MILITARY: Careers are available for students

The Saturday, Nov. 8, edition of the Cd’A Press contained two articles by staff writer Devin Weeks which inspired this letter.  

The article “More to explore at Unlock Your Future” appeared on page 1 of the Local section. It described eighth grade students from many different schools interacting “with representatives from 60 businesses and industry partners to learn about everything from mining and construction to banking and health care.” I didn’t see any reference to information on military career fields being available.  

The article “SEMPER FI” headlined the Coeur Voice section, featuring the career path taken by Newby-ginnings of North Idaho program manager Drew McConnell, a Marine Corps veteran who had no idea what he wanted to do after graduating from high school other than “to help people.” I identified with Mr. McConnell’s experience as it took me five years to complete high school and another five years to complete college and still had no idea what I wanted to do! Also, like Mr. McConnell, I came from a family with a military background. In lieu of being drafted, I applied to be an Air Force officer with no intention of making it a career. I retired from the Air Force 21 years later during which our son was born in the Netherlands, I achieved a master’s degree, served as a recruiting squadron commander covering three states in New England, finally culminating my career as a recruiting/mobilization “policy wonk” at the Pentagon.  

My purpose here is to encourage middle and high school students, and especially their parents, to visit/explore the website: www.todaysmilitary.com. 

No need to log in or provide any personal information whatsoever. This highly informative website offers incredible insights including descriptions and military pay for hundreds of career fields in all services including National Guard and Reserve components of each. 

SKIP FULLER, Lt Col, USAF (retired)

Coeur d’Alene