Psychologists
Background
Psychological research and treatment are important to national defense. Research can show how to improve military training, job assignment, and equipment design. Treatment can help personnel cope with stress. Psychologists conduct research on human behavior and treat patients with mental problems.
What They Do
Psychologists in the military perform some or all of the following duties:
- Conduct experiments to determine the best equipment design, work procedures, and training course content
- Conduct research on aptitude and job performance
- Conduct research on human and animal behavior, emotions, and thinking processes
- Direct research projects performed by outside contractors
- Give psychological tests and interpret results to diagnose patients' problems
- Treat patients individually and in groups
- Write research reports
Physical Demands
No information available.
Special Requirements
A four-year college degree in psychology is required to enter this career. Some specialties require a master's degree.
Helpful Attributes
Helpful attributes include:
- Desire to help others
- Interest in math and statistics
- Interest in scientific research
Helpful School Subjects
No information available.
Helpful Fields of Study
No information available.
Work Environment
Psychologists usually work in offices, hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities on land and aboard ships.
Services offering this career:
- Air Force
- Army
- Navy
Hiring Practices
To serve in the military, a person must be at least 17; the maximum age for enlistment varies. To enlist, a person must pass a physical exam and an aptitude test. An enlistee must also meet military standards of discipline and be a US citizen or permanent resident alien.
This position is for officers.
Wages
The military is competitive with the civilian world when it comes to pay and benefits. All branches offer the same basic pay and benefits.
Pay depends mainly on rank or grade as well as length of service. Bonuses and the situation in which the person is serving (for example: flight duty, sea duty, hazardous duty) also affect pay.
Cost-of-living increases usually occur every year, based on inflation. The military also pays allowances for food, clothing, and housing. All these factors combined are called Regular Military Compensation (RMC). They should all be considered when comparing military pay to civilian pay.
There are two main parts to RMC: basic pay and allowances. There are also additional incentives for special abilities, training, or hazardous duty.
Check out the RMC Calculator to calculate your RMC based on your inputs.
Training Provided
No initial job training is provided for officers in this career. Advanced courses are available in some specialties.
Civilian Counterparts
Some civilian psychologists treat patients in private practice, hospitals, school systems, and mental health centers. They are called clinical psychologists, counseling psychologists, or educational psychologists. Other civilian psychologists conduct research work for universities, research firms, and government agencies. They are called experimental psychologists, social psychologists, and psychometricians.
Related Civilian Careers
Employment and Outlook
In peace time the services have about 800 psychologists. In times of military action the number may be different, depending on the type of specialties required. Each year the services need new psychologists due to changes in personnel and the demands of the field. With experience, they may lead projects of their own. New clinical psychologists may treat patients in military clinics. Eventually, both research and clinical psychologists may become directors of offices or laboratories.