Community and Recreation Specialists (Enlisted)
Opportunities
Community and recreation specialists provide support services to military personnel. These services include offerings such as community housing, food service, physical fitness facilities, laundry services, libraries, youth and outdoor recreation activities, arts and crafts, ceremonies, and unit-level sports. Community and recreation specialists are also available to help personnel and their families during wartime and other crises.
Training Provided
Community and recreation specialists in the Military will gain skills through classes and on-the-job experience.
- Contracting (for services and supplies)
- Facility/program operations
- Cash handling
- Retail and leisure operations
- Event planning
All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training.
Earnings
Military pay and benefits are set by Congress, which normally grants a cost-of-living pay increase once each year. All members of the military receive "basic pay," which is the largest component of a member's pay. A member's grade (usually the same as rank) and years of service determines the amount of basic pay received. Enlisted members can progress through nine enlisted pay grades during their careers. In 2024, most enlisted personnel started as recruits at Grade E-1 ($2017/month basic pay); however, those with special skills or above average education started as high as Grade E-4 ($2634/month basic pay). In addition to pay, the military provides many of life's necessities, such as food, clothing, and housing, or pays allowances for them. Other benefits include health care, 30 days paid vacation, legal assistance, recreational programs, education assistance, and military store privileges.
Services offering this occupation
Air Force
Army
Marine Corps
Navy