Military

There are five Academies that Americans seeking service and leadership opportunties may consider. All military academies require applicants to be American citizens, at least 17 years of age, and of good moral character.  Some academies require nomination or appointment by an elected official. 

The Five-Pointed Star: U.S. Service Academies (video) 

Military Service Academies/US Department of Defense

THE ACADEMIES

ARMY - United States Military Academy (West Point, NY) - Admission by congressional nomination. Learn more.

AIR FORCE - United States Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs, CO) - Admission by congressional nomination. Learn more.

COAST GUARD - United States Coast Guard Academy (New London, CT) - Admission by application. Learn more.

MERCHANT MARINES* - United States Merchant Marine Academy (Kings Point, NY) - Admission by application. Learn more.

NAVY - United States Naval Academy (Annapolis, MD) - Admission by congressional nomination. Learn more.

*Not the same as the United States Marines.

GETTING NOMINATED

Each elected official who is eligible for making nominations to the Academies may have a different process and timeline. If you are seeking an appointment/nomination to one of the Academies, start by getting to know your elected officials' process and timeline. Once you understand that, participate in opportunities that allow you to learn more and to make positive connections with that official and his staff. (This information may change with each election cycle; contact your school counselor for an update if this information has expired.)

U.S. Congresswoman for the 12th District of North Carolina - Alma Adams

U.S. Senator for North Carolina - Richard Burr

U.S. Senator for North Carolina - Thom Tillis

U.S. Vice President - Kamala Harris

Joining any of the branches of the military begins with learning as much as you can about the full-time, part-time, and reserive opportunities for each of the military brances. Click on the links below to learn more about that branch. You may view the information in English or Spanish.

Air Force  - Air Force Reserve - Air National Guard

Army - Army Reserve - Army National Guard

Coast Guard - Coast Guard Reserve

Marine Corps - Marine Corps Reserve

Navy - Navy Reserve

Space Force

Military service can be a great way to help pay for a college education. There are many options for military funding for college education. One program that exists on many college campus is the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) Scholarship Program. Offered at more than 1,700 colleges and universities across the United States, this competitive scholarship program offers a paid college education and a guaranteed post-college career that prepares young adults to become officers in the U.S. Military. Each Service branch has its own take on ROTC. Learn more.

AIR FORCE ROTC - UNC System

ROTC at North Carolina A & T University (Air Force)

ROTC at East Carolina University (Air Force)

ROTC at NC State University (Air Force)

ROTC at UNC Charlotte (Air Force)

ROTC at UNC Pembroke (Air Force)

ARMY ROTC - UNC System

ROTC at Appalachian State University (Army)

ROTC at North Carolina A & T University (Army)

ROTC at East Carolina University (Army)

ROTC at Elizabeth City State University (Army)

ROTC at Fayetteville State University (Army)

ROTC at NC State University (Army)

ROTC at UNC Chapel Hill (Army)

ROTC at UNC Charlotte (Army)

ROTC at UNC Pembroke (Army)

NAVY ROTC - UNC System

ROTC at NC State University (Navy)

ROTC at UNC Chapel Hill (Navy)

The ASVAB or Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery is a timed, multi-aptitude test that is taken to learn more about yourself and careers that may be a good match for you as a civilian or future service member. For those not entering service, the military provides the ASVAB as a tool to help you learn more about yourself and careers that match your abilities. For those entering service, the ASVAB helps you and the military figure out which jobs and military branch are the best match for you. Taking the ASVAB is not a commitment to military service; you do not have to join the military to take the ASVAB.

ASVAB RESOURCES

ASVAB for Enlistment

ASVAB for Exploration

ASVAB Fact Sheet

ASVAB Practice Questions

ASVAB Preparation

ASVAB Sample Questions

ASVAB Scheduling

Military recruiters have two main jobs: (1) teach the public about options for military service and (2) recruit individuals interested in serving in the military. Recruiters are obligated to provide factual information without putting undue pressure to join the service. If you are considering military options, you will likely start your journey by learning as much as you can about the different branches and jobs the military has to offer. Before you schedule your first conversation with a recruiter, learn more about what questions to ask.

Contact a Recruiter

Air Force - 800-423-8723

Army - 888-550-2769

Coast Guard - 704-598-5696

Marine Corps - 800-627-4637

Navy - 800-872-6289

Space Force - 800-423-8723