What kind of career can a young person find in the Military? Just about any kind you can imagine. But it takes special types of people to fill these jobs. People who are passionate, selfless, and want to be part of something bigger.
Extraordinary Careers
Extraordinary Careers
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They are Journalists and Animal Care Specialists, Teachers and Musicians and Hollywood Liaisons.
They are ten enlisted men and women who made the Military the first step toward a rewarding career, and we invite you to take a rare glimpse into their lives.
Their unique stories of dedication and success will not only inspire you, they will change the way you think about the Military and the opportunities available.
Chet Stugus | Army
When Sergeant Stugus walked into his recruiter's office, he had one question: "Do you have any jobs working with animals?" The answer landed him at the Marine Corps Base Hawaii Veterinary Treatment Facility. And today he oversees 16 military dogs and runs animal outpatient clinics for the Military community.
Mary Simms | Army
Stirred by the tragic events of September 11th and fueled by the dream of becoming a journalist, Specialist Mary Simms abandoned a promising career at a Fortune 500 company to enlist in the Army.
Today Simms finds herself in the unique position of writer, producer, director, editor, and star of her own segments.
Vernice Armour | Marine Corps
When Captain Armour asks, "Who wants to be average?" she does so with a smirk. Why? As the first African American marine combat pilot, she's earned the right to express a little pride.
Since enlisting in 1993—just five years before being commissioned—Armour has made excellence part of the job, a job that's far from average.
Stephen B. Giove | Marine Corps
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 simply doing what he does best: expressing himself through his music.
Marcus Dingle | Navy
As an airman deployed on an aircraft carrier, Petty Officer First Class Marcus Dingle learned firsthand that excellent training and survival were one in the same.
Today Dingle teaches water survival training to military personnel. The tools of his vocation? A dunk tank and pool with sprinklers, a fog machine, and a sound system to simulate storms.
Fernando Rivero | Navy Reserve
Son to Cuban refugees, Fernando Rivero wanted to honor his parents' brave quest for freedom by joining the Military. However, as someone with creative aspirations, he feared enlisting would prevent him from developing as a writer and director. His solution? Become a Public Affairs Officer (PAO) for the U.S. Navy Reserve.
Andrew Canfield | Air Force
Technical Sergeant Andrew Canfield starts every morning with a 30-mile bike ride to the Oregon Air National Guard Base. He then goes about the daily business of frefall parachuting, scuba diving, rock climbing, and saving lives.
For Canfield, it's all part of his commitment to the pararescue motto: So that others may live.
John Holsonback | Air Force
When Master Sergeant Holsonback heard he had tested well enough on the Defense Language Aptitude Battery test to become a linguist, he was surprised. He had no idea becoming an Air Force linguist was even possible.
Now, as a military language instructor, Holsonback teaches students from every branch of the Military.
William Armstrong | Coast Guard
As a Surfman Instructor, Petty Officer First Class William Armstrong enjoys membership in an exclusive club.
An exclusive club—with a 200-year tradition of heroism—that helps his students prepare for by training them in dangerous areas of the ocean, where the Columbia River joins the Pacific.
Trish Carroll | Coast Guard Reserve
How do you get from punching the clock at a credit union in suburban Michigan to chasing drug dealers across the high seas? Just ask Petty Officer Second Class Trish Carroll.
Joining the Coast Guard was Carroll's ticket to a life of high-speed powerboats, search-and-rescue missions, and 24-hour work shifts.
Select A Clip
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Extraordinary Careers: Overview
1:35 
Animal Care Specialist
Chet Stugus | Army
1:36
Broadcast Journalist
Mary Simms | Army
1:33
Cobra Pilot
Vernice Armour | Marine Corps
1:45
Placement Director & Conductor
Stephen B. Giove | Marine Corps
1:42
Aviation Survival Instructor
Marcus Dingle | Navy
1:36
Public Affairs Officer
Fernando Rivero | Navy Reserve
1:34
Pararescueman
Andrew Canfield | Air Force
1:16
Russian Linguist
John Holsonback | Air Force
1:48
Surfman Instructor
William Armstrong | Coast Guard
1:31
Coxswain
Trish Carroll | Coast Guard Reserve
1:40
