Officers in the Armed Forces
The Armed Forces consists of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, National Guard, Coast Guard, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Officers make up 15% of the armed forces. They supervise and manage the various occupations within the military. These areas include combat, engineering, protective services, administration and healthcare.
Online Schools
Career Opportunities
Executive, administrative, and managerial officers are leaders in key areas such as finance, healthcare, or international relations. They might oversee purchasing, quality control or the smooth operation of a hospital. Combat specialty officers manage combat specialists. They direct combat missions, lead search and rescue missions, and direct the launch and testing of missiles. They typically specialize in a form of weaponry, such as artillery, infantry, or assault vehicles. Engineering, science, and technical officers work in space operations, environmental health, and engineering. They lead teams of specialists in designing aircraft, studying pollution sources, and developing computer systems. Healthcare officers are typically made up of doctors, dentists, and registered nurses. They provide health care at military facilities. They rely on enlisted men and women for assistance. Protective service officers protect people and property on military bases and vehicles. In addition to keeping the peace and investigating crimes, they prepare for natural disasters by developing evacuation plans. Various other occupations are available to military officers. Officers work in transportation, support services, or media and affairs.
Necessary Qualifications
Anyone interested in becoming a career officer in the armed forces should determine the best training option. The Federal service colleges, Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC), Officer Candidate School, and other programs offer excellent officer training. Students applying for admittance to Federal service colleges must be single upon entry and graduation. These colleges are highly selective. They are four-year programs and grant a Bachelor of Science degree. ROTC programs train students in colleges and universities. Two to five hours of military courses are required each week in addition to regular college classes. Candidates typically serve as officers for two years in active duty. Many are recipients of ROTC scholarships.
Monthly Earnings and Benefits
Military personnel follow an earnings structure. Officers’ earnings are dependent upon the title and the number of years of service. Beginning officers may start at $2,000 per month. Officers, such as doctors or dentists, earn up to $10,000 per month. In addition to monthly pay, military officers receive free room and board (or a housing allowance), free medical and dental care, military store privileges, a military clothing allowance, and 30 days of paid vacation. Officers are eligible for retirement benefits after twenty years of service.
*This is a summarized article created to allow for a quick career review. For the most accurate and up-to-date information visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor website to learn more about Officers in the Armed Forces.
This article may not be copied, used, or reproduced.
copyright 2005
|
|
|
|