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Types of Military Service
Information collected from USA.gov and Today's Military.
The U.S. Military consists of six active-duty Service branches and their respective Guard and Reserve components. Together, they offer a wide variety of ways to serve.
The Army is a part of the Department of Defense (DOD) and is the largest of the military branches. The Army handles major ground missions. The Army Special Forces unit is known as the Green Berets. Service members in the Army are known as soldiers. The reserve components are Army Reserve and Army National Guard.
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The Marine Corps is a part of the Department of Defense (DOD) and provides land combat, sea-based, and air-ground operation support for the other branches during a mission. The Marines also guard U.S. embassies around the world. Marine Corps Special Operations Command (MARSOC) members are known as Raiders. All service members are known as Marines. The reserve component is the Marine Corps Reserve.
The Navy is a part of the Department of Defense (DOD) and provides protection to the 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 the Navy Reserve.
The Air Force is a part of the Department of Defense (DOD) and provides 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 Space Force is a new service created in 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 the U.S. and allied interests in space.
The US Coast Guard is part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It is responsible for maritime law enforcement. It manages maritime search and rescue and marine environmental protection. It also secures ports, waterways, and the coasts. Service members are known as Coast Guardsment, nicknamed Coasties. The reserve component is Coast Guard Reserve.
Military Service Academies
For students who want to experience a military environment while getting an education, the five service academies offer a fully-funded tuition which includes books, board and medical and dental care. The competition to get in is fierce and students should start the application process early during their junior year.
Admission criteria include:
High school academic performance
Standardized test scores (SAT and/or ACT)
Athletics and extracurricular activities
Leadership and community involvement
A congressional letter of recommendation (not required by the Coast Guard Academy)
Five Military Academies:
United States Military Academy: West Point, NY
United States Naval Academy: Annapolis, MD *Graduates serve in the U.S. Navy or Marine Corps
United States Air Force Academy: Colorado Springs, CO
United States Coast Guard Academy: New London, CT *U.S. Coase Guard is under the jurisdiction of the Department of Homeland Security; however, reports directly to the Department of Navy only in wartime.
United States Merchant Marine Academy: Kings Point, NY *The Merchant Marine Academy has a close relationship with the U.S. Armed Forces, as noted on its website, but is not part of the DOD.
Military Age Requirements
Age
The first factor the military considers is age. To be eligible for regular enlistment in any branch, you must be 18 or 17 with parental consent.
Medical Requirements
The Military's Standards of Medical Fitness are used to identify any medical complication, including mental health, that disqualifies an applicant.
There is also an extensive list of medical conditions that are considered "red flags" and though they may not disqualify a candidate, you may need to request a medical waiver.
Military Aptitude Requirements
The military uses an applicants AFQT score, which is derived from the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) to determine eligibility. Qualifying AFQT scores change depending on the branch and their needs.
Reserve Officers Training Corp (ROTC)
The Army ROTC is a college program that combines electives in military science/leadership with practical leadership development opportunities. Army ROTC is offered at over 1,000 college and universities.
All students at an institution offering ROTC can participate in the program during their freshman and sophomore years without obligation or commitment to the Army. Students interested in continuing after their first two years need to qualify with the following:
Be a US Citizen
Be between 17 and 30 at the time of commissioning
Have a college GPA of 2.5 or higher
Meet medical qualifications
Pass the Army Physical Fitness Test/Ht & Wt Standards
Have good moral character
Agree to accept commission and serve in the Army, Army Reserve or Army National Guard.
Curriculum includes:
Lecture
Physical Training
Leadership and Training Lab
Field Training Exercises
High school seniors can compete for a 4-year or 3-year ARMY ROTC scholarship to any university with a ROTC program which provides:
100% tuition and fees while on scholarship or $12,000 per year for meals and housing
$420 a month for 10 months each school year
$600 a semester for books
Applications open in June and must be started no later than March 4, 2025 for the 2025-26 school year.
Youth Programs
Youth Programs
Click on the links below for more information
These resources & materials are for supplementary support/education purposes and not intended as a replacement for counseling, education, or other necessary supports. Students, parents and others who utilize these materials are encouraged to seek out additional support, as needed.
Postings do not constitute KPBSD endorsement for or against the materials and viewpoints.
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