army civilian jobs?

[jovahutc]

I'm thinking of applying to some army civilian jobs I've noticed on job boards. I never wanted to enlist in the army or anything like that but these civilian jobs seem like they might be geard in my direction a little.

What's the difference between enlisting and a army civilian job? Is it still enlisting? What are the benefits?

Thanks

[marinepilot]

jova, the difference between getting a civilian job and enlisting is just that. As a civilian you would not be enlisted in the military, you'd be working for either the federal government or a possibly a civilian contractor company that provides a service on that base. Depending on the job you could possibly be sent to some of the areas where the military service is based, but I don't know if that's voluntary or not. The benefits would be basically the same as any other job: a paycheck, insurance, etc.

If you enlist, that military service owns you. They send you away to basic training, give you uniforms to wear so you look like everyone else, send you where they want WHEN they want, they'll try to give you the job you request, but the needs of the service ALWAYS come first (so you could be stuck doing a job you weren't even formally trained for because they need bodies there). It's a good deal, I spent 21 years in the Marine Corps, half enlisted, half officer. I've got a great retirement (as long as that lasts, we'll see...), and had some really awesome experiences while in. Met great people I still keep in touch with too. Medical is great and free while you're in, and I ain't payin' much as a retiree for full insurance now (again, let's see how long that lasts...).

But I also had some really bad experiences in places I don't even talk about with those closest to me, even my wife.

Choice is yours. Talk to a recruiter from the Army and see what they have to offer. Then look into the jobs you'd be interested in supporting the service a bit more and make an informed decision.

And let us know what you decide!

[jovahutc]

Pilot, then the civilian jobs seem a lot better to me because you don't have to enlist, and the military wouldn't own you. You get all the same benefits it seems too. Why would I want to enlist? It seems worse off than a civilian job.

[Cat_Doc]

Any comment?

Yes. You need to improve your written communication skills.