Also called: Army 25B, Air Force 1D7 Client Systems, Navy IT rating
Keeps military computers, networks, and radios working, from a headquarters to a field tent.
IT specialists set up laptops and networks, troubleshoot help-desk tickets, and configure secure communications in the field. Many earn CompTIA Security+ and other certifications while serving. Those certs lead straight into civilian IT and cybersecurity.
Regular military compensation (RMC = base pay + housing and food allowances + their tax advantage) for typical E-1 to E-6 ranks, 2026 estimate. Cash in hand is lower early on because junior troops often live in free barracks and eat in dining halls. Enlistment bonuses can add thousands.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
High school diploma, about 0.5 years after high school. High school diploma, then ~5 months of IT training; certifications paid for by the military. Free-college benefits: Tuition Assistance (up to $4,500/yr) while serving, the Post-9/11 GI Bill (36 months of tuition + housing stipend) afterward, and SkillBridge internships before separating.
Ways in: Military, On-the-job training. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Majors to look at: Information Technology, Computer Networking, Cybersecurity.
Growing about average. Military specialties are not in BLS projections. The services recruit for this job every year and openings track force size and retention rather than market growth.
Medium risk for 10 years. Self-service and AI help desks cut tickets; setting up field networks stays hands-on.
Classes: Networking / IT CTE, Computer science, Electronics CTE.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.