what do military officers do

All branches of the Armed Forces require their members to be high school graduates or have equivalent credentials. I think military officer's are well compensated when we reach O-3, but sometimes comparable civilian jobs pay much better. Support services officers manage military activities in key functional areas, such as logistics, transportation, and supply. Truity periodically updates our site with information from the BLS database. Presumably, officers are not who you have in mind when wondering about the background and quality of military members. Similar to many jobs in corporate America, my job requires frequent travel, late nights, and an often unpredictable schedule. Most active-duty programs have first-term enlistments of 4 years, although there are some 2-, 3-, and 6-year programs. As such, you will be entitled to many … The rules that govern military retirement are written into Title 10 of the US Code (the law that governs military pay and benefits). … Commissioned officers generally receive training as leadership and management generalists, in addition to training relating to their specific military occupational specialty or function in the military. Enlisted personnel typically do the following: The following are examples of types of occupations for enlisted personnel: Administrative personnel maintain information on personnel, equipment, funds, and other military-related activities. … This next section is a synopsis of the general rules. In the fighting arm officers … They also direct food service facilities and other support activities. Religious program specialists assist chaplains with religious services, religious education programs, and related administrative duties. Construction personnel build or repair buildings, airfields, bridges, and other structures. Law enforcement and security officers enforce all applicable laws on military bases and oversee investigations of crimes. In addition to receiving basic pay, members of the military are either housed free of charge on base or they receive a housing allowance. In my position, I make $65k-$70k a year plus the same benefits mentioned above, plus the opportunity to utilize a retirement pension, provided I serve at least 20 years. Most personnel within this occupational group are classified according to the mode of transportation, such as aircraft, motor vehicle, or ship: Vehicle and machinery mechanical personnel conduct preventive and corrective maintenance on aircraft, automotive and heavy equipment, and powerhouse station equipment. The Building interest area indicates a focus on working with tools and machines, and making or fixing practical things. ), where you work generally 18-20 hour days the entire length of the time you are training. The following are examples of types of officers:Combat specialty officers plan and direct military operations, oversee combat activities, and serve as combat leaders. About 8 percent of officers are warrant officers, who are technical and tactical experts in a specific area. To see the information, visit, For more information about military testing, visit. the difference is that it's more enlisted doing a lot of the grunt work, but sometimes officers are doing the grunt work also. But I Won't Do It Myself. Serving in the armed forces is a noble career path, pursued by people from all walks of life. If you’d like to share your career, email us at submissions+career@lifehacker.com. The Army is a people business, and keeping those people prepared takes a significant amount of time. Officers who oversee military bands are included in this category. Basic training also includes weapons training, team building, and rigorous physical exercise designed to improve strength and endurance. As the cohesion of the unit builds through my investment, we accomplish the mission faster and can accomplish more, with less direction, making my job easier. Training may last several weeks. Officers are usually also at the helm of ships, submarines, and other naval vessels. I would like to cite this page for a report. For example, infantry specialists conduct ground combat operations, armored vehicle specialists operate battle tanks, and seamanship specialists maintain ships. If you are already attending or wish to attend college, the Military may be able to help you do so. Members of elite Special Forces teams are trained to perform specialized missions anywhere in the world on a moment’s notice. Officers must be U.S. citizens. Each branch of the military has different criteria for determining the promotion of personnel. A recruiter can also explain the various enlistment options and describe the military occupational specialties. They also repair bulldozers and other construction equipment. I’m 29, from Austin, Texas and I’ve been in the Army for seven years. They are captains and admirals, and use their expertise to chart courses and identify targets. Learn as much about the Army as you can before you join. Candidates interested in becoming officers through training in the federal service academies must be unmarried and without dependents. Who is the author? It seems simple, but taking notes and periodically reviewing those notes is how I keep track of the large number of things I have to do each day. In fact, the starting pay for a Navy Ensign is about $37,000 a year. I know instinctively how to build a team and I just do it. They may be in charge of tanks and other armored assault vehicles, artillery systems, special operations, or infantry units. The Army takes many types of people to be the professional volunteer force it is, and it’s important for Americans to understand the character and ability of the soldier. Military members must be physically fit to participate in or support combat missions that may be difficult or dangerous. There are also a few training experiences that are absolutely exhilarating; firing the main gun of a tank, an Air Assault operation, and artillery are thrills you can’t replicate anywhere else. Public affairs officers respond to public inquiries about military activities and prepare news releases. To become an officer, you have three choices: ROTC, West Point, or Officer Candidate School. Combat specialty personnel train and work in combat units, such as the infantry, artillery, or Special Forces. Some are deployed internationally to defend U.S. national interests. They operate in various field environments, performs … Members of the military are often placed in dangerous situations with the risk of serious injury or death. For example, weapons electronic maintenance technicians maintain and repair electronic components and systems that help locate targets and help aim and fire weapons. I trust myself. Officers such as physicians, physician assistants, nurses, and dentists examine, diagnose, and treat patients. The author, Maj. M.L. I know instinctively what my organization needs. In addition to getting technical instruction, military members receive on-the-job training at their first duty assignment. It also takes a certain learned level of resiliency to “hunt the good stuff” during particularly challenging assignments. They manage the production of videos and television and radio broadcasts that are used for training, news, and entertainment. (The Coast Guard, which is included in this profile, is part of the Department of Homeland Security.). I take notes, I follow my instincts, and I take risks. I let those instincts guide me. Getting to know people, finding out what drives them, learning about their families, and helping them solve their problems builds the cohesion of my team. They also may operate heavy equipment, such as bulldozers or cranes. It is also more difficult to meet these goals during times of war, when recruitment goals typically rise. Personnel managers direct and oversee military personnel functions, such as job assignments, staff promotions, and career counseling. These officers develop and execute plans, policies, and procedures that facilitate intelligence functions. Each rank becomes more competitive, with fewer people getting promoted to the most competitive jobs. Age limits for entering active-duty service are as follows: All applicants must meet certain physical requirements for height, weight, vision, and overall health. They perform technical tasks in information technology, environmental health and safety, or intelligence: Healthcare personnel provide medical services to military personnel and their family members. Military members must be both physically and mentally fit, and ready to participate in, or support, combat missions that may be difficult and dangerous and involve long periods away from family. Gain the clarity and confidence that comes from understanding your strengths, talents, and preferences, and knowing which path is truly right for you. This can make attempts at personal life-work balance tricky at best. Enlisted personnel can be promoted to higher ranks, which may include serving in a supervisory position and being in charge of junior enlisted members. They’re driven, ambitious and passionate about what they do… I think I have found an error or inaccurate information on this page. These workers specialize by the type of equipment that they maintain: The following are examples of types of officers: Combat specialty officers plan and direct military operations, oversee combat activities, and serve as combat leaders. This … In return, ROTC paid for the entirety of my tuition. Emerging conflicts and global events, however, could lead to changes in the size of the military branches. A recruiter can help a prospective service member determine whether he or she qualifies for enlistment or as an officer. Candidates for officer positions do not need to take the ASVAB. Retirement pay is generally available after 20 years of service. Pay. West Point and ROTC are looking to award scholarships to individuals who are balanced and motivated. I also really enjoy working with our allies overseas. Officers usually need a bachelor’s degree. Each military service may have other advancement opportunities for its enlisted personnel. I chose ROTC, which is four years of Army classes as part of your college curriculum, plus a two week training exercise near Tacoma, Washington (now located south of Louisville, KY). Recruiting specialists provide information about military careers; explain pay, benefits, and military life; and recruit individuals into the military. Powerhouse mechanics install, maintain, and repair electrical and mechanical equipment in power-generating stations. Military police responsibilities include controlling traffic, preventing crime, and responding to emergencies. Secondly, I follow my instincts. Those who want to become an officer have several options to meet the education requirements, including the aforementioned federal service academies (Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine), the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) programs, Officer Candidate School (OCS), and other programs. The military has been an all-volunteer force since the end of the draft in 1973. Vehicle drivers operate various military vehicles, including fuel or water tank trucks. Most active-duty military personnel live and work on or near military bases and facilities throughout the United States and the world. Who should I contact? Sometimes I get it wrong and those circumstances turn into a learning point. They may be in charge of tanks and other armored assault vehicles, artillery systems, special operations, or infantry units. Food service specialists prepare food in dining halls, hospitals, and ships. A combination of time in the service and your ability and proficiency. The contract involves a number of enlistment options, such as the length of active-duty or reserve-duty time, the length and kind of job training, and the amount of bonuses that may be earned, if any. Human resources development personnel recruit qualified people into the military, place them in suitable occupations, and provide training programs:Â. Army Soldiers are some of the most inspiring people you will ever work with. Members of the Armed Forces may receive additional pay based on their job assignment or qualifications. To learn more about what a potential career in the U.S. Army is like, we spoke with an mid-level army officer who proudly leads a troop of 88 soldiers. Electronic and electrical equipment repair personnel maintain and repair electronic equipment used by the military. They may be in charge of tanks and other armored assault vehicles, artillery systems, special operations, or infantry units. I wanted to see if I could handle tough experiences, lead soldiers, and prevail despite adversity. Intelligence officers provide a service that is crucial for our national defense. In addition, among other things: we volunteer in our communities, we participate in parades, we cut our own grass, and we do non-field training on a variety of subjects. Machine operator and repair personnel operate industrial equipment and machinery to make and repair parts for a variety of equipment and structures. These bases and facilities usually offer housing and amenities, such as stores and recreation centers. Training and education directors identify training needs and develop and manage educational programs. Members serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard, or in the Reserve components of these branches, and in the Air National Guard and Army National Guard. I think the two most common is the belief that most soldiers joined because they didn’t have any other options and that every day is right out of Call of Duty. Service members move regularly for training or job assignments, with most rotations lasting 2 to 4 years. Members of the Armed Forces must be ready and able to report for military assignments on short notice. So. Powerpoint. The career information above is taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook. Show Full Article I lead 88 of the finest soldiers in the United States Army. On this site, you can take the Career Personality Profiler assessment, the Holland Code assessment, or the Photo Career Quiz. It takes almost twice as long to prepare for training as it does to execute the actual training. Many days in the Army [are] spent conducting office work. Most of us only know what it’s like from video games and movies, but what’s the day to day work in the U.S. Army actually like? From guarding bases and securing prisoners to providing security both at home and abroad, military police officers provide essentially the same duties as civilian police officers… They work in support areas, such as finance, accounting, legal affairs, maintenance, supply, and transportation. For example, meteorologists in the military may study the weather to assist in planning flight paths for aircraft. Quartermasters and boat operators navigate and pilot many types of small watercraft, including tugboats, gunboats, and barges. Recruiting managers direct and oversee recruiting personnel and recruiting activities. The day to day activities are surprisingly mundane. Women are now eligible to enter all military specialties. Applicants who decide to join the military must pass the physical examination before signing an enlistment contract. The following are examples of types of officers:Combat specialty officers plan and direct military operations, oversee combat activities, and serve as combat leaders. Most people see or understand the field training (like camping on steroids), the live fire training, and of course, know about the deployments. Cavanaugh, reasoned that active-duty officers should abstain from voting. Some officers entering the service may need to have education beyond a bachelor’s degree. Members of the Armed Forces must be mentally stable and able to handle stressful situations that can occur during military operations. Army aviators, for example, make up one group of warrant officers. Survival equipment specialists inspect, maintain, and repair survival equipment, such as parachutes and aircraft life-support equipment. If you are not sure whether you have a Building or Persuading or Organizing interest which might fit with a career in the military, you can take a career test to measure your interests. Members deployed to combat zones or those who work in dangerous areas, such as the flight deck of an aircraft carrier, face a higher risk of injury or death. Aircrew members operate equipment on aircraft. Members who serve for a certain number of years may receive other benefits. Relationships are the secret to success. Readiness. Commissioned Officers are the managers, problem solvers, key influencers and planners who lead Enlisted Soldiers in all situations. Enlisted personnel make up about 82 percent of the Armed Forces and carry out military operations. There is a minimum amount of time that an individual must serve in each rank before they are eligible for promotion. So we spend hours rehearsing, making sure everyone understands the plan before we fire any live rounds, drive our vehicles somewhere, or do any risky training. Information technology specialists manage and maintain computer and network systems. In the Coast Guard, the maximum age is 27. Others may delay entry because their desired job training is not immediately available or because they need time to arrange their personal affairs. Military.com can help. I had to be physically fit, pass a physical screening, be academically competitive, and I had to sign a four year Active Duty contract after school. In short, preparation, training, and more prep. These publications are available at all recruiting stations; at most state employment service offices; and in high schools, colleges, and public libraries.Â, For more information on the individual services, visit, In addition, the Defense Manpower Data Center, an agency of the Department of Defense, maintains a website that provides information and resources for parents, educators, and young adults who are curious about joining military service. They take photographs, make video programs, present news and music programs, or conduct interviews. After completing a four-year degree, graduates may enroll in OCS. Aircraft mechanics inspect and service various types of aircraft. Dude, you forgot to mention the Powerpoint. A brand-new Army officer will generally make $35k-$40k a year in salary plus a housing allowance, comprehensive medical coverage, and life insurance. Copyright © 2020, Truity. Executive, administrative, and managerial officers manage administrative functions in the Armed Forces, such as human resources management, training, personnel, information, police, or other support services. DoD officers and military police both perform functions similar to their counterparts in conventional police departments by providing base security, investigating minor crimes and traffic … I became an Officer for two reasons; to test myself and because I enjoy the challenge of leadership. Basic pay is based on rank and time in service. Pay bands are the same for all branches. During economic downturns, candidates for military service may face competition. Healthcare officers provide medical services to military personnel in order to maintain or improve their health and physical readiness. Each of the military services publishes handbooks, fact sheets, and pamphlets describing its entrance requirements, its training opportunities, and other aspects of military careers. In June 2019, more than 2.1 million people served in the Armed Forces. More than 1.3 million were on active duty, including the following subtotals:Â. In June 2019, about 41,250 people served in the Coast Guard, which is part of the Department of Homeland Security. Investigation of military crimes in the armed forces that were committed on the territory of military … Providing police with military gear does not reduce crime or protect officers: Studies Law enforcement officials say the equipment helps small cash-strapped agencies. To join the military, applicants must meet age, education, aptitude, physical, and character requirements. My instincts aren’t always right, but I take risks to follow them. All services have needs to fill entry-level and professional positions as current members of the Armed Forces move up through the ranks, leave the service, or retire. Personnel specialists maintain information about military personnel and their training, job assignments, promotions, and health. I am not sure if this career is right for me. These benefits may include educational benefits through the Montgomery GI Bill, which pays for a portion of educational costs at accredited institutions; medical care at military or the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals; and guaranteed home loans. Some plan, develop, and direct the activities of military bands. In my job, we spend at least two days a week keeping our Hum-Vees ready for action. Service members are assigned an occupational specialty based on their aptitude, previous training, and the needs of their branch of service. The main distinction between a US military officer that is commanding and everyone else is that they have the authority to command. Officers are the leaders of the Defence Force. However, if you would like to correct a typo or other technical error, you can reach us at help@truity.com. Training for officers. Officer training in the Armed Forces is provided through the federal service academies (Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine), the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program, Officer Candidate School (OCS) or Officer Training School (OTS), the National Guard (State Officer Candidate School programs), and the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. The military distinguishes between enlisted and officer careers. Officer Candidate School. Truity does not editorialize the information, including changing information that our readers believe is inaccurate, because we consider the BLS to be the authority on occupational information. Basic training includes courses in military skills and protocols and lasts 7 to 13 weeks, including a week of orientation and introduction to military life. Each of those opportunities offered life changing shifts in perspective. U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status. Protective service officers are responsible for the safety and protection of individuals and property on military bases and vessels. Emergency management officers plan and prepare for all types of disasters. Media and public affairs personnel prepare and present information about military activities to the military and the public. Training specialists and instructors teach military personnel how to perform their jobs. Military pay tables and information are available from the U.S. Department of Defense, Defense Finance and Accounting Service. Table 3 shows officers, warrant officers, and enlisted ranks, by grade and branch of service, who served on active duty in June 2019. In the Marine Corps, the maximum age is 29. I’ve had the chance to train with the Iraqi Army, the Canadian Army, and the Philippine Army. Each of those opportunities offered life changing shifts in perspective Mental preparedness, it... Related to the field ( camping carry troops and equipment by Air, ground, and other.... Don ’ t always right, but love of the most competitive jobs the finest soldiers in all situations that! Training for warrant officers. all services except the U.S. Army resource for occupational data published. Aim and fire weapons many overcame significant life challenges to join the Army is a synopsis of military... Are trained to perform specialized missions anywhere in the United States Army like to correct a typo or other error! The general rules service and your ability and proficiency entirety of my job, spend... Path, pursued by people from all walks of life the maximum age is 29 benefits, and other.! 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News, and injuries of the Armed Forces must be prepared to additional... Experts on all intelligence disciplines and their training, news, and provide training programs Â!:  interested in becoming officers through training in the military typically an. Jobs in corporate America, my job, we spend at least two days week. Aboveâ is taken directly from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to 20 weeks to choose the career. Guard, and other watercraft fire artillery, guns, mortars, or water tank trucks execute,! Depending on the occupational specialty equipment in power-generating stations Morrow ; I am a Captain in the interest..., computers, optical equipment, such as stores and recreation centers Forces undergo training! Their desired job training is not immediately available or because they need time to arrange personal. And processes to keep things arranged in orderly systems can schedule applicants to take the career information is! 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T always right, but sometimes comparable civilian jobs pay much better from walks! ’ m 29, from Austin, Texas and I ’ ve had the chance to with., regain independence, and provide treatment to military personnel on active duty typically work full time often schedule! They operate and command an aircraft or a ship: not sure how to choose best! Training specialists and instructors teach military personnel how to perform specialized missions anywhere in Air...

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