By Noah Moster
When people think of serving their country, STEM might not be the first field that comes to mind. However, for every missile sent and bullet spent on the battlefield, that piece of ammo and the vehicles that protect soldiers and kits that treat their wounds must first be created and then crafted. The STEM field is undeniably a nerd one. However, the sense of purpose and contribution it provides in the active warzone is unparalleled, offering the two most significant advantages of all: strategy and tactics. So where does one start? Let’s look at four occupations that will allow you to defend your country with STEM science!
1. Explosives Ordinance Disposal Technician (All Branches)
Salary: $54,605
What it entails: Bombs. What’s there not to love? The Explosives Ordinance Disposal Technician, or EOD Technician, is the one that carries everyone else on their back. Because if the driver’s a bit sleepy, the Humvee’s fender gets a scrape. If the EOD Technician is a bit sleepy, cue the world’s loudest alarm clock going off. The position is one of not only technical prowess but also physical and mental prowess as well. If you can handle pressure and that adrenaline rush is what you live for, this one’s the job for you. Just stay away from the red wire. The excitement and challenge of this role will keep you engaged and motivated.
Training for this job is complicated. Since it’s ubiquitous across all branches, here’s the Navy’s method: an EOD Preparatory Course, then an EOD Assessment and Selection Course. After that, Diver Training, EOD School, Basic Parachute Training, and a list of advanced training options recruits could take, like Small unit tactics or WMD training. It may look long but don’t worry. It’ll probably be a blast.
2. Cyber Operations Specialist (U.S. Army)
Salary: $112,501 (Talent.com)
What it entails: A Cyber Operations Specialist is a security guard for the Army’s network. A military has, of course, a lot of systems that malicious forces will endlessly try to hijack or disable, so that’s where the Cyber Operations Specialist comes in! They’re trained in counteracting these cyber-attacks, retaliating with their own, and keeping an eye out for future invasions on the computer infrastructure to ensure that the enemy never gets a chance to even try in the first place! A Computer Science and cybersecurity background is ideal, but don’t be discouraged if you’re new to the field—the military provides extensive training to get you up to speed, so give it a shot if you’re on the fence about this.
3. Aerospace Engineer (U.S. Air Force)
Salary: $130,720 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
What it entails: How does a plane fly? What keeps helicopters in the air? Where does a missile’s accuracy come from?
If these questions intrigue you, becoming an Aerospace Engineer is the path for you to take. Aerospace Engineers are the backbone of a functional military. With their knowledge of keeping things in the sky and also bringing things down out of it, they are the stem of both the “air” and “force” in “The Air Force”. While they may not be the most famous face of this branch (those dang pilots), the paycheck is quite the consolation prize! The best way to go about this career field is to attend the United States Air Force Academy linked above, but should you persevere, the sky’s the limit for you!
4. Nuclear Engineer (U.S. Navy)
Salary: $125,460 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
What it entails: Of all the vehicles crafted by man (as of 2024), there has only been one publicly known form of earthbound travel that uses nuclear energy: ships. Water vessels such as submarines and massive aircraft carriers can harness this explosive power significantly. You could be right there next to them, keeping this marvel of man-breaking atoms! The nuclear engineer must be one of the most vital components of a nuclear vessel. After all, nobody starts running when the cook starts running. But if a Nuclear Engineer starts running…oh boy.
Nuclear Engineers maintain and operate the reactors that power naval vessels like submarines and aircraft carriers. The training regiment for this one is admittedly fierce, requiring an enlister to go through Officer Development School, training in the Naval Reactors Headquarters, then the Bettis Reactor Engineering School, and then on-the-job training in one of the Navy’s shipyards. But then again, this is also the occupation with more post-service prospects than most, with lucrative military or civilian management positions fairly readily available once the contract is up. Work big, win big!
These are just a few of the many job opportunities out there waiting to be filled! So if none of these strike your fancy, don’t worry! The STEM field encompasses a lot more than any article could cover. Just make sure that, no matter what job you find, it’s one you can learn and grow in. The world needs inventors and creators more and more as the times change!
Do you want more resources on the topic of STEM Careers? NSTEM’s vast resources database provides thousands of searchable STEM resources by category, school level, and state. This comprehensive library includes info on enrichment activities, curricula, internships, scholarships, and more. Check out a free sampling here. Or get an NSTEM membership today to unlock the complete list.
Project-based learning enrichment provides high school students with college and career readiness. It gives them real-world relevance, transforming students into collaborators and imaginative problem solvers. They will gain the upper hand in a global landscape, stemming from enhanced confidence and grit. NSTEM provides these young STEM enthusiasts with a close community of like-minded fellow students and educators. To start your 9-12 Chapter of the National STEM Honor Society, click here.
