Joining the military can provide many opportunities. Through the military, people have access to hands-on learning, education, and work experience. The military has many engineering subdivisions and specialties. There are six main branches of the US military. These branches are the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard. Each branch has its own needs for engineering as well as research and development, so the work varies based on the branch and sector. Military engineering jobs can vary from base maintenance to deployment camp logistics/design. The jobs encompass most types of engineering.
If you are considering entering the military, there are plenty of ways to engage with engineering. To be titled an engineer in the military, you must have a college education, but a person can work in an engineering field as a technician with the training the military provides. These technical skills may form the basis for a long term career or serve as a step up if you choose to pursue further education. The military may also offer opportunities to get that college degree, so it is worth carefully exploring your options.
Every recruit must first take the ASVAB test, which you can take as you are finishing high school. This test helps the military find what job will suit you best. Test results can show if you have an aptitude for engineering skills. If you do, you may be assigned to work alongside or on engineering projects. You could even be sent to earn a degree from a school near your base. This all depends upon what the military needs.
Military academies like the Naval Academy are prestigious. They can be difficult to get into, but for those who are accepted they can receive their college education fully funded. In exchange for the education at a military academy, attendees agree to serve a certain number of years in the military after graduating. The number of years depends on your field of study.
If you are planning to go to college, you can apply for the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC). ROTC can help you get your education paid for by the military. In exchange, they require your employment for a certain number of years. The commitment depends on your degree. ROTC scholarships are selective and require a lot of preparation, but they can be a great way to fund your education. ROTC is available to join even without a scholarship if you are considering a military career after graduation. This may give you a higher preference for better positions within the military or make promotions easier.
Given the high need for technical talent, you can find internships and apprenticeships within each branch of the military. The Army and Navy even offer paid summer science and engineering programs for high school students. In general, the other military internship programs are only for undergraduate or graduate students, but they can all be great ways to learn about your options in military or civil service positions. The US Coast Guard even offers an officer preparation program that allows university students to serve as auxiliary members of the Coast Guard while receiving operational and leadership training.
The military is a great way to get an education and work experience; however, there are some important things to consider. The military is a big commitment. In return for training, you will need to be prepared to serve your allotted years. You could be assigned to work somewhere you don't want to be. You could be called to the field away from family or friends. You might have little control over where you go or what you work on or learn. Service in the military is about defending the nation, so political events could have a big impact on your life. It is important to be prepared for what that could mean.
You can also consider waiting to apply for the military, and you should consider whether you will have better opportunities if you finish some education first.
Finally, if you plan to become an engineer and are also thinking about the military, there may be opportunities that don't require you to enlist. These are known as civilian or civil service positions. Many engineers at government research labs are civil servants, while others are enlisted in the military directly. Each branch of the military has a website dedicated to civilian service opportunities to help you learn more. Also, while many engineers work in civil service for the military, others work for defense contractors who do work for the military on a contract basis.
In summary, the military offers a wide range of engineering-related opportunities. These range from research and development to IT to engineering project work. For engineers and other technical professionals, there are many opportunities both within and outside of the military. If you aren't sure you are ready to enlist, you can also look into civil service options to find the position that will work best for you.