5 answers
Chad
Student
27
Questions
Asked
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How can studying zoology as a career help in understanding animal behavior, and how can the skills gained in the military be useful in wildlife conservation or animal research ?
I have done a little military and want to know any tips or advice on this.
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5 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1328
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Alright, Chad, so combining zoology and military experience sounds like the origin story of either a legendary wildlife expert or the next action movie hero.
Zoology: I like to say is the Art of Not Getting Eaten
Studying zoology is basically leveling up your "understanding wild creatures so they don’t maul you" skills. You’ll learn:
✔️ Why animals do what they do (a.k.a. why that lion is staring at you like a snack)
✔️ How ecosystems work (spoiler: everything is connected, even that weird bug you ignored)
✔️ Conservation methods (saving animals from extinction = superhero move)
But here’s where your military background kicks in...
How Military Skills Help in Zoology & Conservation
1. Navigation & Survival Skills – You’ve already trained to survive in unpredictable environments. Now, swap enemy ambushes for elephant stampedes and mosquito armies, and you’re golden.
2. Discipline & Patience – Whether it’s a stakeout in enemy territory or waiting 12 hours for a rare bird to blink, patience is key. Plus, tracking animals is basically recon with less gunfire.
3. Tactical Thinking – You’re trained to assess situations, react fast, and adapt. Whether it’s handling unpredictable wildlife or managing conservation efforts, this skill makes you a field expert.
4. Leadership & Teamwork – Conservation projects often involve working in teams, leading efforts, and keeping people and animals in check. Think of it as commanding a unit—except the recruits might be rhinos.
5. Physical Endurance – Trekking through the jungle, climbing mountains, or wrestling a GPS tracker onto a confused wolf? No problem—you’ve handled worse.
Bonus Career Paths because you might think you need em.
With your mix of zoology and military skills, you could:
✔️ Work in wildlife conservation (protect animals from poachers & habitat loss)
✔️ Become a field researcher (observe animal behavior in the wild like a pro spy)
✔️ Train in wildlife enforcement (park ranger with a mission—cue dramatic music)
✔️ Do veterinary fieldwork (helping injured animals, sometimes in remote areas)
Final Tippie tip!
Your military mindset gives you an edge. Use that discipline, strategy, and survival training, and you’ll go from “just another zoology student” to “guy who can track a jaguar while setting up a conservation plan and surviving off MREs”.
Now go forth and be the Rambo of Wildlife Conservation Chad. 😎
Zoology: I like to say is the Art of Not Getting Eaten
Studying zoology is basically leveling up your "understanding wild creatures so they don’t maul you" skills. You’ll learn:
✔️ Why animals do what they do (a.k.a. why that lion is staring at you like a snack)
✔️ How ecosystems work (spoiler: everything is connected, even that weird bug you ignored)
✔️ Conservation methods (saving animals from extinction = superhero move)
But here’s where your military background kicks in...
How Military Skills Help in Zoology & Conservation
1. Navigation & Survival Skills – You’ve already trained to survive in unpredictable environments. Now, swap enemy ambushes for elephant stampedes and mosquito armies, and you’re golden.
2. Discipline & Patience – Whether it’s a stakeout in enemy territory or waiting 12 hours for a rare bird to blink, patience is key. Plus, tracking animals is basically recon with less gunfire.
3. Tactical Thinking – You’re trained to assess situations, react fast, and adapt. Whether it’s handling unpredictable wildlife or managing conservation efforts, this skill makes you a field expert.
4. Leadership & Teamwork – Conservation projects often involve working in teams, leading efforts, and keeping people and animals in check. Think of it as commanding a unit—except the recruits might be rhinos.
5. Physical Endurance – Trekking through the jungle, climbing mountains, or wrestling a GPS tracker onto a confused wolf? No problem—you’ve handled worse.
Bonus Career Paths because you might think you need em.
With your mix of zoology and military skills, you could:
✔️ Work in wildlife conservation (protect animals from poachers & habitat loss)
✔️ Become a field researcher (observe animal behavior in the wild like a pro spy)
✔️ Train in wildlife enforcement (park ranger with a mission—cue dramatic music)
✔️ Do veterinary fieldwork (helping injured animals, sometimes in remote areas)
Final Tippie tip!
Your military mindset gives you an edge. Use that discipline, strategy, and survival training, and you’ll go from “just another zoology student” to “guy who can track a jaguar while setting up a conservation plan and surviving off MREs”.
Now go forth and be the Rambo of Wildlife Conservation Chad. 😎
Dawn Childs
outreach
4
Answers
Cedar Island, NC
Updated
Dawn’s Answer
Numerous federal wildlife research projects are actively taking place on military bases. Search Department of Interior and Department of Commerce, minimally.
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
903
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
I believe that studying zoology can greatly help in understanding animal behavior because it focuses on how animals interact with their environment, communicate, and adapt. It is my understanding that zoology covers everything from the biology of animals to their social structures and behaviors in the wild. By learning about animal behavior, you can work in fields like wildlife conservation, animal research, or even animal rehabilitation. Zoologists use observation and research techniques to study patterns in animals, which helps protect endangered species, manage habitats, and ensure ecosystems remain balanced.
As a US Army Vet, I firmly believe that the skills you gained in the military can be incredibly useful in wildlife conservation or animal research. As a Vet, I can tell you that many military veterans have strong leadership, discipline, problem-solving, and teamwork skills, all of which are valuable in conservation work. For example, veterans often work in field research teams where discipline and strategic planning are needed to study animals in their natural habitats. Your ability to work in tough or remote environments could be a perfect fit for wildlife conservation, where research often requires being in the field for long periods, tracking animals, and working with others to gather important data.
If you’re looking for tips or advice, start by looking into programs like the Veterans Conservation Corps - https://www.dva.wa.gov/veterans-conservation-corps, which helps veterans transition into conservation roles. You can also check out job opportunities or internships with organizations like the Wildlife Conservation Society - https://www.wcs.org or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - https://www.fws.gov. Combining your military skills with a zoology background can open doors to impactful careers in protecting and studying wildlife.
As a US Army Vet, I firmly believe that the skills you gained in the military can be incredibly useful in wildlife conservation or animal research. As a Vet, I can tell you that many military veterans have strong leadership, discipline, problem-solving, and teamwork skills, all of which are valuable in conservation work. For example, veterans often work in field research teams where discipline and strategic planning are needed to study animals in their natural habitats. Your ability to work in tough or remote environments could be a perfect fit for wildlife conservation, where research often requires being in the field for long periods, tracking animals, and working with others to gather important data.
If you’re looking for tips or advice, start by looking into programs like the Veterans Conservation Corps - https://www.dva.wa.gov/veterans-conservation-corps, which helps veterans transition into conservation roles. You can also check out job opportunities or internships with organizations like the Wildlife Conservation Society - https://www.wcs.org or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - https://www.fws.gov. Combining your military skills with a zoology background can open doors to impactful careers in protecting and studying wildlife.
You rock! This advice is very helpful.
Chad
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
400
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Hi Chad - I was intrigued by your second question so I will focus mostly on that. It turns out that there is a large correlation, if you focus on skills versus knowledge. By skills, I mean such things as leadership, team work, organization, creativity, etc. The first three links below provide further detail, and I also note that they have recruitment efforts and support systems for veterans.
By knowledge, I mean such things as how certain equipment works and can be fixed and familiarity with certain geographical regions and their animals and plants. Some knowledge may be transferable, but it is all right if it is not. You could gain the knowledge you need in new roles.
Going back to your first question, animal behavior is a subset of zoology. So studying zoology will help you learn a lot about animal behavior. The last link below provides further detail.
Good luck!
Nature Conservancy - https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/military/
US Fish & Wildlife - https://www.fws.gov/story/2022-11/working-serve-working-service
US Insider - https://usinsider.com/from-service-to-stewardship-the-role-of-military-skills-in-environmental-conservation-efforts/
US News on Zoology - https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/zoology-major-overview
By knowledge, I mean such things as how certain equipment works and can be fixed and familiarity with certain geographical regions and their animals and plants. Some knowledge may be transferable, but it is all right if it is not. You could gain the knowledge you need in new roles.
Going back to your first question, animal behavior is a subset of zoology. So studying zoology will help you learn a lot about animal behavior. The last link below provides further detail.
Good luck!
Martha recommends the following next steps:
Bright Komor
Nurse
261
Answers
Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Updated
Bright’s Answer
Studying zoology helps in understanding animal behavior by teaching you about different species, their ecosystems, and their interactions, which can aid in better conservation practices and wildlife research. Military skills like leadership, discipline, teamwork, and problem-solving can be extremely useful in fields like wildlife conservation and animal research. Veterans often excel in managing projects, working in challenging environments, and staying focused under pressure—qualities that are crucial in the field of wildlife conservation. With some education and training in zoology, your military experience can provide a strong foundation for making a positive impact in the field.
Thank you, Bright for the advice.
Chad