Talk:List of professions/Archives/2014

the Military Profession

For those who aren't aware, there's a big push within the Army to define itself as a Profession. Why are they (the military) not on this list? See the links below:

http://cape.army.mil/repository/ProArms/ProfessionWhite%20Paper%208%20Dec%2010.pdf http://cape.army.mil/Army%20Profession/CAPE_APPam_SEP13_Web.pdf http://cape.army.mil/tsp/bolc-a/

65.191.246.65 (talk) 00:53, 16 May 2014 (UTC)

Primarily because the cited sources are propaganda to improve morale and instill a sense of morals/ethics. There are many types of professionals in the military. Soldiering has not met the definition of professional for several centuries. As an example, comparing the pay rates/grades of military doctors, military engineers or military logistics/planners to a GI soldier. There are wide differences in status, pay, autonomy, licensure, professional body etc. There are differences country to country. In some countries the entire military apparatus is made of conscripts or volunteers. In the US the military is generally not a long term career unless the individual gains college level education and experience in another profession or vocation that provides a benefit to the organization. For example, it is very hard to be a career soldier. It is possible to go from being Infantry, to Engineering to Management etc. There are a select few whom are elite fighting units. There could be a case for Rangers, Navy Seals, Commandos or Spies. These careers are different from the professions in that their work is secret and are not known until after the work is finished.