Can Joining the Navy Propel My Aerospace Career Without Combat?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential benefits and drawbacks of joining the U.S. Navy's propulsion engineering program for someone pursuing a career in aerospace engineering. Participants explore the implications of military service on educational and career goals, particularly in relation to working on spacecraft.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in the Navy's propulsion engineering program, highlighting concerns about military involvement and a desire to work in aerospace, particularly with companies like SpaceX or NASA.
  • Another participant questions the relevance of the naval nuclear propulsion program to a career in spacecraft engineering, noting the focus on nuclear reactors for submarines and aircraft carriers.
  • Several participants emphasize that joining the Navy entails a commitment to military service, which includes the possibility of being involved in combat, contradicting the original poster's desire to avoid such situations.
  • A participant suggests that if the original poster is unwilling to engage in military conflict, joining the Navy may not be a suitable option.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that joining the Navy involves a commitment to military service, which may not align with the original poster's goals of avoiding combat. However, there is disagreement regarding the relevance of the Navy's propulsion program to a career in aerospace engineering.

Contextual Notes

Participants express concerns about the implications of military service on career aspirations, but there is no consensus on the best path forward for the original poster in terms of educational focus or career strategy.

Dennis N
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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.

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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.
 
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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.
 

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