10 Jobs You Can Get in the Military With an Associate Degree

If you're interested in a military career, you may wonder what jobs you can get with an associate degree. Are there any good military jobs you can get with this college degree?

The Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps have plenty of jobs you can do with an associate degree. Service members on active duty can perform military service as an avionics technician, medical technician, or security forces specialist, among many other roles.

Keep reading to find out more.

Top Military Careers for Associate Degree Holders

If you attended community college and completed an associate degree program, you may be qualified for various jobs with the U.S. Military. Let's take a closer look at some of the career paths you could pursue.

1. Aircraft Maintenance Technician

An aircraft maintenance technician is responsible for ensuring airplanes, helicopters, and other aircraft are safe to operate. They diagnose and repair mechanical issues on various types of aircraft.

These professionals may work in both military and civilian settings. They typically get started in the field by completing a specialized training program in aircraft maintenance; these programs may lead to either a certificate or an associate degree.

2. Avionics Technician

Avionics technicians work on planes and other aircraft to install, test, and repair avionics systems. These systems may include flight control, radio, and navigation systems.

Those hoping to become an avionics technician should have an associate or bachelor's degree in aviation or a related field. They may also need to pursue relevant certifications and licenses relative to aviation maintenance.

3. Electronics Technician

Electronics technicians work on electronic systems in aircraft, vehicles, equipment, and computer systems. When working in the military, these professionals are responsible for keeping computer systems, information technology systems, and weapons systems in good working order, diagnosing and repairing issues that come up.

Electronic technicians can get into the field with an associate degree in electrical engineering or a similar field.

4. Medical Technician

A medical technician may work in the military or a civilian role. These professionals assist physicians and other healthcare workers by performing diagnostic tests, helping in surgery, or performing other duties. There are different types of medical technicians who specialize in various areas. Generally speaking, medical technicians must complete an associate degree in a healthcare field related to their specialization.

5. Intelligence Analyst

Intelligence analysts have a crucial role in the military. They are tasked with evaluating, analyzing, and compiling data relative to:

• potential threats
• geopolitical developments
• enemy activities

These professionals must have a strong grasp of advanced mathematic principles such as algorithms, statistics, and data modeling. They should have an associate degree in data analytics, information technology, or a related field.

6. Security Forces Specialist

Security forces specialists serve as law enforcement professionals on military bases. They are tasked with conducting investigations, enforcing laws and regulations, and securing crime scenes. These military professionals can start with an associate degree in criminal justice or a related field.

7. Civil Engineer Assistant

Civil engineer assistants are tasked with helping civil engineers design and construct roads, bridges, waterways, and other projects. They may work in both military and civilian capacities.

These professionals may perform many duties, from using AutoCAD to create designs to assisting with engineering calculations to documenting construction materials. They should hold an associate degree in civil engineering or a related field to get started in this role.

8. Special Forces Support

There are many different types of special forces support teams. They perform a variety of specialized support roles in areas like medical, aviation, intelligence, transportation, and ammunition. Though these professionals receive specific training for their role in boot camp, having an associate degree in any field, particularly one related to their specialization, may be helpful.

9. Field Artillery Surveyor

Field artillery surveyors specialize in providing information relative to artillery weapons. They perform various duties, including maintenance checks on survey equipment, providing data on firing positions and recording field data.

An associate degree may be helpful when pursuing this military career, though candidates learn specific skills needed during a nine-week basic training course. An understanding of mathematics principles and the ability to stay calm under pressure is essential for this position.

10. Environmental Technician

Environmental technicians work full and part-time in many settings. Environmental technician jobs are available in military and civilian roles. These professionals monitor environmental conditions, looking for environmental threats and promoting sustainable practices.

If you want to work as an environmental technician in the military, having an associate degree in sustainability, environmental science, or a related field is a good place to start. You may want to pursue advanced degrees to progress throughout your career and pursue more advanced roles.

FAQs About Military Careers for Associate Degree Holders

Keep reading if you still have questions about working in the military with a two-year degree. Below, we'll answer some common questions you may be wondering about.

Can an Associate Degree Help You Join the Military?

It is possible to join the military with only a high school diploma or GED; that said, the higher your level of education, the better your chances of starting at a higher rank. Having 60 hours of college credit can help you enlist at private first or second-class ranks in most military branches.

Can You Become a Navy Officer with an Associate Degree?

Generally speaking, you must hold a bachelor's degree, or be in the process of completing one, to become a commissioned officer in the Navy; however, exceptions do exist.

Those currently enrolled in a four-year degree program can receive tuition coverage and basic training to become a military officer by participating in a naval ROTC program at their school; those who have graduated can participate in the Navy's Officer Candidate School (OCS). Talk with a naval recruiter for more specific information.

Can You Become a Warrant Officer with an Associate Degree?

Generally speaking, you do not have to meet any specific educational requirements to become a warrant officer. If you are in the Armed Forces, you must participate in and pass Warrant Officer Candidate School. Several years of service experience are also required.

What U.S. Army Rank Do Associate Degree Holders Get When They Enlist?

When you join the enlisted ranks as an associate degree holder, you start as a private first class with a pay grade of E-3. Those joining other military branches, such as the National Guard and U.S. Air Force, may be offered a different rank.