Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 2/25/2011

Question
Hi Mark,

I am studying for my Psychology Phd in London, as an American, and I was wondering what types of jobs I could get in the army and how I would enter the military i.e. OCS or direct commission. I was interested in Psychological Operations if that helps.

Thanks

Answer
Memphis,
Congratulations on pursuing an advanced degree!  That's something very few people can achieve and puts you in an elite class.

As you can imagine, if you wish to actually use your degree in Psychology you will almost certainly end up in the medical career field.  If you'd rather not be a psychologist, then you can apply for almost any job you wish.

A direct commission is available mostly to physicians, lawyers, and chaplains, however there are a few exceptions from time to time.

Surprisingly, PSYOP officers usually have a baccalaureate degree in social/political science, not psychology.

PSYOPS officers must have either the ability to speak a foreign language, or score high on the
Defense Language Aptitude Battery, which means that they will teach you a foreign language (of their choice). Additionally they undergo extensive training and will be assigned to an Intelligence unit.  So it's not quite as glamorous as one might think.

If this sounds interesting to you, then pursue it.  If you have a second choice of jobs, you may wish to research that also.  Check out this site:
http://usmilitary.about.com/od/officerjob1/l/blaroffjobs.htm
for a list of jobs available and see what may interest you.  Then talk to an Army recruiter.

Thanks for considering a career in the military.
Colonel H