Construction Management Students: Military Career Paths?

I'm thinking about studying construction management. How can I apply my skills in the military? Are there specific roles related to infrastructure or logistics for someone with this kind of experience?

Absolutely, your skills in construction management can be highly beneficial within the military, especially in fields like civil engineering, infrastructure planning, logistics, and facilities management.

As an example, each branch of the military has its own set of roles related to construction and infrastructure. Below are a couple of possibilities you might consider:

1. US Army Combat Engineering: These are the soldiers who are involved in construction, managing logistical infrastructure and performing various engineering duties. Combat engineers may work on tasks such as building and repairing bridges, creating roads, constructing bases, and clearing fields of landmines.

2. Seabees in the U.S. Navy: These are members of the Naval Construction Forces. As a Seabee, you may be in-charge of constructing and repairing airfields, bridges, roads, and other structures necessary for military operations.

3. U.S. Air Force Civil Engineering: The job of the Civil Engineer Squadrons is to build and maintain the physical infrastructure of Air Force installations around the world. This can include runways, buildings, facilities, as well as water and power supply systems.

4. Marines Combat Engineer: Their responsibilities include using explosives for construction and demolition projects, constructing defensive structures, and designing and operating combat fortifications.

Within these roles, you'll have opportunities to apply your expertise in construction management, including project planning, quality control, safety management, and logistics. Your education could be an asset in a fast-paced, results-driven environment where efficient project management is key. Additionally, the leadership and communication skills cultivated in a military setting can also complement the soft skills necessary in construction management.

Remember to research each of these opportunities extensively, as well as maybe explore the routes you could take upon the completion of your military service, such as working for federal agencies like the Corps of Engineers or in the private sector.