Embedded Files
More than 180,000 people enlist in the armed forces each year, and another 20,000 people become officers. Both enlisted and officer careers provide rewarding experiences, educational & training benefits and competitive compensation.
More than 180,000 people enlist in the armed forces each year, and another 20,000 people become officers. Both enlisted and officer careers provide rewarding experiences, educational & training benefits and competitive compensation.
For a good overview of your various options and the career pathways the military can provide, click on this link!
For a good overview of your various options and the career pathways the military can provide, click on this link!
It's also VITAL that you understand your goals for enlisting and your rights throughout the process! See the bottom of this page for more!
Joining as an enlisted member or officer
Joining as an enlisted member or officer
Enlisted members make up most of the military workforce. They receive training in a job specialty and do most of the hands-on work.
Officers make up a much smaller part of the workforce. To join as an officer, you typically must have a four-year college degree and complete an officer program.
Please visit: USA GOV for more details!
Six Service Branches of the U.S. Armed Forces
Six Service Branches of the U.S. Armed Forces
The Air Force is part of the Department of Defense (DOD). It’s responsible for aerial military operations, defending U.S. air bases, and building landing strips. Service members are known as airmen. The reserve components are Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve.
The Army is part of the DOD and is the largest of the five military branches. It handles major ground combat missions, especially operations that are ongoing. The Army Special Forces unit is known as the Green Berets for its headgear. Service members are known as soldiers. The reserve components are Army Reserve and Army National Guard.
The Coast Guard is part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It’s responsible for maritime law enforcement, including drug smuggling. It manages maritime search and rescue and marine environmental protection. It also secures ports, waterways, and the coasts. Service members are known as Coast Guardsmen, nicknamed Coasties. The reserve component is Coast Guard Reserve.
The Marine Corps is part of the DOD. It provides land combat, sea-based, and air-ground operations support for the other branches during a mission. This branch also guards U.S. embassies around the world and the classified documents in those buildings. Marine Corps Special Operations Command (MARSOC) members are known as Raiders. All service members are referred to as Marines. The reserve component is Marine Corps Reserve.
The Navy is part of the DOD. It protects waterways (sea and ocean) outside of the Coast Guard’s jurisdiction. Navy warships provide the runways for aircraft to land and take off when at sea. Navy SEALs (sea, air, and land) are the special operations force for this branch. All service members are known as sailors. The reserve component is Navy Reserve.
The Space Force is a new service, created in December 2019 from the former Air Force Space Command. The Space Force falls within the Department of the Air Force. It organizes, trains, and equips space forces to protect U.S. and allied interests in space and to provide space capabilities to the joint force.
Other Options to Serve:
Other Options to Serve:
Merchant Marines: There is another maritime "service" you may not have heard much about, yet, the United States Merchant Marine is arguably incredibly important to the Armed Forces. They also help keep America's economy moving. Merchant Mariners are not part of the military. Some of them run a number of ships that support the U.S. Navy, as well as sealift vessels.
National Guard The National Guard is a unique element of the U.S. military that serves both community and country. The Guard responds to domestic emergencies, overseas combat missions, counterdrug efforts, reconstruction missions and more. Any state governor or the President of the United States can call on the Guard in a moment’s notice. Guard Soldiers hold civilian jobs or attend college while maintaining their military training part time. Guard Soldiers’ primary area of operation is their home state.
Find a Recuiter
Find a Recuiter
Your school counselor can connect you with the military recruiters assigned to your school. Recruiters often visit your school and can meet with interested students. You can also use the links below to connect directly with a recruiter.
Military Recruiting Contacts for CCS Students & Families
The ASVAB
The ASVAB
If you're thinking about enlisting in any branch of the military, you'll need to take the ASVAB test. The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a heavily researched and well-respected aptitude test developed by the Department of Defense. It measures a young adult’s strengths and potential for success in military training.
General ASVAB Information Find Out More About the ASVAB and Career Pathways!
Free ASVAB test Prep #1 Free ASVAB Test Prep #2 You may also choose to pay for an ASVAB course or tutoring.
Careers in the Military
Careers in the Military
Take this quick three-part quiz and then explore military careers that match your interests!
Do You Know Enough to Enlist? What Are Your Rights?
Do You Know Enough to Enlist? What Are Your Rights?
Page updated
Report abuse