Computers are essential to every division of the military. Information Technology Specialists have the great responsibility of maintaining, processing and troubleshooting military computer systems and operations.

Information Technology Specialists may perform some of the following duties:

• Identifying computer-user problems and coordinating to resolve them
• Installing, configuring and monitoring local and wide-area networks, hardware and software
• Compiling, entering and processing information
• Providing customer and network administration services such as passwords, electronic mail accounts, security and troubleshooting
• Constructing, editing and testing computer system programs
• Conducting data system studies and preparing documentation and specifications for proposals
• Assisting in the design, preparation, editing and testing of computer programs

Job training for an Information Technology Specialist consists of nine weeks of Basic Training, where you'll learn basic Soldiering skills, and approximately 15 weeks of Advanced Individual training with classroom instruction. During the course of your training, you'll become experienced in:

• Use of computer consoles and peripheral equipment
• Computer systems concepts
• Planning, designing and testing computer systems

Helpful attributes include:

• Interest in typing and computer science
• Interest in work requiring accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Interest in working with computer equipment
• Experience in installing software and setting up computers

Advanced level Information Technology Specialists perform the same tasks as other Information Technology Specialists, but are also responsible for:

• Configuring information-processing equipment
• Performing senior operator and systems administrator duties on assigned computer systems
• Assisting less experienced soldiers in the installation and maintenance of information-processing equipment
• Writing, analyzing, editing, testing and modifying computer programs.

The skills learned as an Information Technology Specialist can easily be transferred to the civilian workforce. You'll be able to work as a network support technician, data processing technician or computer programmer in just about any company that uses computers.

Learn more about the relationship between military training and civilian certification requirements.