How to Get Into Military Weapons Testing

Testing military weapons sounds interesting to me. What are the necessary qualifications and steps to start a career as a weapon tester in the military?

Becoming a military weapons tester can indeed be an exciting career path. Here are some general steps to guide you towards this role:

1. Obtain Necessary Education: Understand that minimum education requirements may vary; however, typically, you'll need at least a high school diploma or its equivalent. Pursuing a degree in related fields such as engineering or physics could provide advantageous knowledge about the technical details of weapons systems.

2. Gain Relevant Experience: Join a ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps) program in college, or work in relevant technical/engineering-based extracurricular activities. This might aid in gaining the necessary tactical and leadership skills before starting your career in the military.

3. Join the Military: To work in weapon testing in the military, you will need to enlist. Each branch of service (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Space Force) has its own procedures and requirements—physical fitness, ASVAB scores, etc.

4. Complete Basic Training: Basic training/boot camp is required. Here, you will learn the basic skills needed to serve in the military.

5. Specialized Training: After basic training, you're likely to attend a specialist school to learn the skills needed for weapon testing. For instance, in the Army, this will involve attending the Ordnance School.

6. Gain Experience & Specialize: As you progress in your career, seek out opportunities to specialize in weapon testing. Building a successful career in this field will mean constantly learning about the latest technology, gaining experience working with new systems, and updating your skills as necessary.

Remember, military careers come with risks and unique challenges, so it is essential to have a firm understanding and acceptance of these realities before pursuing this path. It could be helpful to speak with a career counselor or military recruiter to gain more insight into this career and its specific requirements.