For some young adults, enlisting in the U.S. Armed Forces is the best way to get training for a career. Deciding to join the armed services, however, is a huge decision. While there are
reasons for enlisting, there are as many reasons for not doing so. Choosing the wrong civilian career means that you've wasted your time and money and may have to spend more of both to get your career on the right track, but in the end you can always quit your job. If you've enlisted in the military, and then realize you've made the wrong choice, there is little you can do about it for the length of your term of service.
Make sure you are aware of all that is expected of you when you enlist, including the fact that you may have to be involved in combat. While many people are enthusiastic about this aspect of being a member of the armed services, others are less so. Before you sign up read more than the literature a recruiter hands to you. The goal of that literature is to make serving in the armed forces as enticing as possible. An article written by About.com's U.S. Military Guide, Rod Powers, discusses in an honest, straightforward manner, why the military may or may not be for you.
The five branches of the U.S. military, Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard, all offer training that can influence future career opportunities. This training leads to a military job, which is referred to as a Military Occupational Specialty or MOS. The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), which all enlistees must take, helps determine what career path is most suitable for each individual. Let's take a look at what training each branch of the military offers.
United States Army
When one enlists in the U.S. Army, he or she may follow one of a multitude of career paths. Explore Army jobs, the qualifications one needs to pursue them, and how they translate into jobs in the civilian workforce on the
U.S. Army Web site. Also on the Army Web site, the Jobs Explorer is a tool that helps you match your interests with Army jobs.
Those already serving can utilize The U.S. Army's Credentialing Opportunities Online (COOL). This is a Web-based resource that helps soldiers learn what civilian credentials relate to their MOS career fields.
United States Navy
There are many career options available to those who enlist in the U.S. Navy. These careers are diverse, ranging from Arts and Photography to World Languages. You can explore those options on their
Web Site. Use the Life Accelerator
TM to help you determine what Navy careers match up with your interests.
United States Air Force
Those who enlist in the U.S. Air Force can choose from a career in one of four categories. These categories are mechanical, administrative, general, and electronics. You can learn about the jobs that fall under each of them on the
U.S. Air Force Web site.
United States Marine Corps
According to their
Web Site, the U.S. Marine Corps offers training similar to that offered by the other services. Each Marine enlistee has a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) which falls into one of five occupational categories: Enlisted Aviation, Combat Arms, Computers/Communications/Intelligence/Electronics, Combat Service Support, and Marine Reserve. You can learn about these categories on the Web site and request more information by filling out a form.
United States Coast Guard
The U.S. Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Reserve trains enlistees in a variety of career fields. They include safety and law enforcement, maritime patrols, technology, environmental operations, and administrative. Visit the U.S. Coast Guard
Web site to learn about the various career opportunities.
