Computer Systems Specialists

Background

The military services use computers to store and process data on personnel, weather, finances, and many other areas, as well as to operate sophisticated equipment during combat and peacetime maneuvers. Computer systems specialists use computers to store and process data and to operate sophisticated equipment.

What They Do

Computer systems specialists in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Collect, enter, and process information using computers
• Determine and analyze computer systems requirements
• Develop, test, and debug computer programs
• Install, configure, and monitor local and wide area networks, hardware, and software
• Program information into languages that computers can read
• Provide customer and network administration services, such as electronic mail accounts, security, virus protection, and troubleshooting
• Use computer programs to solve problems

Physical Demands

Some computer systems specialists may sit at a computer for long periods of time.

Special Requirements

No information available.

Helpful Attributes

Helpful attributes include:

• Ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to understand and apply math concepts
• Interest in solving problems
• Interest in work requiring accuracy and attention to detail

Helpful School Subjects

Helpful school subjects include:

• Computer science
• Math

Helpful Fields of Study

No information available.

Work Environment

Computer systems specialists work in offices or at computer sites.

Services offering this career:

• Air Force
• Army
• Coast Guard
• Marine Corps
• Navy

Hiring Practices

To serve in the military, a person must be at least 17; the maximum age for enlistment varies. To enlist, a person must pass a physical exam and an aptitude test. An enlistee must also meet military standards of discipline and be a US citizen or permanent resident alien.

This position is for enlisted personnel.

Wages

The military is competitive with the civilian world when it comes to pay and benefits. All branches offer the same basic pay and benefits.

Pay depends mainly on rank or grade as well as length of service. Bonuses and the situation in which the person is serving (for example: flight duty, sea duty, hazardous duty) also affect pay. 

Cost-of-living increases usually occur every year, based on inflation. The military also pays allowances for food, clothing, and housing. All these factors combined are called Regular Military Compensation (RMC). They should all be considered when comparing military pay to civilian pay.

There are two main parts to RMC: basic pay and allowances. There are also additional incentives for special abilities, training, or hazardous duty.

Check out the RMC Calculator to calculate your RMC based on your inputs.

Training Provided

Job training consists of seven to 13 weeks of classroom instruction. Training length varies depending upon the specialty area.

Course content typically includes:

• Computer security issues
• Computer systems concepts
• Network management
• Planning, designing, and testing computer systems
• Program structuring, coding, and debugging
• Use of computer consoles and peripheral equipment
• Use of current programming languages

Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses in specific computer systems and languages.

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian computer systems specialists work anywhere that computer systems are used. They may be employed as network support technicians for large companies or as data processing technicians in local banks or schools. Those who specialize in computer programming may work as programmers for software developers. The skills learned as a computer systems specialist are highly transferable to the civilian workforce.

Related Civilian Careers

• Computer Network Architects
• Computer Network Support Specialists
• Computer Programmers
• Computer Systems Administrators
• Database Administrators

Employment and Outlook

In peace time the services have about 24,000 computer systems specialists. In times of military action the number may be different, depending on the type of specialties required. Each year the services need new specialists due to changes in personnel and the demands of the field. After job training, computer systems specialists are assigned to work under the direction of experienced computer systems officers. With experience, they may manage other computer systems specialists.