Solar Flare said:
I am also considering careers and I am only a sophomore in high school.
I know this sounds ridiculous but my parents don't know a whole lot about careers in science.
Don't feel bad, my parents are the same way.
Solar Flare said:
Can anyone advise me regarding government careers (NASA and the like)? What sort of thing are they looking for and is there a demand for jobs in the fields of astrophyics/aerospace engineering?
Do you receive a lot of special government benefits such as health care?
I am considering AFROTC in college. And for college, a small liberal arts place in the east such as Swarthmore or BArd.
Yes. I can't speak for NASA, but the USAF is in dire need of officers with technical (Eng/Physics) degrees. Companies like Lockheed Martin are always looking as well, and will direct-hire you if you have military experience. As for benefits, if you are in the USAF, you receive free health care and reduced prices on just about everything else. It's a pretty good deal. Scientists/Engineers usually don't deploy to far-off places, so it's good for family life. AFROTC is a good deal. Forget about the four-year program if you don't need the money and do the one or two-year program instead. You will be and officer regardless.
Solar Flare said:
My physics teacher seems to think the airforce would let me out of my service to receive a Ph.D in astrophyics because it would "benefit them."
They won't "let you out." Instead, they will pay your salary and allow to go to school for free (at AFIT or another civilian institution), with a follow-on job at a lab waiting for you when you complete your degree. This is a fantastic deal.
Solar Flare said:
I am interested in the field of space (like Xasuke mentioned) in general. I did not want to make a new thread about the topic because this one seemed similar. Any response is appreciated.
The USAF will let you fly satellites right out of college. As an officer you will be trusted with billions of dollars of equipment and extremely sensitive information. Which brings me to an important point. If you want to play with the cool toys, you'll need to be eligible for a Top Secret security clearance. If you've done lots of drugs, or have a shady past, it probably doesn't matter how smart you are, they aren't going to let you in "the circle of trust." I know my ramblings sound like a recruiter, which I am not, but I've worked with/for the military, and the stuff above is knowledge gained from personal experience.
Let's Review:
1. Do well in HS/keep your nose clean
2. Join AFROTC in college (preferably a 2 or 1 year program)
3. Graduate and commission as a 2Lt
4. Apply to AFIT or ask for a space ops assignment
5. Have fun with your career until you get out (4-20 yrs)
6. Work for a defense contractor
7. Profit!