When 28-year-old Staff Sergeant Michael Torres found himself looking for ways to supplement his income and prepare for civilian life, he never imagined his journey would lead to a thriving side business that complemented his military career. Faced with the desire to provide more for his family and build skills for the future, Michael’s story resonates with countless active duty service members across the country who are seeking ways to leverage their unique experiences and skills.

“I love serving my country, but I also wanted to create additional financial stability for my family and prepare for life after the military,” Michael recalls, his eyes reflecting both pride and determination. “I knew I had skills that could be valuable in the civilian world, but I needed to find a way to use them that was compatible with my active duty responsibilities.”

Michael’s breakthrough came when he started offering online personal training services, drawing on his extensive fitness experience from the military. “It began as a way to help fellow service members stay in shape,” he explains. “But soon, I was getting clients from all walks of life who were drawn to the discipline and structure of military-style workouts.”

Starting small, Michael created workout plans and offered virtual coaching sessions during his off-duty hours. He found that the flexibility of online training allowed him to serve clients regardless of his duty station or deployment status.

“Within six months, I was making an extra $1,500 a month,” Michael says, his voice filled with a mix of surprise and satisfaction. “But more than the money, I was building a clientele and a reputation that could support me when I transition to civilian life. Plus, it’s incredibly rewarding to help people achieve their fitness goals.”

Today, two years later, Michael’s side hustle has grown into a robust online fitness platform. He’s expanded his services to include nutrition planning and has even started creating fitness apps tailored for military personnel and veterans.

“This journey has been about more than just extra income,” Michael reflects. “It’s given me a sense of purpose beyond my military duties and shown me that my skills are valuable in the civilian world. It’s also teaching my kids about entrepreneurship and the importance of always growing and learning.”

Michael’s success story is just one example of how the right side hustle can empower active duty military personnel to build for their future while serving their country.

Why Side Hustles Are Great for Active Duty Military

For service members, the right side hustle can offer numerous benefits:

1. Financial Stability: Create additional income streams to supplement military pay.
2. Skill Development: Build and maintain skills valuable for future civilian careers.
3. Transition Preparation: Establish a foundation for post-military life.
4. Flexibility: Pursue ventures that can adapt to military life, including deployments and relocations.
5. Personal Fulfillment: Find outlets for creativity and passions outside of military duties.
6. Networking: Build connections in the civilian world for future opportunities.
7. Family Support: Provide additional resources and stability for military families.

15 Side Hustle Ideas for Active Duty Military

Here’s a list of side hustles suitable for active duty military personnel, considering their unique circumstances and skills:

1. Online Fitness Coaching: Leverage military fitness expertise to offer virtual training sessions. For online fitness coaching, consider using platforms like Trainerize (www.trainerize.com) or TrueCoach (www.truecoach.co) to manage clients and deliver workout plans
2. Military-to-Civilian Resume Writing: Help fellow service members translate their military experience for civilian job applications. Consider offering your resume writing services through platforms like TopResume (www.topresume.com) or creating your own website to help transitioning service members
3. Freelance Writing: Write articles on military life, leadership, or technical topics related to your MOS. You can offer freelance writing services on platforms like Upwork (www.upwork.com) or Fiverr (www.fiverr.com), focusing on military-related content or technical writing
4. Virtual Assistant Services: Offer administrative support to businesses, utilizing organizational skills honed in the military.
5. Language Tutoring: Teach languages learned during service or from international deployments.
6. Cybersecurity Consulting: Offer expertise gained from military cybersecurity roles to civilian companies. For cybersecurity consulting, platforms like Cybrary (www.cybrary.it) or LinkedIn ProFinder (www.linkedin.com/profinder) can help connect you with potential clients
7. Drone Photography/Videography: Use drone piloting skills for commercial photography or videography (where regulations allow).
8. Leadership and Team Building Consulting: Share military leadership experience with corporate clients. You can offer leadership consulting through platforms like Leaderonomics (www.leaderonomics.com) or Management Consulted (www.managementconsulted.com) to share your military leadership expertise with corporate clients
9. Military Gear Reviews: Create content reviewing tactical gear and equipment.
10. Online Course Creation: Develop courses on skills learned in the military, from first aid to leadership.
11. Handmade Crafts: Create and sell military-themed crafts or memorabilia online.
12. Personal Finance Coaching: Offer financial advice based on experience managing military benefits and allowances.
13. Logistics Consulting: Apply military logistics experience to civilian supply chain operations.
14. Survival Skills Training: Teach wilderness survival techniques learned in the military.
15. Military History Tours: Conduct virtual or in-person tours of historical military sites when off duty.

From Military Service to Entrepreneurial Success

Michael’s fitness business isn’t the only inspiring story. Consider Former Petty Officer Sarah Johnson, who turned her naval electronics expertise into a successful tech repair business.

“I started by fixing smartphones for people on base,” Sarah shares. “By the time I separated from the Navy, I had a full-fledged repair shop with multiple locations near military installations. My military technical training was invaluable in building this business.”

Then there’s Captain David Lee, who leveraged his experience in military logistics to create a popular app for moving companies. “Military families move a lot, and I saw a need for better coordination in the moving industry,” he explains. “The app streamlines the moving process, and it’s become popular with both military and civilian customers.”

Pros and Cons of Side Hustles for Active Duty Military

While side hustles offer exciting opportunities, it’s important to consider both the advantages and potential challenges:

Pros:

• Additional income to support family or save for the future
• Development of skills applicable to civilian careers
• Building a business or client base for post-military life
• Sense of personal achievement outside of military duties
• Potential for location-independent income during relocations

Cons:

• Balancing side hustle with demanding military responsibilities
• Navigating military regulations on secondary employment
• Potential interruptions due to deployments or training
• Limited time and energy after fulfilling military duties
• Possible conflicts of interest with military role

Michael emphasizes the importance of compliance: “It’s crucial to understand and follow all military regulations regarding outside employment. I always ensure my side hustle doesn’t interfere with my duties and that I have proper approval from my chain of command.”

As more active duty military personnel like Michael, Sarah, and David embrace the world of side hustles, they’re not just supplementing their income – they’re building valuable skills, preparing for civilian transitions, and often providing unique services that bridge the military and civilian worlds.

In an era where the transition from military to civilian life can be challenging, these side hustles offer service members a unique opportunity to build for their future while still serving their country. Whether it’s to create additional income streams, explore new interests, or prepare for life after the military, the right side hustle can be a powerful tool for personal growth and financial stability.

Remember, the most successful military entrepreneurs are those who can balance their side hustle with their service commitments and family responsibilities. With creativity, dedication, and a strong work ethic (which comes naturally to most service members), an active duty military side hustle can be the first step towards a successful post-military career. So why wait? The perfect side hustle opportunity might be just around the corner, ready for you to apply your military-honed skills in new and exciting ways!

FAQ: Income and Career Opportunities for Military Personnel and Spouses

How to make money while active duty military?

Active duty military personnel can make extra money through various side hustles that are flexible and compatible with military life. Popular options include freelance work such as writing, graphic design, or web development, which can be done remotely. Investing in stocks or real estate, particularly rental properties, is another way to generate passive income. Additionally, taking advantage of military-friendly educational programs can help you gain certifications or skills that lead to higher-paying opportunities both during and after your service.

How to make money as a military spouse?

Military spouses can make money by pursuing portable careers that are not tied to a specific location. Freelancing, such as virtual assistant work, graphic design, or online tutoring, is ideal for military spouses due to its flexibility. Starting an online business, such as selling products on Etsy or Amazon, or offering services like photography or event planning, can also be lucrative. Many military spouses also benefit from remote work opportunities, particularly in fields like customer service, medical billing, or tech support.

How do I get the most out of my military career?

To get the most out of your military career, take advantage of the educational benefits and training opportunities offered by the military. Pursue certifications and advanced training that can enhance your skills and increase your value both in and out of the military. Networking with other service members and seeking mentorship can provide guidance and open doors to new opportunities. Additionally, consider taking on leadership roles and challenging assignments that build your experience and reputation, setting you up for success in both military and civilian careers.

Can you make a career out of the military?

Yes, you can make a long and rewarding career out of the military. Many service members choose to stay in for 20 years or more, which allows them to retire with a pension and full benefits. Career progression in the military often involves advancing through the ranks, taking on leadership roles, and gaining specialized skills through training and experience. Additionally, the military offers a range of career paths, from combat roles to technical and administrative positions, allowing you to find a niche that suits your interests and strengths. The experience and skills gained in a military career can also be highly valuable in civilian job markets.