What They Do
The U.S. Military provides training and work experience in a variety of military careers. Members of the Armed Forces work in almost all occupations that are available to civilians in addition to occupations that are specific to the military. Service men and women serve on active duty in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps, or in the Reserve components of these branches, and the Air National Guard and Army National Guard. (The Coast Guard, which is included in this profile, is part of the Department of Homeland Security.)
Duties
The military distinguishes between enlisted and officer careers. Enlisted personnel make up about 83 percent of the Armed Forces and carry out the fundamental operations of the military. Officers make up the remaining 17 percent and are leaders of the military, supervising and managing activities in every occupational specialty in the military.
Enlisted personnel typically do the following:
- Participate in combat operations
- Operate, maintain, and repair equipment
- Serve as technicians and specialists in a variety of fields
- Serve as front-line supervisors of junior enlisted personnel
Officers typically do the following:
- Lead troops in ground combat operations
- Serve as supervisors and managers of enlisted personnel
- Operate and control aircraft, ships, or armored vehicles
- Serve as professionals for the military in medical, legal, engineering, and other fields
Types of Enlisted Personnel
The following are examples of types of occupations for enlisted personnel:
Administrative personnel work in a variety of jobs. The military must keep accurate information for planning and managing its operations. Both paper and electronic records are kept on personnel and on equipment, funds, and all other aspects of the military. Administrative personnel record information, prepare reports, and maintain files. They may work in a specialized area, such as finance, accounting, legal affairs, maintenance, supply, or transportation.
Combat specialty personnel work in specialty occupations, such as infantry, artillery, and Special Forces. People in these occupations normally specialize by type of weapon system or combat operation. Examples include infantry specialists who conduct ground combat operations, tank crews who operate battle tanks, or seamanship specialists who are responsible for operating and maintaining ships. Combat specialty personnel may maneuver against enemy forces and positions and fire artillery, guns, mortars, or missiles to destroy enemy positions. They may also operate various types of combat vehicles, such as amphibious assault vehicles, tanks, or small boats, in combat missions. Especially difficult or specialized missions are performed by elite Special Operations teams, who are constantly ready to respond anywhere in the world on a moment’s notice.
Construction personnel in the military build or repair buildings, airfields, bridges, and other structures. They may also operate heavy equipment, such as bulldozers, tractors, or cranes. They work with engineers and other building specialists as part of military construction teams. Some personnel specialize in areas such as plumbing, electrical wiring, or water purification.
Electronic and electrical equipment repair personnel maintain and repair electronic equipment used in the military. Repairers normally specialize by general area, such as aircraft electrical systems, computers, optical equipment, communications, or weapons systems. For example, weapons electronic maintenance technicians maintain and repair electronic components and systems that help locate targets and help aim and fire weapons.
Engineering, science, and technical personnel in the military use specialized knowledge to perform a variety of tasks. They operate technical equipment, solve complex problems, or provide and interpret information. They typically specialize in one area, such as information technology, environmental health and safety, or intelligence.
- Information technology specialists develop software programs and operate computer systems.
- Environmental health and safety specialists inspect military facilities and food supplies to ensure that they are safe for use.
- Intelligence specialists gather and study information needed by the military and prepare reports on this information.
Healthcare personnel help medical professionals provide medical services for men and women in the military. They may work as part of a patient-service team in close contact with doctors, nurses, or other healthcare professionals. Some specialize in providing emergency medical treatment in combat or remote areas where medical care is unavailable. Others specialize in laboratory testing of tissue and blood samples; maintaining pharmacy supplies or patients’ records; assisting with dental procedures; operating diagnostic tools, such as x-ray and ultrasound machines; or other healthcare tasks.
Human resources development personnel recruit qualified people into the military, place them in suitable occupations, and provide training programs. These specialists usually focus on a particular duty.
- Recruiting specialists provide information about military careers to young people, parents, schools, and local communities, and explain the Armed Services’ employment and training opportunities, pay and benefits, and service life.
- Personnel specialists collect and store information about military personnel, including information on their previous and current training, job assignments, promotions, and health.
- Training specialists and instructors teach classes and instruct military personnel on how to perform their jobs.
Machine operator and production personnel operate industrial equipment and machinery to fabricate and repair parts for a variety of items and structures. They may operate engines, nuclear reactors, or water pumps. Often, they specialize by the type of work performed. Welders and metalworkers, for example, work with various types of metals to repair or form the structural parts of ships, buildings, or other equipment. Survival equipment specialists inspect, maintain, and repair survival equipment, such as parachutes and aircraft life support equipment.
Media and public affairs personnel help present military information and events to the public. They take photographs, make video programs, present news and music programs, or produce artwork and other visual displays. Other public affairs specialists act as interpreters and translators to convert foreign languages into English or other languages.
Protective service personnel enforce military laws and regulations and provide emergency responses to disasters.
- Military police responsibilities include controlling traffic, preventing crime, and responding to emergencies.
- Other law enforcement and security specialists investigate crimes committed on military property and guard inmates in military correctional facilities.
- Firefighters extinguish and prevent fires in buildings, on aircraft, and aboard ships.
Support service personnel provide subsistence services and support the morale and well-being of military personnel and their families. Food service specialists prepare all types of food in dining halls, hospitals, and ships. Religious program specialists assist chaplains with religious services, religious education programs, and related administrative duties.
Transportation and material-handling personnel ensure the safe transport of people and cargo. Most personnel within this occupational group are classified according to mode of transportation, such as aircraft, motor vehicle, or ship.
- Aircrew members operate equipment on aircraft.
- Vehicle drivers operate all types of heavy military vehicles, including fuel or water tank trucks, and passenger buses.
- Quartermasters and boat operators navigate and pilot many types of small watercraft, including tugboats, gunboats, and barges.
- Cargo specialists load and unload military supplies using equipment such as forklifts and cranes.
Vehicle and machinery mechanical personnel conduct preventive and corrective maintenance on aircraft, automotive and heavy equipment, and powerhouse station equipment. These workers typically specialize by the type of equipment that they maintain.
- Aircraft mechanics inspect and service various types of aircraft.
- Automotive and heavy equipment mechanics maintain and repair vehicles, such as Humvees, trucks, tanks, and other combat vehicles. They also repair bulldozers and other construction equipment.
- Heating and cooling mechanics install and repair air-conditioning, refrigeration, and heating equipment.
- Marine engine mechanics repair and maintain engines on ships, boats, and other watercraft. They also repair shipboard mechanical and electrical equipment.
- Powerhouse mechanics install, maintain, and repair electrical and mechanical equipment in power-generating stations.
Table 1 shows the number of military enlisted personnel by branch and broad occupational category in August 2011.
Enlisted | Army | Air Force | Coast Guard | Marine Corps | Navy | Total enlisted personnel in each occupation group |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Occupational Group | ||||||
Administrative occupations | 6,661 | 15,302 | 2,274 | 11,669 | 19,585 | 55,491 |
Combat Specialty occupations | 129,684 | 639 | 616 | 32,706 | 7,854 | 192,499 |
Construction occupations | 20,499 | 5,185 | — | 5,067 | 5,206 | 35,957 |
Electronic and Electrical Equipment Repair occupations | 40,214 | 31,048 | 4,475 | 14,098 | 48,118 | 137,953 |
Engineering, Science, and Technical occupations | 45,684 | 47,436 | 1,288 | 25,297 | 40,436 | 160,141 |
Health Care occupations | 31,317 | 15,935 | 693 | — | 24,068 | 72,013 |
Human Resource Development occupations | 18,974 | 12,532 | — | 8,407 | 4,108 | 44,021 |
Machine Operator and Production occupations | 5,398 | 6,234 | 1,946 | 2,532 | 9,599 | 25,709 |
Media and Public Affairs occupations | 8,209 | 6,848 | 122 | 2,381 | 3,854 | 21,414 |
Protective Service occupations | 27,380 | 34,738 | 2,837 | 9,534 | 11,959 | 86,448 |
Support Service occupations | 13,109 | 1,483 | 1,218 | 2,119 | 8,032 | 25,961 |
Transportation and Material Handling occupations | 63,566 | 31,279 | 10,900 | 23,154 | 38,148 | 167,047 |
Vehicle and Machinery Mechanic occupations | 52,974 | 42,032 | 5,554 | 18,586 | 47,022 | 166,168 |
Non-occupation or unspecified coded personnel | 3,441 | 13,117 | 1,663 | 1,926 | 606 | 20,753 |
Total enlisted personnel for each military branch and Coast Guard | 467,110 | 263,808 | 33,586 | 178,476 | 268,595 | 1,211,575 |
SOURCE: U.S. Department of Defense, Defense Manpower Data Center |
Types of Officers
The following are examples of types of officers:
Combat specialty officers are leaders of combat units. They plan and direct military operations, oversee combat activities, and serve as combat leaders. This category includes officers in charge of tanks and other armored assault vehicles, artillery systems, Special Operations, and infantry. Combat specialty officers normally specialize by the type of unit they lead. This group also includes naval surface warfare and submarine warfare officers, combat pilots, and aircrews.
Engineering, science, and technical officers have a range of responsibilities, depending on their area of expertise. These officers work in many of the scientific and professional fields outside of the Armed Forces, which include occupations such as atmospheric scientists, meteorologists, physical scientists, biological scientists, social scientists, and attorneys. For example, meteorologists in the military may study the weather to determine flight paths for aircraft. Physical scientists may develop and launch spacecraft.
Executive, administrative, and managerial officers are responsible for administrative functions of the Armed Forces. This includes human resources management, training, personnel, information, police, public information, and inspectors. This category also includes officers who oversee the various Armed Forces bands and those who manage recreation or other special services.
Healthcare officers provide health services at military facilities on the basis of their area of specialization. Officers who examine, diagnose, and treat patients include physicians, physician assistants, nurses, and dentists. Other healthcare officers provide therapy, rehabilitative treatment, and additional healthcare for patients.
- Physicians, surgeons, and physician assistants provide the majority of medical services to the military and their families.
- Dentists treat diseases, disorders, and injuries of the mouth.
- Physical and occupational therapists plan and administer therapy to help patients adjust to disabilities, regain independence, and return to work.
- Pharmacists manage the purchase, storage, and dispensing of drugs and medicines.
- Optometrists treat vision problems by prescribing eyeglasses or contact lenses.
- Psychologists provide mental healthcare and also conduct research on behavior and emotions.
For more information, see the profiles on physicians and surgeons, dentists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, pharmacists, optometrists, and psychologists.
Human resource development officers manage recruitment, placement, and training programs in the military.
- Recruiting managers direct recruiting efforts and provide information about military careers to young people, parents, schools, and local communities.
- Personnel managers direct military personnel functions, such as job assignments, staff promotions, and career counseling.
- Training and education directors identify training needs and develop and manage educational programs designed to keep military personnel current in the skills they need.
Media and public affairs officers oversee the development, production, and presentation of information or events for the public. These officers may produce and direct videos, and television and radio broadcasts that are used for training, news, and entertainment. Some plan, develop, and direct the activities of military bands. Public information officers respond to inquiries about military activities and prepare news releases and reports to keep the public informed.
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 by developing warning and evacuation procedures to be used in the event of a disaster. Law enforcement and security officers enforce all applicable laws on military bases and investigate crimes when the law has been broken.
Support services officers oversee and direct military activities in key functional areas, such as logistics, transportation, and supply. They may oversee the transportation and distribution of materials by ground vehicles, aircraft, or ships. They also direct food service facilities and other support activities. Purchasing and contracting managers negotiate and monitor contracts for the purchase of the billions of dollars worth of equipment, supplies, and services that the military buys from private industry each year.
Transportation officers manage and perform activities related to the safe transport of military personnel and material by air and water. These officers normally specialize by mode of transportation or area of expertise because they must meet licensing and certification requirements in many cases.
- Pilots in the military fly various types of specialized airplanes and helicopters to carry troops and equipment.
- Navigators use radar, radio, and other navigation equipment to determine their position and plan their route of travel.
- Officers on ships and submarines work as a team to manage the various departments aboard their vessels.
- Ships’ engineers direct engineering departments aboard ships and submarines, including engine operations, maintenance, and power generation.
Table 2 shows the number of military officers by branch and broad occupational category in August 2011.
Officer | Army | Air Force | Coast Guard | Marine Corps | Navy | Total officer personnel in each occupational group |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Occupational Group | ||||||
Combat Specialty occupations | 19,029 | 3,986 | — | 4,039 | 6,036 | 33,090 |
Engineering, Science, and Technical occupations | 21,573 | 14,841 | 3 | 3,922 | 9,556 | 49,895 |
Executive, Administrative, and Managerial occupations | 12,422 | 7,760 | 61 | 2,620 | 7,082 | 29,945 |
Health Care occupations | 11,092 | 8,917 | — | — | 5,896 | 25,905 |
Human Resource Development occupations | 2,890 | 2,989 | 19 | 284 | 3,032 | 9,214 |
Media and Public Affairs occupations | 340 | 297 | 7 | 170 | 270 | 1,084 |
Protective Service occupations | 3,074 | 1,015 | 1 | 358 | 1,003 | 5,451 |
Support Service occupations | 1,866 | 685 | 7 | 39 | 928 | 3,525 |
Transportation occupations | 13,535 | 18,158 | 1 | 6,349 | 11,374 | 49,417 |
Non-occupation or unspecified coded personnel | 12,168 | 7,088 | 8,381 | 4,296 | 8,375 | 40,308 |
Total officer personnel for each military branch and Coast Guard | 97,989 | 65,736 | 8,480 | 22,077 | 53,552 | 247,834 |
SOURCE: U.S. Department of Defense, Defense Manpower Data Center |