Is environmental science a viable military career path?

As someone passionate about environmental science, I'm curious about opportunities in the military. Are there meaningful roles where I can apply these skills, and what kind of projects could I expect to work on?

Yes, Environmental Science is indeed a viable military career path. In the U.S. military, all branches have roles involving environmental science to some capacity. These roles can range from environmental health and safety positions to those focusing on maintaining the environmental standards during military operations.

Firstly, Environmental Science Officers work to reduce environmental health risks within military communities. You could be responsible for checking military bases for hazards, such as asbestos or lead, or ensuring that the water and air quality meet certain standards.

The Army Corps of Engineers has a division entirely dedicated to environmental preservation and restoration. Projects you could expect to work on might include cleaning up pollution on military sites, developing policies to address environmental concerns, or working on initiatives to limit the military's carbon footprint.

Another role could be within the Navy as an Environmental Health Officer, where you would work to maintain environmental safety on ships or at naval installations. The tasks could involve carrying out inspections, implementing safety measures, and providing training about environmental safety.

In the Air Force, you could work as an Environmental Engineer or in Bioenvironmental Engineering. Here, you might focus on projects related to air quality, hazardous waste management, and industrial hygiene.

Remember that getting there may require a relevant degree, officer training, and sometimes additional schooling or specialized training. As such, you could consider ROTC scholarships during your undergraduate studies as a way to gain valuable experience and secure your path into a military career.