed Forces. Officers make significantly more money, but also have more responsibility too. They fill many specialized roles like engineers, doctors, combat rescue officers, logistics officers, cyber, maintenance...etc.
If you are looking for scholarships and want to be an officer you could look at any of the Service Academy's or an ROTC detachment. There is nothing wrong with Enlisting either. If you obtain your degree while enlisted all the branches have a path that you can apply for officer candidacy if you wanted.
Most branches have recruiters dedicated separately to officer and enlisted recruiting. Additionally, the Service Academy's and ROTC's have their own representatives. When and if you decide to serve just make sure you are speaking to the right representatives.
Something to consider as well is that you are paid by pay grade in the military. So an E-1 that might be a cook receives the same pay and benefits as an E-1 that works on DoD Cyber systems. With this in mind, the best position will be something that you enjoy and maybe a skill that transfers well outside of the military.
If you are looking for scholarships and want to be an officer you could look at any of the Service Academy's or an ROTC detachment. There is nothing wrong with Enlisting either. If you obtain your degree while enlisted all the branches have a path that you can apply for officer candidacy if you wanted.
Most branches have recruiters dedicated separately to officer and enlisted recruiting. Additionally, the Service Academy's and ROTC's have their own representatives. When and if you decide to serve just make sure you are speaking to the right representatives.
Something to consider as well is that you are paid by pay grade in the military. So an E-1 that might be a cook receives the same pay and benefits as an E-1 that works on DoD Cyber systems. With this in mind, the best position will be something that you enjoy and maybe a skill that transfers well outside of the military.
Thank you!
liah
Updated
Connor’s Answer
Good Afternoon,
I contemplated this same question before I decided to enlist in the United States Marine Corps. First you need to decide which branch is for you. Are you looking for more of a disciplined life with more structure? The Marine Corps or Army may be the best fit for you. If you are looking for more opportunities to travel and a little bit more leeway, the Air Force and Navy could provide this.
The first step in this process is going to be research. Look through the jobs in each branch and find something you are passionate about. I personally decided I wanted to pursue law enforcement, and always wanted to be a Marine. I am currently and Military Policeman and love it. Pick something you could see yourself doing for four years; possibly even more.
The next step would be going to talk to your local recruiter. You can simply google the branch you are interested in an find an email or number very easily. Explain to them exactly what you're looking for. It wont hurt to talk to multiple different branches in person to get a better perspective on the military life. No matter what you chose or where you go the Military is what you make of it. There will always be opportunities for hard working individuals to succeed and a good living.
No matter what you choose, best of luck. Feel free to reach out to me personally if you have any questions.
Respectfully,
Connor
I contemplated this same question before I decided to enlist in the United States Marine Corps. First you need to decide which branch is for you. Are you looking for more of a disciplined life with more structure? The Marine Corps or Army may be the best fit for you. If you are looking for more opportunities to travel and a little bit more leeway, the Air Force and Navy could provide this.
The first step in this process is going to be research. Look through the jobs in each branch and find something you are passionate about. I personally decided I wanted to pursue law enforcement, and always wanted to be a Marine. I am currently and Military Policeman and love it. Pick something you could see yourself doing for four years; possibly even more.
The next step would be going to talk to your local recruiter. You can simply google the branch you are interested in an find an email or number very easily. Explain to them exactly what you're looking for. It wont hurt to talk to multiple different branches in person to get a better perspective on the military life. No matter what you chose or where you go the Military is what you make of it. There will always be opportunities for hard working individuals to succeed and a good living.
No matter what you choose, best of luck. Feel free to reach out to me personally if you have any questions.
Respectfully,
Connor
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
Hi Iiah! My husband was Active Duty Air Force for 12 years. He started in Operational Intelligence at first but then transitioned to be an Opthalmology Technician. I can tell you that it really depends on what it is you're wanting to do in the military and what drives you. For example:
- Operational Intelligence: These people are the "know-it-alls" in the war movies who you see briefing the commanders on where to conduct an airstrike and provide the situational reports and strategies in the field in combat zones. It's a very offensive job in the military where many people we knew were actually drone pilots who lived and worked in the U.S. but flew drones that bombed villages overseas. They are charged with taking out the bad guy swiftly and stealthily. They deploy frequently and work long, hard hours (sometimes up to 15 hours a day), but they are a critical career field with a Top Secret Security Clearance that has a high reenlistment bonus because it's such a critical career field.
- Opthalmology Technician: These people assist eye surgeons in cataract surgeries, blepharoplasties, PRK, and other corrective eye surgeries. They are on their feet for long hours and deal directly with patients (often retired veterans and pilots), but work a typical "9 to 5" job (more like 7:30-4:30, but you get the point). They deploy very rarely and are an obscure, small career field where few bases actually have an Opthalmology unit, often located in major cities, like Las Vegas, D.C., and Sacramento.
For my husband, he's a smart cookie which is why he originally went into Operational Intelligence, but it's a very demanding, high-stress job. He was much happier when he transitioned to Opthalmology where he was able to help people instead of hurt people. He got to be home most of the time and never had to deploy to a combat zone in his 12 years active duty. However, he did go on humanitarian missions where he got to conduct ophthalmology services on the underprivileged in second- and third-world countries which he enjoyed very much. So, definitely make sure you know what you like and what you want out of the military. There is such a variety of career fields. One person might love Operational Intelligence while another might hate it, and vice versa. It all depends on what YOU want.
- Operational Intelligence: These people are the "know-it-alls" in the war movies who you see briefing the commanders on where to conduct an airstrike and provide the situational reports and strategies in the field in combat zones. It's a very offensive job in the military where many people we knew were actually drone pilots who lived and worked in the U.S. but flew drones that bombed villages overseas. They are charged with taking out the bad guy swiftly and stealthily. They deploy frequently and work long, hard hours (sometimes up to 15 hours a day), but they are a critical career field with a Top Secret Security Clearance that has a high reenlistment bonus because it's such a critical career field.
- Opthalmology Technician: These people assist eye surgeons in cataract surgeries, blepharoplasties, PRK, and other corrective eye surgeries. They are on their feet for long hours and deal directly with patients (often retired veterans and pilots), but work a typical "9 to 5" job (more like 7:30-4:30, but you get the point). They deploy very rarely and are an obscure, small career field where few bases actually have an Opthalmology unit, often located in major cities, like Las Vegas, D.C., and Sacramento.
For my husband, he's a smart cookie which is why he originally went into Operational Intelligence, but it's a very demanding, high-stress job. He was much happier when he transitioned to Opthalmology where he was able to help people instead of hurt people. He got to be home most of the time and never had to deploy to a combat zone in his 12 years active duty. However, he did go on humanitarian missions where he got to conduct ophthalmology services on the underprivileged in second- and third-world countries which he enjoyed very much. So, definitely make sure you know what you like and what you want out of the military. There is such a variety of career fields. One person might love Operational Intelligence while another might hate it, and vice versa. It all depends on what YOU want.
Thank you!
liah
Updated
Robert’s Answer
Hi Iiah, are you looking for a particular field or interest? The main thing is researching what interest you. You also have the 5 branches of military to look at. Some have similar position and some have more specialized ones. Start with a recruiter and visit all the branches to see what they have to offer. Good luck.
Robert
Robert
Updated
Gloria’s Answer
Hi liah,
That is actually only a question that you can answer at the core of it. Best is defined by you. You need to consider a combination of things when you think about going into the military - what are the things that you are already do in your life that you love, like writing, singing, working out, helping people, being a part of a team, teaching, etc. Your natural skills and interests are a place to start. Then you need to think about how you want to use those skills. All branches of the military are large organizations that need every type of skill. Any job that you can think of, there is probably one of them in the military. Some may be rare - like being a musician for the Navy. You should also consider how what you already like to do can be used in various military roles.
As a child who had a military dad, I would say that there are a few things that you have to be okay with: following orders, willingness to do what is best for a team rather than just yourself, always learning something new, and moving around a lot.
Gloria
That is actually only a question that you can answer at the core of it. Best is defined by you. You need to consider a combination of things when you think about going into the military - what are the things that you are already do in your life that you love, like writing, singing, working out, helping people, being a part of a team, teaching, etc. Your natural skills and interests are a place to start. Then you need to think about how you want to use those skills. All branches of the military are large organizations that need every type of skill. Any job that you can think of, there is probably one of them in the military. Some may be rare - like being a musician for the Navy. You should also consider how what you already like to do can be used in various military roles.
As a child who had a military dad, I would say that there are a few things that you have to be okay with: following orders, willingness to do what is best for a team rather than just yourself, always learning something new, and moving around a lot.
Gloria
Updated
Tommy’s Answer
The best position is based on your skills and interest. For example, I had no education on the military or what jobs were available until I took the ABSVAB. I would have never considered going into the technology field. Based on my scores it said I was best suited for a few specific roles. It was right on. I served 20 years and was extremely successful.