Enlisting in the military as a mechanical engineer

I'm a high school junior interested in becoming a mechanical engineer. How can I enlist in the military and pursue a career in this field? Are there specific programs or pathways I should be aware of?

Certainly, it's commendable that you are considering the military as a pathway to your career goals. To pursue a career as a mechanical engineer in the military, you have a few different options.

Firstly, you might want to consider attending a military academy such as the U.S. Naval Academy or the U.S. Military Academy at West Point where you can receive a top-tier education that includes mechanical engineering. You'll have to meet certain requirements for admission which include fitness assessments and receiving a nomination, often from a member of Congress.

If you want to go directly into the workforce, another excellent route would be going through a Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) program in college. You can attend a civilian university, live a mostly normal college life, but also take additional ROTC classes and training, and graduate as an officer in the military. You'd want to major in mechanical engineering, of course. Most branches of the military offer ROTC programs.

Lastly, you might consider the army's 12P, Prime Power Production Specialist or the Navy’s Machinist's Mate Nuclear (MMN) programs. These programs do not directly correlate to mechanical engineering but they can provide a foundation in dealing with machinery which might be interesting to you.

Remember, in all these paths, you'll also be fulfilling active duty military service obligations, so it's not a path to take lightly. It’s advisable to have a candid conversation with a military recruiter who can provide more details on the requirements and commitments. Ultimately, the military can provide valuable leadership experience and unique opportunities, all while serving your country.