--- title: "Rarest military jobs you’ve never heard of" description: "From pigeon couriers to ice tunnel planners, there are plenty of rare military jobs you've never heard of." date: "2024-07-17" modified: "2024-07-17" authors: - name: "Bethaney Phillips" job_title: "Contributor, Veteran Spouse" link: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/authors/bethaneyphillips/" url: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/military-life/the-rarest-military-jobs/" categories: - "Careers" - "Join the Military" --- # Rarest military jobs you’ve never heard of ![]() *U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jason Shatz, a combat weatherman with the 172d Contingency Response Flight, adjusts an intelligence sensor node, part of a Gantz-Mountain MT-5-R-Tactical Surveillance System during Southern Strike at Avon Park, Florida, April 24, 2022. Southern Strike 2022 is a large-scale, joint multinational combat exercise hosted by the Mississippi National Guard that provides tactical level training for the full spectrum of conflict. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Rafael Rosa)* When it comes to the U.S. military, most of us know to never be surprised at what you might find, even if it's a decade after an event took place. However, that doesn't mean events are any less interesting to learn about … or jobs that are no longer in existence. From pigeon couriers to ice tunnel planners to titles so strange you would only think to see them in the movies, these were real positions created by the American government. Even though some no longer exist today, it's an interesting look at how they came to be and how they molded departments into what they are today. ## Take a look at these rare, often unheard-of military gigs. ### 1. Combat Weathermen ![]() *Army soldiers prepare to release a weather balloon while out in the field. Image via DoD.* Imagine a weatherman, but if he were at war. If you think about it, weather conditions are an important part of carrying out military missions. And you can't just rely on the local news to give you the stats, especially if you're in a remote location. Thus, the need for the Combat Weatherman. This job is usually aligned with Special Forces. The Weatherman carries tech that allows them to set up and pinpoint key weather factors. Their data is then passed on so others can plan out assignments like attacks, air and fire support, and other military operations. ### 2. Instrument Repair Technician ![]() *Billy Turner, a musical instrument repair technician with the Musical Instrument Repair Facility (MIRF) inspects a french horn after repairing dents to the instrument on Sembach Kaserne, Germany, Oct. 18, 2019. The music education program is made available to thousands of children with the help from the MIRF. Instruments are made ready for use by children of service members, free of charge, as part of the school system music programs. (US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Evan Parker)* The military is known for its impressive bands, which are present at graduation ceremonies, retirements, and more. But when something goes wrong with those important instruments, someone has to fix them. Enter the Instrument Repair Technician. These highly skilled soldiers are able to fix a number of issues with brass, string, and woodwind instruments. Thankfully, it's up to them to keep the music alive and sounding like it should. ### 3. Entomologists ![An Army entomologist touches a photo of an insect.]() *An Army Entomologist gives a talk on types of insects. Image via DoD.* Studying bugs isn't just for zoos, or when you're stateside. In fact, knowing what types of bugs are around you is important when you're in a new space, especially soldiers settling into a new deployment or location far from home. Having an expert check out the local bugs can give great insight into environmental factors, terrain, and potential dangers that wouldn't have otherwise been obvious. And most importantly, the entomologist can point out which insects are dangerous. ### 4. Ground Sensor Marines ![]() *U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. William Augsburger, a rifleman with Ground Sensor Platoon, 3rd Intelligence Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, holds security in a hide during a field exercise at the Jungle Warfare Training Center, Camp Gonsalvez, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 13, 2022. GSP is a scalable specialized unit whose mission is to collect enemy signatures in order to provide Marine Air Ground Task Force commanders’ advanced warning of offensive attacks, counter enemy reconnaissance, and aid in force protection. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sergeant Manuel A. Serrano)* When you're driving on the highway, you're likely to see small black cords that collect data. The government puts these in place to track traffic counts, speed, and more. That's exactly what Ground Sensor Marines do, but while being way more sneaky. Since Vietnam, a group of Marines have placed small ground sensors to track enemy movement. They camouflage themselves to place in-ground sensors that report on whatever crosses their path. In all, there are less than 100 Marines in this position at any given time. ### 5. Parachute Riggers ![]() *Army Spc. Diana Vegaprieto, 824th Riggers Detachment, parachute rigger, tightens a sling assembly strap to an airdrop mission's container delivery system holding a cargo of four 55-gallon drums of JP-8 fuel at a non-disclosed Southwest Asia location.* Someone has to get parachutes ready to go, right? And more importantly, they have to get them safe. Parachute riggers do just that. They are in charge of repacking and ensuring that jumping apparatuses are ready to be used. They also are expert jumpers themselves, having to retrieve parachutes and fly to new locations to get the job done. In fact, they usually get more jump time than most other military members. Considering everyone's safety relies on their skills, it's good they are using the same chutes! ## If you liked this article, you'll love these! https://www.wearethemighty.com/entertainment/willie-mays-army/ https://www.wearethemighty.com/feature/medal-of-honor-civil-war-great-locomotive-chase/ ## Author Bethaney Phillips has contributed to We Are the Mighty and MilSpouseFest since 2015, covering history and military family topics. She also served as the Interim Content and Digital Manager at MilSpouseFest in 2021. Now a veteran spouse, she spent six years in an active duty family and served as an SFRG leader. With a bachelor’s degree in English and Creative Writing, she has more than 15 years of experience in digital and print writing, focusing on researched pieces and human interest stories. She is also a regular contributor to Business Insider, covering family and parenting topics. Her work has been included on Business Insider, Yahoo, Military.com, and Manhattan Magazine. While continuing to freelance, she works as the founding editor of the Clay County Regional, a print and digital newspaper delivered to more than 5,500 recipients. She also serves as the Digital Director/News Director for Taylor Communications out of north-central Kansas. Bethaney spends her free time chasing her two elementary-aged boys, raising chickens, and reading fiction. ### Author social links [Twitter]() [WWW]()