Career Options in the Military Services

By Major LaCarole Faulkner (Retired/Army)

Serving in the Armed Services means diverse assignments that can take you any place in the world. Working as a part of a team, you’ll learn strategic thinking, leadership and people skills that will last a lifetime. Your university recruiter/advisor will help you determine which direction is right for you. After graduation and completion of your training requirements, you will receive orders for your first assignment. Where you will be stationed depends on your job specialty. Also based upon availability, you could be assigned anywhere in the U.S., Europe, Asia or the Middle East.

At your duty station you’ll get settled into your housing situation, either a dorm-like environment, apartment, or family housing.  On the job, your commander, supervisor, and peers will make sure you get a good sense of your responsibilities to your unit. They want you to succeed and will do what they can to make your transition as easy as possible.

Military Service Recruiters Offer Advice

LaCarole  Faulkner (Major/retired) right spent time interviewing four of the military services to offer students a greater insight about careers in the military.  The following recruiters shared their Services’ requirements and their personal opinions:

Marine Corp:  Gunny Sergeant Arthur Robinson (Recruiter)  16 years of service.

U.S. Army:   Sergeant Alfreda Sadler (Recruiter) 5 years of service.

Air Force:  Staff Sergeant Jeremiah K. Norwood (Recruiter)  12 years of service.

Navy:  Petty Officer (OS2)   Zeppi B. Dyer-Collins  (Recruiter)  7 years of service.

THE BLACK COLLEGIAN: What should students expect when recruiters come to campus?  And where can students go to discuss the (Service) with the recruiters?

Marines- Gunny Sergeant Arthur Robinson:    Students should expect recruiters to be friendly and outgoing on campus as they provide general knowledge about Officer Candidates School (OCS).  More detailed information will be provided during an interview in the Officer Selection Office.  Students can approach a recruiter in their office to ask questions if the student prefers a one-on-one setting instead of approaching a recruiter in a large campus facility.

Army- Sergeant Alfreda Sadler:  The Army recruiters expect students to talk to them and if approached not to shy away.  Recruiters want students to walk up to them with questions or to schedule an appointment to meet at a later time or date to discuss the Army as a viable option of work/career choice upon graduation.

Air Force-Staff Sergeant Jeremiah K. Norwood:  Students should expect to receive necessary information about opportunities in the U.S. Air Force whenever a recruiter arrives at a campus. They should expect to receive answers as to what is necessary to become a professional in the U. S. Air Force. Every recruiter is an advisor that will guide each person in taking the next step into becoming a member of the U.S. Air Force.

Navy-Petty Officer OS2 Zeppi B. Dyer-Collins:   Students should seek their academic advisor or Navy military liaison to find a recruiter. Students should be prepared to have a list of questions to discuss with the recruiter.

TBC:  Which majors are most in demand or sought after by your (Service)?

Marines:  The Marine Corps requires no particular concentration of study. For example, recent graduates of OCS have majored in various subjects such as criminal justice, biology, computer science and history.  However, students that are fluent in a foreign language may be a major asset to the Marine Corps later in their career.

Army: The Army has need of all majors, therefore there is a wide variety of jobs that are available to applicants based on their majors, interest and skill levels.

Air Force: For the U.S. Air Force, certain majors vary per career field. If an individual has a degree, we recommend that they contact a local Air Force advisor to see whether their major is in demand at the time.  The U.S. Air force is always looking for those with technical degrees.

Navy: The Navy is always interested in any field, and those that require you to eventually obtain a master’s degree, i.e. nuclear science, general surgery, criminal justice, linguist, and network engineer.

TBC:  What are some of the more popular job specialties that recruiters/military professors are suggesting students with degrees apply for?

Marines- Students who have a college degree or are enrolled at a university are encouraged to look into the officer program.  Upon completion of OCS, job specialties are given to lieutenants after graduating from The Basic School.   These occupation specialties are given in accordance with performance during this phase of training.  Those who do not possess a college degree and choose to join the enlisted ranks are often given job specialties that coincide with a special skill that he or she may possess.

Army - The Army is looking for students with all degree majors to include:  Engineering, Computer Science, Accounting and Finance, Business, Medical Sciences, and Communications.

Air Force- There is a wide variety of career opportunities for officers. Remember, only 4 percent of the people in the Air Force are pilots. That means there are many other technical, scientific, and specialty careers available — all of them fulfilling, all providing you with important leadership experience.

Navy- I would say, Sciences, Aviation, Engineering, Medical, Criminal Justice, any technological areas, linguistics, and administration/finance.

TBC: How should the students apply for or join that (Service), through ROTC, Officer Candidate School (OCS), Military Academies, and Enlisted Corps?

Marines- While ROTC, OCS, and the military academies all have the same ending result, which is becoming a commissioned officer, the means to accomplish this goal differ. The application process for the military academies is the most challenging and selective.  Much of the process is weighed upon test scores and grades.  NROTC programs differ from university to university.  The schools that have this program allow students a Marine Corps option upon graduation.  Officer Candidates School on the other hand is done solely out of Quantico, Va., and is the most difficult program on both a physical and psychological level.  This process is based on an initial applicant process composed of interviews, references, and physical fitness testing.

Army– Students can readily talk to recruiters who will be able to answer some of their questions and/or they can go to www.goarmy.com for more information.

Air Force- Students should reach their local Air Force advisor. Locating the nearest advisor can be done by logging in to www.airforce.com.

Navy- Students should contact a local or university Navy recruiter and tell them what they would like to apply for.

TBC: What types of commitments/requirements are expected before getting the first assignment?

Army- You would have joined and attended your designated field training with mental and physical testing prior to getting your first assignment.

TBC:  What are the biggest benefits of joining your service?

Marine- Financial security, advancements and benefits, leadership and management training and experience. You can expect challenges and no obligation until graduation. Students will benefit from professional development and personal growth, self reliance, discipline and the pride and honor of earning a Marine commission.

Army-  The benefits are service to our beloved nation, occupational and career enhancement, gaining practical work experience, acquiring marketable job skills, college education, and being a part of emerging technology.  Students will gain discipline, live the Army values, develop leadership and managerial skills. Other benefits include financial stability, security, diversity, travel, adventure, recreation, and organizational skills.

Navy- You will gain an incredible education, advance technical training, unlimited leadership opportunities, and no entry level positions after graduation.

TBC: Once students join your (Service) how do they move up in rank or get promoted?

Army-  You should meet the different criteria for promotion to the various ranks.  It could be time in rank, attendance of schools, holding certain job positions, or a combination of the aforementioned criteria.

Navy- There’s always a big opportunity for regular promotions based on skills and abilities.

TBC:  Will students still be competitive in civilian jobs after finishing (Service) obligations?

Army- Most definitely, you will be just as competitive or more for most occupations.

Air Force- Absolutely!! Being part of the number one Air Force in the world is something that not everyone has the opportunity to do. In the U.S. Air Force, each individual will have all the tools to be a great leader. Besides obtaining experience and education, each individual acquires necessary leadership skills through ongoing training provided the first day of entering the U.S. Air Force and ending the day they either retire or resign.

TBC:  Is your (Service) salary/benefits competitive with the civilian sector? Please provide some examples?

Marine- Salaries for the Marine Corps are competitive with civilian jobs, but the benefits for the Marine Corps far exceed what many civilian jobs offer entry level.  Benefits include full medical, full dental, and allowances for food and rent. A 2nd Lieutenant starting out earns between $45,000 and $54,000 a year, with other perks in addition.

Army- Absolutely, please refer to Military Pay Tables.  Or discuss with your recruiter.

Air Force- Every member of the U.S. Air Force receives a flat monthly salary, food allowance, living expenses, including utilities and maintenance are covered for those who choose to live in, on-base housing/apartments. For more information visit www.airforce.com.

Navy- Yes it is, You will receive excellent salaries, pertaining to your rank.  You can address this question also with your recruiter.

TBC: What’s a Web site for students to go online to get more information and/or apply on their own without going initially to a recruiter or military professor?

Marines: An informative website to receive helpful knowledge about our program is www.marineofficer.com.

Army: You can go to:  www.GOARMY.COM   which will answer most of your questions.

Navy: Students should log on to: www.nrotc.navy.com for details regarding eligibility.
 

LaCarole Faulkner (Major Retired) Army is Vice President and Managing Partner of L&L Associates Global Search, Inc., (856) 778-7488.