One of the many post-secondary choices is a career in the armed services. There are five branches of the U.S. Military: Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard. Each of the military branches involves the armed defense of our country and requires a specified period of commitment.
In spite of the risks and requirements involved in joining the military, there are many benefits. The most important of these are the opportunities for career training. Others include steady income, health care, and tuition assistance for continuing your education.
Steady Income: A guaranteed paycheck and Cash Bonuses
Advancement: You are promoted based on job knowledge, your performance, time in pay grade and service requirements.
Paid vacation: 30 days annual paid vacation
Training: You choose your career path based on your aptitude, physical abilities, security clearance, motivation and determination. Many options for highly sought-after skills, leadership and training experience.
Health Care: While on active duty, you will receive complete medical and dental care at no cost.
Life Insurance: While serving on active duty (for instance during boot camp and annual training) members can select inexpensive term life insurance.
Tax Advantage: Only your basic monthly pay is subject to Federal or State income tax.
GI Bill: The Montgomery GI Bill will help pay for college education or vocational training.
Tuition Assistance: While in the Reserves or Guard, you may continue your education, and may be helped in defraying the cost of college-accredited courses. Additionally, if you are in the National Guard some states offer substantial benefits such as free tuition to state colleges or universities. To find out more on this bonus, talk to you recruiter or education officer.
Additional Benefits: There are exchange and commissary store privileges, temporary lodging expenses, travel, Veterans Administration home loans and more.
Unparalleled sense of patriotism, duty, honor and selfless service
Check out more information HERE
Before you visit your local recruiter, be sure you meet the minimum qualifications for serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Some qualifications are required by all five services:
To join the branches below, you must meet these requirements:
Air Force
Be between the ages of 17-39. *
Have a high school diploma or a GED
Have no more than two dependents.
Pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude test. (Minimum AFQT Score: 36)
Army
Be between the ages of 17-34. *
Be a high school graduate or equivalent
Have no more than two dependents.
Pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude test. (Minimum AFQT Score: 31)
National Guard
Be between the ages of 17-35. *
Be at least a junior in high school, or have a high school diploma or a GED certificate
Have no more than two dependents.
Pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude test. (Minimum AFQT Score: 31)
Coast Guard
Be between the ages of 17-31. *
Must have a high school diploma.
Have no more than two dependents.
Pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude test. (Minimum AFQT Score: 40)
Have a willingness to serve on or around the water.
Marines
Meet exacting physical, mental, and moral standards.
Must have a high school diploma.
Be between the ages of 17-29. *
Pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test. (Minimum AFQT Score: 32)
Women are eligible to enlist in all occupations with exception of combat arms specialties: infantry, tank and amphibian tractor crew members.
Navy
Be between the ages of 17-34. *
With very rare exceptions, you must have a high school diploma.
Pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test. (Minimum AFQT Score: 35)
Women are eligible to enlist in all occupational fields, with the exception of serving in the Navy SEALs or on submarines.
*17-year old applicants require parental consent
What is the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery)?
The ASVAB is a multiple aptitude test developed and maintained by the Department of Defense. It consists of eight individual tests and takes approximately three hours to complete. See Baseops.net and Military.com for additional information about the ASVAB test and for free practice tests.
Want to know more? Speak to a recruiter:
1-888-550-ARMY
1-800-GO GUARD
1-800-USA-NAVY
1-800-423-8723
1-800-MARINES
1-800-424-8883