Does "aerospace" = "military" these days?
Does "aerospace" = "military" these days?
(OP)
Hello everyone,
First, I just have to say... this is a great forum *thumbs up*. I've been on Eng-Tips (and Tek-Tips) for a while, but only now discovered this one - and it's been very useful in helping me plan some important future life/career steps. Hopefully the question I have now is appropriate for it..!
My question is... well, basically, the title of my post. I got a B.S. in aerospace, then proceeded to a Ph.D. in aerospace, and discovered along the way that research is absolutely NOT what I thought it was or what I want to do. I'd like to do engineering, not academic research. However, for personal (ethical) reasons, I don't want to work on military projects. These days, these two factors seem like an oxymoron - virtually all the job postings I see in AE nowadays are for military stuff. But I can't be sure... and this is why I'm hoping for some insight from the experts here.
Thanks for any insight!
--Michael
First, I just have to say... this is a great forum *thumbs up*. I've been on Eng-Tips (and Tek-Tips) for a while, but only now discovered this one - and it's been very useful in helping me plan some important future life/career steps. Hopefully the question I have now is appropriate for it..!
My question is... well, basically, the title of my post. I got a B.S. in aerospace, then proceeded to a Ph.D. in aerospace, and discovered along the way that research is absolutely NOT what I thought it was or what I want to do. I'd like to do engineering, not academic research. However, for personal (ethical) reasons, I don't want to work on military projects. These days, these two factors seem like an oxymoron - virtually all the job postings I see in AE nowadays are for military stuff. But I can't be sure... and this is why I'm hoping for some insight from the experts here.
Thanks for any insight!
--Michael





RE: Does "aerospace" = "military" these days?
What is your definition of "Aerospace"?
RE: Does "aerospace" = "military" these days?
Aerospace engineering exist to find better cheaper ways to kill others.
If we were truly peacful creatures we be living like hobits or something living living in caves using flint knives.
RE: Does "aerospace" = "military" these days?
BJC: Well, I had the feeling that civilian aerospace - commercial fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, space exploration - used to be very strong, and still was when I was choosing my career path. As for technology being spurred on by the desire to kill others... is that really the first driving force that comes to mind? I've always felt technology was created mainly to improve the quality of life, to do something good. I don't remember anything in the engineering code of ethics that talks about better killing of people...
Thanks for the input,
--Michael
RE: Does "aerospace" = "military" these days?
Frank
RE: Does "aerospace" = "military" these days?
Aerospace doesn't necessarily mean military but it has a large impact. Companies such as Cessna, Lear, Bombardier and Raytheon all build smaller non-military targeted aircraft. Does the military own some of these companies' aircraft? Most definitely. You are working in an area where after commercial aircraft, corporate aircraft, and personal aircraft the remainder is public sector aircraft which takes up a large portion of the business.
Military uses has driven aircraft research and development ever since WW-1. Much of this research, works with today's commercial aircraft.
If you have a moral dilemma go to work with a company which targets their aircraft for non-military uses knowing full well some of the aircraft will be used by the military for these same non-military purposes.
RE: Does "aerospace" = "military" these days?
Regards,
RE: Does "aerospace" = "military" these days?
RE: Does "aerospace" = "military" these days?
Based on your response to my question "define aerospace", you seem to have taken offense. I am simply asking because off the top of my head I was able to think of several non-military “aerospace” projects. Since you are a PhD in Aerospace, you of all people would be able to define “aerospace”; perhaps I have mistakenly been in the non-aerospace field for over 20 years.
To answer your question, no. “Aerospace” does not equal “military”. If your concern is using your talents for military application, there are always the civilian ends of the big aerospace corporations; there is NASA/JPL, ESA etc.
RE: Does "aerospace" = "military" these days?
RE: Does "aerospace" = "military" these days?
There are many aplications to Aerospace engineering that do not include military applications. Just use your imagination. There is probably some sort of need out there.
RE: Does "aerospace" = "military" these days?
"F16 's sale to Pakistan saves 5000 US jobs."
http://sif
Please refer to this news item . Aeronautics= Military sales= US jobs
RE: Does "aerospace" = "military" these days?
RE: Does "aerospace" = "military" these days?
RE: Does "aerospace" = "military" these days?
Back to the original question ...
Good Luck
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As a circle of light increases so does the circumference of darkness around it. - Albert Einstein