The U. S. Armed Forces is the country’s largest single employer with more than 2 million people serving, of which 1.4 million are on active duty. Maintaining a strong defense requires many activities, such as running hospitals, repairing helicopters, programming computers, and operating nuclear reactors. Military jobs range from clerical work to professional positions to construction work. People in the military must serve for a specified time and can be moved from one base to another. Enlisted personnel, who make up about 85 percent of the Armed Forces, carry out the fundamental operations of the military in areas such as combat, administration, construction, engineering, health care, and human services. Officers, who make up the remaining 15 percent of the Armed Forces, are the leaders of the military, supervising and managing all activities. 

 

Education and Training: Moderate-term on-the-job training to related work experience

Starting Salaries: $13, 700 (for new recruits)

Average Earnings: $28, 500 (varies tremendously by pay grade; officers can make considerably more than enlisted personnel)

 

 

Source: EZ Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2007