Hey all, i decided to join the forums here as they seem like a great place to ask questions from multiple different people knowledgeable in this field.

I am making this post because i am at a crossroads for my next few years as to which field of aviation i should pursue, all I've known for the past 6 years of my life is that i want to work and build a career in this field, primarily UAS (Unmanned) applications but a general interest overall.

I currently am in the Army National Guard as a 15E or UAS maintainer, i received excellent training and sought to pursue a civilian job similar to what i had done in the army, this brought me to join a company called Exotic Metals after being turned down due to lack of experience by Insitu (created the Scan Eagle UAV for Boeing)

Exotic is a reputable company that supplies both Boeing and Airbus as well as Pratt and Whitney with specialty fabricated parts.

My biggest hurdle now is that i would like to eventually be part of the figureheads in aviation, for example working for a AAA company such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin etc.

My question is should use my GI Bill and State Tuition Assistance to attend a school specializing in aerospace (Embry Riddle, Technical schools etc) or should i go for my A&P license? My dream job would be to work on unmanned aircraft for Boeing because they are very close to where i live and seem like a great company.

From my understanding an A&P would help get my foot in the door but for unmanned would it be better to get a more specialized degree?

Other than this is it really as simple as researching and applying or does it take years and more training to land a job like this?

Thank you very much for reading and any advice is greatly appreciated.