Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Air Force Officer

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Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 7/13/2009


Question
Colonel Howell

I have recently been accepted to Air Force OTS with a Navigator slot.  Needless to say I am very excited for this opportunity.  With that being said I have two questions, the first one is about paying back student loans.  I have accumulated about $40,000 and am worried about paying it off.  Taking into account that I am single and have no other major financial obligations other than my student loans, how much of my 2nd Lt. pay would I be able to put towards my student loans a month.  My second question is if I decide not to retire in the military what civilian career field does being a navigator qualify me for, I have heard that having a top secret clearance helps with lots of jobs, what specifically?  
Any help will be much appreciated.

Very Respectfully,

Jason


Answer
Jason,
Just today I received an e-mail for Military.com advertising their new website which advertises jobs requiring security clearances.  Here it is:
Colonel H

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23 July 09

Did you know when leaving the military, you can re-activate your clearance for up to 24 months without having to start the process over again? Don't let your security clearance go to waste and use it find the hottest jobs in the industry. Search security clearance jobs on Military.com. at:

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Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard

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MARK A. HOWELL

Expertise

All military questions, any Service. 30 years experience & two Ph.D.'s. 4 times Base Commander. Worked with Army, Navy, USMC, USCG and several foreign military units. Veteran of Kosovo, Bosnia, Macedonia, Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, and 10 civil wars in Africa.

Experience

Air Force Colonel with 30 years experience. Air Force Base Commander 4 times. Highly decorated.

Organizations
Org of Am Historians, Wild West History Assoc., Disabled American Veterans - Life Member, Am Motorcyclist Assoc. - Life Member, North Am Hunt Club - Life Member, NWTF - Life Member

Publications
Numerous book reviews published in the Journal of American History. Two books submitted for publication.

Education/Credentials
Ph.D. in military history, Columbus University (Summa Cum Laude) Ph.D. in history, Northfield University, London, England (Summa Cum Laude) Master of Arts degree in history, Marshall University, WV Bachelors degree, double-major in history and mathematics, Salem College, WV Air War College, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL Squadron Officer School, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL

Awards and Honors
Legion of Merit Defense MSM MSM x 5 Joint Commendation Mdl AF Commendation Medal Army Commendation Mdl Joint Achievement Mdl AF Achievement Medal Outstanding Volunteer Mdl

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