• Was a retired Air Force First Sergeant with 22 years of active duty service
• Published several books in the "For Dummies" series, including "Basic Training For Dummies" and "Veterans Benefits For Dummies"
• A decorated military man, including the Meritorious Service Medal with three oak-leaf clusters

Rod Powers is a former writer for The Balance Careers covering the United States Military. He used his 22 years of enlisted service as a base of knowledge to produce 1,330 articles on many aspects of military life, including requirements for entry, different jobs and career paths within various military branches, basic training, military history, and several other related topics.

He also authored several books, including "​ASVAB for Dummies," "Barrons' Officer Candidate School Tests," "Veterans Benefits for Dummies," "ASVAB AFQT for Dummies," "Basic Training for Dummies," and "1,001 ASVAB Practice Questions for Dummies." 

Powers had been stationed or deployed to several bases around the world during his 22 years of service, before retiring as an E-8, First Sergeant.