Civilian or Officer?

Question

Is it better to join the military through OCS to become a Research Engineer, if possible, or should I try to get a job as a civilian engineer?

Please explain your reasoning

Yes I money would be better as a civilian, but besides that? I am 23, BS, in EE, with wife and 5 yr old daughter.

Answer 1

You could do both.  We always need good officer's, so being an Army brat and working as a civilian for the Navy, you could do either and have a comfortable satisfying career.

Answer 2

Well, there are several things to consider, for instance, which branch of service are you thinking of?  Also, remember, you can sign a contract to become a "Research Engineer" and if things go down hill in Iraq or else where, being a research engineer might not be what you'd expect.  "For the good of the service" you can be working in a  billet that is no way related to engineering.  Also, the military can reassign you to where they want you, at pretty much any time...  And, if you're not really wanting to be in the military, then don't join.  You'll get no respect from the enlisted men if they find out that you were just desperate for a job.  If I had a wife and 5 year old daughter, I would be trying to stay as close to them as possible.  Have you checked the divorce rate lately for guys in the military?  Especially those coming back from Iraq?  And don't be fooled by the upcoming election, there are a lot more places in the world where trouble is brewing that could warrant troops before you know it.  I wouldn't even consider the military, unless it was a life time dream of mine.  Go civilian.