Becoming a Teacher at a Military College?

Hey, I've been thinking about pursuing a teaching career at a military college. Is there anyone here who has or is currently teaching at a military college? I'd love to get your perspective.

While I personally haven't taught at a military college, I do have some insights based on discussions I've had with faculty members at such institutions. Firstly, you should be prepared to immerse yourself in a unique pedagogical environment. Military colleges can be characterized by a distinctive culture that blends academics with military tradition, discipline, physical fitness, and leadership training. This could mean classes can sometimes be cancelled or rescheduled due to drills or exercises, and students may be withdrawn from your class due to deployments or reassignments.

The student body is mainly made up of cadets (students) who are training to be future military officers. They are typically dedicated, mature, and responsible, which can make for a rewarding teaching experience.

Bear in mind that you will also be expected to adhere to certain standards and norms that can be different from traditional civilian colleges. This could include things like using military time or addressing students by rank. Also, attire might be more formal than at a traditional college or university.

In terms of qualifications, it’s generally similar to what's required at civilian colleges – a master's degree is often the minimum, while many faculty hold doctorates in their respective fields.

It's also worth noting that your research or scholarly work could be influenced by the military college's focus. For instance, a historian at a military college might be encouraged to do research in military history, or a psychologist might be encouraged to focus on areas like PTSD or leadership development.

It'd be beneficial to get in touch with faculty members currently teaching at these colleges or schedule a visit to get a firsthand feel of the place before making a decision. You might find that it aligns well with your teaching philosophy and career goals.