Is it tough to land an engineering job in the military?

I'm a high school junior considering a career in engineering, and I'm curious about joining the military as an engineer. How competitive is it to get an engineering position, and what should I know or prepare for? Any advice is appreciated!

It's commendable that you're considering a career in military engineering! The process for landing an engineering job in the military can indeed be competitive, but if you demonstrate a strong commitment to your studies and demonstrate leadership potential, your chances can be significantly increased.

Most military engineers start by attending a four-year university and securing a degree in an engineering field. Then they are commissioned as officers, either through an ROTC program in college, by attending a service academy, or by going to Officer Candidate School after graduation.

While in college, focus on maximizing your GPA and honing your leadership skills. This could be achieved by pursuing leadership roles in extracurricular activities, such as academic clubs or sports. Furthermore, maintaining physical fitness is vital since the military places a heavy emphasis on this aspect.

Also, having a solid understanding of the specific branch you're interested in joining is crucial. Each branch (Air Force, Navy, Army, Marines, Coast Guard, and Space Force) has their unique engineering roles and requirements. For instance, the Navy and Coast Guard have civil engineering corps, while the Air Force has a variety of engineering divisions from aerospace to environmental.

Lastly, it's important to keep in mind that the military is about more than just one's career field. It's a complete lifestyle change and comes with many additional duties and expectations beyond engineering work. Take time to consider if this is a fit for your personal and career goals.

In summary, focusing on your academic performance in engineering, developing your leadership skills, maintaining physical fitness, and understanding the particular requirements of the desired branch can help you land an engineering job in the military.