Roles in the nuclear research in the military?

Hello all! I have a deep interest in nuclear sciences and I'm considering opportunities in the military related to nuclear research. What branch would be most suitable for this pursuit, and what might those roles look like?

The most direct option for you in the military with interest in nuclear sciences would be the U.S. Navy, specifically the Navy Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate (NUPOC) program. This program is specifically designed to train officers to serve on Navy nuclear-powered ships such as submarines and aircraft carriers, which use highly sophisticated nuclear reactors for propulsion.

Officers in the Nuclear Propulsion Program work directly with nuclear reactors and the associated systems. They oversee operations, maintenance, safety measures, and the crew that runs the equipment. This could involve anything from managing reactor startup and shutdown to repairing and maintaining reactor equipment.

An important note, however, is that this route is more operational and hands-on in nature. If you are looking for something more research-oriented or high-level theoretical work in nuclear sciences, you might want to consider positions in the Department of Defense (DoD) or Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute (AFFRI), where you might have opportunities to work on research related to nuclear technologies or their biological effects.

Another avenue is the Air Force, which recently reestablished its Nuclear Research and Development Squadron whose mission is focused on the innovation and technological advancements in nuclear science that encompasses military research, hardware design, and system implementation.

Just remember, paths in the military may require a significant commitment of service, so be sure to research thoroughly and talk with recruiting officers to clearly understand commitments, requirements, and benefits of each option.