I want to be an Army Officer. What jobs can I choose with this degree?

Question

I am considering joining the Army after college. I am majoring in zoology with a focus on cell biology (note: I have nothing to do with animals, I will be cell biologist, my school just has it's biology program divided up kinda weird so I am classified into their zoology program). What can I pick as a job if I get in (if I have some say in my job choice)? I want to see if I keep my career focused somewhere in the biological/biomedical or medical sciences.

3rd Time Asking this and I really would like to get an answer instead of some stupid political commentary that has nothing to do with the question.

Answer 1

if you cant find an answer here http://www.goarmy.com/amedd/ then shoot me an email and i will put you in direct touch with an AMEDD represenative.

Answer 2

I really can't add much more to these posts...couple of thoughts, though...


What's more important than your degree is what kind of person you are and how well you do your job...There are 3 broad categories of officer jobs in the Army...Combat Arms (Infantry, Artillary, Armor, etc.), Combat Support (MP, Military Intelligence, Signal, etc.) or Combat Service Support (Quartermaster, Adjutant General, etc.)

In today's Army in Iraq, the lines between these fields are getting more blury...I have a good friend who is a Quartmaster officer (lieutenant). When he was in Iraq, all he did was lead combat missions...not what he signed up for, but that's what he did.

When you get to your first few assignments, you need to do your job to the best of your ability to try and get "above center mass" evaluations...these will help you to get promoted "below zone" which means ahead of your peers. The quicker you can make it to O-4 (Major) the more quickly the rest of your career will be defined. It's almost like a race...the finish line being those jobs that will allow you to make O-6 (Colonel)..only a few will get there.

The degree doesn't matter so much, though. You'll have the opportunity to earn 1-3 masters degrees during your career that will relate more closely to your job...When you go to CGSC as a Major, you will probably be pushed toward either a masters in your field, or a generic "Master of Military Arts and Sciences".

Anyway, good luck,

Answer 3

First off...hats off to you for wanting to serve your country. This is a hard choice to make considering you will be sent to war. I think it is always admirable to see one want to be in the military.

But to the question...
You would really need to talk to a recruiter that can help you. There are many jobs within all branches of the military you can get in to. Since you would be going in as a non-commissioned officer, your choices may be more limited. IN some cases, you can enlisted as enlisted...but of course...you have to ask the recruiter.
There is also the things about if the career field is under or over manned. Also, some tech schools (the place you go after basic) have a wait list. Plus, unless you got it in writing before you sign the dotted line, you may not get it on the inside. Ask if you can be guaranteed the job. That way, you know you wont be put in to something you hate. But if that does happen, you will have the chance to cross train later in your enlistment. I wish you the best of luck!

Answer 4

There are only 3 things the Army cares about for degrees/civilian training.

A Medical Doctor or a Lawyer who's passed the bar or Preachers.

Everything else is meaningless. Like the first person said, you could have a degree in Basket weaving and be an officer, as long as you have a 4yr degree.

Answer 5

MotherBear is right on the fact that there are many opportunities for someone with any bachelors degree. If you are serious about joining, have you talked to an officer recruiter? They should be able to clear up any questions you have. Just make sure that any promises they give you are in writing or they do not exist.
This website from Army.com also explains several jobs for officers, but I'm sure the recruiters have longer lists.

http://www.goarmy.com/RotcViewCareers.do


Hope this helps.

Answer 6

Yes you should know because unlike other branches(no offense) the army guarantees and reserves your job for you and as a officer your options are endless but make sure you go in there knowing your stuff an done research officers DO NOT get the gi bill so be careful man good luck god bless

Answer 7

Army officers have pretty much zero say in what field they will in. the Army will stick you where they need you.

If you want to stick with the medical field, then you will need advanced degrees.. at least a Masters, preferably a Doctorate. Medical Acessions are run by a different system entirely.

Answer 8

You're in luck. The military looks for degrees in the sciences or business administration. People with these kind of degrees will advance more rapidly than those with a liberal arts degree.
Possible jobs, chemical corps,quartermaster ( food service) ordnance, medical, ---it's wide open.
Oh, yes, veteranary-- the army does have dogs.

Answer 9

I had a Flight Company commander with a PE degree. My friend had a degree in theater, and became Military Intelligence. Another friend of mine had an accounting degree, and they made him Air Defense Artillery. Needs of the Army will dictate where you get to go. I wish the best for you.

Answer 10

To be honest... last time I checked (admittedly, it was quite awhile ago) you could have a degree in *basketweaving*... they don't care what your degree is as long as you have a degree.

Personally, I'd go for a medical program if I were you. The Army also has official Vets... the vet on Yokosuka Naval Base is Army. Talk to the Officer recruiter is your best bet though.

Answer 11

You can pretty much get any job with that degree.

In any service.

Now there are some specialized jobs that have specific degree requirements.

Such as, JAG, Medical,Submarine

Army specific jobs that require specific degrees are , Engineering corp,Signal Corps( but not all ), JAG,Medical, Chaplian.

All other jobs are open to any degree.

For your field, try looking at MOS:

Laboratory Sciences (67B).
Preventive Medicine Sciences (67C).