


Intelligence specialists gather information and prepare reports for military planning and operations.Information technology specialists manage and maintain computer and network systems.Environmental health and safety specialists inspect military facilities and food supplies to ensure that they are safe for use and consumption.They perform technical tasks in information technology, environmental health and safety, or intelligence: For example, weapons electronic maintenance technicians maintain and repair electronic components and systems that help locate targets and help aim and fire weapons.Įngineering, science, and technical personnel perform a variety of tasks, such as operating technical equipment, solving problems, and collecting and interpreting information. Repairers specialize in an area such as aircraft electrical systems, computers, optical equipment, communications, or weapons systems. Some construction personnel specialize in an area such as plumbing, electrical wiring, or water purification.Įlectronic and electrical equipment repair personnel maintain and repair electronic equipment used by the military. They work with engineers and other building specialists as part of military construction teams. They also may operate heavy equipment, such as bulldozers or cranes. Members of elite Special Forces teams are trained to perform specialized missions anywhere in the world on a moment’s notice.Ĭonstruction personnel build or repair buildings, airfields, bridges, and other structures. They may also operate various types of combat vehicles, such as amphibious assault vehicles, tanks, or small boats. Combat specialty personnel may maneuver against enemy forces and fire artillery, guns, mortars, or missiles to neutralize them. For example, infantry specialists conduct ground combat operations, armored vehicle specialists operate battle tanks, and seamanship specialists maintain ships. They work in support areas, such as finance, accounting, legal affairs, maintenance, supply, and transportation.Ĭombat specialty personnel train and work in combat units, such as the infantry, artillery, or Special Forces. The following are examples of types of occupations for enlisted personnel:Īdministrative personnel maintain information on personnel, equipment, funds, and other military-related activities. Provide medical, legal, engineering, and other services to military personnel.Operate and command aircraft, ships, or armored vehicles.Plan, organize, and lead troops and activities in military operations.Perform technical and support activities.Operate, maintain, and repair equipment.Participate in, or support, military operations, such as combat or training operations, or humanitarian or disaster relief.Army aviators, for example, make up one group of warrant officers.Įnlisted personnel typically do the following:

About 8 percent of officers are warrant officers, who are technical and tactical experts in a specific area. The remaining 18 percent are officers-military leaders who manage operations and enlisted personnel. Enlisted personnel make up about 82 percent of the Armed Forces and carry out military operations. The military distinguishes between enlisted and officer careers. (The Coast Guard, which is included in this profile, is part of the Department of Homeland Security.) Duties 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.

Although some service members work in occupations specific to the military, such as fighter pilots or infantrymen, many work in occupations that also exist in the civilian workplace, such as nurses, doctors, and lawyers.
