Military

1. Research & Decision-Making

• Choose a branch: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or Space Force.

• Consider career paths, benefits, and service commitments.

• Speak with a recruiter to get detailed information.

2. Meet Basic Eligibility

• Age: Usually 17–35 (varies by branch and role).

• Citizenship: U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

• Education: High school diploma or GED.

• Health & Fitness: Pass medical and physical fitness standards.

• Background: Clean legal record (some waivers possible).

3. Take the ASVAB

• The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery is a multiple-choice test that determines qualification and job placement.

• Scores affect eligibility for specific roles.

4. Choose a Career Path

• Based on ASVAB scores, interests, and branch needs.

• Some roles may offer enlistment bonuses or specialized training.

5. Complete MEPS

• Military Entrance Processing Station visit includes:

  • Medical exam

  • Background screening

  • Job selection

  • Enlistment contract signing

  • Oath of enlistment

6. Prepare for Basic Training

• Receive a ship date for boot camp (basic training).

• Begin physical and mental preparation.

• May enter the Delayed Entry Program (DEP) if waiting to ship out.

7. Attend Basic Training

• Duration and style vary by branch.

• Covers physical conditioning, military customs, weapons training, and discipline.

8. Begin Active Duty or Reserve Service

• After basic training, you’ll move on to Advanced Individual Training (AIT) or technical school.

• Then begin your official military career.

• U.S. Military Academy (USMA), or West Point at West Point, New York

• U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) at Annapolis, Maryland

• U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) at Colorado Springs, Colorado

• U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) at New London, Connecticut

• U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) at Kings Point, New York

The five United States Military Academies, also called Service Academies, are undergraduate colleges that provide education and training to develop future commissioned officers of the U.S. Armed Forces.  Each of the Service Academies provides a rigorous and comprehensive education to its students, offering undergraduate degrees in many areas of study while training them to become leaders and officers within their respective branches of the U.S. military.  In addition, cadets or midshipmen at these academies also receive extensive physical and leadership training and extracurricular activities and sports opportunities.  Most graduates are Congressional appointees.  If appointed, students will receive a full scholarship to attend the Service Academies, along with the opportunity to serve their country and develop into future leaders in the U.S. military.​  It is recommended that students start the admissions process in January of junior year in high school.  

ROTC scholarships help students pay for college while preparing them to become military officers. These scholarships are available through:

• Army ROTC

• Navy ROTC

• Air Force ROTC

• Space Force ROTC (via Air Force ROTC)

• Marine Corps ROTC (via Navy ROTC)

Benefits

• Full or partial tuition coverage

• Monthly living stipend

• Book allowance

• Leadership training and career development

• Guaranteed job as a commissioned officer after graduation

Eligibility Requirements

• U.S. citizen

• High school diploma or equivalent

• Meet physical fitness and medical standards

• Minimum GPA and SAT/ACT scores (varies by branch)

• Commitment to serve in the military after graduation (typically 4–8 years)

Application Process

1. Apply online through the respective military branch’s ROTC website.

2. Submit transcripts, test scores, and recommendations.

3. Complete an interview and physical fitness assessment.

4. Enroll in ROTC courses at a participating college.

Service Commitment

After graduation, scholarship recipients must serve as officers in the military. The length and nature of service depend on the branch and scholarship type.