Military and Strategic Studies Major vs. Biology Major

[derangedcobra]

Afternoon, SA forums!

I come today with a dilema. For background, I intend on attending the Air Force Academy in the c/o 2027. When I get in (Saying “when” to maintain confidence), I have a few majors which I want to choose from; the two most forefront in my mind are Biology (with hopes to go on to higher education due to a passion for evolutionary biology) or Military and Strategic Studies, as I have an interest in military strategy.

The question really lies in this: what does the Military and Strategic Studies major entail? Does anybody have any personal experience with the classes?

Thanks in advance!

 

[AF Roots]

Maybe this might help? There is a suggested course sequence which will give you an idea of some of the classes you will be taking with a Military and Strategic Studies Major....

Military & Strategic Studies

Explore Military & Strategic Studies, how it strengthens problem-solving and decision-making, preparing cadets to excel in the Air Force.

www.usafa.edu

 

[Bigrod]

My son is a C2C and a MSS major. All I know is he really enjoys it and writes A Lot of 10 page papers

 

[derangedcobra]

Maybe this might help? There is a suggested course sequence which will give you an idea of some of the classes you will be taking with a Military and Strategic Studies Major....

Military & Strategic Studies

Explore Military & Strategic Studies, how it strengthens problem-solving and decision-making, preparing cadets to excel in the Air Force.

www.usafa.edu

My son is a C2C and a MSS major. All I know is he really enjoys it and writes A Lot of 10 page papers

Thanks so much for your replies!

I think what I'll do is go biology, but still indulge myself in strategy through clubs or even a minor if possible.

Thank you again!

 

[brewmeist]

I wouldn't worry about focusing on a major at this point. Focus on the appointment.

My son was all about engineering since he was playing with Legos as a young child. He entered USNA 'knowing' he was going to be an engineering major. But then he went to the majors fair, and talked to a prof in the physics dept. He is now a 2/C astro-physics major and couldn't be happier. His roommate was to become an engineer as well. After taking a cyber course, that all changed.

USAFA will give you plenty of opportunities to get familiar with all of the majors being offered. Have an open mind and do what you enjoy most.

 

[USAFA_86]

Everyone at USAFA has to take core classes as part of the graduation requirement. One of the core classes is MSS 251, also known as intro to Military Strategic Studies. You learn about the joint force, sister services, and how to design military operations. It's pretty cool. No matter what your major is, you will take that class, so there is no rush to decide. I would also echo the advice above about worrying about getting in and through BCT before thinking about majors (although I can't say a whole lot because I was the same way). Good luck!

 

[TLINAU2230]

MSS 251 is a pretty great class. You get to use the $9.5M Multi-Domain Lab where you will plan and enact an entire military operation with your class. It's pretty realistic and really neat to see a little picture of how the joint force works. You divide into different component commands - everyone has a role. Then you plan your operation around your desired end states and get to move troops/planes/ships and drop bombs and hack the enemy. Super cool class - definitely take core classes and use that experience to decide on your major.

 

[ModernDayKnight]

That sounds like a dream come true.