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Jobs You Probably Didn’t Know Exist In The Army

Did you know that the Army hires musicians and culinary specialists?

by
U.S. Army
by U.S. Army

Brand Publisher

,
U.S. Army
by U.S. Army

Brand Publisher

It can be difficult to find the right career. You need something that suits your skill set but also empowers you to be your best. Many people find that in the U.S. Army, which trains soldiers to serve in more than 200 different jobs touching everything including the arts, science, tech, medicine, and more. If you're looking for a new career, check out some of these surprising Army positions.

1. Cyber Network Defender

A person with an Army uniform looks at a computer monitor
DVIDS / U.S. Army

Do you get annoyed when there's a hacking scene in a movie and it's just somebody typing aggressively? In real life, cybercrimes are much different and Cyber Network Defenders know all about them. Through extensive training, they learn specialized computer skills to protect against and respond to cyberattacks.

2. Technical Engineer

Three technical engineers using survey equipment at a site
U.S. Army

If you have an eye for detail and an interest in construction, this is the job for you. Technical Engineers help build new construction projects by creating the plans using digital equipment and software, and by doing surveys, technical investigations, and more on-site.

3. Musician

People in Army uniforms playing in a band in front of palm trees and flags
DVIDS / U.S. Army

Did you know that the Army is the largest employer of musicians in the world? Musicians in the Army’s 80+ bands play pretty much every genre imaginable — even hip-hop — and they get the opportunity to travel the world performing in ceremonies and concerts for the general public and soldiers alike. 

4. Parachute Rigger

Four people descending from the sky with parachutes
DVIDS / U.S. Army

Must love heights! Parachute Riggers are a paratrooper’s best friend because they ensure their safety through the careful inspection, maintenance, and repair of parachute systems before, during, and after airdrop operations. 

5. Signals Intelligence Voice Interceptor

A person in an Army uniform practicing language translation on a whiteboard
DVIDS / U.S. Army

Did you ace your high school foreign language classes? Then Signals Intelligence Voice Interceptor might be the career for you. A secret weapon of the Army’s intelligence system, they translate and report on communications that play a crucial role in the nation’s defense. Your specialized language skills could also earn you up to $40,000 just for joining thanks to new enlistment bonuses the Army is offering.

6. Air and Missile Defense (AMD) Crewmember

A person in an Army uniform operating a launching station
DVIDS / U.S. Army

Interested in working with missles and protecting your country from aerial threats? These vital crewmembers are an essential part of the Army's defense. They operate and maintain surface-to-air weapons systems to track, identify, and defend against enemy threats.

7. Special Forces Candidate

A close-up of a man dressed in camouflage
DVIDS / U.S. Army

They weren't kidding around when they called these forces "special." If you want a career that will really test and build your strength, this is the one for you. It requires serious training but once you complete it, you can become part of the Army elite. Need a little added incentive? The Army is currently offering enlistment bonuses up to $40,000 for Special Forces Candidates and other specialized roles.

8. Culinary Specialist

A person in an Army uniform stirring a big pan of food
DVIDS / U.S. Army

Are you a lifelong foodie with a passion for cooking? Whether in the field or on base, Army culinary specialists play an important role in ensuring soldiers can always perform at their best. After all, everyone works better on a full stomach. These culinary specialists prepare and serve large-scale meals, just like major restaurants do, so that soldiers can sit down and enjoy a hot meal even on their busiest days.

9. Psychological Operations (PSYOP) Specialist

Four soldiers having a discussion around a desk
DVIDS / U.S. Army

Army PSYOP specialists are natural-born communicators who make a positive impact on communities around the world while advancing U.S. objectives. Their talents in intelligence, interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and foreign language proficiency play a key role in the Army’s ability to sway opinions and actions of foreign governments, groups, and individuals.

10. Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Specialist

A soldier in protective gear washing a vehicle with a power sprayer
DVIDS / U.S. Army

CBRN specialists coordinate defense systems against weapons of mass destruction. They use detection and decontamination skills, and are trained in advanced technology so they can help defend the United States from dangerous weapons.

11. Practical Nursing Specialist

A person with an Army uniform working with a person in scrubs at a computer
DVIDS / U.S. Army

Want to help others through a career in medicine? Practical Nursing Specialists receive best-in-class supervision throughout their training in preventative, therapeutic, and emergency nursing care, so they can provide the highest level of quality medical care to soldiers and their families. Many nursing specialists also go on to pursue their nursing degrees with education benefits provided by the Army so they can continue their successful medical careers after their service.

Learn more about the surprising range of careers available in the U.S. Army at GoArmy.com.