What would be a good major to study for being a military officer?

Question

So this is my situation, I'm almost done with my associate of arts degree, and now that I'm going to a University they require that I choose a major so my classes can assist my career goals. I'm pretty set on joining the military as an officer when I finish, but I can't decide what exactly I would like to do in the military.

I would really like to be a co-pilot in some type of combat aircraft, such as a navigator/WSO in a jet or an apache.

Can you recommend some guidance to meet the requirements for such goals? I've spoke to recruiters and they just want me to enlist right away without a clue. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

I had a BA in Math with an operations research emphasis. I enlisted because I didn't know if I wanted to make a career of the Navy. After a few years somebody rediscovered my degree and recommended OCS.

There are too many who ride a degree to a commission. I applaud your interest in doing it right. Don't go for non-solid curriculum that doesn't have "right" or "wrong" answers, like liberal arts, a pseudo-science (psychology, sociology, psychiatry, or even education), or one that doesn't require cognitive ability, like art or business (got my DBA because I was tired of the level of study required for math). While philosophy is pretty useless in in itself, at least it does train you to think. Engineering or physics might be appropriate to your area of interest. I know a young lady who's majoring in aeronautical engineering. She'll have her degree by the time she turns 20. She's in an ROTC program. She want jets.

If I may suggest, you might want to learn to fly BEFORE you elect a career in aviation. Find out if it's really something you like. I can fly. I had my license for about 10 years. I've even sat in the right seat of a jet. But I'll NEVER be a pilot. Some people can sell. Some can teach. Some can fly. Some can't. I know you'll be second seat, but it might be advisable to check it out first.

I sincerely hope you don't have all your general ed courses out of th way. If you do, you could be stuck with a year or so of nothing but upper division courses in your major... and that can be tough... unless it's one of the non-discrete... at least non-applicable fields I mentioned above.

Answer 2

To help advance to flight training in the military degrees in engineering, mathematics, and/or science are highly recommended. Today's aircraft require the mind-set and knowledge of each of the above. You not only must have a degree but your GPA is as important.

I was a Navy pilot in the Lockheed S-3 Viking in the 1980's. My degree was in Marketing/Finance minor. As a sophomore I joined ROTC which I truly believe got me in. The Air Force, to be a flight candidate, required the highest GPA, if I recall it was approximately 3.6. The Navy requirement was 3.2 to get into the program. In addition, your status while attending flight training determined the type aircraft, your unit location, etc. In my class the top 3 candidates to complete flight training had the additional choices of the type aircraft they wanted to continue their training as an aviator.

I can assure you, if your GPA in college is high and you make it to flight training, the competition their is TOUGH. I thought I was competitive, intelligent, flew well during the training, and I still finished 21st, out of 32. Determining factors are test scores, how well you comprehend judged by the instructor, your ability to navigate, stress tests, and the list goes on.

It is a MUST you understand the physical requirements. Running a distance in a certain time, timed pushups/situps, swimming (Navy is a mile for aviators). You have to pass physical requirements or you are not in the program. My Navy training required jumping out of C-130's at low level straight into the water, floating on a raft for 3 days in the ocean alone, killing and eating a rabbit, left alone in a forest for 7 days with nothing but a knife, all part of survival training. There are many, many obstacles you never dreamt of but once you complete you have done something a small percentage of men and women accomplish.

Do not talk to an enlisted recruiter! Insure you are talking with an officer in recruiting. This is the guidance you require.

Answer 3

I am a history major and I'm going to become an Air Force officer. You can do any major that you want, but I discovered from being in ROTC that a majority of pilot/ nav slots are taken by engineering, science or math majors, with your few exceptions. Look into doing ROTC it's a great way to gain a commission check out afrotc.com for pilot/nav requirements or if the school you're transfer to has ROTC or cross-town call up the detachment and talk to the commander.

Answer 4

Google some flying associations. I don't know if you're near any bases/posts, but if you are, you'll find all kinds of aircrew associations near the bases. If you want to be an Army officer, history will be very helpful. Seems about 90% of Army officers have their degrees in history. Most AF/Navy types have degrees in the sciences, more closely related to what they work in. Have you looked into the academies? They have EXCELLENT degree programs while also teaching you military skills. Also, your local ROTC groups have contacts with military organizations. Good luck with your career choices.

Answer 5

For pilots in the Air Force,

any major of study is accepted but they prefer technical degrees (such as engineering, math, physics...). This is because the train of thought used to be successful in those technical majors relates well to being a pilot.

Answer 6

My husband is a Marine Corps officer. He majored in Criminal Justice. Lot of the other officers had majors such as Politics or History... but it really doesn't matter your major. Also don't talk to recruiters, you need to talk to the Officer Selection Office. Good Luck! And although I don't know what branch you will choose. Semper Fi!

Answer 7

That is so awesome! I say just go with what you have Im sure any job in aviation will lead you to the career you want. But it takes tremendous dedication to be a military officer, and I envy you for deciding to make the military as a career. Get with the school counselors, Im sure they have tons of information to help lead you to the right major.

Answer 8

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Answer 9

There are a lot of variables including which service that you intent to join and what career path you wish to follow. Have a chat with a recruiter now. Explain what you want to do. When you call, make an appointment to see an officer recruiter.

Answer 10

Wanna be a pilot, study aerospace engineering. That's what I did.

Have no idea what you want to do in the military, study history.

Good luck!