Careers

Best Jobs for Army Officers

Updated on March 14, 2024
Author Frank Gogol
Written by
Frank Gogol
Author Frank Gogol
Written by
Frank Gogol

I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.

See all posts Frank Gogol

Transitioning from military to civilian life can be a challenging phase for many army officers. The skills, discipline, and leadership qualities acquired during their service, however, make them highly valuable in the civilian job market. This blog explores the best career opportunities for former army officers, focusing on job titles, average salaries, descriptions, responsibilities, and required education where applicable.

Electrical or Electronics Engineering Technician

  • Average Salary: $64,640 (as of 2022)​​
  • Job Description: Electrical or electronics engineering technicians work closely with engineers to design and develop electrical and electronic equipment. This may include testing equipment, solving problems with electronic systems, and working on various electrical components.
  • Responsibilities: Their responsibilities include assisting in design, testing electronic systems, troubleshooting, and maintaining equipment.
  • Required Education: An associate’s degree in electrical or electronics engineering technology is typically required.

Special Forces Officer

  • Average Salary: $120,130 (for a civilian equivalent role as a Training and Development Manager, as of 2021)​​
  • Job Description: Special Forces Officers lead teams in various missions, including counter-terrorism and special reconnaissance, involving intelligence gathering and training military forces.
  • Responsibilities: Planning and leading missions, coordinating with U.S. and foreign governments, and overseeing team training and logistics.
  • Required Education: Officers must undergo extensive training, including airborne training and the Special Forces Qualification Course.

Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Officer

  • Average Salary: $79,760 (for a civilian Chemist, as of 2021)​​
  • Job Description: CBRN Officers lead units that protect against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats. They command operations and are familiar with defense procedures.
  • Responsibilities: Coordinating employment and training of CBRN Soldiers, and ensuring preparedness against CBRN threats.
  • Required Education: This role requires completion of the CBRN Basic Officer Leaders Course Phase III and earning a HAZMAT Operations Certification.

Military Intelligence Officer

  • Average Salary: $59,000 (for a civilian equivalent role as an Investigator, as of 2021)​​
  • Job Description: Military Intelligence Officers collect and analyze intelligence during missions, specializing in areas such as Imagery Intelligence and Signals Intelligence.
  • Responsibilities: Commanding Military Intelligence Soldiers, assessing risks, and making decisions on threats.
  • Required Education: Officers are required to attend the Military Intelligence Officer Basic Course.

Transportation Officer

  • Average Salary: Data not specified
  • Job Description: Transportation Officers manage and oversee the transportation of personnel, equipment, and supplies. They ensure efficient and safe transportation operations within military and potentially in civilian roles.
  • Responsibilities: Planning and executing transportation strategies, managing vehicle fleets, and ensuring compliance with regulations.
  • Required Education: Specific educational requirements may vary but generally include military training related to transportation and logistics.

The other roles suitable for army officers in civilian life include positions such as Infantry Officers, Technical Engineers, Counterintelligence Agents, Criminal Investigations Special Agents, and roles in Vehicle Maintenance and Intelligence. These positions offer avenues for army officers to leverage their military experience in fields like law enforcement, engineering, intelligence, and technical maintenance.

Final Thoughts

The transition from military to civilian life opens a spectrum of opportunities for army officers. Their unique set of skills and experiences positions them well for a variety of high-paying and fulfilling careers. From engineering and intelligence to special forces and logistics, the potential paths are diverse and promising. As they move forward, it’s essential for army officers to identify how their military skills can translate into civilian job roles, ensuring a smooth and successful transition into their next career phase.

Other Jobs in Demographic-Specific Opportunities

Sources

  • Bureau of Labor Statistics: www.bls.gov (for the average salaries of Electrical or Electronics Engineering Technician, Training and Development Manager, and Chemist)
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Author Frank Gogol

Frank Gogol

I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.
See author's posts

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