Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 9/22/2010

Question
Dear Mr. Howell,

I am currently a senior in high school and will graduate in May 2011, I was wondering for some advice for what I should do after high school.

My career choice is a Marine biologist, and i am wondering where should i start out. My dad's boss suggested that I go into the Air Force, he said that it would really help me out. I have been researching the Air force, and even though I never saw myself doing this before, I really like the sound of it. I think it really would be good for me. My question is, will it really help me out for my career choice in Marine Biology. Some people have told me so but I would like an experts opinion.

If you don't know for sure then that's quite alright, I will try to ask another expert.

I would really apreciate the information if you have some. Thank you for your time.  

Answer
Nathalie,

Congratulations on your upcoming graduation.  You are wise to begin planning your future early.
As you may have heard, a Bachelor's Degree in any subject will qualify you to enter any branch of the Services as an officer.  I have a friend who has a degree in Forestry and joined the Marine Corps as a Communications-Electronics officer.  Unfortunately he'll never use his Forestry degree, but it got him into the USMC.

You've chosen an exciting and challenging career field, so if you really wish to actually use your degree and become a Marine Biologist, I'd have to recommend the Navy.  The Navy uses Marine Biologists extensively in various programs like the Navy Marine Mammal Program (NMMP).  They train dolphins and other marine mammals to locate sea mines, to stand guard at harbors and ships, and to detect enemy scuba divers.  The Navy discovered that bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions were the best to work with.  These animals have their own full-time staff of veterinarians, veterinarian technicians, and marine biologists.

For a good video about dolphins’ special missions for the Navy go to:
http://content.yudu.com/A1npu2/MOAA0610/resources/60.htm

Although I'm partial to the Air Force, I wouldn't recommend it to a Marine Biologist.  You'll never get to use your college training.

Colonel H