PaNE Prospective Rotating Military Faculty

PaNE Prospective Rotating Military Faculty

Join Team PaNE!

The Department of Physics and Nuclear Engineering (PaNE) is looking for future military faculty that embody excellent character and the ability to mentor cadets both in and out of the classroom; have a history of superb performance as an Army officer (the officer must also be capable of being KD complete by the spring 2024); and the ability of the officer to earn a degree in physics, nuclear engineering, or a closely related field.

What Would I Be Teaching?

The department continually seeks talented faculty who are experts in the disciplines that comprise our majors and minors – nuclear engineering, physics, space science, nuclear science, photonics – and are committed to enhancing the education and development of cadets.

All first-year instructors begin by teaching in the core physics program, which is responsible for Physics I and Physics II.  From there, you can either remain in the core as a course director or branch out to the nuclear engineering, space science, or advanced physics programs according to your background and interests.

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What Are Some Opportunities to Advance in My Career?

The Department of Physics and Nuclear Engineering's research centers offer a robust selection of research, scholarship, collaboration, and professional development opportunities to help our faculty remain at the forefront of their disciplines.

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Application Packets Due by Nov. 1

Start your TEACH application
Learn More About Applying at West Point

Rotating military faculty consists of of active-duty captains, majors, and lieutenant colonels. An assignment to West Point as a rotating faculty member requires officers to submit an application through the CAC-enabled TEACH system. 

View requirements by degree type and timelines How to apply Frequently asked questions

Why Teach at West Point?

3

Core Physics
Major Beemer Interview

Nuclear Engineering
Major Arauz Interview

Core Physics
Major Ecklund Interview

Department-Specific Questions and Requirements

Our typical applicant should be in their 4th to 6th year of service (i.e. year group = current year - 5). Here's a typical timeline for an officer we would be considering this year:

  • Summer/fall of the current year: Begins command / their branch-equivalent assignment.
  • January: Receives notification of selection for PaNE faculty. 
  • October-December (current year +1): Applies to graduate schools.
  • January-March (current year +2): Is admitted to and selects a graduate school.
  • Spring (current year +2) (or sooner): Successfully completes KD assignment.
  • Summer (current year +2): PCS to graduate school.
  • Fall (current year +2)-Spring (current year +4): Attends graduate school.
  • Summer (current year +4): Permanent change of station (PCS) to West Point and completes New Instructor Training
  • Fall (current year +4)-Spring (current year +7): Teaches in PaNE
  • Summer (current year +7): PCS to follow-on assignment

The only definitive timeline requirement is that you must complete your CPT KD assignment prior to attending graduate school. Aside from that, everyone's timelines are unique. To discuss your specific timeline question, please contact PaNE Faculty Recruiting.

Most are, but in the past waivers have occasionally been granted to truncate an assignment to two years, or to grant a fourth year.  

All first-year instructors begin by teaching in the core physics program, which is responsible for Physics I and Physics II. From there, you can either remain in the core as a course director or branch out to the nuclear engineering, space science, or advanced physics programs according to your background and interests.

Your first summer at West Point will be spent in a rigorous new instructor training. As part of this program, you will get many opportunities to teach classes in Physics I and receive feedback from your peers and other experienced faculty members. This program has historically done a great job in producing competent and confident instructors.

We've had instructors transition from many other STEM disciplines, as well disciplines outside of the traditional STEM fields such as history. If you have a passion to get a graduate degree in one of our disciplines, we will work with you!

  1. Excellent character and the ability to mentor cadets both in and out of the classroom.
  2. A history of superb performance as an Army officer (the officer must also be capable of being KD complete by spring 2024).
  3. The ability of the officer to earn a degree in physics, nuclear engineering, or a closely related field.

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Contact Us

For any other questions about joining the PaNE faculty, please email our faculty recruiting inbox.

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Learn More About PaNE

The mission of the Department of Physics and Nuclear Engineering is to educate and inspire cadets through physics, nuclear engineering, and space science coursework and research, and to support the West Point Leader Development System so that each graduate is a leader of character prepared for a lifetime of service to the Nation as an Officer in the U.S. Army.

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Other Opportunities

It takes a team to ensure the U.S. Military Academy at West Point can fulfill its mission to educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets. There are roles for military and civilian faculty to teach cadets and for those both in and out of uniform to ensure the systems and processes required to operate a military installation and college campus are in place and running efficiently.

Commissioned officers Non-commissioned officers Civilians