<p>I currently plan on entering the Marine Corps after graduation on a ground contract. Needless to say, I don't think I will spend much time working on design projects or math. My worry is that if I spend five or so years in the Marines I may forget how to do fundamental engineering things like differentials and mechanics. Does anyone in the field know of people who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces and then retired to start a new career in engineering?</p>
<p>After graduating from college? Why don't you get a job as an engineer in the Marines -- imagine the job ops you will have with that kind of background. Or if the marines don't want engineers I'm sure the airforce will take you. If you're still in college see if the ROTC (or the airforce ROTC is willing to foot the bill for your education, especially an engineer. Contact them is my advice.)</p>
<p>I am actually at a U.S. Service Academy so the tuition and food and clothing etc... are all covered. I am thinking of going a combat engineering route, but if I don't get that type of billet (there are no guarentees as to what job I will get) then what?</p>
<p>I served in the Navy. I can attest that there are wide-ranging engineering and high-tech jobs for you when you leave the service. You will carry with you terrific credibility if you want to work on advanced designs. And, the military is always an early adopter of new technologies. Your military service is far more valuable than the years you would spend as a junior engineer in a big engineering firm. </p>
<p>And, by the way, from a veteran, thank you for considering service to our country.</p>