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.

Some of your duties as a Information Technology Specialists may include:

• Identify computer-user problems and coordinating to resolve them
• Install, configure and monitor local and wide-area networks, hardware and software
• Compile, enter and process information
• Provide customer and network administration services such as passwords, electronic mail accounts, security and troubleshooting
• Construct, edit and test computer system programs
• Conduct data system studies and prepare documentation and specifications for proposals
• Assist in the design, preparation, editing and testing of computer programs

Job training for an Information Technology Specialist requires nine weeks of Basic Training, where you'll learn basic Soldiering skills, and 20 weeks of Advanced Individual training and on-the-job 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 provides guidance, supervises and trains other Soldiers within the same discipline. As an advanced level Information Technology Specialist, you may be involved in:

• Configure information-processing equipment
• Perform senior operator and systems administrator duties on assigned computer systems
• Assist less experienced soldiers in the installation and maintenance of information-processing equipment
• Write, analyze, edit, test and modify 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.