Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 3/31/2011

Question
Dr. Howell,

My grandfather was in the navy and I always thought of a career in the military, however I also wanted to pursue a science career. Right now I'm a senior at Penn State University and I'm about to graduate with a biochemistry degree. I've applied to many PhD programs for pharmacology and have been accepted at a few places but I have not accepted yet. I was interested by what you had to say about biochemists working in the military as well as the research and development fields in the Navy. I'm not sure how to explain this over an email, but I've always felt with my leadership qualities that the military could help me accomplish more of my potential than just a lab in a university. What kind of credentials are needed for these positions and can I still apply to them? Is there any other information you can give me about science careers in the military?

Thank you,
Chris

Answer
Chris,
The military has many opportunities for biochemists.  Almost every base or post has a biochemist who is responsible for 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.  The military also has huge stockpiles of Meals, Ready-to-Eat (MREs) sitting in warehouses on every base, in case of war.  Biochemists inspect and sample these MREs every month to ensure are suitable for use by our soldiers.  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,.

As a base commander, I have two biochemists on my base, both female.  One of them is a key member of my Battle Staff and she reports to me when people or equipment are contaminated with a biological agent and determines when it is safe to resume outdoor activities after an attack (simulated in peacetime).

I also have a biochemist on my base who works as a Forensic Toxicologist.  I recently "loaned" her to the local state police to help in a murder investigation.  She analyzed blood, hair, and saliva samples to assist in identifying the murderer.  This is the twelfth case she has helped solve and I'm proud to say so far she has a 100% record of successfully putting the right guy behind bars.  Her day-to-day job is working with my lawyers on environmental law and my military judges as a member of courts-martial proceedings.

All branches of the military have biochemists as academic instructors at the military academies.
The Navy is also a large employer of biochemists, mostly for Research & Development.  They have several research facilities where their biochemists work in laboratories to develop new ways to detect biological weapons, or sometimes to develop bacteria that can "eat" chemical weapons, thus making them safe.  They also study the chemistry of living processes to find the causes of diseases such as cancer, arthritis, and heart disease.  Plus they develop better ways to process, store, and use foods, drugs, and chemical compounds, develop and test new drugs, and develop new tests to detect diseases, genetic disorders, and other abnormalities.

All the credentials you need are your Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry.  The military will provide you with any specific training you may need, and probably more than you'd ever get anywhere else.

I think you'll enjoy being a biochemist in the military.  Best of luck in whatever you choose, and thanks for thinking of the military as a career.
Colonel H