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Military Enlisted Careers

Military enlisted personnel serve in specialized combat and support roles across all branches of the armed forces, operating advanced weapons systems, vehicles, and equipment in both peacetime and combat situations. These professionals work in diverse environments from aircraft carriers and military bases to field operations, performing critical duties that include operating aircraft, tanks, artillery systems, communications equipment, and carrying out tactical missions. Their responsibilities range from maintaining sophisticated military technology to executing complex combat operations that support national defense objectives.

Median Annual Pay
$55,000
Range: $30,000 - $85,000
Training Time
4-5 years
AI Resilience
🟠In Transition
Education
Bachelor's degree

πŸ€–AI Resilience Assessment

AI Resilience Score

Score 2/6: high AI task exposure indicates this career is being transformed by AI (estimated from legacy data)

🟠In Transition

How we calculated this:

AI Exposure
High+0

63% of tasks can be accelerated by AI

Job Growth
Stable+1

0% projected (2024-2034)

Human Advantage
Moderate+1

EPOCH score: 19/25

Total Score2/6
Methodology: v2.0 - GPTs are GPTs / BLS / EPOCH Additive ScoringUpdated: 2026-01-09

πŸ’‘Inside This Career

Military enlisted professionals begin their days with structured preparation and briefings, reviewing mission objectives, safety protocols, and operational parameters. Whether stationed aboard naval vessels, at air bases, or ground installations, they participate in detailed planning sessions that coordinate complex operations involving multiple teams and sophisticated equipment. These morning briefings cover everything from weather conditions and tactical scenarios to equipment status and communication procedures.

The core of their workday involves hands-on operation of specialized military systems and equipment. Air crew members might spend hours conducting flight operations and managing aircraft systems, while armored vehicle crews focus on gunnery training and tactical maneuvers. Launch and recovery specialists coordinate the precise timing of aircraft operations on flight decks, and artillery crews maintain and operate missile systems and heavy weaponry. Command and control specialists monitor communications networks and coordinate information flow between units. Each role requires intense focus, technical expertise, and seamless coordination with team members who depend on split-second timing and clear communication.

Throughout their duty periods, these professionals balance operational responsibilities with ongoing training and equipment maintenance. They participate in realistic exercises that simulate combat conditions, conduct detailed inspections of weapons and vehicles, and engage in continuous skills development. Whether working in the controlled environment of a command center, the dynamic setting of a flight deck, or the challenging terrain of field operations, military enlisted personnel must adapt quickly to changing conditions while maintaining the highest standards of readiness and performance.

πŸ“ˆCareer Progression

What does this mean?

This shows how earnings typically grow with experience. Entry level represents starting salaries, while Expert shows top earners (90th percentile). Most workers reach mid-career earnings within 5-10 years. Figures are national averages and vary by location and employer.

1
Entry (10th %ile)
0-2 years experience
$30,000
$27,000 - $33,000
2
Early Career (25th %ile)
2-6 years experience
$40,000
$36,000 - $44,000
3
Mid-Career (Median)
5-15 years experience
$50,000
$45,000 - $55,000
4
Experienced (75th %ile)
10-20 years experience
$65,000
$58,500 - $71,500
5
Expert (90th %ile)
15-30 years experience
$85,000
$76,500 - $93,500

πŸ“šEducation & Training

Requirements

  • β€’Entry Education: Bachelor's degree
  • β€’Experience: One to two years
  • β€’On-the-job Training: One to two years
  • !License or certification required

Time & Cost

Education Duration
4-5 years (typically 4)
Estimated Education Cost
$46,440 - $173,400
Public (in-state):$46,440
Public (out-of-state):$96,120
Private nonprofit:$173,400
Source: college board (2024)
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🏷️Also Known As

Military Enlisted CareersAcoustic Sensor OperatorAerial GunnerAirborne and Air Delivery SpecialistAirborne Battle Management Systems, Weapons DirectorAirborne Mine Countermeasures (AMCM) AircrewmanAirborne Mission SystemsAirborne Missions SystemsAirborne OperationsAirborne Radio Operator/In-Flight Refueling Observer/Loadmaster+20 more

πŸ“‘Specializations

This career includes 8 specialized roles with different focuses and compensation levels.

πŸ”—Related Careers

Other careers in military

πŸ”—Data Sources

Last updated: 2026-01-09

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