What are the 'smartest' jobs in the military?

I'm curious about military career paths that require a high level of intelligence or specialized skills. Which roles are considered the most intellectually demanding or challenging? Would love to hear from anyone with experience or knowledge about this.

While intelligence is critically important across all types of military roles, certain positions tend to be recognized for their intellectual demands or requirements for specialized skills. Here are a few examples:

1. Cyber Operations Specialist: With the increasing focus on cyber security, the military has created dedicated roles for cyber operations. These positions involve a high level of technical know-how, including cryptography, computer programming, network defense, and hacking. In these roles, you would protect military networks and potentially engage in cyber warfare.

2. Intelligence Analyst: These roles involve gathering and analyzing strategic data to help military planning and operations. The ability to understand and infer complex patterns from diverse information sources is key. You would be providing crucial insights to decision-makers, often under pressure.

3. Military Astronaut: This is a specialized role that doesn’t come easily. It requires a technical degree, along with extreme physical and mental aptitude. Astronauts can come from various branches of the military and receive additional intensive training from NASA. Historically, many astronauts have come from pilot and engineering backgrounds within the military.

4. Nuclear Engineer Officer: These roles provide oversight and management for the Navy's nuclear propulsion systems, involving an understanding of nuclear physics and reactor operations. This is a highly specialized field requiring an extensive period of rigorous training and education.

5. Air Traffic Controller: Precision, attention to detail, and solid comprehension of geometry and physics principles are required for these roles. Air traffic controllers have a high-stakes job – orchestrating the movement of aircraft to ensure safety in the skies.

It's important to note that while these roles are challenging and academically demanding, the military also prides itself on its ability to train and prepare its members for these roles. If you're willing to put in the hard work, you can earn your way into these fields regardless of your background.