Jobs in the Army

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Army Nurse Corps
Capt. Phan K. Ouellette, an Army nurse at the Army Reserve Medical Command in Pinellas Park, Florida, said that when she was growing up, she wanted to be a soldier, but the boys told her she had to be a nurse. Now she is both. (Staff Sgt. Neil W. McCabe/Army Reserve Medical Command)

The following is a list of most Army enlisted and officer jobs, with short descriptions.

Enlisted Careers (scroll down for officer careers)

Administrative

Administrative specialists record, store, organize and maintain files. They type letters, reports and official orders, along with scheduling training and leave for unit personnel.

Finance specialists compute payroll and prepare payments for Army personnel. They also record details of financial transactions and plans budgets for future expenses.

Aviation operations specialists prepare and provide flight information for air and ground crews. They keep flight logs and plan flight schedules and aircrew assignments.

Legal specialists assist judges, lawyers and unit commanders with legal matters and judicial work. They also process legal claims and appeals, and research court decisions and Army regulations.

Chaplain assistants support the Unit Ministry Team programs, worship services and crisis intervention. They also provide support to chaplains during missions and everyday activities.

Construction

Interior electricians install and repair electrical wiring systems in office, repair shops, airplane hangers and other buildings on military bases.

Heavy construction equipment operators use bulldozers, cranes, graders and other heavy equipment in the construction of airfields, roads, dams and buildings.

Crane operators operate crawler and truck-mounted cranes and crane shovels during construction projects, as well as install, rig and remove crane attachments.

Concrete and asphalt equipment operators operate all equipment used in concrete and asphalt production and paving.

General construction equipment operators work with air compressors and special purpose construction machines engaged in compaction, ditching, pumping and augering.

Construction equipment supervisors supervise construction equipment, quarry, paving and plant equipment operations and crew maintenance of equipment.

Carpentry and masonry specialists build foundations, floor slabs and walls with brick, cement block, mortar or stone. They erect wood framing for buildings, using hand and power tools such as hammers, saws, levels and drills.

Construction engineering supervisors oversee the construction, repair and utilities of buildings, warehouses, fixed bridges, port facilities and petroleum pipelines, tanks and related equipment.

Plumbers install and repair plumbing and pipe systems.

Combat Specialty

Cannon crewmembers start and maintain wire and radio communications. They also identify target locations while working on howitzer cannons.

Tactical automated fire control system specialists serve on teams that operate Tactical Fire Direction Systems equipment and are responsible for recording and transmitting firing data.

Field artillery automated tactical data systems specialists operate field artillery tactical data systems on a multiple launch rocket system team.

Cannon fire direction specialists lead, supervise or serve as a member of a field artillery cannon unit.

Fire support specialists lead, supervise or serve in intelligence activities such as target processing, division artillery and maneuver brigade.

Multiple launch rocket system crewmembers drive, operate and maintain the self-propelled MLRS launcher and re-supply vehicles. The MLRS launches various missiles and ammunition in quick strikes during combat.

Multiple launch rocket system automated data system specialists record and transmit the firing data for the MLRS.

PATRIOT fire control enhanced operators place the PATRIOT system in the field. They evaluate target data, as well as identify and engage targets.

Air defense tactical operations center operators detect, track and identify aircraft. They broadcast early warning information as members of an early warning team.

Man portable air defense system crewmembers prepare and fire portable air defense systems while serving as members of the field artillery team.

Bradley Linebacker crewmembers operate the Bradley Linebacker, a tracked vehicle capable of neutralizing air targets through firing missiles and other ammunition. Avenger crewmembers serve as members of the Avenger operations team. The Avenger system is a lightweight, highly mobile and transportable surface-to-air missile/gun weapon system.

Patriot launching station enhanced operator/maintainers place, supply and maintain Patriot launching stations. The Patriot missile system teams are used to launch missiles capable of neutralizing multiple air targets.

Combat engineers construct trails, roads and field fortifications such as shelters, bunkers and gun emplacements. They also place and detonate explosives and assemble floating and fabricated bridges.

Bridge crewmembers build and provide bridges and rafts for wet and dry gap-crossing operations and also assist in rafting operations.

Quarrying specialists operate all equipment used in drilling, crushing, grading and cleaning gravel and rock. They're also involved with the detonation of explosives to blast rock in quarries and construction sites.

Infantrymen train to defend our country in peacetime and capture, destroy and repel enemy ground forces during wartime.

Indirect fire infantrymen are members of a mortar squad, section or platoon.

Special operations weapons sergeants operate and maintain a wide variety of U.S., Allied and other foreign weaponry as a part of a special operations team.

Special operations soldiers in the Army conduct offensive raids, demolitions, intelligence, search and rescue and other missions from air, land or sea.

Special operations engineers are specialists across a wide range of disciplines, from demolition and construction of field fortifications, to topographic survey techniques.

Special operations medical sergeants are trained primarily with an emphasis on trauma medicine. They also have a working knowledge of dentistry, veterinary care, public sanitation, water quality and optometry.

Special operations communications sergeants operate every kind of communications gear, from encrypted satellite communications systems to old-style high-frequency Morse key systems. They also have computer/networking skills.

Cavalry scouts perform reconnaissance and act as the "first front" in combat. They engage the enemy with anti-armor weapons and scout vehicles in the field.

Armor crewmen work as part of a team to operate armored equipment and fire weapons to destroy enemy positions.

Electronic and Electrical Repair

Aircraft electricians ensure the electrical systems on airplanes and helicopters are maintained and repaired properly.

Avionic mechanics perform maintenance on tactical communications-security, navigation and flight-control equipment.

AH-64A armament/electrical systems repairers perform aviation unit, intermediate and depot maintenance on the electrical, electronic, mechanical and pneudraulic systems associated with the AH-64A Apache helicopter.

AH-64D armament/electrical/avionic systems repairers supervise, inspect and perform maintenance on the armament, electrical and avionic systems of the AH-64D helicopter.

Avionic communications equipment repairers perform intermediate and depot maintenance on aircraft communications equipment.

Aircraft armament/missile systems repairers supervise, inspect and perform maintenance on armament, electrical and avionics systems of the OH-58D, a light-armed scout helicopter.

Radio/communications security repairers maintain radio receivers, transmitters, communication security equipment, controlled cryptographic items and other associated equipment.

Military intelligence systems maintainer/integrators maintain and repair command/control subsystems, receiver subsystems and related equipment.

Air traffic control equipment repairers maintain and install air traffic control communications, navigation aids and landing systems.

Special electronic devices repairers perform maintenance and repair on special electronic devices such as night-vision equipment, electronic distance and azimuth-orienting devices, battlefield illumination devices, and nuclear, biological and chemical warning and measuring devices.

Electronic maintenance chiefs supervise, monitor and direct the electronics mission of the Army.

Quartermaster and chemical equipment repairers perform maintenance on chemical equipment, quartermaster machinery, forced air-heaters and special purpose equipment.

Test measurement and diagnostic equipment maintenance support specialists calibrate and repair test, measurement and diagnostic equipment.

Integrated family of test equipment operators/maintainers maintain the base shop test facility.

Medical equipment repairers service and maintain all mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electronic, digital, optical and radiological medical equipment.

Radar repairers install, maintain, repair and keep up a working knowledge of how to operate military radar equipment.

Avionic radar repairers perform maintenance on manual and semiautomatic switchboards, telephones and associated wire instruments and equipment.

OH-58D armament/electrical/avionics systems repairers maintain electrical, electronic, mechanical and pneudraulic systems associated with aircraft armament, missile and fire control systems.

Land combat electronic missile system repairers maintain the TOW (M-220 Tube-launched, Optically tracked, Wire-guided missile) anti-missile system, the Dragon anti-tank guided missile systems and the Bradley Fighting Vehicle system.

Test measurement and diagnostic equipment maintenance support specialists calibrate and repair test, measurement and diagnostic equipment.

Integrated family of test equipment operators/maintainers maintain the base shop test facility.

Medical equipment repairers service and maintain all mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electronic, digital, optical and radiological medical equipment.

Radar repairers install, maintain, repair and maintain a working knowledge of how to operate military radar equipment.

Avionic radar repairers perform maintenance on manual and semiautomatic switchboards, telephones and associated wire instruments and equipment.

OH-58D armament/electrical/avionics systems repairers maintain electrical, electronic, mechanical and pneudraulic systems associated with aircraft armament, missile and fire control systems.

Land combat electronic missile system repairers maintain the TOW (M-220 Tube-launched, Optically tracked, Wire-guided missile) antimissile system, the Dragon antitank guided missile systems and the Bradley Fighting Vehicle system.

Land combat support system test specialists supervise, operate and maintain land combat support systems.

Automatic test equipment operator/maintainers maintain the electronic equipment test facility in support of the AH-64 Apache attack helicopter.

Multiple launch rocket system repairers manage support-level maintenance on the multiple launch rocket system, a self-propelled, launcher-loader artillery weapon system that is used in the field during combat.

Patriot systems repairers support-level maintenance on the Patriot System, a combat missile system that features a phased-array radar set and control station.

Avenger system repairers manage support-level maintenance on the Avenger System, a lightweight, highly mobile and transportable surface-to-air missile/gun weapon system that provides short-range air defense against air and land attacks.

Electronic maintenance chiefs supervise, monitor and direct the electronic weapons maintenance mission of the Army.

Small arms/artillery repairers perform maintenance and repairs on small arms and other infantry weapons.

Fire control repairers perform maintenance on combat vehicle, infantry and artillery fire control systems and equipment, as well as related test equipment.

Armament repairers perform maintenance and repairs on the mechanisms and systems of tank turrets, tank weapons, fighting vehicles, small arms and other infantry weapons.

Engineering, Science and Technical

Radio operator/maintainers handle all maintenance checks and services on assigned radio communication equipment.

Network-switching systems operators perform maintenance on electronic switches, control centers, combat radios and other equipment associated with networks. They also use computers to troubleshoot the system when errors occur.

Cable systems installer/maintainers install, operate and perform maintenance on cable and wire communications systems, communication security devices and associated equipment.

Microwave system installers install, operate and maintain microwave communications systems. They also work with associated antennas, multiplexing and communications security equipment.

Multi-channel transmission systems operators work directly on communication devices and equipment that communicate through more than one channel. They handle installation, repair, operation and maintenance check of these devices, antenna and associated equipment.

Satellite communications systems operator/maintainers install, operate, maintain and repair strategic and tactical multi-channel satellite communications.

Satellite/microwave systems chiefs plan and supervise the configuration, operation and maintenance of microwave communications.

Signal support systems specialists work with battlefield signal support systems and terminal devices.

Telecommunications operations chiefs are primarily responsible for planning and supervising the installation, operation and maintenance of telecommunications systems and networks.

Information systems operators/analysts are responsible for maintaining, processing and troubleshooting military computer systems and operations.

Telecommunications operators/maintainers supervise, install, operate and perform maintenance in telecommunications centers.

Divers perform such tasks as reconnaissance, demolition and salvage. They specialize either as a scuba diver, who works just below the surface of the water, or as a deep sea diver, who usually works for long periods of time in depths up to 300 feet.

Veterinary food inspection specialists inspect food designated for consumption while also supervising food inspection and combined veterinary service activity.

Preventative medicine specialists conduct preventive medicine inspections, surveys and laboratory procedures.

Psychological operations specialists supervise, coordinate and participate in the analysis, coordination and distribution of tactical, strategic and consolidation psychological operations.

Intelligence analysts supervise, coordinate and participate in the analysis, processing and distribution of strategic and tactical intelligence.

Common ground station operators detect, locate and track ground targets, ships, submarines, missiles and aircraft.

Ground surveillance systems operators operate ground surveillance systems that are engaged in intelligence and information gathering.

Counterintelligence agents conduct counterintelligence surveys and investigations of individuals, organizations, installations and activities in order to detect, assess and counter threats to national security.

Signals intelligence analysts listen to and intercept foreign radio transmissions and relaying that information by producing combat, strategic and tactical intelligence reports.

Communications locator/interceptors detect, acquire, locate and identify foreign communications using International Morse Code and radio-printer (non-Morse), as well as signals intelligence/electronic warfare collection and location equipment.

Electronic intelligence interceptor/analysts perform and supervise the detection, acquisition, location and identification of foreign ELINT.

Signal collection/identification analysts primarily collect, identify, exploit and analyze foreign radio-teletype, facsimile and data communications.

Field artillery meteorological crewmen monitor weather conditions and patterns so artillery units can fire and launch missiles accurately.

Ammunition specialists transport, store, inspect, prepare and dispose of weapons and ammunition.

Explosive ordnance disposal specialists locate, identify and dispose of foreign and domestic explosive devices.

Field artillery fire-finder radar operators use fire-finder radar, a highly specialized machine that detects mortars, planes and other objects by using radio or sound waves to determine their location to detect opposing forces and alert units in the Army.

Technical engineering specialists conduct land surveys, make maps and prepare detailed plans and drawings for construction projects. They occasionally provide surveys and maps that are used to locate military targets and plot troop movements.

Topographic analysts perform cartographic and terrain analysis duties. They're also involved in collecting and processing military geographic information from remote sensed imagery, digital data, intelligence data, existing topographic products and other collateral data sources.

Field artillery surveyors monitor field conditions and give progress reports on maneuvers during combat.

Topographic surveyors conduct surveys to provide control data for mapmaking and artillery support. They also supervise and perform topographic or geodetic computations.

Imagery analysts analyze aerial and ground permanent record imagery developed by photographic and electronic means.

Unmanned aerial vehicle operators operate the unmanned aerial vehicle. Mission planning, mission sensor, payload operations, launching, remotely piloting and recovering the aerial vehicle are all part of this position.

Health Care

Dental specialists assist Army dentists in the examination and treatment of patients while also helping to manage dental offices.

Operating room specialists assist the nursing staff in preparing patients and operating rooms for surgery.

Animal care specialists provide care, management, treatment and sanitary conditions for Army animals under the supervision of a Veterinary Corps officer.

Respiratory specialists assist with management of a respiratory unit.

Mental health specialists, under the supervision of an Army psychiatrist, social worker, psychiatric nurse or psychologist, provide mental health treatment to patients.

Medical laboratory specialists help diagnose, treat and prevent diseases and other medical disorders by performing blood banking procedures and examinations of biological and environmental specimens.

Patient administration specialists perform administrative duties in the patient administration division of an Army hospital or other medical facilities.

Health-care specialists provide emergency medical treatment, limited primary care and health protection and evacuation from a point of injury or illness.

Optical laboratory specialists assemble eyeglasses that utilize pre-surfaced single-vision lenses.

Pharmacy specialists prepare, control and issue pharmaceutical products and supervising pharmacy activities.

Radiology specialists operate fixed and portable radiology equipment, as well as supervising radiology activities.

Human Resource Development

Personnel administration specialists help soldiers develop their careers, but they also provide personnel support and assistance to all divisions of the Army.

Personnel information system management specialists operate and manage the information systems for field personnel, as well as train and assist all system users.

Personnel services specialists supervise the manpower resources of the Army.

Machine Operator and Production

Machinists handle the fabrication, repair and modification of metallic and nonmetallic parts.

Lithographers operate printing equipment, such as presses and binding machines, in order to make finished copies of printed materials.

Water treatment specialists install and operate water purification equipment, as well as deal with water storage and distribution operations and activities.

Metal workers perform repairs and maintenance on metal body components, radiators, fuel tanks, hulls and accessories of Army watercraft and amphibious vehicles.

Media and Public Affairs

Visual information equipment operator/maintainers work with equipment such as Teleconferencing VI and are primarily responsible for supporting Army operations with visual information equipment and systems.

Combat documentation/production specialists primarily responsible for supervising, planning and operating electronic and film-based still, video and audio acquisition equipment in order to document combat and non-combat operations.

Civil affairs specialists supervise, research, coordinate, conduct and participate in the planning and production of civil affairs-related documents.

Multimedia illustrators supervise, plan and operate multimedia imaging equipment in order to produce various kinds of visual displays and documents.

Human intelligence collectors use aerial photographs, electronic monitoring and human observation in order to gather and study required information to design defense plans and tactics.

Translator/interpreters convert written or spoken foreign languages into English and other languages. They usually specialize in a particular foreign language.

Cryptologic linguists detect, acquire, locate and identify foreign communications using signals equipment.

Journalists write and photograph the Army's activities for use in internal and external news media.

Broadcast journalists operate radio or television broadcast teams or the Armed Forces Radio Television Service.

Musicians perform at Army ceremonies, parades, concerts, festivals, dances and many other events. Musicians perform in a variety of ensembles ranging from ceremonial band to jazz band to small ensembles, playing all styles of music.

  • Cornet or trumpet player
  • Euphonium player
  • French horn player
  • Trombone player
  • Tuba player
  • Flute or piccolo player
  • Oboe player
  • Clarinet player
  • Bassoon player
  • Sax player
  • Percussion player
  • Keyboard player
  • Guitar player
  • Electric bass guitar player

Special band members perform as a musician or in direct support of the mission of the U.S. Army Band.

Protective Services

Chemical operations specialists operate, maintain or supervise the use of nuclear, biological and chemical detection and decontamination equipment.

Firefighters protect lives and property from fire. Firefighters control fires and help prevent them in buildings, aircraft and aboard ships.

Military police provide support to the battlefield by conducting area security, prisoner of war and law and order operations.

Internment/resettlement specialists control, supervise and counsel prisoners, as well as manage confinement operations and correctional treatment programs.

Criminal investigations special agents supervise or conducting investigations of incidents and offenses or allegations of criminality that affect Army or defense personnel, property, facilities or activities.

Transportation and Supply Services

Air traffic controllers track planes and give landing and takeoff instructions at air traffic control facilities.

Watercraft operators perform mariner duties and supervise other soldiers on Army watercraft.

Cargo specialists transfer passengers and cargo to and from air, land and water transport by manual and mechanical methods.

Parachute riggers inspect, maintain and repair survival equipment such as parachutes, aircraft life support equipment and air-sea rescue equipment.

Laundry and bath specialists perform laundry, shower and clothing decontamination functions.

Hospital food service specialists assist in the supervision of medical nutrition care operations.

Food service operations specialists prepare and service food in field or garrison food service operations.

Petroleum supply specialists supervise and manage the reception, storage and shipping of bulk or packaged petroleum-based products.

Petroleum laboratory specialists are primarily responsible for supervising or conducting laboratory tests on petroleum, oil and lubricant products.

Medical supply specialists receive, store, record and issue Army medical supplies.

Automatic logistical specialists perform management or warehouse functions in order to maintain equipment records and parts.

Mortuary affairs specialists handle the recovery, collection, evacuation and establish tentative identification, escort and temporarily burial of deceased Army personnel.

Unit supply specialists perform tasks involving the general upkeep and maintenance of all Army supplies and equipment.

Motor transportation coordinators perform general-support maintenance on Army watercraft and auxiliary equipment on marine vessels.

Railway equipment repairers perform maintenance on diesel-electric locomotives and railway cars.

Railway section repairers perform maintenance on railway tracks, roadbeds, switches, fences and other railway facilities.

Railway operations crewmembers operate diesel-electric locomotives and related equipment.

Motor transport operators perform unit, direct support and general support maintenance on Army watercraft and auxiliary equipment on marine vessels.

Machine and Vehicle Mechanics

Aircraft powerplant repairers perform maintenance on aircraft turbine engines and components.

Aircraft powertrain repairers supervise, inspect and perform maintenance on aircraft powertrain systems.

Aircraft structural repairers perform maintenance on aircraft structures.

Aircraft pneudraulic repairers perform maintenance on aircraft pneudraulic systems.

Aircraft components repair supervisors oversee maintenance on aircraft components, aviation communications and other electronic/electrical systems associated with Army aircraft.

UH-1 helicopter repairers perform maintenance on UH-1 helicopters.

AH-64 attack helicopter repairers perform maintenance on AH-64 (Apache) attack helicopters.

OH-58D helicopter repairers perform maintenance on OH-58D (Kiowa Warrior) helicopters.

UH-60 helicopter repairers supervise and perform maintenance on UH-60 (Black Hawk) helicopters.

CH-47 helicopter repairers perform maintenance on CH-47 (Chinook) helicopters.

Observation/scout helicopter repairers perform maintenance on Observation/Scout helicopters.

Utility airplane repairers perform maintenance on utility airplanes.

AH-1 attack helicopter repairers perform maintenance on AH-1 (Cobra) attack helicopters.

Construction equipment repairers maintain construction equipment that is used for earth-moving, grading and compaction, lifting and loading, quarrying and rock crushing, asphalt and concrete mixing and surfacing, water pumping, air compression and pneumatic tools, and power bridging.

M1 Abrams tank system maintainers perform required maintenance on tanks.

Light-wheel vehicle mechanics perform maintenance and recovery operations on light-wheeled vehicles and associated items, as well as track and heavy-wheeled vehicles.

Artillery mechanics perform maintenance and recovery operations of all self-propelled field artillery cannon weapon systems, including automotive, turret, fire control and chemical protection subsystems.

Track vehicle repairers perform maintenance on tracked vehicles, wheeled vehicles, material handling equipment and chemical quartermaster equipment, as well as supervising activities that include fuel and electrical system repair and maintenance.

Bradley Fighting Vehicle system maintainers handle the maintenance and repair of the Bradley Fighting Vehicle, the M6 Linebacker and the M7 Bradley Fighting Infantry Support Team.

Utilities equipment repairers perform maintenance on utilities equipment and special-purpose support systems.

Watercraft engineers perform maintenance on watercraft and auxiliary equipment on marine vessels.

Power generation equipment repairers perform maintenance and overhaul of power generation equipment, internal combustion engines and associated equipment.

Transmission and distribution specialists assist in the installation of electrical transmission and distribution systems and exterior services.

Special purpose equipment repairers supervise the performance of special purpose equipment maintenance. Special equipment includes power generation equipment, air conditioning/refrigeration systems and quartermaster chemical equipment.

Officer career fields

Combat arms

Aviation

Air defense artillery

Armor

Corps of Engineers

Field artillery

Infantry

Special Forces

Logistic

Ordnance Corps

Quartermaster Corps

Transportation Corps

Combat support

Adjutant General Corps

Chaplain

Chemical Corps

Civil affairs

Finance

Judge Advocate General's Corps

Medical Service Corps

Military intelligence

Military police

Signal Corps

Medical

Army Medical Specialist Corps

Army Nurse Corps

Dental Corps

Army Medical Corps

Veterinary Corps

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