15+ Essential Civilian Jobs With Military Benefits

The military offers a wide range of benefits and opportunities that are not limited to active-duty service members. Civilians can also access these advantages, either through direct employment with military-affiliated organizations or by leveraging their skills and experience gained during military service. Here's a comprehensive guide to some of the most rewarding civilian jobs that provide access to military benefits and the steps you can take to pursue them.

1. Department of Defense (DoD) Civilian Employees

Working as a civilian for the Department of Defense is an excellent way to contribute to national security while enjoying a range of military benefits. These positions offer stability, competitive salaries, and the chance to make a meaningful impact.

Key benefits include:

• Access to the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) with a choice of health plans.
• Eligibility for the Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) program.
• Participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), a retirement savings and investment plan.
• Generous annual leave and sick leave accrual rates.
• Opportunities for student loan repayment and tuition assistance.

To pursue these positions, you can:

1. Review job openings on USAJOBS, the official job site for the US Government.
2. Create a profile and upload your resume to make it easier to apply for multiple positions.
3. Highlight your military experience and any relevant skills or certifications in your application.
4. Consider taking the Federal Employment Entrance Exam (FEEX) to increase your chances of being selected.

2. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Air Traffic Control

Air traffic controllers play a crucial role in aviation safety and efficiency. The FAA offers competitive salaries and an excellent benefits package, making it an attractive career choice for those with a passion for aviation.

Benefits include:

• Access to the FEHBP for health insurance.
• Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) with a pension plan.
• Opportunities for student loan repayment and tuition assistance.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

To become an FAA air traffic controller, you should:

1. Meet the minimum qualifications, including being a US citizen, having a bachelor’s degree, and passing a medical exam.
2. Pass the Air Traffic Controller Candidate Test (AT-SAT) and the FAA Knowledge Test.
3. Complete the FAA Academy’s training program, which includes both classroom instruction and on-the-job training.
4. Maintain your certification through regular testing and training.

3. Veterans Affairs (VA) Healthcare Professionals

The VA employs a wide range of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, psychologists, and more. These positions offer the opportunity to serve veterans and their families while enjoying an excellent benefits package.

Benefits include:

• Competitive salaries and potential for student loan repayment.
• Access to the FEHBP for health insurance.
• Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) with a pension plan.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

To pursue a career with the VA, you should:

1. Review job openings on USAJOBS and create a profile to apply.
2. Highlight your relevant education, certifications, and military experience in your application.
3. Consider pursuing additional certifications or specialized training to increase your competitiveness.

4. Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP)

The MSEP is a program that connects military spouses with employers who offer flexible and supportive work environments. These employers understand the unique challenges faced by military families and are committed to providing career opportunities that can withstand frequent relocations and deployments.

Benefits of working with MSEP employers include:

• Access to a network of supportive employers who value military-affiliated employees.
• Opportunities for career advancement and professional development.
• Potential for flexible work arrangements, such as remote work or compressed workweeks.
• Competitive salaries and benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

To take advantage of the MSEP, you can:

1. Visit the Military Spouse Employment Partnership website to explore participating employers.
2. Create a profile and upload your resume to apply for open positions.
3. Highlight your military affiliation and any relevant skills or experience in your application.
4. Consider pursuing additional certifications or training to enhance your employability.

5. Government Contracting

Government contractors play a vital role in supporting military operations and national security initiatives. These positions offer a unique opportunity to work closely with military personnel and access a range of benefits.

Benefits may include:

• Competitive salaries and potential for overtime pay.
• Access to government-sponsored health insurance plans.
• Participation in retirement savings plans, such as the 401(k) or 403(b) plans.
• Opportunities for professional development and skill enhancement.

To pursue government contracting positions, you can:

1. Review job openings on ClearedJobs.Net or other specialized job boards for government contractors.
2. Highlight your relevant skills, certifications, and security clearance status in your application.
3. Consider obtaining additional security clearances to increase your marketability.

6. Military Base Employment

Working on a military base offers a unique environment and the opportunity to support military operations. These positions often provide access to military benefits, such as access to base facilities and services.

Benefits may include:

• Competitive salaries and potential for overtime pay.
• Access to military base facilities, such as gyms, recreational areas, and dining facilities.
• Opportunities for professional development and skill enhancement.
• Potential for student loan repayment or tuition assistance.

To pursue employment on a military base, you can:

1. Review job openings on USAJOBS or visit the base’s career center.
2. Highlight your military affiliation and any relevant skills or experience in your application.
3. Consider obtaining additional certifications or training to increase your competitiveness.

7. Military-Friendly Companies

Many private sector companies recognize the value of hiring military veterans and their spouses. These companies often offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits packages, and a supportive work environment.

Benefits may include:

• Access to comprehensive health insurance plans.
• Participation in retirement savings plans, such as 401(k) or pension plans.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development and skill enhancement.

To find military-friendly companies, you can:

1. Explore lists of military-friendly employers, such as those compiled by Military Friendly or Military.com.
2. Review job openings on company websites and highlight your military affiliation in your application.
3. Consider pursuing additional certifications or training to enhance your employability.

8. Military Education Benefits for Civilians

The military offers a range of education benefits that can be utilized by civilians. These benefits can help cover the cost of tuition, books, and other education-related expenses, making it more affordable to pursue higher education.

Benefits include:

• The Post-⁹⁄₁₁ GI Bill, which provides financial support for tuition, fees, and a living stipend for eligible individuals.
• The Fry Scholarship, which offers similar benefits to the Post-⁹⁄₁₁ GI Bill for children and spouses of service members who have died in the line of duty.
• The Yellow Ribbon Program, which helps cover the cost of tuition and fees at private institutions.

To take advantage of these education benefits, you should:

1. Check your eligibility and understand the application process for each benefit.
2. Research and compare different educational institutions and programs to find the best fit for your goals.
3. Consider pursuing a degree or certification that aligns with your career aspirations.

9. Military-Affiliated Scholarships and Grants

In addition to education benefits, there are numerous scholarships and grants available specifically for military-affiliated individuals. These awards can help cover the cost of tuition, books, and other educational expenses, making it more feasible to pursue higher education.

Some notable scholarship and grant programs include:

• The Pat Tillman Military Scholars Program, which provides financial support for post-secondary education to military veterans and their spouses.
• The Fisher House Foundation Scholarship, which offers scholarships to military spouses and children of fallen or disabled service members.
• The GI Bill Comparison Tool, which helps veterans and their families compare and choose the best education benefits for their needs.

To explore these opportunities, you can:

1. Research and apply for scholarships and grants that align with your academic interests and goals.
2. Consider pursuing a degree or certification that enhances your employability and aligns with your career aspirations.
3. Reach out to military-affiliated organizations and foundations for guidance and support in accessing these opportunities.

10. Military-Affiliated Discounts

Many companies and organizations offer discounts and special offers to military-affiliated individuals, including civilians. These discounts can help reduce the cost of everyday expenses, such as groceries, entertainment, and travel.

Some notable examples include:

• Discounts on travel and leisure expenses, such as hotel stays, car rentals, and theme park tickets.
• Special offers on retail items, including clothing, electronics, and home goods.
• Reduced prices on insurance policies, such as auto, home, and life insurance.
• Discounts on entertainment and dining experiences, including movie tickets, concert tickets, and restaurant meals.

To take advantage of these discounts, you can:

1. Research and compile a list of companies and organizations that offer military-affiliated discounts.
2. Keep your military ID or other proof of military affiliation readily available when making purchases.
3. Explore online resources, such as Military.com or Veterans Advantages, which provide comprehensive listings of military discounts.

11. Military-Affiliated Housing Assistance

For civilians who are relocating due to a military affiliation, finding suitable housing can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are programs and resources available to assist with this process and provide financial support.

Some notable housing assistance programs include:

• The Department of Defense (DoD) Military Homeowners Assistance Program, which provides financial assistance to military members and their families for mortgage-related expenses.
• The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Home Loan Program, which offers competitive interest rates and flexible terms for purchasing a home.
• The Military Installations Housing Office, which provides information and resources on housing options near military bases.

To access these housing assistance programs, you should:

1. Research and understand the eligibility criteria and application process for each program.
2. Reach out to the relevant military installation or housing office for guidance and support.
3. Consider seeking assistance from a military-affiliated real estate agent or broker who specializes in working with military families.

12. Military-Affiliated Financial Planning Resources

Managing personal finances can be challenging, especially for those with a military affiliation. Fortunately, there are resources available to help with financial planning, budgeting, and investment strategies.

Some notable financial planning resources include:

• The Department of Defense (DoD) Financial Management Service, which provides financial education and resources to military members and their families.
• The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Financial Planning and Benefits Programs, which offers guidance and support on managing finances and accessing VA benefits.
• Military-affiliated financial planning organizations, such as the Military Financial Advisors Network, which connects military families with certified financial planners.

To access these financial planning resources, you can:

1. Explore the websites and resources provided by the DoD and VA to find financial education materials and programs.
2. Consider working with a certified financial planner who has experience working with military-affiliated individuals.
3. Attend financial planning workshops or seminars specifically designed for military families.

13. Military-Affiliated Career Transition Resources

Transitioning from military service to a civilian career can be a challenging process. Fortunately, there are numerous resources available to help with career exploration, resume writing, interview preparation, and job search strategies.

Some notable career transition resources include:

• The Department of Defense (DoD) Transition Assistance Program (TAP), which provides comprehensive career transition support to service members.
• The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS), which offers job search assistance and career counseling to veterans.
• Military-affiliated career transition organizations, such as Hire Veterans or VetJobs, which connect veterans and military spouses with civilian employers.

To access these career transition resources, you should:

1. Explore the TAP and VETS websites to find career counseling services, resume workshops, and job search resources.
2. Consider working with a career coach or counselor who has experience working with military-affiliated individuals.
3. Attend career fairs and networking events specifically designed for military veterans and spouses.

14. Military-Affiliated Childcare and Education Support

For military families, finding quality childcare and education support can be a top priority. Fortunately, there are programs and resources available to assist with these needs.

Some notable childcare and education support programs include:

• The Department of Defense (DoD) Child Development Program, which provides affordable, high-quality childcare for military families.
• The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Education Benefits Program, which offers financial support for the education of children and spouses of veterans.
• Military-affiliated childcare and education support organizations, such as the Military Child Education Coalition, which provides resources and support for military families with school-aged children.

To access these childcare and education support programs, you can:

1. Research and understand the eligibility criteria and application process for each program.
2. Reach out to the relevant military installation or education office for guidance and support.
3. Consider enrolling your children in military-affiliated schools or childcare