Things to Consider

For many people, the benefits of serving in the armed forces outweigh the negative aspects. Service members are paid well, their families are taken care of, and they are part of a large community. They also gain valuable life skills such as the ability to lead, organizational skills, & self-management. Although there are many benefits, the military is not for everyone. Before you join the military, there are a few important issues for you to think about. 

War & Combat

The military exists to defend our nation, our allies, and our interests. But Congress and the President decide when to go to war. Service members do not get to choose whether to fight or not. If you join, you will likely be sent into combat, regardless of your specialty. There are no safe jobs in modern wars. Once you leave for basic training, there is no turning back. You are in the military whether you like it or not. 

No Job Guarantees

The military is not a scholarship program, a travel agency, or a job training center. These are all benefits offered to service members. However, there are no job guarantees, even after you are trained. The military fills positions as they are needed, and may require you to change jobs. The military can also end your contract early, leaving you unemployed until you can find civilian work.

Fewer Constitutional Rights

Service members are subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), laws that are unique to the military. UCMJ restricts service members' freedom of speech, right to assembly or petition, and individual expression. It also requires you to follow all lawful orders given by your chain of command.

Recruitment

You may have seen recruiters at air shows or the mall, or even your school. Recruiters are paid to find and enlist quality recruits into their branch of service. They will answer any questions you may have. If you ask the right questions and have the right attitude, you can make recruiters work for you to get the information you need and the options you want. Use the list of questions below to get started, and come up with some of your own.

How long must I enlist for this job?

What bonuses or incentives do I qualify for?

Can I negotiate a higher rank, E2, E3, or even E4?

What do I need to score on the ASVAB to qualify?

How is this branch different from other branches?

How is the job I'm interested in different from the same job in other branches?

Can I get a guaranteed Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) written into my contract?

What physical requirements do I need to meet?

Can I request my first duty assignment?

How much would I actually make in this job?

What benefits, special training, or college courses will I get in this job?

What could disqualify me from being able to enlist?

Am I disqualified from any jobs?

How long are combat deployments in this branch of service?

What are the average fatality rates for my proposed job?

What kind of training will I receive? Can I add additional training into my enlistment contract?

Does this job exist in the Reserve or National Guard?

What are the biggest challenges people encounter when joining the military?

If and when you are ready to take the next step and join a branch of service, you will need to fill out some paperwork to find out specific information, so be prepared with important documents when you meet your recruiter. 

What to Bring

To find out what jobs and bonuses you are eligible for, you will have to fill out some paperwork. Remember, you don't have to sign an enlistment contract when you meet with a recruiter. See what you're eligible for, and think it over. When you meet with a recruiter, bring the following:

Driver's License, social security card, green card (if applicable), passport, birth certificate, marriage license (or divorce papers, if applicable), legal records, credit report (if applicable), school transcripts, school diplomas and degrees, resume, and/or medical records for any major health issues.

Talking to Recruiters

Recruiters can be intimidating–they are often in military uniform, and may be much older than you. Don't be intimidated! If you aren't interested in the military, you do not have to talk to recruiters at all. You can also prevent your school from giving your contact information to recruiters. You will have to speak with a recruiter in order to join. Here are some tips to help you interact with recruiters:

Don't be timid. Talking to recruiters might be a little scary at first, but your attitude will go a long way. It's important that you pay attention to the process. Recruiters are there to get you to join–not to take care of you or get you the best job.

Talk with your parents, guardians, counselor, etc. Have someone you trust come with you when you meet with a recruiter. But remember, the decision to enlist is ultimately yours to make. Ask recruiters to include their promises in your contract. Verbal promises don't exist in the military. If it isn't in writing, it won't happen.

Check out your options. Don t just meet with one recruiter from one branch of the military. Get information about similar jobs that interest you from several branches. You might be surprised by what you find.

Print the list of what to bring, and gather the documents together ahead of time.

Online Information

To locate a recruiter in your area or learn more about each branch, check out their official websites. Stop by the College & Career Center to find out who the most current recruiter is for each respective branch.

Qualifying

To join the military, you must meet certain standards. It is very important that you are honest with your recruiter if you don't meet a certain requirement. Your recruiter may be able to have the requirement waived. If you lie about something that disqualifies you, you could end up in jail or receive a dishonorable discharge. Each branch of service sets its own enlistment standards for specific jobs. The Department of Defense also sets general standards for all services to follow. These standards apply to both enlisted personnel and officers.

Age

You can join at 17 with the consent of a parent or legal guardian. If you are 18 or older, you do not need the consent of a parent or guardian. Each branch has a maximum age requirement.

Physical & Medical Exam

You must be healthy and meet minimum vision standards to join the military. While some past medical problems can be waived, physical and mental disabilities cannot. Other conditions that will prevent you from enlisting include diabetes, severe allergies, epilepsy, alcoholism, drug addiction, and other diseases. There are minimum and maximum weight limits depending on your gender, age, and height. 

Citizenship

You must be a U.S. citizen or meet certain immigration standards to join. For more information, contact a recruiter.

Family Requirements

You can enlist whether you are single or married. If you are single and have dependents under age 18, you may only be eligible for certain branches of service. If you are single and have more than two dependents under the age of 18, you may not be allowed to enlist.

Education

Recruits with high school diplomas are preferred by the military. You may be able to enlist with a GED, but the armed forces have been allowing fewer and fewer GED-holders in. To become a commissioned officer, you must have a college degree. 

Other

The military is a disciplined organization and places a great deal of trust in each of its service members. Recruits must have good moral character. The military checks court records, juvenile delinquency, arrests, and drug use. Certain offenses can be waived, but do not lie about your record. You can be sent to jail and dishonorably discharged for lying about your past, years after you enlist.

Enlistment

Enlisted personnel are the workforce of the military. They are led by commissioned officers and senior enlisted personnel called non-commissioned officers (NCOs). Generally, you must have a high school diploma to enlist. To enlist in the military, you sign an enlistment contract. The military agrees to provide pay, benefits, occupational training, and a job. The military tries to place you in the job it trains you for. However, a specific type of job is not guaranteed. In return, you agree to serve at least 8 years. From 2 to 6 of those years are on active duty. The rest are in the reserves. The length of active duty depends on the service and the amount of training the military provides. For more information on what enlisted personnel do in the armed forces, visit Enlisted Personnel. Enlistment can be a long process with lots of paperwork. Consider each step carefully. Your decisions will affect the next 8 years of your life! Don't enlist if you are in a stressful situation, depressed, or pressured by friends or family. Be sure to talk to people who are or have been in the military. They can give you their view of military life, both good and bad. Ask advice from your friends and family. And be sure to check out Things to Consider before you sign anything. 

1. Meet with the recruiter

Military recruiters provide information about enlisting. It is their job to find quality recruits and enlist them. Bring a friend or trusted adult with you to talk with a recruiter. There is a lot of information to take in, and your friend may have questions you didn't think to ask. 

2. Take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)

The ASVAB is a multiple-choice test used by every branch of the military to determine what jobs you qualify for. If you are in high school, you may be able to take the test at your school. Otherwise, you can take it at MEPS. For more on the ASVAB, check out: The ASVAB.

3. Visit a Military Enlistment Processing Station (MEPS)

Your recruiter will make an appointment for you to visit MEPS. MEPS will complete your in-processing paperwork, background check, and physical exam. You will need to bring your medical records, any paperwork you have completed, and the items listed in What to Bring. 

4. Choose a military occupation

By now, you should have some idea about what you want to do in the military. Each of your options will have an identifying code, often called a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). Your choices may be limited by your ASVAB score and your physical exam results. The military tries to offer you the job it trains you for, but your job can change once you are in the military. 

5. Sign an enlistment contract

Whatever you do, don't enlist the first time you meet with a recruiter. Get all the facts, research your options, and meet with recruiters from at least two similar branches. For instance, if you are interested in becoming an aircraft mechanic, every branch of the military offers this job. But certain branches may offer higher enlistment bonuses, more training opportunities, or civilian accreditation. If you decide to enlist, be sure to:

Get a copy of the enlistment contract before you sign. Take it home, look it over, and think about it.

Make sure all your recruiter's promises are in your enlistment contract; otherwise they don't exist.

Remember that the contract details are more binding on you than on the military. The military can change your terms, including pay, job, and benefits.

6. Get ready for basic training!

Basic training is physically and mentally demanding. The more prepared you are, the easier it will be. Your recruiter can give you materials to study and you should get in shape physically. To learn more, check out Basic Training.

Parents play an important role in their child's decision about joining the military. As with any career choice, students need to understand what the commitment means and how it will affect their long-term options. Recruiting videos for combat positions may look exciting, but students considering the military should realize that is only one type of job available to them. The military offers many significant jobs that will provide students with lasting skills whether they continue in the military or return into the civilian work force or college. Parents can help students explore many of the different opportunities the military has to offer. To learn more about educational and job training opportunities in the military, visit Education.

Helping Your Child Decide

Parents sometimes have strong emotional reactions when their children consider joining the military. Some parents may consider it their children's patriotic duty and push them to enlist. Others may have objections to U.S. foreign policy or armed service of any kind. No matter how you feel, there are many ways to help your children think about military service. Here are a few:

• Ask about your children's interests and discuss how the military matches up with those interests.

• Learn about the military yourself. Talk with recruiters and see what promises can actually be put in an enlistment contract.

• Ask your children to discuss their reasons for joining and how military service will help them achieve long-term goals.

• Help your children understand that the contract will affect the next 8 years of their lives and may change them as a person.

• Support your children if they are feeling pressured by friends, recruiters, or other family members.

• Help your children understand that they can make this decision on their own timeline, and don't have to rush into it. Remind them that the recruiting office isn't going anywhere.

• Before enlisting, be sure they explore deferment options that allow them to graduate high school or complete any other obligations they may have.

The Army

The Army is the largest land-based force of the U.S. military. Its mission is to protect U.S. interests at home and around the world. The Army focuses on helping our allies with training and equipment. It also stands ready to defend our allies from bases across the globe. With a strong emphasis on the strength of individual soldiers–mentally, physically, and emotionally–the Army provides numerous training opportunities. Jobs in the Army range from administration to combat to maintenance. Most jobs have a similar civilian equivalent. The Army uses a variety of weapons and resources, but every soldier is trained for combat, regardless of specialty. Every soldier must be physically fit and be able to fire the M-16 rifle. Like all branches of the military, the Army reflects our nation's diversity. Soldiers have the same opportunities. Most jobs are open to women, except a few combat positions. Non-citizens have various options depending on their immigrant status. Check out Military Life to learn more about the Army and Joining the Military to learn about the recruiting process. For even more info, visit: army.mil.

Army Reserve

Army Reserve units are on call to help in times of natural disaster, emergency, or war. They may serve with active duty forces or separately, but only as service and support. There are no Army Reserve combat units. Army Reserve soldiers go through the same training as active duty soldiers. After they finish, they continue to train for one weekend per month and two weeks in the summer to keep their skills sharp. They are free to attend school and pursue a civilian career while still serving in the Reserve. Federal law guarantees that Reservists can return to their civilian jobs after a deployment or training. Some enlistment contracts allow soldiers to serve for two years or more on active duty, and then transfer into the Inactive Ready Reserve (IRR). IRR soldiers can still be called up in times of war or national emergency, but do not have to continue to train. For more on the Army Reserve, visit: usar.army.mil

Army National Guard

Each state and territory in the U.S. maintains a National Guard. Their main mission is to provide security and emergency relief. The state governor is the commander in chief of these forces, but the Guard also stands ready to be called to active service with the Army. The National Guard has both combat and support units. Like the Army Reserve, Guard soldiers go through the same training as active duty soldiers. After they finish, they continue to train for one weekend per month and two weeks in the summer to keep their skills sharp. They are free to attend school and pursue a civilian career while still serving in the National Guard. Federal law guarantees that Guardsmen can return to their civilian jobs after a deployment or training. They may also be eligible to transfer into the IRR before their service is complete. For even more information, visit: https://www.nationalguard.mil/ 

The Navy

The U.S. Navy is the largest maritime force in the world. Its mission is to protect the freedom of the world's oceans for trade and travel. The Navy maintains a combat-ready fleet of ships, submarines, and aircraft to defend the U.S. and its allies in every ocean around the globe. Honor, courage, and commitment are the core values of sailors in the Navy. With over 100 bases and ports-of-call, sailors get to experience the world firsthand, and are often at sea for months at a time. Jobs in the Navy range from administration to combat to maintenance. Most jobs have a similar civilian equivalent. Every sailor is trained on the basics of seamanship: navigation, first aid, ship damage control, teamwork, and weaponry. Sailors may also serve on land. The Navy maintains ports and inland bases around the world. They provide medics for the Marine Corps, and Navy SEALS often fight on land. The Marine Corps and Coast Guard are under the command of the Navy, although they are separate branches of the military. Like all branches of the military, the Navy reflects our nation's diversity. All sailors have the same opportunities. All jobs are open to women except a few combat positions. Non-citizens have various options depending on their immigrant status. Check out Military Life to learn more about the Navy and Joining the Military to learn about the recruiting process. For more information, visit: navy.mil.

Navy Reserve

Navy Reserve units are on call to help in times of natural disaster, emergency, or war. They may serve with active duty forces or separately. There are Navy Reserve combat units, but most are service and support. Navy Reserve sailors go through the same training as active duty sailors. After they finish, they continue to train for one weekend per month and two weeks in the summer to keep their skills sharp. They are free to attend school and pursue a civilian career while still serving in the Reserve. Federal law guarantees that Reservists can return to their civilian jobs after a deployment or training. Some enlistment contracts allow sailors to serve for two years or more on active duty, and then transfer into the Inactive Ready Reserve (IRR). IRR sailors can still be called up in times of war or national emergency, but do not have to continue to train. For more on the Navy Reserve, https://www.navyreserve.navy.mil/

The Air Force

The Air Force defends the U.S. and its allies in air, space, and cyberspace. It focuses on developing airmen, applying technology, and supporting the other military services. The Air Force doesn't just fly jets. It uses a wide range of aircraft in support of missions around the world, including cargo planes and unmanned aerial vehicles. It also operates satellites and other advanced technologies, and provides support on the ground for other branches of the military. With a strong emphasis on education, the Air Force provides numerous training opportunities, especially in technology. Airmen are automatically enrolled in the Community College of the Air Force. Nearly all jobs in the Air Force have a civilian equivalent. Like all branches of the military, the Air Force reflects our nation's diversity. Airmen have the same opportunities. Nearly all jobs are open to women. Non-citizens have various options depending on their immigrant status. Check out Military Life to learn more about the Air Force and Joining the Military to learn about the recruiting process. For more information, visit: airforce.com/.

Air Force Reserve

Air Force Reserve units are on call to help in times of natural disaster, emergency, or war. They may serve with active duty forces or separately. There are Air Force Reserve combat units, but most are service and support. Air Force Reserve airmen go through the same training as active duty airmen. After they finish, they continue to train for one weekend per month and two weeks in the summer to keep their skills sharp. They are free to attend school and pursue a civilian career while still serving in the Reserve. Federal law guarantees that Reservists can return to their civilian jobs after a deployment or training. Some enlistment contracts allow airmen to serve for two years or more on active duty, and then transfer into the Inactive Ready Reserve (IRR). IRR airmen can still be called up in times of war or national emergency, but do not have to continue to train. For more on the Air Force Reserve, visit: afrc.afreserve.com/.

Air National Guard

Each state and territory in the U.S. maintains a National Guard to provide security and emergency relief. The state governor is the commander in chief of these forces, but the Guard also stands ready to be called to active service with the Air Force. The National Guard has both combat and support units. Like the Air Force Reserve, Guard airmen go through the same training as active duty airmen. After they finish, they continue to train for one weekend per month and two weeks in the summer to keep their skills sharp. They are free to attend school and pursue a civilian career while still serving in the Guard. Federal law guarantees that Guardsmen can return to their civilian jobs after a deployment or training. They may also be eligible to transfer into the IRR before their service is complete. For even more information, visit: https://www.154wg.ang.af.mil/ 

The Marine Corps

The Marine Corps is the rapid deployment force of the U.S. military. It maintains ready-to-go supply depots on U.S. Navy ships around the world, and is often the first force to be sent into conflicts. It is the smallest ground combat force of the U.S. military, but Marines are renowned as fierce warriors. Its mission is to protect the U.S. and its interests at home and around the world. The Marine Corps emphasizes high ethical and moral standards. Honor, courage, and commitment are emphasized at all levels of training. Most jobs in the Corps are combat-related because the Navy provides logistical support and medics. They are also the main amphibious force of the military. All Marines undergo the same intense combat training, and learn several different weapons systems. Every Marine has to qualify with the M-16 rifle, and be mentally and physically prepared for combat. Like all branches of the military, the Marine Corps reflects our nation's diversity. Marines have the same opportunities. Most jobs are open to women except a few combat positions. Non-citizens have various options depending on their immigrant status. Check out Military Life to learn more about the Marine Corps and Joining the Military to learn about the recruiting process. For more information, visit: marines.mil.

Marine Corps Reserve

Marine Corps Reserve units are on call to help in times of natural disaster, emergency, or war. They may serve with active duty forces or separately. There are Marine Reserve combat units, but most are service and support. Reserve Marines go through the same training as active duty Marines. After they finish, they continue to train for one weekend per month and two weeks in the summer to keep their skills sharp. They are free to attend school and pursue a civilian career while still serving in the Reserve. Federal law guarantees that Reservists can return to their civilian jobs after a deployment or training. Some enlistment contracts allow Marines to serve for two years or more on active duty, and then transfer into the Inactive Ready Reserve (IRR). IRR Marines can still be called up in times of war or national emergency, but do not have to continue to train. For more on the Marine Corps Reserve, visit: https://www.marforres.marines.mil/.

The Coast Guard

The U.S. Coast Guard operates along our nation's coastlines, inland waterways, and anywhere else U.S. interests may be at risk. The Coast Guard's mission includes disaster and emergency response, enforcement of federal laws, national defense, and protection of natural resources. The Coast Guard is officially a part of the Department of Homeland Security, but units also serve under the Navy during times of war. The Coast Guard combines civilian law enforcement, military roles, and humanitarian missions in a unique way. The Coast Guard is the smallest of the armed services and highly selective as a result. Jobs in the Coast Guard range from administration to combat to maintenance. Most jobs have a similar civilian equivalent. Every Guardian is trained on the basics of seamanship: navigation, first aid, ship damage control, teamwork, and weaponry. You must become a competent swimmer to pass basic training in the Coast Guard. Like all branches of the military, the Coast Guard reflects our nation's diversity. Guardians have the same opportunities. All jobs are open to women, including all combat positions. Non-citizens have various options depending on their immigrant status. Check out Military Life to learn more about the Coast Guard and Joining the Military to learn about the recruiting process. For more information, https://www.uscg.mil.

Coast Guard Reserve

Coast Guard Reserve units are on call to help in times of natural disaster, emergency, or war. They may serve with active duty forces or separately. All Coast Guard jobs have a Reserve equivalent, including law enforcement positions. Coast Guard Reserve sailors go through the same training as active duty Guardians. After they finish, they continue to train for one weekend per month and two weeks in the summer to keep their skills sharp. They are free to attend school and pursue a civilian career while still serving in the Reserve. Federal law guarantees that Reservists can return to their civilian jobs after a deployment or training. Some enlistment contracts allow sailors to serve for two years or more on active duty, and then transfer into the Inactive Ready Reserve (IRR). IRR sailors can still be called up in times of war or national emergency, but do not have to continue to train. For more on the Coast Guard Reserve, visit: https://www.gocoastguard.com/reserve-careers 

Education

Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard: every branch of service offers multiple ways to pay for your education or train for a civilian career. It's up to you to decide when and how.

Job Training

After basic training, enlistees receive technical or advanced training. This training prepares you for your job in the military. Many military occupations require skills that transfer to civilian occupations. Each branch has its own training programs. The type of job specialty you choose will determine what you learn. If you want military training for a later civilian career, choose your program accordingly. Also keep in mind that the military can change your job at any time to fill needed positions. You can browse military occupations in the Military Careers module. Click on the "Civilian counterparts" topic in an occupation to find out what jobs the military occupation is similar to. You can also use the Military to Civilian Occupation Translator at: careerinfonet.org/moc.

Civilian Credentials & Licenses

The military has more training programs than any one person could possibly take advantage of. Some focus on your career in the military, while others are designed to help you succeed once your service is complete. There are technical courses, programs to help you finish a college degree (even while deployed), and certification programs. They may be based at local colleges and universities or online.

Apprenticeships

The Army, Navy, and Marine Corps offer apprenticeship programs for certain jobs. After completing classroom and on-the-job training, you receive a certificate from the U.S. Department of Labor. The certificate shows civilian employers your level of skill and competency. To find out what Army specialties you can apprentice in, ask a recruiter for details.

Education Before Your Service

The military needs intelligent, well-educated people to lead and manage its operations. If you make a commitment to serve after you complete college, the military will pay part or all of your college expenses. You will also enter the military as an officer.

Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC)

This program offers 2-, 3-, and 4-year scholarships based on your merit and grades. ROTC programs offer military officer training at many colleges. Once you complete your degree, you are commissioned as an officer. Most commitments last 8 years: 4 years on active duty, and 4 years in the Reserves. 

*Pays part or all of the cost of tuition and books depending on the branch of service.

*Pays a stipend during the school year depending on enrollment terms.

*Available to all majors, but engineering, nursing, or science students may be preferred.

*Select cadets can serve part time in the Reserves or National Guard while attending college.

Military Academies

Undergraduate military colleges provide a college education in return for 5 years of active service after graduation. Graduates earn a bachelor's degree and are commissioned as officers. If an academy is your goal, buckle down now–competition for admission is intense.

U.S. Military Academy (West Point)

U.S. Naval Academy 

U.S. Air Force Academy

U.S. Coast Guard Academy

A strong commercial shipping industry is key to the success of the U.S. military around the world. The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy trains civilian ship captains as well as active duty and reserve military officers. For more information, visit: usmma.edu.

Tuition Assistance (TA)

TA pays up to $250 per credit but no more than $4,500 total per academic year. It can be applied to undergraduate and graduate courses taken on campus or through distance learning programs on your own time. Each branch provides a slightly different TA program.

Education After Your Service

If you honorably complete your service in the armed forces, there is a variety of financial aid available to you. Depending on how long you serve, you may be able to pay your entire cost of attendance with this aid. For even more training programs available to you after your service.

Chapter 33 Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB)

The MGIB now pays for tuition and other costs of attending school based on how long you served on active duty in the military. Here are the basics:

Open to all service members who are activated for more than 90 days after September 11, 2001 and receive an honorable discharge.

Payments are based on in-state tuition for public institutions or $17,500 for private institutions in your state, and are sent directly to your school for up to 36 months of full-time attendance.

Amount of benefits is determined by how long you served on active duty: if you served 36 months you will receive 100% of tuition cost, while 30 months receives 90%, down to 90 days, which receives 40% of tuition cost. You will also receive less if you attend less than full time.

Pays a monthly housing stipend, money for books and supplies, and money for licensing or certification tests.

Basic Training

Basic training is your introduction to the military. You will learn to follow orders and work as a team. You will learn military history, customs, and the laws of warfare. You will also prepare mentally and physically for high-stress situations. Basic Combat Training, Recruit Training, Boot Camp. Each branch calls it something a little different, and each one teaches slightly different things. None are easy, but they aren't designed to make you fail. They train you to succeed, even in the most adverse conditions. There is a lot of yelling at basic training. Drill instructors have to teach you to work under stress, and yelling is an effective way to do so. You'll get few phone calls, and every minute of your day will be managed. Keep in mind that the military is not like this after basic training. Once you graduate, you will have the respect of your superiors and your peers as a member of the U.S. military. Men and women serve together, and in some branches they also train together for certain jobs. Although each branch has a different basic training program, day-to-day schedules are fairly similar:

5:00 - 6:30 - a.m Physical conditioning, showers, first formation

6:30 - 7:30 - Breakfast

7:30 - 8:30 - Prepare for inspection

8:30 - 11:30 - Classroom or field instruction

11:30 - 12:30 p.m. - Lunch

12:30 - 4:30 - Classroom or field instruction

4:30 - 5:30 - Dinner

5:30 - 6:30 - Mail, briefings

6:30 - 9:00 - Study, personal time, evening training activities

9:00 - Lights out

Each branch teaches slightly different skills and values during basic training. To learn more about each branch's basic training program, check out Basic Training by Branch.

Advanced Training

After graduating from basic training, Soldiers, Seamen, Airmen, Marines, and Guardians move on to advanced training. Each branch has a slightly different name for this period of skill instruction, but the purpose is the same for each. This is where the training for specific jobs in military career fields begins. There are dozens of schools covering the spectrum of military jobs. Like basic training, advanced training includes classroom instruction, hands-on learning, and training in the field. However, you will be treated as a full member of the military and not as a new recruit. Schools vary in length from a few weeks to more than a year. To learn more about jobs and schools available in each branch of the military, talk to a recruiter and/or visit the branch's website.

Military Experiences

Day-to-day life in the active duty military can be very different for each service member. Each branch of service, job, and duty station offers a different experience. It also depends on whether the country is at peace or at war. For some service members, especially those with administrative or support roles, the military is essentially a 9-to-5 job. Even those in combat positions often work a normal schedule when not deployed or training in the field. Young, unmarried service members usually live in barracks on a military base. Married service members may live in housing on the base or private housing off base. Most service members participate in annual trainings where they practice their specialty in a simulated combat situation, whether on land or on sea. For some specialties, such as mechanics, this simply means a higher work tempo; for others, such as battleship crewmembers, it can mean a several-week voyage. There are important differences between military and civilian careers. Like any job, you must follow orders and meet performance standards. You do not have the same constitutional rights as civilians, even though you are sworn to protect those rights. You must dress and conduct yourself according to military standards. If you commit a crime off base or against a civilian, you may be subject to a civilian trial and punishment and a military trial and punishment. Although certain jobs in each branch are very similar (aircraft mechanics, for example), and each branch maintains forces at overseas bases, experiences will be different from branch to branch.

Life in the Reserve and National Guard

If you serve in the Reserve and National Guard, you can live almost anywhere in the U.S. and have a civilian job. Once a month you travel to your unit's armory for training and are paid for those few days at active duty rates. You may attend additional training voluntarily or to meet promotion requirements. At least once a year you must train for two weeks with your unit. This is done to keep your skills sharp. 

Deployment

Active duty, Reserve, and National Guard deployments can be sent to combat or non-combat zones. The U.S. military has operations all over the world, including peacekeeping and humanitarian missions. Military units often assist other countries during natural disasters. They also train the militaries of allied countries. 

Combat Operations & War

The military exists to fight America's wars. This means killing enemy combatants, and often risking death to do so. All service members can be sent into combat, even those in non-combat positions. Non-combat positions exist to support combat positions, and often have to operate in combat zones to do so. Even cooks have to be ready to stand and fight. If you are not okay with this fact, the military probably isn't for you. There are also no "safe" positions in the military. The length and frequency of combat deployments differs by branch. 

Selective Service System

Males are required by law to register with the Selective Service System (SSS) when they turn 18. The SSS is the government agency responsible for the draft if it is reinstituted. Nearly all males between the ages of 18 and 25 must register, including most non-citizens. Women do not register. For more on SSS, visit: sss.gov.

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is the military's way of assessing what jobs you may be good at. It covers a wide range of abilities beyond just reading and math. Although it is designed to help you choose a military occupation, it is a great way to discover your natural abilities and what civilian careers you may be good at. Here are a few facts about the ASVAB:

Taking the ASVAB is not a commitment to enlist.

Everyone interested in enlisting must take the ASVAB. Your score determines which branches of service and jobs you can enlist in.

Each enlisted occupation requires a minimum score. The score represents the skills needed to perform a particular job.

Minimum scores vary from service to service, and from job to job. The minimum score to be an aircraft mechanic in the Navy may be different from the minimum score for the same job in the Air Force.

You may take the test at a Military Enlistment Processing Station (MEPS) or at Kapolei High School. If you take the exam at MEPS, you will have to schedule this through a recruiter. Once you complete the exam, your scores are "live" and the recruiter will go over your options with you. 

However, if you take the exam at Kapolei High School, no recruiter will see your score and try to recruit you. If you are satisfied with your scores, you may voluntarily contact a recruiter to pull your scores . Your scores are now "live" and you may proceed to discuss your options with the recruiter. If you are not satisfied with your scores, you can either retake the exam or do nothing with them (use it as a practice).  Thus, no recruiter will ever pressure you to join the service.

You can take the ASVAB more than once, but only your most recent score is valid. Your score is good for 2 years.

If you want to join as an officer, you do not have to take the ASVAB. However, it is a great way to evaluate your abilities.

About the Test

It is a multiple-choice timed test and takes about three hours to complete. The test is divided into 8 sections:

General Science, Arithmetic Reasoning, Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, Mathematics Knowledge, Electronics Information, Auto and Shop Information, Mechanical Comprehension

Scores in each of these sections are combined into 3 Career Exploration Scores: Verbal, Math, Science and Technical. All of your scores are combined to determine your Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) Score. This is the score recruiters will use to determine what jobs you can enlist in. The ASVAB Summary Results sheet displays your score in each of the above categories. It also graphs your scores to show how your abilities compare to other people your age and gender.

Who Sees Your Scores

Before you take the ASVAB, you will need to sign a Privacy Act Statement that grants permission for the Department of Defense (DoD) to score your test. If you do not sign the permission form, your test will not be processed. After the DoD scores your test, you (and your school counselor, if you are in high school) will receive a copy of your ASVAB Summary Results. Students can individually choose to release or withhold their information. Otherwise, your school decides if, when, and how recruiters are able to see your test scores and contact information. To learn how to prevent your school from releasing your information to recruiters, check out For Parents. ASVAB information is not shared with the Selective Service System.

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