Do You Need to Enlist to Work in Army-Related Office Roles?

Working in an army-related office role, such as an office assistant, does not necessarily require enlistment. The specific requirements for these positions can vary significantly depending on whether you are an enlisted soldier, a civilian employee, or a contractor. In this article, we will explore the different routes to these positions and provide guidance on the requirements and processes involved.

Enlisted Positions

Many administrative roles within the military, including the role of an office assistant, require enlistment. If you want to become an office assistant in the Army, you would typically need to join the military as a soldier and then be assigned to this role. Enlistment involves a rigorous process, which includes:

Hiring through military recruitment Undergoing a background check Passing physical fitness and medical exams Taking the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test Enlisting and serving a specified period of time in the military

Civilian Employment

In addition to enlisted roles, the military also hires civilian employees for various administrative positions. These roles do not require enlistment but may have specific qualifications and application processes. Civilian employees are typically hired through civilian employment websites or directly through military recruitment channels. Common positions for civilians include:

Clerks Physiotherapists Cooks Optometrists

For more specific information on these roles, you can visit the military's official civilian employment website.

Contractor Roles

Some positions may be available through private contractors that work with the military. These roles can vary in requirements and may not require military service. Contractors are typically hired through bidding processes and may work alongside military personnel. Examples of contractor positions include:

Plumbers Electricians Masons

Contractor roles often do not require enlistment but do require specialized skills and experience.

Internships and Fellowships

For students or recent graduates, there are programs that allow them to work in military settings without being enlisted. These internships and fellowships are often available through military education programs and can provide valuable experience. Examples include:

Medical internships Engineering fellowships

These programs are excellent opportunities for those interested in gaining experience in a military setting without the full commitment of enlistment.

Favoring Local Hiring

While the majority of personnel in the Armed Forces are combatants and uniformed, there are certain positions that can be filled by civilians. The U.S. military is required to favor hiring local people whenever the job can be done by a civilian. This is particularly true for lower-level administrative roles, such as office assistants. For example, an office assistant like a unit clerk can be found by enlisting and qualifying with an above average ASVAB score (over 100) and requesting the correct career with your recruiter. You must specify that you want to be a clerk typist and take the career path that will make you a unit clerk at the rank of E-5 sergeant, with all unit clerks being E-5's.

For more detailed information on specific requirements for different roles, visit the official U.S. Army website or consult with a military recruiter.

Understanding the various paths to working in army-related office roles can help you determine which route is best for you. Whether you want to enlist and serve in the military, work as a civilian employee, or pursue a contractor role, there are options available that align with your goals and interests.