What's it like having a psychology job in the US military?

I've always considered joining the military with a psychology background. What's the day-to-day like in psychology jobs within the US military? Are there specific requirements I need to be aware of before applying?

Working as a psychologist within the US military can be a uniquely rewarding experience, allowing you to contribute to the psychological well-being of service personnel.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities: Your day-to-day will integrate both clinical work and research opportunities. You may be tasked with assessing and treating active-duty personnel, veterans, and their families who are dealing with a range of mental health issues, including but not limited to PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorders. You might also be involved in designing and implementing training programs to improve resilience and performance, or overseeing mental health programs in a consultative capacity.

Requirements: Generally, to practice psychology in the military, you will typically need a doctoral degree in clinical or counseling psychology (PsyD or Ph.D.). However, if you want to start early, you can also begin as a psychology specialist with a master's degree. The required degree level can vary depending on whether you want to work as a military psychologist or a civilian contractor. In addition to the degree, you would need a professional license to practice psychology.

The military also has an age restriction for new recruits (typically under 40), but exceptions may be granted depending on your level of professional expertise. Physically, you will need to pass a military physical exam, and you should be prepared for potential deployment. Also, there might be a requirement for security clearance depending on the nature of your job within the military, which involves a thorough background investigation.

Keep in mind that each branch of the military might have slightly different requirements and job opportunities for psychologists. It might be helpful to research or reach out to a recruiter from the specific branch you're interested in to gain more specific details.

So, while it's a job that comes with significant responsibility and requirements, it's equally an opportunity to make a significant impact. Plus, given that it's a government role, it typically comes with the stability and benefits that government jobs usually offer.