How to pursue a psychology job in the military reserves?

I'm planning to study psychology in college and I'm curious about psychological roles in the military reserves. What opportunities are there and how can I prepare myself during my college years to fit into these roles?

Aiming for a career in psychology within the military reserves is a noble goal and requires a specific path of preparation. A typical route involves earning a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and then continuing your studies to achieve a Master's or Doctorate degree. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Earn a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology: The first step is to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. During your undergraduate studies, focus on psychology, statistics, and research methodology. These subjects form the core knowledge necessary for advanced studies and professional practice.

2. Securing a Graduate Degree: Roles in Military Psychology often require a graduate degree. One path is to apply to a graduate program in Psychology with a focus on Military Psychology. Military psychology is the interface of psychology and military science. It looks at how stressful or traumatic conditions, such as combat, affect the mental health and well-being of service members. This specialized training can be very useful.

3. Professional Licensing: Once you've completed your graduate studies, you will have to obtain professional licensing in your home state. This generally includes supervised professional experience and completing an examination.

4. Military Training: After your education and obtaining your license, you'll need to go through military training. All military psychologists are commissioned officers in one of the six branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. In any of these branches, you must complete Basic Combat Training (BCT). The length and intensity of this training can vary by branch.

5. Medical Service Corps: Most military psychologists serve as part of the Medical Service Corps of their respective military branch. To be commissioned into the Medical Service Corps, you must first complete an Officer Basic Leadership Course, a training designed for medical officers.

6. Reserve Service: To then serve in the Reserves, you would need to apply specifically to that branch's Reserve Officer programs.

In terms of the opportunities, psychology in the military has a broad scope. In addition to traditional mental health treatment, military psychologists may counsel service members and their families during times of deployment or relocation, assess individuals for their fitness for duty, research effective treatment approaches, or recommend policy changes based on trends in mental health.

To prepare yourself during your college years, aim to excel academically to make you a competitive candidate for grad school. Also consider doing internships or volunteer work related to mental health or military organizations, or research assistantships that deal with investigations into PTSD, stress resilience, veteran mental health, and other related concepts. Doing so could provide valuable hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of the profession.

One more thing, while in college, you could also consider looking into the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) that could pave the way for your military reserve service. The ROTC can provide you with training and scholarship opportunities while you earn your degree.

In summary, a psychology career in the military reserves is a great way to combine two professions into one. It needs thorough planning and professional commitment, but many find it incredibly rewarding.