Military Information
ASVAB--to be given on Oct 28, 2021. Scores will be returned to students when career inventory is done--TBD.
Military service is a wonderful option for career preparation. The various branches of the armed services compete with industry, colleges, trade and technical schools for recruits. Young people are attracted to the military for various reasons including:
• Travel
•Employment opportunities
•Civic duty and service for our country
•Occupational training
•Educational opportunities
The armed forces consists of four major branches:
•Army
•Navy
•Air Force
•Marines
There is also the Coast Guard and the Air National Guard/Reserve. While each branch has differences, all branches require:
•High school graduation or GED with college credits.
•Aptitude tests.
•Physical exams/drug screening/criminal background check.
•The need for recruits in a specific job.
•ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) test (see Testing web page)
Generally, active-duty programs range from 3 to 6 years. Enlistments are typically 3 to 4 year commitments. People who join the reserves are on active duty through basic training and job training. The number one purpose of the military is to defend the United States of America, not to provide education and training. With that being said, there are some full-time educational programs that include full pay, allowances, tuition and/or related fees. Some programs allow enlisted personnel to take college courses that, together with additional military training, enable them to become commissioned officers. Apprenticeship programs are structured into Army, Navy and Marine training programs. Armed services enlistees train in the mechanical and technical areas. Apprenticeship accreditation can cross over to the civilian world of work. The ROTC is one such program that offers scholarships for students in college to take specified courses. The ROTC is a 4-year program that leads to an entry-level commission and bachelor degree. ROTC scholarships pay tuition, required fees, textbooks and provide an allowance for each month a student is academically enrolled.
GENERAL ENLISTMENT QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE MILITARY
Age: Must be at least 17 and not yet 35 years old. Consent of parent or guardian required if 17.
Citizenship Status: Must be either (1) U.S. citizen, or (2) an immigrant alien legally admitted to the U.S. for permanent residence and possessing immigration and naturalization documents.
Physical Condition : Must meet minimum physical standards listed below to enlist:
Weight: There are minimum and maximum weights, based on percentage of body fat.
Vision: There are minimum correctable vision standards.
Overall Health: Must be in good health and pass a medical exam. Certain diseases or conditions may exclude persons from enlistment. i.e. diabetes, severe allergies, epilepsy, alcoholism, and drug addiction. Some military occupations have additional physical standards.
Education : High school graduation is desired by all services and is a requirement under most enlisted options.
Aptitude: Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB): Requires a minimum entry score which may vary by service and occupation. Is a test that can help you with educational and career planning. Provides academic and occupational composite scores. Is a three-hour free exam administered at your high school. Does not incur a military obligation. May be taken by tenth, eleventh, or twelfth graders.
Moral Character: Must meet standards designed to screen out persons likely to become disciplinary problems. Standards cover court convictions, juvenile delinquency, arrests, and drug use.
Marital Status and Dependents: May be either single or married
Military Websites:
www.army.mil - Army
www.af.mil - Air Force
www.navy.mil - Navy
http://www.marines.com/home - Marine Corps
www.uscg.mil - Coast Guard
https://www.nationalguard.com/ - National Guard
For additional information see the Military Career Guide at www.militarycareers.com.
Local Military Recruiting Offices are:
US Navy Recruiting, 1507 W Walnut Ave, Dalton, GA 30720
(706) 226-0662 (706) 226-0662
GSA Army Recruiting, 415 E Walnut Ave, Dalton, GA 30721
(706) 259-0148 (706) 259-0148
US Marine Corps Recruiting, 2150 East Walnut Avenue, Dalton, GA 30721-4534
(706) 226-6554 (706) 226-6554
US Air Force Recruiting, 6219 Lee Highway, Chattanooga, TN 37421
(423) 899-5230
MILITARY ACADEMY APPOINTMENTS
Students who are interested in pursuing a military academy appointment should begin in the spring of the junior year. Be sure to enlist the help of your school counselor early on. Education and training at each of the academies is worth approximately $250,000 which is all scholarship with no cost to the student. In return, a service commitment is five years or more of active military service as a commissioned officer. Congressman Tom Graves' office will provide information to students about the process. Visit his website at www.tomgraves.house.gov, or contact tracey.bartley@mail.house.gov or call 706-226-5320. The first step in the process is to write to the respective academy and request a pre- candidate questionnaire. Academy web sites provide specific information:
U. S. Air Force Academy
Admissions Office
HQ/USAF/RR
Colorado Springs, CO 80840-5651
719.472.2520 719.472.2520
U. S. Military Academy
Director of Admissions
606 Thayer Road
West Point, NY 10996-4041
845-938-5760
Freshmen and sophomores may request an e-brochure at discover.usma.edu/guide
U. S. Merchant Marine Academy
Admissions Office
Kings Point, NY 11024-1699
800.732.6267 800.732.6267
U. S. Naval Academy
Candidate Guidance Office
Annapolis, MD 21402-9998
800.638.9156 800.638.9156