How to get into weapon development for US military?
The US Military doesn't develop their own weapons. Private companies do. Look into Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, and Raytheon. Those are the largest US Military Tech Manufacturers. There are others too, but those 3 dominate US Military Tech. You're probably going to need a PhD in Physics & Chemical Engineering & Electrical Engineering, as well as a few other degrees, to actually get into Weapons Development. That's just a guess, but I know it's not easy. (And yes, people who do stuff like that really do have multiple PhDs)
What should I major in? Aeronautical Engineering or Political Science?
I have always had a deep interest for political science, currently I'm taking AP Government as a high school senior and love the class. I can genuinely say that I can see myself getting into politics after my military career. However, I have a PASSION for flying. My overall goal is to become a pilot in the military, it is my dream! Although I have had no exposure to an engineering class in the past, this major definitely brings up a lot curiosity in me. I know one might say, try one and if you don't like it simply switch majors. However, I am going to get my college education under an ROTC scholarship and have heard it is really hard to change majors when under a military scholarship. Please give me advice... Does aerospace engineering or aeronautical engineering have A LOT of math? Is it a really hard major? I have to decide what I'm going to be majoring in soon, since I am already in the process of applying to some schools.
I want to major in Aerospace Engineering, but I want to go to USMA at the same time. A little advice?
you should definitely choose a major that you love. it's going to be what defines your career path (for the most part) for the rest of your life. you better choose wisely. have you looked into the air force academy? the degree is just as prestigious as West Point, and they might have Aerospace Engineering. just a note. as someone who had debated this many years ago, there's not much of a difference between aerospace/aeronautical/mechanical engineering. you can use any of these degrees to work in the aerospace industry. i have a BS in mechanical engineering and work in the defense industry. many of my friends from college work in the aerospace industry, and others work as city engineers. i decided on a ME degree because it's a little more broad and doesn't pigeon hole me into aerospace, rather allows me to choose what i want to do. another note, the biggest thing that will determine what you will do for the rest of your life is the first 5 years of experience, which you will get through the military. hopefully you'll be getting experience doing something you really enjoy and when you leave/retire, you can continue doing that for the rest of your life and not hate it.