Path for Enlisted Soldiers (2024)

FAQs

What is the career path of a Soldier? ›

Soldier career paths

A soldier can move into various roles in security, operations, and leadership. Many become security officers or police officers, while others take on roles as operations officers, team leaders, or training managers. Some even move into executive roles like program managers or branch chiefs.

Enlistees may use their military education benefits to earn a four-year degree, and then apply to officer school. Receive a direct commission after earning a professional degree, such as a medical, law or religious studies degree. Direct commission officers are required to attend officer training.

When recruits successfully complete Basic Training, they are prepared for all elements of service: physical, mental and emotional. As military personnel, they will go on to receive additional training, such as Advanced Individual Training or Technical Training, to develop the skills needed to do their specific jobs.

Oakland, CA beats the national average by $5,905 (23.1%), and San Jose, CA furthers that trend with another $6,607 (25.9%) above the $25,522 average.

You could face long deployments, frequent relocations, and the emotional toll of being away from loved ones. Additionally, the physical and mental demands of military service can be grueling, often leading to long-term health issues.

Officer Commissioning School (OCS)

Upon graduation, previously enlisted members become officers. Competition is strong, and applicants must usually have a bachelor's degree or higher in order to apply, and usually have to compete in a rigorous board process.

Enlisted members start their careers as junior enlisted personnel, called privates in the Army and Marine Corps, airman basic in the Air Force and seaman recruit in the Navy. Though military titles and rank can differ by service, the military standardizes pay grade rankings, designating them as E-1 through E-9.

While every grade and rank has a step-based pay structure, enlisted salaries start much lower than officer pay. Over time, officers often earn substantially more in salary than enlisted personnel.

Is it the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard or Space Force? At a basic pay level, the answer is simple. The military pays the same regardless of branch, according to your pay grade and years of service. Your rank determines your pay grade.

In 2022, the average age of an active-duty military member across all branches was 28.5 years old. By branch, the youngest to oldest average ages were: Marine Corps (25.3 years) Army (28.9 years)

What is the easiest branch of the military to join? ›

While it's difficult to definitively rank the "easiest" branch of the military to join as it largely depends on individual strengths and goals, some may consider the Army as the most accessible based on its size and a broad range of job opportunities.

It takes a few days for the gears to grind. If you arrive at basic training before the 10th of the month, you'll get paid on the 15th. If you arrive after the 10th of the month, you won't see your first paycheck until the 1st of the following month, but it will include all pay you're entitled to, as of that date.

What is the time commitment? As an active-duty Soldier, you'll serve in the Army full time for the duration of your service commitment. Active-duty service terms typically last two to six years, but your service length may vary depending on a number of factors, such as your Army job or decision to reenlist.

Typical Timeline for Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines

Army: Generally, recruits leave for basic training within 2 weeks to 6 months after MEPS. The specific departure date depends on job assignment. Navy: Recruits typically ship out 1 week to 6 months post-MEPS. Scheduling is based on training group availability.

Whether the economy is doing well or not, the military is a great option for your loved one to choose as a career.

Soldiers have one job: to protect their country. However, there are many different ways to do this. If the country is at war, many soldiers fight in combat. They use weapons and technology to help defeat the enemy.

Your initial commission is for 12 years, but you may choose to leave during training or after at least 3 years' commissioned service. You can typically expect to reach the rank of Captain after 3 years' commissioned service. There are some roles, which see you join at a more senior rank.

Most generals have at least two decades of experience in the Army. As you gain experience, higher-ranking officers may give you the opportunity to grow in your ranks. Before becoming a general, you must become a brigadier general then a major general then a lieutenant general and finally a general.