Military Search and Rescue Operations Officers
Military Career
General Information
Description
Search and rescue operations officers are responsible for organizing and leading rescue missions to support personnel in distress. They direct and participate in Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) operations. These officers possess core survival skills, such as swimming/diving or medical aid skills, and train, develop, and assess these skills in other personnel.
Explore this career outside the MilitaryWork Environment
Search and rescue operations officers work on vessels or aircraft. They perform missions in all types of weather and may be subjected to noisy environments. They may work outdoors when directing emergency response teams.
Workplace at a Glance
What you can expect to experience while on the job
- Responsibility
- Exposure to job hazards
- Physical activity
- Decision making
- Repetitiveness
- Level of competition
- Time pressure
Comparable Industries
- Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security
Related Military Careers
Military Outlook
Service Branches
Jobs in this career field may be available in other service branches. Call or email a particular branch for more info.
Army
Marine Corps
Navy
Air Force
Coast Guard
Space ForceMilitary Status
- Officer
- Managerial/professional
- College degree required
Military Workforce
Search and Rescue Operations Officers in the Military
13,008
Salary
Salary Information
Median Military Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.
$85,103
Military Salary Range Salary varies based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location. Learn more about Military benefits.
$23,019 - $251,140
What makes up a Military salary?
Military salaries include a lot more than just base pay.
They also offer:
- Housing allowances
- Subsistence allowances
- Special and incentive pays
- Cost-of-living allowances
- Hazardous-duty pay
- Bonuses
Learn more about what goes into a salary with the compensation estimator
Learn more about military insurance and retirement benefits
Education
Most Common Education Levels
People in this career achieve this level of education.
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Less than high school 39%
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High school 21%
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Post-secondary certificate 17%
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Associate's degree 16%
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Some college 5%
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Bachelor's degree 1%
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Master's degree 0%
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Doctoral degree 0%
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Post baccalaureate 0%
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Post-doctoral training 0%
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Post-master's certificate 0%
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First professional degree 0%
Military training
Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree; enlisted service members can transition to officer positions through a variety of pathways and earn a degree while serving. Like other officers, search and rescue operations officers complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development. Additional training consists of classroom and field training. Job-specific training content may include: Aircraft operating proceduresPiloting and use of air navigation equipmentPiloting and navigation of shipsInterpretation of maritime laws and policiesMeteorologyParamedical skills and proceduresAir weapons, operations, communications, engineering, deck, administration, or supply
Read MoreSkills at a Glance
Skills helpful in this career
- Verbal skills
- Critical thinking & problem solving
- Equipment operation & maintenance
- Math & science skills
- Technology design & control
- Leadership
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service
- Public Safety and Security
- Education and Training
- Psychology
- Chemistry
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