What path would one need to take to become a military scientist?

What sort of path should one take to be a scientist in the military? Is it better to join the military and work towards a doctorate, or is it better to get your advanced degrees and then join the military?





Also, if you already have advanced science degrees, is there a different entrance path when you join the military, or is it the same as if you just walked into a recruiter's office off the street?





And finally, which branches have heavy science divisions? My scientific leanings are toward physics and astrophysics.|||If you already have your science degrees, go to a Recruiter, I would suggest Air Force with your background, tell them you wish to apply to Officer Training School. This is where you will get Officer Basic Training and your commission. You can ask for and most likely get an assignment in the fields you stated with relative ease.


Have you thought about applying as a civilian directly with NASA or the Federal Government?





Air Force Officer Training School (OTS)|||The navy would be a better choice. My ex-husband's uncle attended MIT and became an officer teaching physics at a nuclear power school.





Just go in with your Bachelor's degree and let the navy pay the rest of your education.|||Earn your PhD, then join the military.