Introduction
The UK has recently signed contracts with Elbit Systems Oldham, combining the resources of Elbit into the British Military. But resources are not all that is needed. All the high tech in the world will be of no use if there is no one to use and maintain it, or feed those who do.
There are a lot of jobs in the military that need undertaking and, in fact, a lot of civilian skill sets can be put to use in the military (and vice versa). If that sounds appealing to you, take a look at our picks for some of the careers you can have in the military.
Chef
As a military chef you a part of the team whose role is a lot more than just food. Military chefs have the skills and motivation to deliver the necessary supplies, even in the most challenging environments, and this makes that stand out from their civilian counterparts.
From feeding personnel in barracks and in the field, a military chef’s role ranges from state banquets and fine dining to supporting humanitarian and disaster intervention across the world. In return, the Army offers the fantastic experiences, including: travel, Adventurous Training and opportunities to develop skills outside of the trade.
Undergoing training to be a chef in the military requires basic training – of course – before heading to the kitchen to gain valuable qualifications and experience. This journey prepares them for life after the military, with Chloe Toussaint serving as an example of what is possible.
IT Specialist
Information Technology (IT) Specialists maintain, process, and troubleshoot military computer systems and operations. They deal with highly sensitive information and need to have technical skills and aptitude for programming and computer languages.
Many systems are now (or are being) integrated with artificial intelligence (AI), smart tech and recruits are using virtual reality (VR) to train.
The military – across the RAF, Navy, and Army – are all at the forefront of applying new and developing technologies such as augmented reality (AR), VR, and AI. IT Specialists, as a result, are necessary to join missions to continue the implementation and improvement of such products and maintain them. Projects are often well-funded, meaning they tend to be stable endeavours.
Engineer
Military engineering, the art and practice of designing and building military works and of building and maintaining lines of military transport and communications. Military engineering is the oldest of the engineering skills and was the precursor of the profession of civil engineering.
It has a range of disciplines, from explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) and ammunition technicians (ATs) to bricklayers and infrastructure engineers. They are trained in functional skills, demolitions, bridging, watermanship, water supply, force protection, basic field engineering, and mine warfare.
As such they are multi-skilled soldiers, combat engineers, and tradesmen who provide essential support in peacetime and on operations.
Diver
When you think military diver, you think navy, but divers may be employed in any branch of an armed force, including the navy, army, marines, air force and coast guard.
The exact nature of work undertaken by a military diver will depend on their branch and unit within the branch. Tasks undertaken by military divers includes: underwater demolition; reconnaissance; patching/replacing watercraft hulls and propellers; EOD and clearance; amphibious operations; tactical operations; salvage; construction; and combat.
