What non-combat roles are available in the military?

Hi all, I'm interested in joining the military after high school, but I'm more of a behind-the-scenes kind of person. What kinds of non-combat roles exist, and which branches would be best for these roles? Any particular perks like commissaries I should know about?

There's a wide variety of non-combat roles in the military across all branches, each with unique skill sets, responsibilities, and opportunities.

First and foremost, keep in mind that there are roles related to logistics and maintenance. These could range from vehicle and equipment maintenance to supply chain management and quartermaster roles.

Secondly, there's a heavy demand for roles in communication and information technology. This could range from working as an IT specialist, managing computer networks, to cyber defense and even software development.

In addition, the medical field within the military is another vast area of non-combat roles. This includes physicians, nurses, physicians' assistants, medical technicians, and even roles in public health and biomedical sciences.

The military also has several administrative roles, like human resources, finance, accounting, and legal jobs, as well as other roles in public affairs, education, and counseling services.

As for which branches would be best for these roles, it can vary, but you'll find non-combat roles in all branches - Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and the Space Force.

As a side note, the military does provide a few perks. Access to commissaries (essentially grocery stores with discounted rates) and exchanges (retail stores for military merchandise) allows for significant savings on everyday items. You'd also have access to certain recreational facilities and a host of benefits, notably a robust GI Bill that can seriously offset the cost of higher education.

Lastly, joining the military allows you to gain practical experience, skills, and credentials that are valuable not just within the military, but also in the civilian workforce later on.

It's advisable to research specific roles within each branch that appeal to you and speak with recruitment officers to get more detailed information tailored to your interests.