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The Department of Defense is one of the largest employers in the world with approximately 2.93 million total employees, including 1.34 million active-duty soldiers, airmen, sailors, marines, and another 778,000 national guardsmen and reserve members, along with 747,000 civilian workers. This massive organization encompasses a wide array of education, legal, and support professions, among others. Here are some of the high-level business career opportunities in the U.S. military.
Administrative Support Specialist
Similar to a well-run organization, the military must keep accurate records of both its personnel and operations. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the military has over 23,000 administrative support specialists and requires more each year due to changes in personnel and demand fields. To work for the U.S. Military as an administrative support specialist, you would have to undergo both classroom and practical training that typically lasts between 6 and 10 weeks to learn the various office functions. Upon completing the training, you would start working under close supervision as you develop core skills that would allow you to handle difficult tasks and potentially rise to become an office manager.
Finance and Accounting Manager
The Department of Defense receives the highest level of budgetary resources among all federal agencies. As such, it requires qualified managers to oversee the billions it receives from the federal government. Currently, there are about 2,800 military finance and accounting managers who perform typical accounting tasks such as bookkeeping, payroll, auditing, and budgeting.
Management Analysts and Planners
Management analysts and planners assist the military in making the best use of its material and human resources. In addition to a 4-year
Personnel Manager
The U.S. Armed Forces aims to hire the best personnel and constantly encourages its employees to attain their full potential. To join the U.S. Military as a personnel manager, you need to have a 4-year
Purchasing and Contracting Managers
The Department of Defense currently employs about 4,000 purchasing and contracting managers and requires more each year due to changes in personnel and field demands. To join this occupation, you would need to attend about 10 weeks of classroom training on the use of computers in supply and financial management, contract administration, and purchasing and accounting procedures. Your main task would be to ensure military purchases are within
Logistics and Supply Chain Specialists
The U.S. Military depends on an efficient logistics and supply chain system to operate effectively. This includes managing equipment, transportation, inventory, and supply distribution. Logistics specialists must undergo rigorous training programs, which often combine classroom learning and hands-on practice. This role is vital for ensuring troops have the resources they need, whether during training or on deployment.
Information Technology Specialists
With the growing importance of cybersecurity and advanced technology in defense, the military is heavily reliant on skilled information technology (IT) specialists. These professionals work on maintaining and securing critical communication networks, developing software, and protecting sensitive data. IT specialists receive extensive technical training to prepare for roles that are increasingly pivotal in modern military operations.
Conclusion
The aforementioned jobs are just some of the many career opportunities in the U.S. Military. While the annual average pay offered in the military may be lower than that in the private sector for comparable roles, the U.S. Military provides comprehensive benefits. These include clothing, food, health care, housing, education, legal assistance, and vacation time, ensuring that all basic needs are met for active employees. For those seeking a challenging and fulfilling career, the U.S. Armed Forces offers a wide range of options to develop professionally and serve the nation.
Are you looking for the latest information to open the door to the career of your dreams? Opportunities in Military Careers covers a range of jobs in this sector, from those that require high school and trade school to associate, four-year, and graduate degrees.
