Military Entomologist Career Profile
- Career Name - Military Entomologist
- Category - Health
- Skills Required - Life skills 40% - Career skills 60%
- Basic School Subjects - Biology, Science, Language
- Minimum Required Education - Bachelor's Degree
- Species Worked With - Insects
- Kind of Interaction with Animals - Direct
Do you want to work as a military entomologist?
READ: This page helps you to read about the career and the info you need to decide on whether this is indeed the career you want to follow.
RESEARCH: ​Learn about the skills required and minimum subjects to enter this career, as well as the places where you can study further after school.
PREPARE: If you want to plan and prepare for your career, then join the OZT Community! Members have access to tools while chatting with other students and experts from around the world. Prepare to be amazed!
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UPDATED:
5 August 2024
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What is a Military Entomologist?
A military entomologist uses the knowledge gained on insects to research new infectious diseases and keep military personnel healthy from these diseases. They are uniformed officers who are part of a team of preventative medicine professionals.
Alternative Names
Military entomologists may be known by several alternative names, reflecting their specialised roles and the contexts in which they work. Some of these alternative names include:
Preventive Medicine Officer:
In some military contexts, these officers are responsible for a range of health protection activities, including Entomology and pest control.
Public Health Entomologist:
Works on broader public health issues, including those relevant to military populations.
Environmental Health Officer:
In some military branches, this role includes responsibilities related to entomology and the management of health risks posed by insects.
Each of these titles highlights a particular aspect of the work that military entomologists do, often within the broader framework of public health and preventive medicine in the military.
Career Categories
The Military Entomologist career can be found within the following OZT career categories:
- Health
History?
Hundreds of entomologists enlisted in the US military during WW2 to help protect the troops
Deadly insects?
Mosquitos are possibly enemy number 1 for military troops
What does a Military Entomologist do?
Groups of animals a Military Entomologist works with
What is the level of Interaction with the Animals?
- Directly - A person works directly with the animals with some form of physical contact at least once every few days
- Indirectly - The career doesn't require direct or physical contact at all.
With who does a Military Entomologist work?
Besides working with all of the animals, Military Entomologists will need to interact with other people while doing their daily tasks. The people might include fellow staff members or the public.
Fellow staff might include:
- Senior Ranked Officers
- Operational staff, such as Human Resources, Finance and Maintenance
What does a Military Entomologist focus on?
The main focus of military entomologists is to study the possible infectious diseases that insects may carry, so that the military can take preventative measures in keeping its personnel (home and abroad) healthy.
What are the daily tasks of a Military Entomologist?
- Collect and inspect insects found at different bases
- Research the possible diseases insects may carry
- Train personnel on preventative measures
- Providing technical advice in safeguarding troops
- Design an appropriate surveillance strategy against Zoonotic diseases
- Administration and filing
Working conditions of a Military Entomologist?
Where does a Military Entomologist work?
Environment –
Military entomologists work equal amounts indoors and outdoors. Much of the field work will entail collecting insects and samples, and researching insect diseases and preventative repellents. Scientific analysis of these insects takes place within a laboratory.
Places of Employment –
They are mainly employed by government, private law firms, forensic laboratories.
What is the average annual salary of a Military Entomologist work?
They can earn a yearly average of US$65,000 per year. The salary will also differ from country to country.
Can a Military Entomologist be promoted?
They do have the opportunity to be promoted within the unit or department, or join a different organization at a higher position.
The possible promotions will depend on the ranking within the military.
What kind of difficulties can a Military Entomologist face?
They also work long hours, in difficult conditions, and might need to travel frequently.
Future Growth and Possibilities
​The future growth of the sector is growing at around 8% per year.
Which Skills are required by a Military Entomologist?
The skills required for a career as a military entomologist can be divided into two very important groups. The first is the group containing life skills, which are the core skills that are necessary or desirable for full participation in everyday life. The second group is career skills, or the specific skills required to allow a person to enter and operate effectively within a specific career. Some or maybe even all of the life skills can assist in strengthening the career skills, and they might even be the same for specific careers.
Life Skills
- Self-awareness
- Empathy
- Critical thinking
- Creative thinking
- Decision making
- Problem Solving
- Effective communication
- Interpersonal relationship
Career Skills
- Excellent customer service skills
- Good health and physical fitness
- Excellent computer literacy
Which Subjects must I have at School to help prepare for this career?
Biology will be a good subject at School as a foundation for future studies in entomology
Science is a foundational subject and required by many colleges and universities for standard admission
Language as a subject is key for you to understand more about communication.
The subjects you choose at school are important as they lay the foundation for further studies at college or university. While still at school, it’s also important to learn more about the animals you will work with, as well as gain some experience.
OZT has a list of various tertiary institutions where you can study further, after school. Each of these institutions also have their own Group page on OZT where you will find the exact subjects they require of you to have passed in school. Keep these requirements in mind, and discuss it with your school, guidance counselor and parents to ensure that you are prepared!
What will I need to Study to become a Military Entomologist?
Minimum Requirements
The minimum international requirements is a Bachelor’s Degree, although certain countries do require further studies up to a Doctorate Degree. The average entry qualification is a Master’s Degree.
Study Focus
Majors –
The following majors can be taken biosecurity, parasitology, entomology.
Short Courses –
Many colleges have excellent short courses in entomology.
Study Duration
The duration of a Bachelor’s Degrees can be up to 3 or 4 years, with an additional 3 plus years for masters and Doctorate. Short Courses are usually between a few weeks and a year.
FREE Career Preparation Path
If this is your dream career that you want to pursue, then it’s important to plan the way forward.
Why is planning important?
​To ensure that you understand the requirements for your career, and that you are always prepared for the next step on the road towards your dream. A preparation path is like a road map to where you want to be.
Possible Paths:
1. Attend Career Guidance Sessions
Participate in career counseling sessions to understand the role and responsibilities of a military entomologist. Seek advice from school counselors or professionals in the field about the educational and career pathways.
2. Research All Possible Careers
Explore various careers in entomology, public health, and military science. Look into related fields like medical entomology, vector control, and pest management to understand the scope of the profession.
3. Explore Educational Paths
Investigate colleges and universities that offer strong programs in biology, entomology, and related sciences. Consider ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) programmes that combine military training with college education.
4. Align High School Subjects with the Educational Path
Focus on taking courses in biology, chemistry, and mathematics to build a strong foundation in the sciences. Participate in advanced placement (AP) courses if available, particularly in science subjects.
5. Obtain a High School Diploma or Equivalent
Ensure completion of all required high school courses to graduate with a diploma. Maintain a strong GPA to improve chances of college admission.
6. Learn About Animals That You Will Work With
Study insects and their interactions with humans and the environment. Participate in science fairs or projects focused on entomology.
7. Align Post-School Path with Either Entering a Career/Job Directly, Studying Further, or Starting a Business
Plan to attend college and possibly graduate school to specialize in entomology. Consider the military path, which may include enlisting and later applying for specialised training.
8. Gain Experience Through Volunteering, Internships, Mentorship, Etc.
Volunteer at local universities, museums, or government agencies that conduct entomological research. Seek internships in laboratories or with pest control companies. Find a mentor in the field of entomology or a related area.
9. Pursue Extracurricular Activities
Join science clubs, participate in environmental or biology clubs, and engage in relevant community service. Compete in science competitions or Olympiads to deepen your knowledge and experience.
10. Join Professional Associations
Become a student member of organizations like the Entomological Society of America (ESA) or the American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA).
Attend conferences and networking events hosted by these associations.
11. Gain Specialised Skills
Develop skills in scientific research, data analysis, and laboratory techniques. Learn about pest control methods and the use of insecticides and repellents. Gain familiarity with military protocols and public health practices.
12. Network with Professionals
Connect with professionals in the field through internships, conferences, and online forums. Seek informational interviews to learn about their career paths and advice for aspiring entomologists.
13. Enter the Job Market After Finishing Tertiary Studies or Launch a Business
Apply for positions in the military, research institutions, public health departments, or private companies specialising in pest control. Consider enlisting in the military and pursuing a path as a Preventive Medicine Officer or a related role.
14. Stay Updated and Pursue Continuing Education
Keep up with the latest research and developments in entomology and pest management.
Pursue continuing education opportunities, such as additional certifications, workshops, or advanced degrees.
By following this comprehensive path, a high school student can effectively prepare for a rewarding career as a military entomologist.
Possible Combined Career Paths
It is possible to sometimes combine two or more related careers. This normally happens when you study and practice a specific main career, but the knowledge and experience gained also help you to have a paying hobby or secondary income career.
Possible Alternatives (there are a lot more):
Training and apprenticeship
Even though it is important to study to get into some of the animal careers, most of the skills you will need as a military entomologist will be acquired through practice. This means that you will learn how to perform some of the daily tasks by actually doing it a few times and learning the steps.
In some cases entry level positions require training sessions even before you are allowed to actually perform your job duties. These sessions are offered by the place of employment, after you have successfully applied.
Join the Military Entomologists Group in the OZT Community to learn more and even interact with the educational institutions that will help you secure your dream career!
Average level of education of all the people who enter the career
Licenses, Certificate, Registration and Professional Associations
Certain animal careers require some form of legal certification to prove that you can indeed do the work, and work with the necessary equipment.
Certifications might be required in certain countries, and it may help workers establish their credentials and enhance their skills.
Learn more about requirements by joining OZT.
Professional Associations
Where can I study further?
All of the above information will help you understand more about the Career, including the fact that there are different paths to take to reach it. But if you are almost done with High School (Grades 11 or 12), you also need to start thinking about further studies, and WHERE you will study.
See the List of Universities, Colleges and Online Training Academies who offer courses towards forensics and entomology.
How do I start to prepare for this Career?
If you do decide on following this career, then OZT can assist you in figuring out a path to prepare, as well as help you to gain further knowledge about the career and the animals you will be working with. We do this by offering you FREE career development tools. There are almost a dozen free tools, but these are the three primary ones:
CAREER PATH PLAN
Use the career path plan above on this profile as an example to follow, or to work out your own path.
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SHORT COURSES
Access easy-to-use short courses to make your career preparation easier! The basic information in each course is free, but the rewards can only be unlocked as an OZT member!
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STUDY GUIDE
Get a supercharged study guide that fits into the career path plan! Now that's really upping your preparation game! Join us for free to gain access!
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But, if you are still uncertain about choosing this specific career, and even where to start, then have a look at our special series of WHAT NEXT courses (link below). They take you through all of the questions you might have on how to choose the right career, what to do while at and after school, and even how to start your own business.
Join the OZT community & Career Group
Join us as a special member and learn more about becoming a military entomologist.
Members of the Platform have special access to:
- Info on the best places where you can study (colleges, universities and online)
- Expertly designed advice to prepare you for the career, and links to places where you can gain valuable experience. For some career experience is necessary, otherwise you wont get the job!
- Top notch info on each of the different species you will work with
- Make friends around the world and share knowledge
- Compete and win points, badges, games, prizes and certificates. Be the best of the best, while you learn and prepare!
If you have decided on being a Military Entomologist, please click on the JOIN GROUP button. Members will be directed to the Group, while non-members will be assisted to register first.
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