If you’ve considered joining the U.S. Army, but you’re more likely to retire after 20 years of service than leave after one contract, it’s important to choose the right career. Many great benefits come with long term service, such as an enlistment bonus of up to $40K, many retirement benefits and plenty more.
When you serve in the military for 20 years, you will become eligible for a large pension, especially as an officer. You will also likely have the ability to work as a civilian, since you won’t be that old when you retire. In addition, there are several health care benefits and other benefits you will gain.
The right career will allow you to get promoted and give you good career prospects when you retire. Most of the best jobs in the U.S. Army will require secret or top secret clearance and above average scores on the vocational aptitude testing.
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Going into the U.S. Army with long term plans of retiring from service, means you gain access to these great benefits. However, the benefits can be even better, if you choose the right career. There are some great Army jobs for those looking for a long term career in the military. Here are some of the top choices.
? Special Force CMF 18
? Diver 12D
? Prime Power Production Specialist 12P
? Cyber Operations Specialist 17C
? Cyber Network Defender 25D
? CID Special Agent 31D
? Counterintelligence Agent 35L
? Psychological Operations 37F
? Civil Affairs 38B
? Public Affairs Specialist 46Q
? Broadcast Specialist 46R
? Contracting NCO 51C
? Recruiter 79R
? Explosive Ordnance Disposal 89D
Many of these positions require specialized training and you won’t be able to step right into the career. However, if you’re just now enlisting, you can get on track to work towards these types of long term Army careers by speaking with a local recruiter. They will make sure you understand exactly what you need to move forwards towards the career of your choice.
If you’re already in the U.S. Army, you may be able to transfer to one of these specialties, since many are in high demand. Make sure you speak with a local career counselor to ensure you understand what will happen if you decide to move from one career to another in the Army.
The Special MOS Alignment Promotion Program
Also known as SMAPP program, this program will help soldiers in a crowded MOS move to a new career with a better specialty. The right training and re-enlistment may be necessary, but you will be promoted to a staff sergeant or sergeant with the following specialties:
? Prime Power Specialist 12P
? Cyber Network Defender 25D
? Electromagnetic Spectrum Manager 25E
? Electronic Warfare Specialist 29E
? CID Special Agent 31D
? Counterintelligence Agent 35L
? Contracting NCO 51C
Before you can use this program and enter into one of these positions, you will need to meet the time-in-grade and time-in-service requirements. There may be other requirements, depending on the positions and it’s important to contact a local career counselor to discuss your move in detail.
Career Success in the Military
If you want to stay in long enough to retire, you need to know how to make sure your Army career is a success. Whether you’re already a soldier or you haven’t even spoken with a local recruiter yet, it’s important to know what to expect.
If you want to be successful in the Army and you want to retire after 20 years of service, make sure you do the following:
Pay Attention – You can learn quite a bit from those with more experience than you and paying attention will help you see what’s possible. Basic training is only a part of the process and you need to pay attention every single day you’re on the job.
No More Excuses Here! Get your Education
You won’t make it past E-4 without education and training. You want to take college courses, when possible by using a military correspondence course and start working towards the qualification exam for your next promotion. Remember, officers retire with better benefits and a larger pension. Getting promoted will help maximize your retirement benefits from the Army.
Take Care of Your Personal Life
Some of the best Army positions require a good driving record and good credit. Make sure you pay your bills on time and obey the laws of the road. You will also need to avoid any felonies or other issues with the law, as they can keep you from getting promoted.
Stay Motivated both Physically and Mentally
Top jobs in the Army won’t take you if you cannot pass your physical fitness test regularly. Remain motivated after basic training to stay in great shape. Eat healthy and feed your mind by gaining more knowledge whenever possible. If you want to advance and retire with maximum benefits, you need to be both mentally and physically fit.
When you enter the U.S. Army with the thoughts of a long-term career, you need to make sure you set yourself up for success. Choose a high demand career; get all the training you possibly can and advance as much as possible. Those retiring as officers gain huge benefits and the higher your rank, the larger your pension will be.