Army or Air Force ROTC

tibreaker

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Dec 24, 2015
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So I just got accepted into Virginia Tech and I will be participating in the Virginia Tech Corp of Cadets as a physics major. I am currently signed up for Air Force ROTC but I'm starting to have second thoughts and am now considering Army ROTC. I was wondering if anybody could tell me what there experiences were with both ROTC programs and what opportunities are available in both branches as a physics major. Thanks.
 
mostly depends on what you are interested in doing; the Air Force has more opportunities for 'high tech' jobs like weapons development or working with lasers and avionics. The Army has some need for folks to do things like weapons research, I believe the Corps of Engineers mostly needs CE or ME degrees but may have some slots for physics majors. Best bet is to talk with the staff from both services to find out what they can advise.
 
Good advice above from MAJOROFSTLO

Physics is a great major that can provide you opportunities for graduate school to further delve into physics or cross over into engineering. The military likes a STEM education because technology is integral to the mission, and a STEM education teaches a structured way of thinking and problem solving.

Keep in mind that if you commission and go on active duty either within the AF or the Army, it is unlikely (unless you branch into the Army Corps of Engineers, or become an AF engineer with an engineering AF specialty code and go to Wright-Patt or the AF Research Lab) you will get to directly exercise your degree. If you go directly into weapon system acquisition, you can use your physics or engineering degree, albeit in an indirect manner.

For the Army, your major task as a 2LT will most likely will be leading people and employing tactics (infantry, armor, artillery, etc.). In the AF, you could be leading people (Aircraft maintainers, cops, etc.), but you will most likely be learning how to implement your weapon system (aircraft, UAV, missiles, AWACs, etc.).
 
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