Military Career Essay, Research Paper

The role of the officer in the armed forces is to provide leadership for all operational

commands. Military officers are expected to command the managerial, executive, scientific

and technical centers of high-level military operations. In the U.S. Army, the officer will

command a fort or a brigade. In the Navy, he or she will command a ship, submarine, or

aircraft squadron. In the Air Force, officers command space shuttles or engineering, airlift

wing, medical staff, or logistics centers. In the Marines, they command operations and

training, plans and budget, or enlisted processing stations. In the Coast Guard, they can be

chief of training, executive officers, or public affairs; or commanding officer of a cutter.

Being all that you can be means performing any number of tasks. Whichever of the

five branches of the United States Armed forces (Army, Navy, Marines, Air Forces, or

Coast Guard) you choose to join, prepare yourself for more than a buzz-cut and target

practice. Officers are leaders, organizers, strategists, and managers whose duties entail

enormous responsibilities. Each branch of the armed forces has particular tasks. The Army

is in charge of land-based defense initiatives. The Air Force supervises space and air

defense. While the Navy flies the flag upon the seas, the Marine Corps provides them with

land support. The Coast Guard plays a dual role. In peacetime, it works for the

Department of Transportation, controlling access to American shores. The moment war

breaks out, the Coast Guard works alongside of the Navy. Some of the responsibilities

inherent in a chosen military career are obvious, such as running a nuclear submarine or

commanding a platoon of demolition specialists. Less obvious, but just as important, are

the various clerical and managerial tasks that are essential to the smooth operation of our

national defense and international peacekeeping. Because of military officers’ versatility,

training, and skills, they are valued in the civilian world. Many former officers find

themselves in great demand at some of America’s largest corporation.

Department of Transportation, controlling access to American shores. The

moment war breaks out, the Coast Guard works alongside of the Navy. Some of the

responsibilities inherent in a chosen military career are obvious, such as running a nuclear

submarine or commanding a platoon of demolition specialists. Less obvious, but just as

important, are the various clerical and managerial tasks that are essential to the smooth

operation of our national defense and international peacekeeping. Because of military

officers’ versatility, training, and skills, they are valued in the civilian world. Many former

officers find themselves in great demand at some of America’s largest corporation

Pay and benefits are based on rank and cumulative years of service. For example, the

newly commissioned Second Lieutenant or Ensign can expect on average a base salary of

$26,000 per year. Further, this salary is augmented by allowances for living quarters,

subsistence, and various hazardous duty incentives. For example, in the U.S. Navy an

officer’s salary can be supplemented by either sea pay, submarine pay, or aviation pay,

depending on the career path. Overall, the armed forces offer a salary structure that is

competitive with private industry.

The perks include extensive travel and health-care benefits, as well as family-oriented

services like day care, job security, and a decent pension after a relatively short career. Of

course, the gratitude our nation shows its soldiers cannot be left out of the package.

Benefits available to members of the armed forces compare favorably to those in

the civilian work force. Some examples are opportunities for highly advanced training and

education with full salary, early high-level management responsibilities, medical and dental

care, 30 days of paid yearly vacation, moving allowances, shopping privileges at

exchanges and commissaries, membership affiliation with officer clubs, a dynamic

retirement program, and fringe benefits that offer long-range security for both career

advancement and family stability.