Can Joining the Navy Propel My Aerospace Career Without Combat?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Dennis N
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Student
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the implications of joining the U.S. Navy's nuclear propulsion program for a pre-engineering major aspiring to work in aerospace. Participants emphasize that the program involves a commitment to military service, including potential combat roles, which contradicts the original poster's desire to avoid military conflict. The consensus is that while the program offers educational benefits, it may not align with the goal of working on spacecraft for companies like SpaceX or NASA, as the focus is primarily on nuclear reactors for naval vessels.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of military service commitments and obligations
  • Familiarity with aerospace engineering principles
  • Knowledge of nuclear propulsion technology
  • Awareness of career paths in aerospace companies like SpaceX and NASA
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the educational benefits of the U.S. Navy's nuclear propulsion program
  • Explore alternative pathways to aerospace careers without military involvement
  • Investigate aerospace engineering programs at universities, particularly in Las Vegas
  • Network with professionals in the aerospace industry to gain insights and connections
USEFUL FOR

Aerospace engineering students, military service candidates, and individuals exploring career options in the aerospace sector who wish to understand the implications of military commitments on their career goals.

Dennis N
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Hello, I just started my first semester as a pre-engineering major with a focus in mechanical engineering and hopes of going into an aerospace masters program in Las Vegas, NV. I'm 26 and work full time at a property on the Strip making decent income. My department will be going away soon (within a year) and I was wondering if I could get some advice. I found a flyer at UNLV for propulsion engineering through the U.S. Navy stating that I will get paid while going to school as well as a Master's degree of my choice.

image.jpg


My concern is that I do not want to go to war or be involved in any military conflicts. Has anyone gone through a program similar to this? What are your thoughts? Any recommendations? I would eventually like to work on spacecraft for an Aerospace company such as SpaceX or maybe even NASA. However, I do not have any connections in this field of work.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
If you want to work on spacecraft , then why are you signing up for a naval nuclear propulsion program? This program takes applicants who are interested in studying nuclear reactors used to drive submarines and aircraft carriers, so there's not going to be a lot of carryover to spacecraft , unless you think nuclear-powered spacecraft are just around the corner.

And yes, just like the song says, you'll be in the Navy while you study, and there will be a term of active duty commitment following the completion of your studies. If you don't want to take the King's shilling, keep walking.
 
Dennis N said:
My concern is that I do not want to go to war or be involved in any military conflicts.

If you join the navy you are committing to a term of service and freely volunteering to take up arms against another country or group of people if called to do so by your government. If you're not willing to do that, this is a not a deal for you.
 
I see, then am I on the right path on focusing on getting the degree or should I be doing something on top of that as well?
 
Dennis N said:
My concern is that I do not want to go to war or be involved in any military conflicts

Then you shouldn't join the Navy. That's the Navy's job.
 

Similar threads

Other Finding a research topic in the Aerospace field
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
What Engineering Path Should I Choose for My Career?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Finding Your Path to the Aerospace Engineering Industry
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Admissions Getting into a top tier Physics PhD Program with a Masters Degree
  • · Replies 50 ·
2
Replies
50
Views
11K
Courses What is it like to work as an Astrophysicist or an Aerospace Engineer?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Can an EE or ME degree lead to a career in aerospace engineering?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Other Leveraging engineering B.E. after pivoting to Physics - impossible?
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
3K
Programs Can an Electrical Engineering Degree Lead to a Career in Astronomy?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
4K
Engineering Is it possible for me to go into Aerospace Engineering at 37?
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
5K
How do I correctly move into engineering?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K