How can I pursue a career as a military ship engineer?

I've been thinking about becoming a military ship engineer. Can anyone share what kind of education or experience is needed for this path? Is it different from civilian ship engineering?

To pursue a career as a military ship engineer, here are some steps you might consider:

1. High School Preparation: This career often begins with a solid foundation in high school. You'll want to take advanced coursework in math and science, particularly physics, calculus and mechanical drawing if available.

2. Post-Secondary Education: Military ship engineers generally have a bachelor’s degree in marine engineering, marine systems engineering, or a related field. You might consider the United States Naval Academy, the United States Coast Guard Academy, or one of the state maritime academies, which offer degrees with a focus on marine engineering or naval architecture. These programs often combine classroom learning with cooperative work experiences, giving you both theoretical understanding and practical skills.

3. Naval Officer Training: Many military ship engineers are commissioned naval officers. If you attend a service academy, you'll receive this training as part of your education. If you attend a civilian college, you may participate in ROTC or apply for Officer Candidate School after graduation.

4. Job Training: Once you're in the military, you'll usually continue training on-the-job. This might involve attending specialized training programs or serving as an assistant to an experienced ship engineer.

5. Licensing: Military ship engineers do not typically require licensure. However, if you want to transition to civilian ship engineering later, professional engineering (PE) licensure will be advantageous. It requires work experience and passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and the Professional Engineering (PE) exam.

Indeed, this path is somewhat different from civilian ship engineering. In the military, ship engineers often operate in combat or emergency situations, necessitating specialized training and responsibilities. They need to familiarize themselves with military protocols and combat readiness, which is unlike civilian ship engineering. Additionally, they might gain exposure to cutting-edge technologies not yet available within the civilian sector.

But remember, while the path I've outlined above is a common one, there are multiple ways into a career as a military ship engineer. It won't hurt to reach out to people who are already in the roles you aspire to, as they can provide you with more specific guidance and insights.