By Military OneSource     October 2026

Ready for a new career as your spouse leaves the Army? You aren't alone. After years of the military deciding where you live, it's finally time to choose your own home base and launch your next professional chapter.

If you’re interested in critical defense careers, begin with the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) website. DANTES provides the most up-to-date information on career pathways, including key industries, roles and required credentials.

As part of the Department of War Project Patriot Pipeline, DANTES offers tools to help military spouses explore and prepare for careers in critical defense industries.

Explore critical national defense careers

• Browse top occupations by industry

• View required credentials and education

• Identify career paths that match your interests

Find a critical national defense job

• Learn key terminology used across defense industries

• See how your skills may apply

• Explore pathways into high-demand roles

As workforce needs evolve, DANTES remains the authoritative source for the latest information on these career pathways.

What are critical defense careers?

Critical defense careers support national security and mission readiness. These roles span a variety of industries and skill levels, many of which offer flexible and portable opportunities.

Priority career categories include:

• Aerospace and aviation

• Cybersecurity and information technology

• Engineering and systems

• Electronics and microelectronics

• Manufacturing and skilled trades

• Shipbuilding and maritime

• Weapons, munitions and missile defense

• Intelligence and security

• Health care

Why explore these careers?

• High demand: Opportunities across multiple industries

• Portability: Many roles offer remote or flexible options

• Career growth: Clear pathways to build skills and advance

• Meaningful work: Support national security efforts

Get support

Take advantage of SpouseWorks targeted resources to help spouses explore and pursue careers in critical defense industries:

Critical Defense Careers Coaching Package

• Work with a career coach

• Identify transferable skills

• Build a personalized career plan

Employer partner opportunities

• Connect with employers in critical defense industries

• Explore job opportunities with employer partners

Udemy learning paths

• Build in-demand skills

• Prepare for certifications

• Learn about key industries

Take the next step

Schedule time with a career coach via live chat to identify your goals, explore opportunities and build a plan that fits your experience and interests.