If you are in the military or considering the field, it is important that you choose the right training for military jobs. There are so many programs to choose from, including civilian military jobs, and they come in a variety of formats.

Whether you choose from the army, navy, air force, marine corp or coast guard, you really should look to the future and get an idea of where you want your military career to take you. Before deciding on a training program, remember the following:

1. Training in employment for military should be ongoing, so you can always be on top of your game.

2. If you choose online military courses in administration, make sure the programs you take part in are reputable and accredited.

3. Look into opportunities to train in other military careers while combat training.

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Opt for online educational programs for military government jobs training

Online courses are a great way of achieving educational goals while still serving in the military. With so many online opportunities, it is imperative that you choose a reputable school.

I recommend: American Military University offers military designed education that accommodates the needs of military students with benefits such as flexible weekly schedules. Army Study Guide provides informational tools that include a list of reputable schools with online courses.

Consider the many options for training for post military jobs before making your final choice

There are so many opportunities within the military. You may decide to choose an administrative, combative, teaching or leadership role, but all of them require specific skills. Whichever you decide on, consider varying your training so that you are both physically and mentally prepared for any challenge.

I recommend: GoArmy.com offers a diverse selection of educational programs that cover basic combat training, advanced individual training and ongoing training for jobs in military situations. Technical Job Search provides an extensive listing of military associations, many of which offer job and training opportunities.

Opt for financing opportunities often offered when training for military employment

There are many programs available that can help you finance military educational programs. Not only do some businesses offer funds, but there are tuition reimbursement programs and GI bills, scholarships and grants available.

I recommend: Military.com features a GI Bill on-the-job training and apprenticeship program, in addition to helpful financing information and time-saving programs. Today's Military offers instructor-led and distance courses, as well as simulations as part of its many training methods. Areas of study include civil affairs, joint-combat and ship electrician training. It also offers information on tuition assistance, the G.I. Bill, college fund programs and loan repayment programs.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Before joining army ranks, you should consider joining a military school for additional careers in military, so as to enhance your skills and better set yourself up for a more substantial and long-term career.

Military employment opportunities offer options for almost everyone depending on motivation, goals, education, age and commitment. You may find yourself eligible for military employment and civilian military jobs even as a civilian with no previous military background. Your searches will turn up military contractor jobs and military government jobs in dozens of career fields. Additionally, you'll find opportunities for joining the military as active duty, guard or reserve members.

On the flip side, there’s many military job opportunities for retired or honorably discharged military veterans. They possess numerous resources that help them locate post-military jobs, and advertisements for employment for military veterans pop up all the time. Civilian sector employers recognize the strengths veterans bring to the table because of their former military jobs–strengths like leadership, discipline, an enormous amount of responsibility throughout their military careers, integrity and education background. Consider the following as you search for jobs for veterans, military careers or civilian military jobs:

1. Make use of online job databases.

2. Learn about your options if you're thinking of joining the military and wearing the uniform.

3. Start now on your resume for civilian employment for military positions.

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Use online databases when researching civilian careers in military specialties

Several resources exist for civilian job seekers looking for militaryfederal employment.

I recommend: Go to USAJOBS, the official site for federal job listings, and begin your search. You can also try the Defense Finance and Accounting Service for job vacancies.

Search online job databases for post-military jobs

Job seekers leaving military careers and jump starting civilian careers can locate numerous resources online.

I recommend: Check out Bradley-Morris, Inc. for free tips and sample resumes for officers and enlisted members transitioning out of the military. MilitaryHire also offers online career tools and a job search database for veterans.

Learn about your options before joining the military

You won't just decide Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy or Coast Guard. The options of active duty, guard or reserve service deserve careful consideration, too, so spend time thinking about the commitment you'll make and why you'll make it. Check for sign-on bonuses available.

I recommend: Start your search at Military.com's 10 Steps To Joining The Military where, among other things, you can compare the services and learn more about military careers and guard and reserve opportunities. Also check out each branch of service that interests you since they each maintain recruiting pages on their own websites. Armed with that information, seek out local recruiters in your area for face-to-face meetings about careers in military specialties.

Build the right resume when seeking civilian/federal jobs

The resume you used for job hunting in the civilian sector won't cut it when you search for careers in military fields. Finding military jobs for civilians previously involved creating different resume formats when applying for different positions. Fortunately, the Federal Government's Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has created one resume format applicants now use for Federal job openings.

I recommend: Civilians and veterans looking for military/Federal jobs should start at the OPM's USA JOBS website, open an account and begin creating a new resume. Before you start writing, check out USA JOBS resume writing tips

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  As a veteran (retired or honorably discharged), know you can earn veteran's preference points when you apply for federal jobs. You can receive either 5 or 10 points depending on length of time served, when you served, disabilities and a few other factors. These points will provide you with an advantage when you submit military/federal job applications.

Employment for military personnel is highly regulated by the various branches of the American military, so extensive information about military government jobs is available online. Whether you are preparing for the military or looking for the right position within the U.S. military, military jobs education and training is available to help you find employment.

For most military jobs, education and training required is a combination of basic military training provided to all enlisted personnel and more specialized job-related training. An advantage to training for military employment is that many military positions provide you with transferable skills that can be used in the private sector as well.

When looking for information about training for military jobs, consider the following options:

1. Find information about basic and job-related training from the U.S. military branches.
2. Get some field training for military careers through college ROTC programs.
3. Learn about training for military jobs offered by private military contractors.
   

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Learn about training requirements for military jobs online

The general training requirements for military careers are available online from each branch of the military. While all military positions require basic military training, certain military employers also require advanced and ongoing training and education, which is typically provided by the military. The military may also offer training programs for transitioning to the private workforce in certain fields.

I recommend: The U.S. Army offers an overview of all types of training for careers in military fields, including basic training, advanced individual training and ongoing training. The U.S. Navy also provides information online about the kinds of education and training they provide when you search for jobs in specific areas, both for enlisted and civilian military jobs.

Get early training and exposure to careers in military branches through ROTC

If you are enrolled or plan to enroll in a college or university, an ROTC program is one way to obtain some preparatory field training and get a head start on military employment. ROTC programs are not available at every college, but credits may transfer if you choose to enroll in ROTC at a nearby institution. Each branch of the military has its own version of ROTC and curriculum for college students.

I recommend: You can go online to view the specific curriculum that ROTC programs use for military jobs education and training. The Air Force ROTC and Army ROTC both publish information about their college programs on their websites.

Learn about private training for military employment from contractors

Many individuals and groups prepare for military careers through private military contractors. Contractors offer education and training in securities, technologies and combat and may use a variety of simulators or other training programs.

I recommend: Learn about the types of training for military jobs provided by private contractors like Science Applications International Corporation, which offers military security education and training. L-3 Communications Link Simulation and Training, like many contractors, offers training for military employment through the use of combat simulators.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When getting information about military jobs education and training, be aware that any type of higher education degree will allow you to obtain a more advanced position in the military, regardless of the field of your degree. Once enlisted, you will be provided with field-specific training for your military job.

The military is a crucial part of the operation and survival of our society. While most people think of military careers as involvement in combat, the majority of military jobs are just like any other career, with the exception that most jobs require a commitment to defend our country if the need arises. Consider the following options as you look into military careers.

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SEALs

Men enlisted in the Navy SEALs (SEAL stands for Sea, Air and Land, the three environments in which this special forces team works) are a crucial element in the war on terror. Included in the SEAL training process is six months of intense Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) Training, followed by four months of advanced tactical training called SQT (SEAL Qualification Training).

I recommend: Visit the NavySEALs website for information on SEAL platoon life and other typical aspects of enlistment.

Military occupational specialty (MOS)

Military occupational specialty is a career choice made from more than 200 possibilities offered by the National Guard. Among the MOS opportunities are combat arms, combat support, military police, communications and medical positions.

I recommend: Read more about the National Guard MOS options.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) provides building and engineering services for more than 90 countries. They are best known for devising infrastructures that reduce damage during hurricanes and other natural disasters. They also build man-made lakes and work on similar projects.

I recommend: The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers Headquarters website provides more information about a career in this branch of the army.

Launch and recovery specialist

Launch and recovery specialists operate the equipment responsible for take offs and landings of aircraft, predominately on aircraft carriers. These specialists install, test and maintain launch and recovery equipment, including crash barriers and landing cables.

I recommend: Access Onveon Education Search for more information on aircraft launch and recovery specialists.

Radar and sonar operator

Radar and sonar operators detect and track planes, ships, submarines and missiles in order to maintain safety and to record tracking data. They also communicate over electronic systems, sometimes sending, receiving and translating coded messages.

I recommend: Today's Military provides additional information on a career in radar and sonar operation.

Chaplain

Chaplains, typically part of the naval branch of the military, provide moral support, advice and religious/spiritual encouragement and assistance for those within the Navy. Included among their tasks are conducting worship services and other religious ceremonies, counseling and managing military religious education.

I recommend: The Navy Career Guide provides more details on a chaplain's duties.