Careers with the US Military

The US military offers endless career opportunities. Any job that a normal business would need, the military has a position for too. In addition, the US military offers careers in combat, intelligence, and legal and medical areas. A big draw to a military career is the training they offer their employees. For job searchers, there is always a job available in the US military with no experience required, in almost any field.

Careers in the Military - Pay

Military salaries vary based on rank, time in service, location during service and level of expertise. The salaries begin at a level called "basic pay" which is the minimum paid to any military employee. For 2007, for those with the lowest experience and rank, the military pays about $1,300 a month. This is only $15,600 a year, but the military provides housing for all of its employees, as well as good benefits. Military jobs that require skilled workers pay similarly to equivalent civilian jobs.

Careers in the Military - Combat

The first type of military job that comes to mind is that of combat. With the war in Iraq, the military is desperate for new recruits to combat positions. The US military is currently offering hefty bonuses to recruits who are willing to start their service only a few days after signing up. The combat option attracts young high-school graduates by promising them training that they cannot afford to get as civilians.

Careers in the Military - Intelligence

Each of the four branches of the military has their own intelligence division. The umbrella organization for the military intelligence services is the Defense Intelligence Agency. Looking at the intelligence jobs available on the military.net job search page, the intelligence collected ranges from topographical surveying information and scouting reports from the ground, to signals intelligence analysis and translation. In contrast to the CIA and FBI, military intelligence positions have far lower entry requirements.

Careers in the Military - Legal

The military hires lawyers, judges, paralegals, and other workers in the area of law. Some jobs, such as working as a paralegal, do not require previous training. However, to work as a military lawyer, an applicant needs to have already put themselves through an undergraduate degree and a law degree. A current job listing for a lawyer in the Navy lists duties as defending or prosecuting military personnel in court cases, as well as researching legal matters. They are looking for lawyers with specializations in several areas, including military, environment, and international law.

Careers in the Military - Medical

The US military offers positions to trained doctors, nurses, and veterinarians. The military also hires those with specialties like physical therapy and nutrition, although these officers may then have to go through additional weeks of training.

Careers in the Military - Other

The list of available jobs has something for everyone. There are administrative jobs, just like any company would need. There are jobs that require knowledge in electronics, engineering, IT, or construction. One job currently listed as available is animal care specialist, a position that requires no previous training and is perfect for the animal lover. It provides weeks of specialized training that will allow the employee to receive education they might not otherwise be able to afford.

So, the military offers almost any job you might find as a civilian, and many other opportunities in areas of intelligence and combat. The main draw to the military is the training it provides, rather than especially high salaries.