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What psychology jobs are available in the military?

I'm interested in how I can use a psychology degree in the military. I'd love to know what kind of roles are available and what the work is generally like. Is it different from civilian psychology jobs?

a year ago

Sure, I'd be happy to cover some of the options you have. In the military, there are quite a few different opportunities for those holding Psychology degrees.

Some common positions include:

1. Military Psychologist: These professionals are directly involved with soldiers, helping them cope with stress or other mental health issues correlated to their service. This includes conducting assessments and therapy, and providing counseling.

2. Clinical Psychologist: In the military, a Clinical Psychologist would provide similar services, but the work might be more research-oriented, studying how deployments and other military stressors impact mental health.

3. Neuropsychologist: This is a specialization within the field of psychology that focuses on how injuries or illnesses of the brain affect cognitive functions and behaviors. In the military, a Neuropsychologist might work with soldiers who have experienced a traumatic brain injury.

4. Operational Psychologist: Sometimes called I/O (Industrial/Organizational), this role primarily focuses on group dynamics, leadership, morale and can also be involved in selection and assessment for different roles within the military.

There are more options as well, like Aviation Psychologist, Health Psychologists and so on.

The essence of the work is pretty similar to civilian psych jobs—assessing, diagnosing, and treating a range of psychological issues. However, the specific challenges that military personnel face could be very different, like combat stress or PTSD. Additionally, being a psychologist in the military often requires more flexibility in terms of location and work hours, as you might be deployed overseas, or might need to work unconventional hours.

Remember, before jumping into a role, it's crucial to review the commitment and potential military training required. The path to these roles often involves becoming an officer, which in itself is a demanding process. Finally, it's always a good idea to talk to a recruiter or someone already in the role to get a better understanding of what the job entails and if it's a good fit for you.

a year ago

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