If you are thinking about becoming a civil servant, then you may be wondering what career options you have. When thinking about becoming a civil servant, some job options you may quickly think of are a police officer, firefighter, teacher, etc. However, some also wonder if a soldier or member of the military is also considered civil servants. We have included our opinion, along with reasons to support our side.
Technically, a soldier can be considered a civil servant. Similar to police officers, a soldier puts their life on the line to serve and protect the civilians of their country. Although you do not regularly see a solider while serving in your community, their actions overseas still serve their community members that are back home in their country. Some may not see them as civil servants and see them more as serving the government.
Reasons Why We Consider a Soldier a Civil Servant

Some may not see soldiers as civil servants, but we do consider soldiers to be civil servants. Many government members agree with this outlook. Although soldiers may not regularly serve civilians in their own community, they still serve and protect fellow civilians while fighting for their country overseas. A large purpose behind their job is keeping the civilians of our country safe, allowing us to enjoy the freedom that we have.
When you seek out becoming a civil servant, it is likely that you have a strong desire to help other people and make a positive difference in your community. When you are deciding to become a soldier, you likely will have the same desire. When you choose to become a soldier, you likely have a strong desire to protect your fellow civilians, fight for your country and make a difference in the lives of those around you.
Without the brave commitment that soldiers make, no civilians would be able to enjoy their freedom and the feeling of safety on a daily basis. All civilians would be put in severe danger without our soldiers, similar to our police officers. Although we don’t see them regularly, soldiers are absolutely necessary for every community and every civilian.
Similar to most other civil servant job titles, soldiers are also employed by our government and report to members of the federal government (in many cases). Therefore, they also have a large number of benefits that other civil servants also enjoy. This includes competitive wages and incredible health and medical benefits. The large number of benefits that the government provides can be a large incentive for people to join the military!
Other Military Members that are Civil Servants

Other than the soldiers that fight on the battlefield for our country, there are other military members that are also considered civil servants and that are vital to keeping our communities safe. Some of these positions include staying local to your community and not regularly getting deployed overseas. These are great positions for those who want to work part-time as a member of the military.
Working as an Army Reserve member is another form of serving as a civil servant. As a member of the Army Reserve, you may be working full-time or part-time. You will likely stay closer to home and will be able to work fewer hours than most soldiers are required to work (especially while deployed). You may also be required to participate in regular drill sessions that happen multiple weekends throughout the year.
Even though Army Reserve members are less likely to get deployed and may not be regularly fighting on the battlefield, they still are vital parts to our community and serve their fellow civilians. They are an important part to making sure that our communities stay safe and protected while in our own country. Without the Army Reserve members, other departments of the military would not run as smoothly, and we would not be as safe here in our community.
Another area of the military that acts as civil servants in the Army National Guard. This community-based department of the military also does a large amount to serve the civilians of the community. Army National Guard members report directly to the governor of the state where they reside. Similar to the Army Reserve, National Guard members can also be part-time as they hold other jobs in the community.
If a natural disaster or emergency happens in the community, the Army National Guard is often there to step in and help the community. Their main responsibility also largely involves serving and protecting our communities, which is why they are definitely civil servants. The National Guard may not be on the battlefield, but they are still essential to keeping our community and civilians safe and running smoothly.
Public servant or civil servant? Find out the difference here:Are Military Members Considered Federal Employees?

Since some may not think soldiers and military are civil servants, others may question if they are also considered federal employees. The answer to this question is yes. Most military members are also considered federal employees. Most military members are employed by the federal government and also report to the federal government.
Since they are employed by the federal government, military members enjoy many of the benefits that come with being employed by the government. This includes high-quality health insurance, paid time off, and sick days. Military members also often enjoy competitive pay benefits as well.
Even members of the military who may not be on the battlefield are still considered federal employees. This includes the large number of military members that have more technical or computer type jobs. There is a large number of military members that are behind the scenes and are vital to helping our military succeed. These military members are absolutely federal employees and can also be considered civil servants.

You do need to keep in mind that there are military positions out there that are employed by contractors and not the federal government. If a military member is employed by a contractor and not the government, then they are not technically considered a federal employee and also may not be considered a civil servant. The wage and benefits of these types of military members may also vary.
There are numerous ways you can serve as a civil servant. One job you may not initially think of is being a soldier. However, being a soldier and working in other areas of the military is still a type of civil servant in the opinion of many. As a soldier and working in the military, you can put your life on the line to serve your community and keep your fellow civilians safe.
Related Questions

What types of jobs or positions can I obtain as a civil servant?
There are multiple types of jobs you can seek if you want to become a civil servant. Some of the most common types of civil servant positions are police officers and firefighters. You can also work as a teacher, in administration for the government, or in the military.
When you become a civil servant, there is also a large amount of advancement opportunity no matter what your specific job title may be. No matter what job you choose as a civil servant, you will be able to advance and progress in your career as you gain experience and increase your level of education.
How much education is required to work as a civil servant?
The amount of education that is required to become a civil servant depends on the specific job that you are looking to obtain. However, many civil servant job options do not require large amounts of education. For example: To become a police officer, you generally only need around two years of a college education. Some may require more education, like becoming a teacher.
Even if the specific job that you desire doesn’t require a large amount of education, we still recommend obtaining at least a bachelor’s degree. Getting a bachelor’s degree will help you advance as a civil servant. Many more advanced positions will likely require a higher level of education and more experience. Many civil servant jobs at the federal level will automatically require you to have a bachelor’s degree.
Can you have speeding tickets if you want to become a police officer?
Yes, in most situations, a police officer can still qualify for their position if they have speeding tickets on their driving record. Many states may look at the specific amount of speeding tickets a potential police officer may have and will have their own requirement. For example: In some areas, you may be able to have up to 2 speeding tickets. It will likely also depend on how recently the ticket was given.
Unlike speeding tickets, police officers generally can’t have other records other than your driving record. If a potential police officer has any sort of criminal record, they will likely not qualify to become a police officer in most states. However, you do need to keep in mind that the specific qualifications depend on your state.
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Please note: This blog post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a legal expert to address your specific needs.

Hi! I’m Shawn Chun and I’m so grateful that you’re here.
Civil servants are some of the hardest working, most generous people I know. I have been passionate about all types of civil service career paths for years now and enjoy sharing everything I continue to learn about them.
Civil Service HQ strives to be the ultimate resource for learning everything about a career within the civil service.
Our mission is to empower you with information to help you decide which civil servant career path is best for you and to provide you with the tools needed to increase your chance of success in that career path.