Uniformed military and white coat: two apparently distant worlds, united instead by a growing appeal that has been experiencing a crisis since, respectively, a barrier was introduced abolishing compulsory military service or introducing entrance exams for Medicine.
In particular, for the past 20 years, the competitions leading to careers “in uniform” – in the Armed Forces (Army, Carabinieri, Navy, Air Force) or in the Police Forces (State Police, Guardia di Finanza, but also Penitentiary Police and Firefighters) attract tens of thousands of young people every year.
Just to give some recent examples: about 55,000 lined up for the Military Academies, 40,000 competed for a place in the troops – the initial rank – of the Army, more than 35,000 knocked on the door of the Police to become Officers and over 15,000 to become a Commissioner.
But what drives young people towards uniforms? The student portal Skuola.net has identified the main reasons for this surge towards these careers, thanks to the support of Dr. Rachele Tenerini, the most appreciated tutor at Nissolino Corsi, the reference “school” in Italy for preparation for military competitions.
1. Training and professional growth go hand in hand
The Armed Forces and the Police Forces offer continuous training, allowing to acquire technical and practical skills in various fields: from security to defense, through emergency management, logistics, technology and much more.
A path that, above all, is not separate but integrated into the work path, both in the initial phase before entering operational service and in the subsequent ones.
The initial training, we recall, varies according to the roles – vfi (volunteers in initial service), officers, non-commissioned officers, officers – and allows to learn all the basic skills necessary to carry out the required activities.
To take on technical or operational roles, it is possible to access specialized schools and attend specific courses for each specific assignment (paratroopers, commandos, pilots, submariners…).
And since uniformed personnel must always be ready to handle new scenarios, there are also continuous refresher courses, to increase their skills, which are also useful for obtaining higher qualifications.
2. In uniform you can also graduate
Some careers – such as those of non-commissioned officers or officers – allow to obtain, during the training period, a first or second level degree in disciplines, which are strategic for national and international security.
Among the available courses there are, for example: Law, Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Medicine, Engineering, Political Science.
The academic training for officers and non-commissioned officers of the uniformed administrations is among the most complete and structured, combining high-level university studies with advanced military training. Paths that also guarantee strategic and managerial skills, applicable both in the military and civilian context.
It is important to specify that some degrees are also recognized in the civilian sector, such as the degree in medicine and surgery or veterinary medicine.
3. Study and earn? Here it’s the norm
A great advantage of these careers is that the training, as well as food, accommodation, university fees, didactic material, uniforms and equipment in educational centers, are completely covered by the administration.
Not only that: the students receive a salary from the first year of the course, which allows them to study and train without the economic burden that weighs on many university students.
The economic treatment received by the students of the education and training centers starts from €900 – €1300 per month (depending on the role) during the first year, with a progressive increase based on rank and seniority.
With a salary that not only allows attendees to be financially independent already during the training course, but also to ensure a stable economic base when they are assigned to the unit.
4. From intelligence to security: a career, a thousand opportunities
The Armed Forces and Police offer a wide variety of roles and sectors to specialize in. In addition to operational units, there are sectors such as administration, intelligence, the aeronaval sector, the K9 unit, logistics and many others.
This allows candidates to choose the most suitable path for their inclinations and skills, having concrete opportunities for internal growth and, with the right amount of determination, periodic promotions.
Certainly, for action lovers there are countless operational roles to fill, such as paratroopers, gunners, pilots, commandos, investigators and riot police.
However, we must not think that the Armed Forces and Police Forces only have roles in defense or public security. In reality, like in any company, the uniformed administrations need different roles to carry out all activities, such as administrative-accounting, IT, infrastructure tasks. So, even those who are not attracted to military life can find satisfaction within them.
5. Total preparation, from body to mind
Physical and technical training is an integral part of life in uniform. Members of all units are trained in the use of weapons, personal defense techniques and field operations, such as disarmament techniques, aggressor control, rapid reaction and survival tests.
Furthermore, sports activities are promoted with numerous disciplines – such as athletics, swimming, horseback riding, skiing, sailing and much more – practiced within the education and training centers and units.
Physical training not only aims to improve resistance and physical strength, but also to develop discipline and mental resilience, to promote cohesion and teamwork as well as to prepare candidates for real operational conditions.
6. A “passport” to travel the world
Many roles in the Armed Forces and Police Forces involve the possibility of operating in international contexts: from peacekeeping missions abroad to exercises in collaboration with other countries.
Having, therefore, the opportunity not only to increase one’s knowledge useful for the profession but also to visit and live in other countries, coming into contact with new languages and cultures.
For these reasons, those with a strong spirit of adventure and an interest in working in different contexts can choose a role that allows them to travel.
We are not only talking about the pilot role, other figures such as the Staff Officer, special forces sergeants and Carabinieri employed in embassies also have the opportunity to work or travel abroad.
7. Feeling part of a family
Many young people approach uniforms due to a family legacy. Others, on the other hand, are looking for a reality to belong to. Whatever the stimulus, however, the outcome is the same: wearing a uniform means being part of a large family, with shared values and a strong sense of belonging.
The daily commitment to defending and securing the country leads the members of this world to feel pride and satisfaction in their role. Sharing this feeling with their “colleagues.”
The sense of belonging in the Armed Forces is not only an emotional aspect, but also a powerful engine that fuels the task of protecting and defending the homeland and global security.
Cooperation, historical tradition, discipline, teamwork and shared mission create a unique environment that forges a strong collective identity.
8. Job stability never hurts
One of the factors that distinguishes military professions from civilian ones is undoubtedly the “security” of the job. Those who enter the Armed Forces or Police Forces have the opportunity to build a solid career, with long-term and stable employment. Economic security is guaranteed by well-defined contracts and a structured and well-established remuneration system.
Winning a military competition means ensuring a satisfying career indefinitely and economic stability that certainly facilitates private life.
9. Commitment is rewarded
In addition to competitive salaries, those who wear a uniform can often count on bonuses, allowances and rewards, especially if they work in difficult contexts, such as in the case of missions abroad or risky assignments.
Furthermore, continuous training is funded by the administration, covering completely refresher courses, specializations and specific training.
10. A career that opens doors, inside and outside the barracks
Among the personal aspects related to careers in the Armed Forces and Police, there is finally to consider the possibility of building a wide network of contacts in the security sector and beyond.
This can facilitate future job opportunities, even at the end of the military career, offering employment opportunities in areas such as private security, emergency management and intelligence.
It is therefore normal that all these reasons of attraction, taken together, generate a high participation – far superior to the available positions – in uniformed competitions. Faced with such overwhelming competition, those who have the opportunity turn to the growing offer of training institutions dedicated to preparing aspiring cadets.
A path that, however, is also accessible to those who do not have great economic possibilities, thanks to initiatives such as “Onore al Merito”, a real competition organized by the AssOrienta association in collaboration with Nissolino Corsi, to award scholarships to the best Italian students to prepare for the selections planned in the next academic year.
