What does a military liaison do, and how do I prepare for this role?

I'm curious about the role of a military liaison and what qualifications or experiences are needed. Is there something I can do in high school to start preparing for a career as a military liaison?

A military liaison is an individual who primarily facilitates communication and cooperation between parties, organizations, or nations. In a military context, this role often involves coordination and navigation between military entities and civilian organizations, ensuring clear communication of needs, actions, and information. The role can be quite diverse, and can have a different focus depending on the assignment, such as liaising between NATO and a domestic military organization or between a military unit and humanitarian organizations in a crisis area.

To prepare for such a role while still in high school, there are several steps you could take to build a foundation.

1. Studying and excelling in subjects like History, Government, and International Affairs: This will help you garner a strong understanding of political, historical, and military events and relations. These subjects will form the backdrop of your work as a liaison officer.

2. Developing strong communication skills: This is key as you'll often be working with different groups and individuals, often under high-pressure situations. Joining debate clubs, taking public speaking courses, and developing foreign language skills could be beneficial.

3. Physical Fitness: Much like any role in the military, physical fitness is typically a requirement. Regular exercise and participating in sports can help you meet these fitness standards.

4. Leadership opportunities: Involving yourself in leadership roles, for instance in student government or club presidency, can give you experience in leading groups, making decisions, and coordinating activities, all central to the work of a liaison.

5. JROTC programs: Participating in the Junior Reserve Officer's Training Corps (JROTC) can be beneficial. It provides you with a taste of military training and can bolster your leadership skills. It's also a great way to learn discipline, responsibility, and accountability.

6. Internships: Look for internships or volunteer opportunities related to government, military, or politics. This would provide you with useful insights into how these organizations operate and expand your network.

Remember that to serve as a military liaison, you would typically need to enlist in the military first and acquire some level of rank and experience. So, be ready to commit yourself to military life and its demands.

In the end, begin your preparation by gaining as much understanding of the role as you can, focusing on your personal development, and keeping tabs on career paths in the military. Consider discussing this interest with your school counselor or a local military recruiter to gather more specific advice.