Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 6/21/2008

Question
I am in school to be a teacher, and I was wondering if there were any careers in the military that might apply to this area of study. Thank you.

Answer
Dear Lauren --

No there are no military occupational specialties (MOS) dealing with early childhood education.  People who teach in the on base schools are not Soldiers, they are teachers -- either Department of Defense civilians or contract employees, but all must be certified teachers.

However, if you have a bachelors degree, you can enlist in the military and get an officer candidate school (OCS) rider on your contract.  Once you completed your training, you would be commissioned as a second lieutenant.  You would not be able to serve as a teacher, but your ability to teach will come in very handy as you train your unit.

Please write back if you have additional questions.  Good luck to you.