Make more than a living. Make a career for yourself.

There are hundreds of ways to make a living in the Military, and many of these careers provide the experience you need for a rewarding second career in the private sector. There is no guarantee a servicemember will receive the job they want, as the Services determine the best fit for each individual's skills, while placing people where they are needed most. This search allows you to browse different Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) simply to give you an idea of what you might have the opportunity to do—whether that’s marching with infantry, playing music professionally, or using advanced technology.

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Vernice Armour, Marine Corps — Cobra Pilot

When Vernice Armour asks, "Who wants to be average?" she does so with a smile. Why? As the first African-American, female Marine Corps combat pilot, she's earned the right to express a little pride.

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Janice Kendall, Navy — Registered Nurse

"I knew that I wanted to be a nurse from a very young age. I went to diploma school in Canada, then did more work to train in psychiatric nursing. After practicing several years, an uncle in the Navy suggested that I try Navy nursing..."

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Philip Thompson, Navy Reserve — Civil Engineer

"My most memorable tour was at the naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where I directed contractors building a water desalinization plant and an addition to the power plant..."

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Dorothy Hartsfield, Army — Computer Systems Specialist

"I decided to specialize in computers after six years as an administrative staff member in the Army. I switched specialty areas because I saw a great deal of opportunity both in the military and the civilian world for people with computer expertise."

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Wayne Garvey, Army — Infantry Officer

"My next tour was in the Middle East as a platoon leader during Operation Desert Storm. I led my platoon into many combat actions and earned several decorations, including the Silver Star, the nation's third highest award for gallantry."

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Thomas Wilson, Army — Special Forces

"Throughout my career, I have had further training in operations and intelligence, advanced engineering, and leadership, but I feel that I learned the most during my years as a member of a Special Forces team."

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Stephen B. Giove, Marine Corps — Placement Director and Conductor

After graduating from Berklee College of Music, Staff Sergeant Stephen Giove joined the Marines. From the Quantico Marine Band to the Armed Forces School of Music to the Second Marine Division Band, he's blazed an unexpected trail through Military Service.

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Dwayne Robinson, Navy — Food Service

"I managed a 35-person staff that fed 580 crew members and, at times, 1,800 Marines (nearly 7,000 meals a day)... I have spent the past several years as a food services supervisor on different ships and have done what I wanted to do—learn to cook and travel around the world."

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  • Military training and jobs have little relation to the civilian world.
  • 88 percent of military jobs have direct civilian counterparts.
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