Posted on Sep 1, 2019

What advice would you give to someone transitioning from active duty combat arms to a civilian career as a mechanical engineer?

20.5K

I plan to serve either four or five years on active duty after obtaining my bachelors. I have a passion to continue serving in combat arms and would like to branch armor or infantry; however, I sense that transitioning from a combat unit to working as a Mechanical Engineer will be difficult. I am a little worried I will not be as proficient in the intellectual skills necessary to fulfill this role. Does anyone have any advice on the transition from active duty to the civilian life? Thanks in advance.

Posted in these groups: General of the army rank insignia

Officer

Civilian Career Dra60033 2

Combat Arms Military civilian 600x338

Transition Bb57c888

Mechanical Engineer

Posted >1 y ago

Follow this discussion

Responses: 39

Show most popular responses

Capt Daniel Goodman

Posted >1 y ago

http://www.octave.org

Same with this, though I haven't seen any texts on it yet....

GNU Octave

GNU Octave is a programming language for scientific computing.

(0)

Comment

(0)

Capt Daniel Goodman

Posted >1 y ago

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naval_Postgraduate_School

I had an O-6 recommend from my unit CO, I still couldn't get this, though God knows I tried....

Naval Postgraduate School - Wikipedia

The Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) is a public graduate school operated by the United States Navy and located in Monterey, California. It grants master’s degrees, doctoral degrees, and certificates. Established in 1909, the school also offers research fellowship opportunities at the postdoctoral level through the National Academies’ National Research Council research associateship program.[3]

(0)

Comment

(0)

Capt Daniel Goodman

Posted >1 y ago

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_Force_Institute_of_Technology

I tried to get this, I couldn't, all svcs can apply, senior enlisted (not junior, so far as I know), warrant and commissioned from all svcs can, definitely....

Air Force Institute of Technology - Wikipedia

The Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) is a graduate school and provider of professional and continuing education for the United States Armed Forces and is part of the United States Air Force. It is located in Ohio at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, near Dayton. AFIT is a component of the Air University and Air Education and Training Command.

(0)

Comment

(0)

Capt Daniel Goodman

Posted >1 y ago

http://www.afa.org

And them....

Home

The Air Force Association is the premier professional military association dedicated to dominant air, space, and cyber power, and a strong national defense.

(0)

Comment

(0)

Capt Daniel Goodman

Posted >1 y ago

http://www.ausa.org

This you'll likely have seen....

Association of the United States Army

Voice for the Army – Support for the Soldier

(0)

Comment

(0)

Capt Daniel Goodman

Posted >1 y ago

http://www.navyleague.org

Them as well....

www.navyleague.org

(0)

Comment

(0)

Capt Daniel Goodman

Posted >1 y ago

http://www.usni.org

Them too...esp their proceedings....

United States Naval Institute

The U.S. Naval Institute provides an independent forum for those who seek to advance and strengthen the naval profession.

(0)

Comment

(0)

Capt Daniel Goodman

Posted >1 y ago

http://www.aiaa.org

Join them....

www.aiaa.org

(0)

Comment

(0)

SFC Christopher Taggart

Posted >1 y ago

What is your Bachelor degree going to be in? Mechanical Engineering?

(0)

Comment

(0)

SGT (Join to see)

>1 y

Yes, Mechanical Engineering and I’d like to eventually work in the field of aerospace/aeronautical engineering

(0)

LTC Jason Mackay

>1 y

SGT (Join to see) - why not aerospace or aeronautical engineering then? Mechanical is whole different animal. NCEES doesn't appear to have a Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering Exam pathway. You really need To look at the state requirements where you would practice.

(0)

SGT (Join to see)

>1 y

LTC Jason Mackay - I am applying to West Point, and if I get in, they only offer mechanical as a major. They do offer a minor in Aeronautical Engineering which is a very plausible option if I gain admission. I have also received advice from aerospace/aeronautical engineers to pursue a degree in either mechanical or electrical rather than aerospace as it keeps many doors open, and it is also possible to enter aerospace engineering with a MechE degree.

(0)

LTC Jason Mackay

>1 y

SGT (Join to see) - ah clarification. If you will be Commissioned, particularly in Engineer Branch, your transition will be easier. If you stay beyond 5-6 years you can also work a USACE assignment which will help your PE application. I missed the FE exam in 1993 by one point. I never went back to it. I regret it. My life would have been different had I'd been a PE.

If you don't get EN, try for OD or QM. You can then try and work the Industrial Engineer angle, along with a ME degree, is a good fit. If you make it to LTC and compete for command, consider competing for Garrison Command, which will put you over a capital construction program and a DPW.

(1)

(0)

What advice would you give to someone transitioning from active duty combat arms to a civilian career as a mechanical engineer?

Join nearly 2 million former and current members of the US military, just like you.