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 o
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.