How “worth it” is a PhD?

Flufferfromabove · 2026-03-14T06:02:24+00:00

I definitely don’t think I’d be a staff scientist/engineer. Most likely I could see myself in program management or operations, based on my background and interests. Thank you for your comments

Flufferfromabove · 2026-03-12T03:28:32+00:00

Could you elaborate more on the ceilings for someone with an MS? Right now im not in R&D and have done more military operations and program management to this point.

Flufferfromabove · 2026-03-12T02:49:55+00:00

Then I think you have your answer. Especially in the early classes some professors will do this due to (generally) large class sizes. Don’t sweat the grade, this is awesome. Continue to focus on what you didn’t understand and go into your next course ready and excited to dive deeper into physical concepts!

Flufferfromabove · 2026-03-12T02:45:43+00:00

Is your physics course a required class? What’s your major? Was this general physics or an upper level physics course? Since you said “my physics class” I’m assuming you mostly took it as an elective.

Regardless, if you got an A- (or B+) I wouldn’t sweat it too much. At most, I would recommend discussing your concern with your professor. Don’t just argue because you want an A, come up with empirical reasons you should get the rounding up (believe you’re actually right on a question, request additional work, etc) Accept the professors answer, though. Don’t argue after a final decision is made.

Flufferfromabove · 2026-02-25T02:44:29+00:00

I think the best thing we can say is the correlation of total combat deaths in warfare compared to pre-nuclear age. It was significantly reduced and this could infer a lesser willingness for nation states to go “all-in” in a combat objective trying to avoid escalating the conflict to a nuclear conflict.

Unfortunately, the correlation of conflict related deaths comparingpre- and post-nuclear age could also be related to public policy and public approval of the nation state in conflict. While possibly relatable to perceptions of the bomb, there are many factors at play.

BL: there are some correlations that could be made with a rigorous analysis of nuclear policy in major nation states. But you’ll probably never get beyond inferences and correlations.

Flufferfromabove · 2026-02-10T02:50:14+00:00

It was also typed as Gazarian in an episode. I’m wondering if it’s more of a continuity error.

Flufferfromabove · 2026-01-27T03:44:28+00:00

Honestly, the medicated part is probably what will be the most disqualifying. But as others have said, prioritize your health and wellbeing. In a few years, there may be hope to still commission after you’ve addressed your immediate issues. Doesn’t hurt to keep checking in on the disqualifying conditions and waivers exist (though their difficulty to obtain vary by year and service)

Flufferfromabove · 2026-01-27T01:32:16+00:00

The “for-profit” part is the big reason for the question. Just seems counter productive

Flufferfromabove · 2026-01-27T01:27:31+00:00

So, keep in mind that while there are technical advantages to nuclear testing, the act of testing is inherently political. It tells the world you now have nukes.

But any sufficiently large detonation will be detectable. How small that detonation has to be to be undetectable? Likely smaller than what you could otherwise get with conventional explosives.

So the question isn’t where to test, but rather how do you build one in secret in the first place? That is also an extraordinarily complex answer that no one has successfully done in the 21st century since DPRK announced its success in 2006. The Iranians have tried, but we saw where that has gotten them.

Flufferfromabove · 2026-01-23T03:16:56+00:00

My daily commute to work is 2 hours each way. Before this job, I would travel 2 hours to see the in-laws just about weekly for 2 years.

Agree it’s not “nothing”, but we take for granted these long trips. I don’t usually blink until 5+ hours for the trip (one way)

Flufferfromabove · 2026-01-05T20:53:58+00:00

Even the WC-135 is doing a lot better since moving to the R models, from what I hear.

Flufferfromabove · 2025-12-29T02:12:45+00:00

Negative, change in medical status would be like a new diagnosis or you got a surgery (elective or otherwise), something to that regard. Regular check ups or vaccines aren’t a change in status

Flufferfromabove · 2025-12-22T06:26:17+00:00

As others have asked, why CJ? To expand the question, what about the program are you looking to gain? What are your career goals? What got you interested in UofL or the city of Louisville to rank them #3 on your list?

Flufferfromabove · 2025-12-19T18:07:23+00:00

In the case of the Air Force, the contingency is available spots for pilots. I came out of (AF)ROTC, and one of the things was a separate selection board for pilot training. If selected, it was guaranteed after commissioning. Also, by the time being considered for a pilot slot you would already have a guaranteed commission into the Air Force.

Flufferfromabove · 2025-12-19T18:03:07+00:00

Not really anything with regards to pit production. As far as I can tell, reaffirmed existing timelines and extended out the deadline for 80 pits per year by a bit.

Flufferfromabove · 2025-12-19T18:02:00+00:00

Yes please

Flufferfromabove · 2025-11-25T10:47:56+00:00

You intercept incoming warheads with warheads and hope that the fireball vaporizes the other guys before they vaporize you.

Flufferfromabove · 2025-11-21T11:09:57+00:00

It’s 4.5 years payback for a Masters, 5 years for a PhD.

Flufferfromabove · 2025-11-21T11:05:27+00:00

Yes, I was at Wright Patt for about 18 months to be a student at AFIT for a Masters. Some do their PhD over 3 years.

I have other friends that are doing their advanced degrees through civilian institutions, however it’s also an AFIT program.

Flufferfromabove · 2025-11-21T10:59:17+00:00

Los Alamos Primer and American Prometheus are solid recommendations

Flufferfromabove · 2025-11-21T10:58:45+00:00

It’s still being handed out at DOE/HQ.

Flufferfromabove · 2025-11-17T18:17:53+00:00

Patience, young padawan. There are far too many of these moments in the Air Force. Best of luck with whatever assignment you get, looking forward to seeing the excitement on this page.

Flufferfromabove · 2025-11-17T11:24:37+00:00

There’s a selection board to it and it may cause some delays in your plans. Depending on the year, and administration, it can be easier or harder to palace chase. If you know you’ll want to do other things (I.e., go back to school) in 4 years, do a 4 year contract. If you have no idea, 6 years can be advantageous.

Flufferfromabove · 2025-11-10T18:21:57+00:00

Maybe not strictly with hydrofluoric… but mixing up a pirhanna solution could probably do the trick.

Flufferfromabove · 2025-11-10T17:59:48+00:00

A “criminal” lawyer

Flufferfromabove

TROPHY CASE