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Military Career: Administrative Support Specialists

 

Overview

The military must keep accurate information for planning and managing its operations. Paper and electronic records are kept on equipment, funds, personnel, supplies, and all other aspects of the military. Administrative support specialists record information, fill out reports, and maintain files to assist in the operation of military offices.

What They Do

Administrative support specialists in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

  • Use a computer to type and prepare letters, reports, and other kinds of documents
  • Proofread written material for spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors
  • Organize and maintain electronic and paper files and publications
  • Order office supplies
  • Greet and direct office visitors
  • Sort and deliver mail to office workers
  • Use office equipment such as fax machines, copiers, and computers
  • Schedule training and leave for unit personnel
  • Answer phones and provide general information
  • Take meeting notes

Branches of the Military

Army
Navy
Air Force
Marine Corps
Coast Guard

Helpful Attributes

Helpful school subjects include English, math, and business administration. Helpful attributes include:

  • Ability to organize and plan
  • Interest in keeping organized and accurate records
  • Interest in operating computers and other office machines
  • Preference for office work

Training Provided

Job training consists of 6 to 10 weeks of classroom instruction, including practice in various office functions. Further training occurs on the job. Course content typically includes:

  • English grammar, spelling and punctuation
  • Keyboard and clerical skills
  • Setting up and maintaining filing and publication systems
  • Preparing forms and correspondence in military style

Work Environment

Administrative support specialists work in office settings, both on land and aboard ships.

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian administrative support specialists work in most business, government, and legal offices. They perform duties similar to military administrative support specialists and are called secretaries, general office clerks, administrative assistants, or office managers.

Below is a list of similar civilian occupations:

General Office Clerks
Secretaries
Typists and Word Processors

Opportunities

The military has about 23,000 administrative support specialists. Each year, the services need new specialists due to changes in personnel and the demands of the field. After job training, administrative support specialists develop their skills under close supervision. As they gain experience, specialists are assigned more difficult tasks and work more independently. In time, they may supervise and eventually manage an office.


Source: U.S. Department of Defense, Washington D.C.