Military.

[AMC]

I am medically disqualified from joining the armed services. I would like to know if I can make it a life goal to work in some other capacity, maybe get a degree and work a civilian role that still helps somehow. I'm good with computers.

 

[LadyLocust]

I am medically disqualified from joining the armed services. I would like to know if I can make it a life goal to work in some other capacity, maybe get a degree and work a civilian role that still helps somehow. I'm good with computers.

Have you checked with your local A) recruiter - they might be able to help direct you or B) local veterans office to see where the needs are.

 

[AMC]

I tried the local recruiter, they wouldn't help me. They said it was only their job to recruit soldiers.

 

[Supervisor42]

I am medically disqualified from joining the armed services. I would like to know if I can make it a life goal to work in some other capacity, maybe get a degree and work a civilian role that still helps somehow. I'm good with computers.

Yes, there are a lot of defense contractors/companies that pay a big paycheck that would love to have you if you don't insist on 'working from home'.
There are millions of workers that build the fantastic stuff the military buys.

 

[Caribou]

Have you tried the Space Force? Your computer skills might sway their decision. State, local, and federal governments all require IT guys. They have good medical and retirement. Federal hiring is a quagmire right now. If you go federal plan on six months to a year for them to make up their mind. Perhaps it is the same people hiring for the feds as the ones that sell the ATF tax stamps.

 

[rice paddy daddy]

Living near a military base would improve your chances.
In our area, for example, there is a large Navy presence, three different bases.
Kings Bay Submarine Base is always advertising for people to join their various apprenticeships programs.
You get paid to learn your skill.

 

[Supervisor42]

Living near a military base would improve your chances.
In our area, for example, there is a large Navy presence, three different bases.
Kings Bay Submarine Base is always advertising for people to join their various apprenticeships programs.
You get paid to learn your skill.

Yes, there are tons of jobs in 'support roles' that don't require you to join the 'military'.
I wish I knew where he lived, I'd bet money that I can find him a defense company nearby that pays well .
They prefer to hire former military guys, but there is never enough.

 

[AMC]

Aurora CO

 

[Amish Heart]

You shouldn't have any problem finding IT with a contractor in Colorado. Check out some of the bigger offices, and they might have smaller offices in your city. Husband retired from contracting for the military a few years back...started fresh out of college. Would of never had a problem finding work. Space Force. Used to be part of the Air Force, but just got too big.

 

[Supervisor42]

Aurora CO

Plenty are nearby...
Raytheon would be the first one I'd visit!

https://careers.rtx.com/global/en/raytheon-aurora-co-location
The first thing you see on their website is a popup box that says: "Hi! Are you looking for a job?".

 

[AMC]

What skills would be most valuable to learn?

 

[bkt]

What skills would be most valuable to learn?

Go to the Careers section of defense contractors' web sites and see what they're hiring for.

 

[Supervisor42]

What skills would be most valuable to learn?

Technician, always worked for me, I always had several jobs waiting for me .
But be careful what you wish for...
Short story:
The only time I was unemployed, was when I was laid off after 5 years as a supervisor when the company folded.
Saw an ad in the paper, broke out my tech creds, and scheduled an interview.
There were only 2 of us that showed up.
The manager interviewed us, and told us to stay put, then was on the phone in his office for a while.
He came out of his office and said: "We only have one opening at this branch.... but I can't let either one of you leave."
They had an opening at another branch that I lived 30 miles closer to, so I took that one. Went to work and they jacked my pay rate up every six months to make sure I stayed.
...Both of us were still working for that company 7 years later.

 

[Bacpacker]

Techs are always in demand. For that matter any job that you use your hands. There just arent enough techs with either the schooling or expereince to fill all them. Lots of times we choose folks that have shown and can discuss their ability to learn new things quickly. We do lots of training both OJT and in class to get them up to speed. Some can cut it some can't. If you have the "want to" factor and are willing to learn, that'll go a LONG WAY

 

[Proud Prepper]

I tried the local recruiter, they wouldn't help me. They said it was only their job to recruit soldiers.

Have you tried cross dressing? Or just identify as medically qualified k9.

 

[Patchouli]

Occassionally these defense contractors have job fairs. Your area may have such an event coming up with the new year. Using the job search website called indeed isn't always a good resource. They don't know when to pull jobs that have already expired or been filled.
Do you have certifications in computer/technology? Good references? Get your references lined up. A lot of the defense contractors are very thorough in their background checks so be aware of that. Some, not so much. I guess it depends on how in need they are.

 

[Bacpacker]

Occassionally these defense contractors have job fairs. Your area may have such an event coming up with the new year. Using the job search website called indeed isn't always a good resource. They don't know when to pull jobs that have already expired or been filled.
Do you have certifications in computer/technology? Good references? Get your references lined up. A lot of the defense contractors are very thorough in their background checks so be aware of that. Some, not so much. I guess it depends on how in need they are.

And what the job entails

 

[Supervisor42]

Do you have certifications in computer/technology? Good references? Get your references lined up. A lot of the defense contractors are very thorough in their background checks so be aware of that. Some, not so much. I guess it depends on how in need they are.

Boy, you got that right!
I had to go thru extensive background checks just to be allowed in some of their building to do work.
One even took weeks and they also researched all the people I was related to!.
(Morton Thiokol?) But I came away with the highly-coveted "Top Secret Security" badge. Edit: I also had to sign numerous affidavits acknowledging how many years I would spend in prison if I ever leaked any of their secrets!
Other places just brought the equipment outside to be worked on....but I got to peek thru the door while it was open!
...Hmm, so that's what a 50' long, medium-range ballistic missile looks like when it's being built.

 

[Magus]

I am medically disqualified from joining the armed services. I would like to know if I can make it a life goal to work in some other capacity, maybe get a degree and work a civilian role that still helps somehow. I'm good with computers.

Why didn't you ask me kid?
you're pushing 30, unless WW3 breaks out, you're not recruitable.

 

[Ozarks hillbilly]

I am medically disqualified from joining the armed services. I would like to know if I can make it a life goal to work in some other capacity, maybe get a degree and work a civilian role that still helps somehow. I'm good with computers.

Sorry I’m late to this conversation.

You can look at the contractor route like mentioned above. You work for a company that is hired by the DoD for a task. You do not answer (realistically) to the military but to the private company. However, you might not get the respect of the AD folks (but I‘ve seen many cross that bridge and become favorites).

Pros: higher pay, technically not working for the DoD and not having to worry if a resolution will be passed to get paid And you can quit at tangy time.
Cons: the “slimy contractor” stigma, and having to get your own insurance And you don’t have the authority to order anyone to help you And promotion might be limited.
Known plenty of contractors, like all walks of life, liked some, hated some.

You can also look to go the GS (Government Service) route. The GS rank you get is based on experience and education. You will authority over some people (including AD and other civilians).

Pros: insurance and anything else the AD folks get (including retirement and time off), authority, promotions available.
Cons: Have to worry about Congress passing a resolution (however, if they shut down, you will get back pay), you will answer to DoD personnel either civilian or AD, might have to travel when you don’t want.

Let me know if you have any questions, happy to help.

You can look at USAJobs.Gov for a list of GS jobs near you or where you might want to travel.

 

[Magus]

You can look at the contractor route like mentioned above. You work for a company that is hired by the DoD

Not no, but HELL NO! Sure the pay is better than the regular army, but it's also more dangerous and YOU ARE EXPENDABLE! Not to mention some of the stuff they do can lose you your citizenship! Kid, You know I don't talk about it and I damn sure won't post about it, just NO.

 

[sonya123]

I am not sure what your medical problems are but if you can get a security clearance, you could work for a defense contractor . My husband did and made tons of money ( but he had a high level clearance and no medical problems)
Good luck
But you might want to rethink the military, daughter and husband in the Navy want to get out as soon as their current enlistment is up for a bunch of reasons

 

[Magus]

My kid inherited most of my genetic time bombs save for a bad back and knees.

 

[Supervisor42]

I am not sure what your medical problems are but if you can get a security clearance, you could work for a defense contractor . My husband did and made tons of money ( but he had a high level clearance and no medical problems)
Good luck
But you might want to rethink the military, daughter and husband in the Navy want to get out as soon as their current enlistment is up for a bunch of reasons

The key words are: "made tons of money".
He has a choice, he can either go to work for a company that makes money selling hamburgers 2 for $5 and hope to get rich, or....
Go to work for a company that builds missiles that sell for $7,000,000 each.
Which would you pick?
(BTW, all of those companies are listed as 'aerospace' companies)

 

[Ozarks hillbilly]

Not no, but HELL NO! Sure the pay is better than the regular army, but it's also more dangerous and YOU ARE EXPENDABLE! Not to mention some of the stuff they do can lose you your citizenship! Kid, You know I don't talk about it and I damn sure won't post about it, just NO.

I was thinking of staff work. Tons of positions and the contractors typically become the pool with experience that move onto GS positions.

 

[SLC]

I am medically disqualified from joining the armed services. I would like to know if I can make it a life goal to work in some other capacity, maybe get a degree and work a civilian role that still helps somehow. I'm good with computers.

Consider a career with the Veteran's Administration medical system. You can serve veterans as anything from janitor to VA police to clerk to medical technician, nurses' aid, nurse, physician. It is hard for hospitals to get good help and the veterans need you.

 

[AMC]

I'll look into that, SLC, Thank you, ,that means a lot. I like those options.

 

[AMC]

Once I graduate high school I'll begin studying to become a medical assistant in the VA medical system

 

[d_marsh]

I work for a security/military contractor. Most of my peers are door kickers and trigger pullers, by which I mean people who stand around for HOURS and HOURS with a rifle waiting for something to happen that will most likely not happen. But they seem to be hiring more and more drone pilots all the time. Drones seem to staking their place as an essential intelligence tool and offensive weapon, especially when air support is non-existent. And you don't have to be able to drag a body or hump full loadout to do it.

 

[Tirediron]

Kind of interesting how this ties into the aim thread. Drone work is going to increase as time goes by.