How does one become an "academic", fulfilling a teaching or researching role for the military?

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Aug 2020 17:11:55 -0400

I enlisted out of high school to get that sweet GI Bill money. I really enjoyed the academic world and was excited about the prospect of fulfilling various positions that have more of a teacher flavor than the typical staff or leadership positions I am destined for. What sort of have positions have you held or been made aware of that take on that role?

For example, officers can apply to teach at Westpoint right after their command time. There are a few opportunities to enter ROTC units at different levels as well. And, there is the Goodpaster Scholars program which prepares officers as strategic planners.

Response by CSM Arthur La Rue made Aug 21 at 2020 7:55 PM

CSM Arthur La Rue — Fri, 21 Aug 2020 19:55:37 -0400

Sir, I’m a retired CSM fulfilling my dream to teach in K-12 education. However, my teaching career started with the first set of stripes I pinned. Team Leader, Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant, Drill Sergeant, First Sergeant, Operations, and on up to NCO Academy Commandant. My point is as a 2LT, I’d imagine your immediate focus should be learning your role as an Army Officer. I wonder if you’ll have the time to serve two masters, and the Army is a jealous mistress. She demands focus, loyalty, and commitment. Give her- her due. Trust me, I’m a better public school teacher because of my background as a trainer of warriors. Focus on that Army “ thing” right now. Learn the “craft” one soldier at a time. Hookah?

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Aug 21 at 2020 8:28 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Fri, 21 Aug 2020 20:28:28 -0400

The dominion of Functional Areas like FA59 among others. Also attending SAMS to become a Jedi

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Aug 22 at 2020 6:52 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Sat, 22 Aug 2020 06:52:57 -0400

All of the strategic stuff, assignments to military academies, and military schools comes later. Keep up your education, those assignments though come following very successful commands and outstanding reports. You cannot rest on your academic prowess.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Aug 22 at 2020 3:24 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Sat, 22 Aug 2020 15:24:18 -0400

Volunteer to be instructor at a military school house. Go to your Service instructor course. Teach at school house for a couple of years then move into the management side of the business by getting assignment to TRADOC. Get graduate degree in education and go to CGSCin residence. Do really well. Apply for instructor job at USMA or CGSC.

Response by 1LT Peter Duston made Aug 23 at 2020 7:13 PM

1LT Peter Duston — Sun, 23 Aug 2020 19:13:07 -0400

When I was a senior instructor at West Point for Military Intersession, me and my 125 Reserve officer and NCO instructors were teaching classroom classes to cadets. Since the classes were 2 credit college classes, my soldiers were considered academics. Several of them were really excited to think that they were like college professors!