Astronauts and the Military

Hey all, I'm a high school junior with dreams of becoming an astronaut. I've read about many astronauts starting their careers in the military. Just wanted to clarify, do astronauts generally come under a military branch or they're all civilian?

You bring up an excellent point about the career path of many astronauts. Historically, a considerable number of NASA astronauts have indeed started their career in the military, but this does not mean that all astronauts are part of the military. NASA's astronaut program is open to both military and civilian applicants. It's important to note that the military training, particularly in fields like aviation and engineering, can provide valuable skills and experiences that are relevant in space, which might explain the military background of many astronauts.

That said, one does not need to be in the military to become an astronaut. Civilian astronauts often come from a variety of science-related fields, including physics, biology, chemistry, geology, or astronomy, and some even hold degrees in medicine. Regardless of whether they come from a military background or not, all astronauts go through a rigorous training program upon joining NASA.

In summary, while many astronauts do start their careers in one of the branches of the military, it is not a requirement, and many also come from civilian careers. So if you're interested in becoming an astronaut, there are many paths available to you! Pursue the fields that interest you most, strive for excellence in your academics and trainings, and always keep exploring.