Who's a Weaponologist?
Have you wondered how guns fire or how missiles launch? Would you like to learn more about how these weapons are styled and used? Would you someday like to design your own unique weapon? If so, pursue a career in weaponology!
As the name suggests, a weaponologist is an expert in the field of weaponry and weapon technology. You would be responsible for developing, testing and managing weapons on behalf of the government or a private contractor. You would work on developing new weapons using the latest technology and identify ways to improve existing weapons to solidify the nation’s security.
What will you do?
Where will you work?
How do you get there?
What skills would you need?
Analytical and Data Skills
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Problem-solving Skills
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Technical Skills
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Attention to Detail
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Communication Skills
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build this skillHow do you make it to the top ranks?
Junior Engineer
At the most basic level, weaponologists are seen in military workshops or research and development labs, working on weapon designs or looking for ways to make the process cost-effective. Apart from assisting in the design and development of new weapons, you will also be responsible for generating ideas to improve existing weapons.
Senior Engineer
At this stage, you have a more active role to play in the manufacturing process of weapons and are likely to spend more time on production. Your responsibilities will include monitoring production and resolving any challenges faced in the process, testing the effectiveness of weapons, and supervising weapon engineers over the maintenance and repair of weapons and other equipment.
Project Manager
Over a period of time, your experience will enable you to oversee the development of many weaponeering projects within your organisation. You must ensure that all these projects are completed on time and within the allotted budget. At this stage, you can even get your licence and set up your own weapons manufacturing firm.
Weapons Expert
With your expertise in weaponology, you could also be hired by military schools or academies on a full-time or contractual basis. Your role would involve giving lectures and teaching students about weaponology or weapon engineering.
Pursuing your career locally VS abroad
Weapons engineering is not a common field of study in India and is usually pursued as a speciality of mechanical, chemical or electronic engineering. Thus, students pursue Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical, Chemical or Electronic Engineering for 4-5 years, followed by post-graduation options in Air Armament Engineering, Combat Vehicles Engineering, Guided Missiles Engineering, or Microwave and Radar Engineering. These courses are completed over a period of two years and cost from 2.5 to 6 lakhs, depending on the institute. Some of the best colleges in India to study weapon engineering include Defence Institute of Advanced Technology, Institute of Armament Technology, and College of Military Engineering, all of which are located in Pune.
Most institutes abroad provide education in weapons and firearms through military training, which is only limited to citizens of their countries. Indian students can approach private institutes such as the Cranfield Defense and Security (UK), University of Leeds (UK), Taylor’s University (Malaysia), University of Wolverhampton (UK), Steven’s Institute of Technology (USA), and American Military University (USA). Additionally, institutes in the US such as Berkeley University, Lansdale School of Business, and Florida Technical College offer options for education in ballistic studies, where students can learn about the development of firearms and gunpowder. These courses abroad cost up to 25 lakhs per year. Career options post-education are also limited to the private sector as only students with citizenship of these countries can pursue careers in the military, police, legal, or other governmental departments. Since the US is the largest exporter of armed weapons, opportunities are rife in the private sector.
How much would you get paid?
Your earning in the field would completely depend on your skill-set, education and the kind of company you are working with. If you start working with the government, you will have all the perks that other government officials enjoy. That said, we can give you a fair idea of how much you could make as a weaponologist.
What are your career options?
Research & Development
A large number of weaponologists work in military workshops or research and development labs, creating designs or devising ways to make weapons cost-effective. They are involved in the design and development of new weapons as well as generate new ideas to improve existing ones at minimal cost and with the latest technology.
Weaponry/Warfare/Military Studies
Weaponology aspirants who wish to become precision-military weapons specialists can benefit most by joining a branch of the military. In this way, they get a first-hand experience of the weapons required for various military strategies and can understand the requirements of military personnel in terms of weapon functionality, size, weight, etc.
Forensics and Ballistics
Students interested in crime scene forensics and ballistics can pursue work for the police force or any other private or government department. These candidates must be skilled analysing crime scenes in person or through acquired evidence. Subsequently, they work with the police force to determine which weapon was used to commit the crime.
Academia
Weaponologists can also pursue the path of education, working for a college or university that has a programme for weaponry or ballistics. These candidates give lectures and teach students about weaponology or weapon engineering. Some even become safety instructors, giving lessons on firearms safety to individuals or groups of gun enthusiasts.
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