Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 4/8/2009

Question
Col. Howell,
I have been recently trying to join the Air Force, preferably as a scientist.  I have a degree in biochemistry and have been in contact with a recruiter.  Today I was in the recruiters office and I am now being told that I have to join in the health care "division", but I also have to get a certification as a medical technologist first.

I have a few indiscretions in my past, none disqualifying but not minor either.  I was told the health care track would have a much higher possibility of acceptance and more expedient promotion rate.  However, to be honest, I am not entirely interested in that track, I want to be a scientist for the country which has served me for the past 26 years and don't care about fast promotion.

So I guess the summary question is: Can I use the health care opportunity as a stepping stone into the technical field and fulfill the ultimate dream.  What are the odds of pulling off a transfer and how long do you think I would have to put in before transferring.  

To me, as a scientist, the Air Force represents the ultimate purity in science, I am willing to put quite a lot of time and effort in, but I want to know if my goal is possible.

Another thing that bothers me is the four week basic training.  A friend of mine (Marines) said that there is no better feeling then graduation day from basic, no matter what part of the military you join.  I feel that the extremely shortened training will cheat me of this experience.  If I was to transfer eventually, would I be offered/required the opportunity of the full officer training, to me that would be a good thing.

Thank you very much for your time in answering my dilemma.

Answer
Drew,
Unfortunately you're dealing with a recruiter who's either not completely honest or uninformed.

If I understand you correctly, although you have a degree in biochemistry you're more interested in becoming a scientist (two different things in the AF).

Your recruiter is  trying to stuff you into the medical career field because that's what he knows and understands.  If you did indeed wish to do that, then what he's telling you is correct.  But I don't think that's what you wish to do in the AF.

It sounds like you want to be a true scientist in the 61SX Career Field (SCIENTIFIC/RESEARCH FIELD).

(Each career in the AF is assigned a "Speciality Code"  such as 61S.  The X is just a placeholder for the skill level within that career field.  Thus, an entry-level Lieutenant would be a 61S1 whereas a Colonel who is a senior scientist would be a 61S4)  A description of that career field is as follows:  The Scientific/Research Utilization Field encompasses the scientific research function associated with research and exploratory development in support of Air Force requirements. In general, it requires very specific and extensive educational preparation. Each specialty includes responsibilities for conducting or managing programs, projects and activities established to perform research pertinent to that specialty. Research includes the functions of defining a problem, selecting methods of approach, performing experiments, accumulating and interpreting data, and publishing the results. Research management includes such functions as formulating, planning, fiscal programming, monitoring, evaluating, coordinating and administering programs, projects, and activities. These specialties are used when research management requires technical specialization and an appropriate academic degree in a particular specialty and academic field. Scientific positions are primarily laboratory oriented; however, these specialties are found throughout the research and development community and related areas.

Biochemists in the Medical career field perform the important but mundane tasks such as ensuring the water being provided to occupants and sanitation standards are being met.  They analyze samples of air, water and soil and determine if an area is suitable for habitation, etc.  They also are responsible for inspecting dining facilities and analyzing food products to measure nutritional value and determine the effect of cooking and serving.  Biochemists inspect and sample MREs every month to ensure are suitable for use by our airmen.  They also inspect food for sale in commissaries to ensure only the highest quality products are available to military families.  They sample and analyze the swimming pools on bases to ensure health standards are met, etc.

True 61SX scientists are the guys in white coats who work in laboratories developing new weapon systems, electronics, communications, and even new airplanes.  My career field (electronic communications) relies heavily upon scientists at the Electronic Systems Center at Hanscom Air Force Base in Massachusetts.  The Electronic Systems Center is a dynamic organization with the important mission of providing the latest in command and control and information systems for the Air Force, the Department of Defense and our allies. They currently manage over 200 programs, and have an annual budget of more than $3 billion. They have produced such things the E-3 AWACS and the E-8 Joint STARS aircraft.  The last time I was there they were working in partnership with the Navy on Blue/Green lasers for communicating from submarines to satellites.

The Air Force Office of Scientific Research, located in Arlington, Virginia, has three divisions, each with several hundred scientists around the country (MA, VA, OH, FL, CA, NV, and many more).  The 3 divisions are: 1. Aerospace, Chemical and Material Sciences; 2.  Physics and Electronics; 3.  Mathematics, Information and Life Sciences.

DO NOT let your recruiter tell you to join the medical world and the transfer later.  That's nearly impossible.  Because you'll be joining as an Officer, you can select your career field before joining.  (enlisted folks are assigned a career.)

Your Marine friend was correct about feeling exhilarated at completing initial training.  I did it 30 years ago and can still recall the feeling even today.  It doesn't matter how long your training is, I guarantee you won't feel cheated.

Tell your recruiter you wish to join as a 61SX or not all.  If he tries to bluff you into saying that's not possible, then go to a nearby city and see another recruiter with a little more experience.
It's perfectly acceptable to shop around.  You're asking to join a career field in which not many recruiters understand.  Don't settle for less.  If you strike out with a second recruiter, ask to speak to his District Commander (usually an officer in the state capitol).  If they realize you know what you're talking about, they'll be more cooperative.  You're an educated man, whereas the majority of their customers are teenagers who walk in and say ,"Can I join."
Sorry this is so long but I hope I answered your questions.  If not send me a follow-up.
Good luck, and thanks for wanting to serve in uniform.
Colonel H