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Will Joining The Military Help You Land Your Dream Job?

Turns out you don't have to wear combat boots to be the force of the future.

Almost 2.7 million people serve in the United States Military, and 1.4 million of those people are on active duty. But what are these brave men and women actually doing every day? Well, let's just say they're not all wearing combat boots.

Force Of The Future is a new initiative from the Department of Defense which highlights the career paths of these special men and women, and asks potential recruits to consider joining the military when planning their careers. According to the Department of Defense, "Building the force of the future requires that we bring in the best technology, the best ideas from industry, and – above all – the best people to defend the nation."

Department of Defense

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Monday morning, Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter traveled to his high school (Abington Senior High), in Philadelphia, PA to discuss attracting the "best and brightest" students. Later in the day, he headed to Fort Drum, New York to talk to service members about their experiences, and what can be done to keep them in the military. On Tuesday, he will host a round table at Syracuse University’s Institute for Veterans and Military Families to discuss the issues with a volunteer military, and how we can better manage the civilian-military divide. Part of that involves changing the conversation about what a service member is and does, and showcasing the diverse talents and expertise that make our army so strong.

Think about it -- The United States Military has to be a leader in research, science, and cutting edge technology, which means they need to recruit people who are at the top of those fields, be it engineering, biology, computer science, coding, nursing, or education. They're looking for people who are not only crazy smart, but have that special something that drives them to serve their country.

Here's just a handful of folks who fit the bill:

U.S. Air Force Capt. Rebecca Slogic

U.S. Army photo by Kaye Richey

Beyond the Horizon 2013

In 2013, pediatrician Rebecca Slogic traveled to Panama to take part in Beyond the Horizon medical training. She is now stationed at the San Antonio Military Medical Center in Texas.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Ross Honomichl

U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Franklin R. Ramos

Power production

Honomichl is a power production journeyman, meaning he knows what is up with the most innovative and groundbreaking technology on Earth.

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Timothy Knaggs & a four-legged support system.

U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Matthew Callahan

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No, this isn't something out of a sci-fi movie. This dog-like robot is playing the ultimate game of fetch by bringing troops supplies in combat areas and rough terrain. Imagine if you were in charge of designing man's ultimate best friend?

Navy Chief Culinary Specialist Derrick Davenport

U.S. Army photo by Amy Perry

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Yes, you can even serve your country by serving your fellow service-people delicious meals. Talk about being Top Chef.

Prior to launching this initiative, Defense Secretary Ashton Carter spoke to the staff at the Pentagon and said, "We must be open to change to operate effectively in an increasingly dynamic world, to keep pace with advances in technology and to attract new generations of talented and dedicated Americans to our calling.”

So, what's in it for you?

The G.I. Bill

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Joining the U.S. Armed Forces comes with a lot of perks, especially if you're looking for a way to pay for college. The G.I. Bill provides educational assistance to service members and certain members of their families, as well as veterans. According to the Department of Defense, since 2009, the VA has issued $50.6 billion in Post-9/11 G.I. Bill benefit payments to 1,374,415 individuals. That is a lot of money, and a lot of people who were able to get financial assistance for their post-high school educations.

Support Systems

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Defense Secretary Carter wants to make it easier for service members to balance work and their personal lives, and is invested in creating programs that support sabbaticals for educational purposes, as well as starting a family. He's also working on a new retirement program for veterans.

You Can Still Be You

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A lot has changed in the country recently, and the military is following suit. Defense Secretary Carter is committed to "doing more to enhance diversity and bring in people based only what they are able and willing to do – regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, cultural or economic background."

It's also important to note that you don't have to join the military to serve the country. Defense Secretary Carter never did.

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