Best engineering roles to pursue in the military

I want to pursue engineering, and the military seems like a great place to start. What engineering jobs should I be looking at that provide the best skills and opportunities?

Engineering is indeed a key aspect of the military's operation, and there are plenty of opportunities for aspiring engineers across the different branches.

1. Civil Engineer Corps Officer (Navy): As a member of the Navy's Civil Engineer Corps, you could be involved in construction, public works, and engineering roles related to the Navy's infrastructures and global operations. This job lets you gain hands-on experience with managing big projects and teams.

2. Combat Engineer (Army): Combat Engineers are crucial to the Army's operations. They build, repair, and maintain structures and infrastructures in both combat and non-combat situations. This role provides tangible engineering experience and a detailed understanding of how architectures impact military objectives.

3. Air Force Civil Engineer: Like their Navy counterparts, Air Force Civil Engineers design and manage construction projects, maintain structures, and oversee public works for Air Force installations. They are responsible for constructing and maintaining runways and other grounding options for planes.

4. Seabee Construction Battalions (Navy): Members of the Seabees get hands-on construction experience in diverse environments, from barracks and airstrips to roads and bridges. The Seabees can provide architecture, construction, and engineering management experience.

5. Space Force's Acquisitions Directorate: The newest branch of the military, The Space Force, has an Acquisitions Directorate that focuses on acquiring and supervising space systems. A role in this directorate could suit someone focused on a niche area of engineering, such as satellite or aerospace engineering.

Remember, each role, regardless of military branch, will offer its challenges and opportunities. It's crucial to choose a role that aligns with your specific engineering interests, whether that's civil, electrical, mechanical, aerospace, and so on. After you've completed your service, you'll have earned valuable experience that can transition into a civilian engineering career.