Army Reserve Officers bring on-the-job training and experience to their professions. Given their training in both leadership and specific jobs, it is no wonder that they often have an edge in the job market. Below are a number of careers that correspond to Army Reserve jobs.
Career Comparison
| Job Title | Median Wage (2021)* | Job Growth (2021-2031)* | Applicable military skills/traits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | $77,600 | 6% | Leadership and nursing experience, training for emergency situations |
| Lawyers | $127,990 | 10% | JAGs bring experience, particularly in dealing with military personnel issues |
| Public Relations Specialists | $62,800 | 8% | First-hand experience in community relations and perception management |
| Clergy | $49,720 | 4% | Engagement in a non-denominational environment with a broad number of issues |
| Sales Managers | $127,490 | 5% | Proven ability to plan, lead, and train |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
The Leadership Edge, Civilian Jobs for Army Reserve Officers
Sure, the training in specific jobs skills is top notch. But, the biggest edge that Army Reserve Officers may have over other job seekers is their leadership training. Discover a number of interesting civilian careers that correspond with Army Reserve Officer jobs.
Registered Nurses
Typical training for nurses includes internships, but Nurse Corps Officers receive leadership training that sets them apart. In addition, they are given training in first aid and emergency situations. Reservist Officers in the Nurse Corps (66) may find that working as a civilian registered nurse is a good opportunity.
Registered nurses (RN) care for patients and the sick in doctor's offices and hospitals. They also plan and coordinate care with multiple specialists. In addition to administering treatment, registered nurses often consult with patients and provide health advice and instructions for self-care upon release. This career requires a bachelor's degree.
Lawyers
The Army Judge Advocate General's Corps Attorney (27A) is more often referred to as a JAG. JAGs work with soldiers to provide them legal and military advice, as well as in other areas. JAGs may have an advantage in some areas of the law, due to their knowledge of military policies and procedures, as well as civilian law. JAGs are particularly well-positioned to represent military personnel.
Lawyers provide advice and guidance on a variety of issues, from contracts, to marriage, and criminal defense. Some attorneys specialize in courtroom presentations, while others spend their careers in the preparation and analysis of documents and contracts. These positions for military members and civilians require a J.D. from an accredited law school.
Public Relations Specialists
Those with experience as Army Public Affairs Officers (46A) may find an easy transition into the civilian position of public relations specialist. Military training and leadership can be a solid asset in a competitive field.
The role of the public relations specialist is to provide communications between an enterprise or business and the community at large. They work with a variety of communications, from social media to press releases and news announcements, as well as preparing reports and messaging both internally and externally. A bachelor's degree is necessary for this position.
Clergy
For Army Reserve Chaplains (56A), the primary benefit from military service is less the notion of job opportunity than it is one of depth of understanding and service. The role of the Chaplain is non-denominational and it offers those in the clergy a chance to experience views from an incredibly wide variety of perspectives. Chaplains tend to regard the service as an important part of their careers.
Clergy offer religious advice and guidance to members of their congregation and communities. Most engage in counseling and education for their congregation. They may also be responsible for the financial and physical management of their church or facilities, though often with an advisory committee. Degree and qualification requirements may vary with denomination, but the minimum of a bachelor's degree is usually required.
Sales Managers
The connection may not be readily apparent, but Infantry Officers (11A) might find that being a sales manager is an ideal career choice. The keys are planning, training, and leadership experience. The experience of training and leading troops through tough situations can translate into training sales teams, which is an important part of the sales manager's job description.
Sales managers are responsible for planning sales campaigns. They create plans, gather material, and train their teams. They design strategies to measure success and reward achievement. These managers select between various media and messaging possibilities and coordinate for the maximum return. This position requires a bachelor's degree.
