Hey guys, I'm a high school junior interested in becoming an instrumentation and controls (I&C) technician. I was wondering which branch of military usually has positions for an I&C technician? Any advice would be super helpful.
Hello! It's great to see that you're interested in becoming an instrumentation and controls (I&C) technician and are considering the military as one pathway to get there. Firstly, kudos to you for planning ahead!
To answer your question, each branch of the military has roles associated with instrumentation and controls, but they each have their own unique set of responsibilities and technologies they work with. The choice of branch depends on your personal interests and the kind of experience you're looking for.
The US Navy, for example, offers a wide range of positions for I&C technicians. Many of these jobs are within the nuclear operations field, where technicians work on maintaining and operating complex propulsion systems on naval submarines and aircraft carriers.
The US Air Force might have roles for I&C techs within aircraft maintenance and satellite communications. These positions would require working with sophisticated radar, radio, and weather equipment on air crafts or communication devices for missions.
The US Army has roles for Signal Support Systems Specialists, who work closely with upkeep, testing, and repair of the Army's complex communications systems.
Lastly, the US Space Force, the newest branch of the military, is also an exciting option. They work with satellite and space-based communication systems, which could also involve some form of instrumentation and controls technical work.
When considering a role in the military, be sure to research the education and training pathways for each role. Some roles might require you to attend a specific military school or complete certain training programs.
Remember, each branch has its own unique culture and mission. Consider meeting with a recruiter or other military personnel to discuss your interests and goals and they can help guide you on the best path for your career.
I hope this helps! Feel free to reach out if you have more questions. Best of luck with your decision-making process!
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