Impact of having an English degree when joining the Military

I've been passionate about English Literature ever since middle school. Now, as a high school junior planning for college, I am keeping my options open. I've been curious about serving in the military after earning my degree. I'd appreciate any advice or perspectives on joining the military with an English degree!

Certainly! Joining the military after gaining a degree, any degree including English, might set you apart in a positive way. The military values education and typically places individuals with degrees, even in non-technical fields like English, into officer positions, rather than enlisting them as soldiers.

Having a degree in English could be particularly useful in a few specific military careers. Here are a few examples:

1. Intelligence Officer: These roles often require strong analytical thinking, report writing, and communication skills. An English degree could be beneficial as it often focuses on developing these skills.

2. Public Affairs Officer: Your duties could include writing press releases and speeches, preparing information for media kits, or working closely with the public, so excellent language and communication skills are a must.

3. Foreign Service Officer: With the linguistic skills acquired in an English degree, you may find success working in roles that involve a lot of communication, such as posts in embassies or consulates overseas.

Bear in mind that regardless of the role, you're likely to go through officer training when you first join the military. This training is designed to provide the leadership skills required for your position.

Remember also that the military is a major commitment. Make sure you're made aware of all the implications involved, including the potential for combat deployment, before you make your decision. It can be helpful to discuss these implications with a military recruiter or someone you know who has served.

So, while an English degree might not be the obvious choice when it comes to a military career, the communication, analytical and writing skills developed with this degree can certainly become valuable assets in a variety of roles within the armed services.