Becoming a Military Strategist

I've always been fascinated by military strategy and am considering it as a career path. What are the educational requirements for becoming a military strategist? Do I need to join the military first, or can it be an independent career?

Typically, becoming a military strategist requires an individual to first join the military. This is because a deep understanding of military operations, practices, and variables at play in a warlike scenario is essential, something often gained best through firsthand experience.

Regarding education, there's no set degree needed, but having a degree might make certain paths easier. Many who are interested in this path often pursue degrees in fields such as military science, international relations, security studies, or political science. A master's or a doctorate in these fields and similar ones might be beneficial later on, especially if you are considering a career in advising or teaching in military institutions.

Upon joining the military, you would likely start in a lower rank, and then, depending on your branch of service and personal aptitudes, you may find opportunities to focus more specifically on strategic planning as you advance in rank. Many military strategists are high-ranking military officers who have worked their way up, often for several years.

If you're more interested in the academic or policy aspect, after studying in fields related to military strategy, you can seek employment within think tanks, universities, or government agencies. These roles might involve providing strategic advice, conducting research, or teaching about military strategy, but the roles might not involve the hands-on experience of directing troops or developing strategies in a battlefield context.

So, there are both military and civilian roles where you could work on military strategy but they are different paths with different requirements. Is there one in particular you feel more drawn to? That could help tailor your educational journey and make it more focused on your end goals.