What Can You Do In The Military

Inclusion And Wellbeing In The Armed Forces

In October 2018, the Ministry of Defence reported that just 12.1% of the total UK regular forces and Future Reserves 2020 intake of the previous 12 months was female.

However, in October 2018 the UK government announced that women would be allowed to serve in all British military roles – including frontline infantry and Special Forces – for the first time, with basic training for new recruits offered from April 2019.

This shift towards encouraging more women into the armed forces and promoting a more inclusive culture has led to the British Army featuring in The Times Top 50 Employers for Women . It’s been reported that there are currently over 13,000 women serving in the British Army either in the UK or abroad.

Learn more about Women in the Army and Women in the Royal Marines.

Figures from the same MoD report showed that personnel from ethnic minority groups made up just 6.5% of the total intake in the same 12-month timeframe. A 10% intake target for 2020 was set in 2015.

Find out more about what’s being done to increase inclusion at Army – What We Stand For and Royal Navy – Diversity and Inclusion.

Mental health is improving in the armed forces, as in 2018/19 just 2.7% of UK armed forces personnel were assessed with a mental health issue at the MoD Specialist mental health services – a significant decrease from 3.2% in 2015/16.

Full Medical Coverage For You And Your Family

Military members are immediately eligible for full health care benefits for themselves and their immediate family members as soon as they enter the service. If you stay through until retirement, you and your family can take these benefits with you when you leave the military. These health benefits extend to immediate family . You may also be eligible for temporary military health care benefits after you leave the service.

Job Growth Prospects And Outlook In The Armed Forces

With the war in Iraq ended and the drawdown continuing in Afghanistan, the Armed Forces are becoming smaller by design and out of budget necessity. As shown below, the total number of active duty military personnel has been steadily declining:

The need for new service members won’t be as great in the near term as it has been in the last decade. But with ISIS still strong, and other threats still developing, there still will be a need to meet strength goals and to make up for attrition due to service members getting out or retiring.

According to the latest data available, below is a look at how the Armed Services looks now and what it is projected to look like in the next five years:

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Military Retirement Benefits Are Worth Millions

Military members receive a lifetime pension based on the average of their highest three years of base pay. Military retirees who are in the High-3 Retirement System receive 2.5% of their base pay for each year of service. So 20 years of service would equate to a pension worth 50% of their highest three years of base pay .

Members who are participating in the new Blended Retirement System use the same calculations, except you would use a 2.0% multiplier instead of 2.5%. So a retirement at 20 years would be 40%, 25 years would be 50% and 30 years would be 60%. However, there are two big additions: The first is matching TSP contributions of up to 5% of your base pay, allowing you to have portable retirement benefits when you leave the military, even if you dont reach retirement. The other is a Continuation Pay Bonus, which is a mid-career cash bonus for extending your service commitment.

Example Retirement Value:

Enlisted members earn somewhat less than commissioned officers. However, their pensions are based on the same formula and receive the same COLA increases each year. So you can easily run the numbers and get a rough approximation of potential retirement benefits. For example, a $2,500 a month pension is worth $30,000 per year. That would be worth $300,000, $600,000, or $900,000 over 10, 20 or 30 years.

Learn More About Retirement Benefits:

Types Of Military Social Workers

Military social workers work in settings where current and former military personnel require or seek support and counseling.

Active-duty and civilian military social workers are needed all over the world in a variety of capacities in every branch of service and government organization, Fischer-Urmey said.

The Department of Defense has developed numerous emotional and mental health support services for active and off-duty military personnel, while the Department of Veterans Affairs employs social workers nationwide to assist veterans through several different programs. The many types of government-funded military support programs mean that military social workers are employed in a wide and diverse range of work environments and can take on many different roles during their career.

Some environments where military social workers work include military bases and units, medical facilities, military support centers, VA health centers, community service organizations, and private practices.

While their work setting may vary, the core mission of military social workers remains the same: to help active military service members fulfill their professional responsibilities while maintaining healthy personal lives, and/or to support veterans in transitioning to civilian life and coping with the emotional ramifications of their experiences.

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Having Energy But Cant Do What I Want Cause Ils Are In The Way

Ugh I was worried about this happening! I finally have energy and cant go do stuff cause their car is parked behind mine, or MIL is in the way in the kitchen and living room.

I cant even do laundry when I want to so she knows Im going to do laundry but she still does it!

I wanna get the nursery ready and start putting stuff together and cant cause they are still living with usits annoying the hell out of me!

You know its bad when my very nice mom said I should kick them out and they can go get a Airbnb. Im like Damn! Did that just come out of your mouth?

Lol

I already did our bedroom and got what I could done but need furniture moved and cant do that till they

leave. Its like Im stuck and cant do anything.

Transport Of Weapons By An Individual Service Member

Firearms, ammunition and firearm parts are prohibited in carry-on baggage and may be transported in checked baggage only. If you have just returned from overseas duty or any assignment where you carried a firearm or ammunition, check your carry-on bag and other belongings to ensure firearms, parts or ammunition are not present.

• The unit must declare weapons and ammunition to the aircraft operator.
• Weapons must be unloaded.
• Weapons must be collectively secured in a crate and banded or individually locked in a hard-sided case.
• Ammunition must also be securely packed in fiber , wood or metal boxes or other packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition.
• Firearm magazines/clips for packing ammunition must be completely and securely enclosing any ammunition .
• You may carry the ammunition in the same hard-sided case as the firearm, as long as you pack it as described above.
• A unit representative must submit the unit’s official travel orders and an inventory of weapons and ammunition being transported.
• The unit representative must certify to TSA in writing that the weapons are unloaded.

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What They Do About This Section

Members of the U.S. military service maintain the U.S. national defense. Although some service members work in occupations specific to the military, such as fighter pilots or infantrymen, many work in occupations that also exist in the civilian workplace, such as nurses, doctors, and lawyers. Members serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, , or Coast Guard, or in the Reserve components of these branches, and in the Air National Guard and Army National Guard.

What Else Do I Need To Know

The best recommendation I have is to speak with some current or former military members to get an idea of their experiences. Keep in mind that everyone has a unique experience, so it is your job to read between the lines. Understand each branch of the military is different. Once you have enough information, set up an appointment with a recruiter. They can walk you through your career options, the available benefits and answer any questions you may have.

Serving in the military is not for everyone, but it does offer many tangible and intangible benefits.

Photo credit: United States Forces Iraq

About the author: Romeo Clayton has served as enlisted and officer in the U.S. Navy. He is the author of How We Prevent Wealth: A Personal Finance Reflection, a free online book that details his theory of why so many people lose out on the opportunity to build wealth.

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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.

How To Become A Member Of The Armed Forces About This Section

To join the military, applicants must meet age, education, aptitude, physical, and character requirements. These requirements vary by branch of service and for officers and enlisted members.

Although entry requirements for each service vary, certain qualifications for enlistment are common to all branches:

• Minimum of 17 years of age
• U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent
• Never convicted of a felony
• Able to pass a medical exam

Applicants who are 17 years old must have the consent of a parent or legal guardian before entering the military.

Age limits for entering active-duty service are as follows:

• In the Army, the maximum age is 34.
• In the Navy, the maximum age is 34.
• In the Marine Corps, the maximum age is 29.
• In the Air Force, the maximum age is 39.
• In the Space Force, the maximum age is 39.
• In the Coast Guard, the maximum age is 27.

All applicants must meet certain physical requirements for height, weight, vision, and overall health. Officers must be U.S. citizens. Officers and some enlisted members must be able to obtain a security clearance. Candidates interested in becoming officers through training in the federal service academies must be unmarried and without dependents.

Service members are assigned an occupational specialty based on their aptitude, previous training, and the needs of their branch of service. All members must sign a contract and commit to a minimum term of service.

Become an enlisted member

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Russia Firing Unarmed Missiles To Deplete Ukraine Air Defense Says Us Military Official

WASHINGTON, Nov 29 – Russia is firing unarmed cruise missiles that were designed to carry nuclear warheads at targets in Ukraine to try to deplete Kyiv’s stocks of air defenses, a senior U.S. military official said on Tuesday.

The official, who declined to be named, was asked about a by Britain’s military intelligence which said that Russia was “likely” removing nuclear warheads from cruise missiles and firing the unarmed munitions into Ukraine.

That intelligence update cited open source imagery showing wreckage of an air-launched cruise missile fired at Ukraine that seemed to have been designed in the 1980s as a nuclear delivery system.

The British defense ministry said a ballast was probably being substituted for the warheads, a system that will still produce damage through the missile’s kinetic energy and unspent fuel.

Asked about the assertion, the U.S. military official told Pentagon reporters: “It’s certainly something that they’re trying to do to mitigate the effects of the air defense systems that the Ukrainians are employing.”

These are the first comments by a U.S. official about the assessment.

The Pentagon has said that Russia’s surge in missile strikes in Ukraine is partly designed to exhaust Kyiv’s supplies of air defenses and finally achieve dominance of the skies above the country.

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.

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Active Duty Military Social Workers

Some social workers live on base if they are active duty, with the rest of the personnel who are required to live on base. They may also be required to complete military training. These workers provide healthcare services to active-duty personnel including counseling, emotional support, and access to helpful resources. Active-duty social workers sometimes travel with a unit, or they may work at a medical facility that serves multiple units. Their main purpose is to help military personnel keep working at optimum health.

These workers can also lead or be a part of military support programs, such as the Navy Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program and the Navy Drug Detection and Deterrence program. Still, some social workers provide classes and workshops to help military personnel resolve conflict, balance emotions and manage stress.

What Is Military Social Work

According to a 2015 article published in the Journal of Social Work Education: Military social work is a specialized field of practice spanning the micromacro continuum and requiring advanced social work knowledge and skills.In plainer terms, military social work is the practice of providing social services to active members of the United States Armed Forces, military veterans, and families of military personnel. Those services may include counseling, leading support programs, helping veterans adjust to civilian life, and providing access to financial, educational, and healthcare resources.

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What Kinds Of Military Science Degrees Are There

Students can earn undergraduate or graduate degrees in military science. An associate or bachelor’s degree in military science often leads to entry-level military and civilian roles. Master’s and doctoral degrees in military science allow current members of the military and military-related fields to further hone existing skills and gain expertise in specific areas.

Licenses Certifications And Registrations

Depending on the occupational specialty, members of the military may need to have and maintain civilian licenses or certifications. For example, officers serving as lawyers, also known as judge advocates, may need to have and maintain their state bar licenses to enter and remain in the U.S. military.

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Asvab Scores And Army Jobs

There is basically a Military Occupation Specialty for everyone considering the Army as it currently offers over 150 specialties.

The Army uses the aforementioned nine subtest categories to create line categories relevant to the type of MOS:

• Clerical MOS Jobs: Your test scores are combined from the subtests of AR, MK, VE*.
• Combat MOS Jobs: Your test scores are combined from the subtests of AR, AS, CS, and MC.
• Electronics MOS Jobs: Your test scores are combined from the subtests of AR, EI, GS, and MK.
• Field Artillery MOS Jobs: Your test scores are combined from the subtests of AR, CS, MC, and MK.
• General Maintenance MOS Jobs: Your test scores are combined from the subtests of AS, EI, GS, and MK.
• General Technical MOS Jobs: Your test scores are combined from the subtests of AR and VE.
• Mechanical Maintenance MOS Jobs: Your test scores are combined from the subtests of AS, EI, and MC.
• Operators & Food MOS Jobs: Your test scores are combined from the subtests of AS, MC, and VE.
• Surveillance & Communications MOS Jobs: Your test scores are combined from the subtests of AR, AS, MC, and VE.
• Skilled Technical MOS Jobs: Your test scores are combined from the subtests of GS, MC, MK, and VE.

*VE, or Verbal Expression, is the sum of PC and WK.

When you combine an Army line score with an Army MOS you can determine what the minimum qualification score is to work the MOS.

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Military Social Work Program

While a general MSW may prepare you for a military social work job, some schools also offer on campus and online MSW programs with a military concentration. This may help prepare you for the unique challenges of a career in military social work and may offer field placement options to help you gain direct experience.

As service members and veterans might tell you, working in the military is a unique experience that comes with a distinct culture, environment, and lingo. Besides this, the service itself, especially in an active combat zone, is vastly different from what most civilians experience on a day-to-day basisso it can be hard to relate.

This is where a graduate degree in military social work comes in. Courses focus on topics like intervening in military families, understanding the environment and culture of the military, and providing clinical care for service members and veterans. Other courses may cover mental health, substance abuse, and marital issues as they relate to the military. These classes may allow you to better understand, empathize with, and help military personnel and their families.

In addition to specialized courses, military concentrations often provide field education in military-affiliated organizations like schools, retirement homes and support centers. This direct experience can help give you a feel for the challenges and opportunities of military social work, and can come in handy later when youre applying for jobs.

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