How to Make a Career out of the Military

The United States military is a stable employer that offers jobs to over 340,000 people each year. The career training that service personnel receive can make them desirable to some civilian employers when the soldiers are ready to transition.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Decide whether you would prefer a career as a service member or as a civilian. The military has jobs that civilians can perform without security clearance.
2. Take a test to identify the jobs you can perform well. The ASVAB test at the ASVAB Career Exploration Program website helps high school students identify their skills and match them to the jobs that utilize those skills (see Resources below). This program was developed by the U.S. Department of Defense.
3. Get the details. Important information will include the type and length of training, the pay scale, the job environment, opportunities for advancement and ease of entry into a field. The Careers in the Military website offers background information on the jobs available in the different arms of the military (see Resources below).
4. Find out what type of jobs are available if you belong to the military. Enlisted service members can apply for postions in combat, human services, mechanical, office and transportation. Junior enlisted service members have a pay grade range of E-1 to E-3, while non-commissioned officers have a pay range of E4 to E9. The initial rank is based on academic level, but promotion through the ranks is based on the years of service, accomplishment and good conduct. Apply for managerial, professional and technical jobs if you are an officer. Officers have a pay grade of O-1 through O-10.