Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 4/8/2008

Question
I am a 19 year old mechanical engineering student and am currently contracted in the Army ROTC program with a full scholarship. I am not totally content with staying in the Army, but I also an not sure whether I should leave. I have an opportunity to apply for the Navy Nuclear Engineering Program/NUPOC program, and am wondering if that is a better choice as an engineer, as well as for a student who is unsure of what path they wish to pursue.

Answer
Dear Phillip --

The Army is a fantastic career for an engineer.  The engineering problem solving you will become skilled at really helps in military decision making.  Once you are branch qualified, there are many engineering and program management opportunities for you.

However, if your real issue is a desire to serve in the Navy Nuclear program, you can apply to do an interservice transfer.  You can do it as you complete your education before you are commissioned, or you can apply to transfer your Army ROTC scholarship into a Navy scholarship.

If you want more details of possible career paths in the Army as an engineer, feel free to write back.

Best of luck to you.