What is the true reason for most branches preferring STEM majors over non Stem?

[Anguswarrior112]

Most of us on here know that branches like the Navy, Air Force, and even Army prefer STEM majors, people will say it’s because the Navy or the Air Force requires personnel to have a understanding of the technology they may use or because their branches are more oriented towards Physics or flying. However, A few weeks ago an Air Force General came to my school and talked about STEM and he said the true reason why branches prefer stem majors is because they have better critical thinking and analysis skills. Hence, why USAFA, USNA, and USMA requires their students to take STEM classes. I can understand that but is there really any evidence of that?

 

[kinnem]

Well, one reason at least for USMA is history. It was founded to be, in essence, an engineering school because the young nation needed engineers. AROTC doesn't care what one's major is so STEM stuff can't be all that important to Army, or maybe I should say less important.

The AF General is also right that engineers develop critical thinking and analysis skills. Often this involves figuring out whats broken and how to make it work. This is helpful in "human systems" as well. It also important during combat to quickly reason through what's important, what's most pressing and therefore what actions to take.

Beyond that, USAF and USNA, as well as their ROTC programs, are very STEM oriented because they are dealing with complex machines with many subsystems. It takes STEM majors to run and maintain that stuff. You'll note that Navy doesn't really care about the major of NROTC Marine Options, because those aren't the guys running the ships.

So there are various reasons that all come into play and no one reason.

 

[justdoit19]

I read a post about this before that talked about how officers may one day be In the field, having to make quick calculations that could mean life or death. That they need a good solid math/science foundation to support solid decision making in times of stress. IOW, good critical thinking skills. Where it’s almost rote behavior. Second nature.

I am not a stem person at all. My DH and kids are. And in their daily discussions and the way they think and figure things out, I can see how this would be important to decision making in times of stress. So I think that’s part of STEM picture.