Military careers for chemical engineers?

I'm thinking about pursuing chemical engineering but am also looking at military options post-college. I've heard there might be roles for engineers in the military but don't know much about it. Can someone shed some light on this?

Absolutely, there are indeed roles within the military that cater to Chemical Engineers. The services each have their unique paths and opportunities for individuals with an engineering background:

1. U.S. Army: The Army has a career field specifically tailored for chemical engineers, namely the Chemical Corps. This Corps manages chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defense operations. In essence, they are responsible for defending against CBRN threats and weapons, both at home and abroad.

2. U.S. Navy: Chemical Engineers in the Navy often work as Gas Turbine Systems Technicians or Nuclear Power School Instructors. You could also consider the Civil Engineer Corps (CEC), which has roles in environmental engineering that might leverage your chemical engineering background.

3. U.S. Air Force: The 32E Officers in the Air Force are Environmental, Civil, or Chemical Engineers. They deal with a variety of tasks, including the design of military structures, environmental quality programs, and managing response teams for chemical or biological incidents.

4. U.S. Marine Corps: While the Marines don’t have specific engineering roles as other branches do, a chemical engineering background could still be beneficial in many jobs. For instance, as a Ground Supply Officer or Communications Officer, where technical skills are valuable.

5. U.S. Coast Guard: They offer roles related to Marine Science, particularly for officers in areas like environmental management and prevention.

Remember, these are not the only paths and roles available to Chemical Engineers within the military. Each branch has several engineering-related career paths. So it's worth researching each option and speaking with a military recruitment officer to find out more about the opportunities. Additionally, many of these roles might require additional training or specialty schooling upon commissioning, but they can provide exciting and fulfilling ways to put your degree to use.

You may also want to explore ROTC scholarships and programs while you're still in your undergraduate engineering program. They might have additional opportunities and benefits that could guide your path right from college into a military career suited to your skills and interests.