Is the military a profession? Is it only a certain level (NCOs and Officers or just Officers)? Why or why not?

It was a poor attempt at sarcasm

I think it's only a profession if you stay beyond your initial committment. It shows your desire to perfect your skills and become a leader. Just doing 4 and getting out is making a contribution but hard to view that as a profession in the making.

Lt Col (Join to see) I'm going to have to disagree on this one. Your initial commitment is your Apprentice phase. From there, is a Journeyman phase. Some choose to spend it inside the military, others go out into the world to master their craft there.

Their ability to hone the craft is going to vary wildly however, because the opportunities are just so different.

But... I don't think we ever really stop being Marines, or Airmen, or Soldiers, or Sailors. Not at heart. We might become different kinds... but that's another story.

Sgt Kennedy - I understand what you're saying about using your military skills in the civilian world but I don't see how that can be considered a military profession. Maybe if you continue to use those skills as a reservist?