Expert: Howard Lorenz - 6/8/2008

Question
Hey,
I just graduated with a bachelor's degree in anthropology and I am entering a graduate program to receive a Masters in Public Health very soon, with the hopes of getting a BSN (nursing degree) as well. I want to eventually work in emergency management and disaster relief (FEMA, CDC). I'm thinking some form of military service would be a very great step for me to take in terms of gaining experience that will be very helpful for my future career plans. I would not be enlisting for 2-3 years (not till after I finish school...again) but I'm not sure what branch or even how to go about enlisting. I am not what most people would consider a "natural" military person, I simply want the emergency experience. Would the best option to be enlisting directly into a medical corp? (is that even possible?) I want to work in a medical setting only and after schooling I would pass pretty much every general qualification for service, both physically and educationally. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much.

Answer
For someone in your situation when you are shopping for a service, is to either get them on the phone or go in person. All the service shave great medical opprotunities, some better than others. THere are factors that will interfere like age, medical conditions,law violations etc. Most people do not relize that you can shop the militry services. Just be up front and let them know that you are just gathering information. With your degrees, you may want to look into the officer corps....