What Are Military Lab Jobs Like?

I have a strong interest in science and was thinking about military lab jobs. Does anyone have insights into what working in a lab in the military involves? What are the roles, and do you need a science background before enlisting?

Working in military lab positions often involves the application of scientific and technical knowledge in a variety of areas. These areas can span from medical and pharmaceutical to engineering and environmental science. You could be conducting research, analyzing specimens, or maintaining lab equipment.

The specific roles and requirements vary greatly with the branch of the military and the specific job. For example, in the U.S. Navy, Medical Laboratory Specialists are enlisted personnel that assist physicians in diagnosing diseases by conducting tests on patient samples. These specialists should have a robust science background, ideally in biology or chemistry.

On the other hand, the U.S. Army has a whole host of science-related careers, such as the Environmental Science/Engineering Officer who advises military personnel on environmental health issues and conducts environmental risk assessments.

Generally speaking, all of these positions will require a basic high school education with a focus on science. Some positions require a bachelor's degree in a specific field, especially those that are officer-level, while many enlisted positions offer on-the-job training.

Military science careers are typically very team-oriented and require strong collaboration and communication abilities. The tasks can be quite specific and detail-oriented with vital implications, considering that the scientific data could inform significant decisions related to national defense or soldier health.

While civilian scientific roles offer similar experiences in research and analysis, a military setting often provides unique challenges and resources, fostering a work environment that values quick thinking, adaptability, and resilience.

You may want to reach out to a military recruiter for more detailed information about steps to take given your specific interests and educational background. They can provide invaluable guidance on potential paths within the military that align with your science interest.