Military Careers with a Political Science Degree

For someone contemplating a political science degree, what career paths in the military could make the most of this background? Are there entry points or specific roles to aim for post-graduation?

There are several roles in the military that can be connected to a political science degree. Political Science is a versatile field that covers not only politics, but also international relations, public administration, and national and international policy. Here are a few possible routes:

1. Intelligence Officer: This role involves gathering, analyzing, and interpreting military intelligence information. A Political Science degree could be highly beneficial in understanding geopolitical dynamics, cultural factors, and policy implications affecting military decisions.

2. Public Affairs Officer: These officers are responsible for managing and implementing communication strategies to maintain a positive image of the military. They often interact with journalists, community leaders, and even politicians, so having a Political Science background can be a great benefit in understanding the political landscape.

3. Military Police: This role involves maintaining law and order within the military institution. A background in Political Science can help here by providing a solid understanding of government structure, rules, and regulations.

4. Foreign Area Officer (FAO): These officers specialize in political-military operations, often functioning as defense attache or as a political-military advisor to combatant commanders. Your Political Science degree would be extremely useful here, as these roles require an understanding of international relations and regional studies.

5. Civil Affairs Officer: These officers are usually responsible for conducting operations in complex environments and assisting local civilians during conflicts. Political Science skills are very useful in these circumstances as they coordinate local civilian and military projects and understand local governance issues.

Identifying a specific role depends on the individual's interest, aptitude, and the needs of the military at that time. It may be beneficial to look for internships related to the military while studying, to get a better understanding of how political science is applied in this context, and make network connections that could prove valuable later. As you conclude your degree, your university's career services or your professors may also have advice or contacts to help you find a suitable military role post-graduation.