Why Join the Military?
Why Join the Military?
Joining the military can be an exciting and life-changing experience. There are many reasons young adults across the United States show an interest in the Armed Services. Some have multigenerational respect for the military and want to serve as previous generations did. Others are interested in the job security and educational benefits that come with being in the military. Whatever the reason, joining the military can create a great foundation for future personal growth. Meet with your counselor to discover your options
Students considering the military should meet with their counselor to discuss all the possible avenues before talking to recruiters. You want to examine all options BEFORE committing.
Requirements to enlist
Requirements to enlist
US Citizenship or lawful permanent resident
Must be 18 years or older (enlist at 17 with parental consent)
High School diploma or GED
Take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) or apply for Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC)
Pass a physical exam and meet weight limits
Branches of Service
Branches of Service
The largest and oldest service in the U.S. military, the Army provides the ground forces that protect the United States.
A component of the Department of the Navy, the Marine Corps maintains amphibious and ground units for contingency and combat operations.
On, above and below the water, The Navy is America’s forward-deployed force and is a major deterrent to aggression around the world.
The Air Force provides a rapid, flexible, and lethal air and space capability that can deliver forces anywhere in the world within hours.
The Space Force organizes, trains, and equips space forces in order to protect U.S. and allied interests in space and to provide space capabilities to the joint force.
The Coast Guard provides law and maritime safety enforcement, marine and environmental protection and military naval support.
Comprised of the Army National Guard and Air National Guard, the National Guard is versatile force, supporting combat missions, domestic emergencies, humanitarian efforts, homeland security operations and more.
ROTC & ROTC Scholarship Opportunities
The Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) is a college-based leadership program that prepares students for military service as commissioned officers in the U.S. Armed Forces. While participating in ROTC, students develop valuable leadership, discipline, and teamwork skills, all while pursuing their college degrees.
ROTC Scholarships provide financial assistance for tuition, fees, and other college expenses, making higher education more accessible. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership potential, and physical fitness. Recipients commit to serving in the military after graduation, gaining real-world experience and career opportunities in various fields.
Students interested in ROTC programs and scholarships should explore opportunities with the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. See your counselor to learn more about eligibility, benefits, and application deadlines.
ASVAB
ASVAB
The better your ASVAB score, the broader your options!
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test is a timed, multi-aptitude test. The ASVAB helps determine whether you are a good fit to join the service, which service branch you might be best for, and even what military jobs you can hold after you complete basic training.
The ASVAB is held twice a year at Kauai High School in Mr. Gardner's Room A-203.
Sign up with your KHS counselor!
SY 25.26 Kauai High School Dates TBD
Enlistment eligibility: Four of the ASVAB subtests are combined to form the AFQT. It measures general cognitive ability and is composed of verbal and mathematics subtests. AFQT scores are grouped into categories for reporting purposes. The table linked here shows the AFQT categories and the percentile score ranges corresponding to the categories.
Current minimum scores for each branch of the military are: Air Force—31; Army—31; Coast Guard—40; Marine Corps—32; National Guard—31; Navy—35.
Military Service Academies
Military Service Academies
The service academies are federal institutions that provide undergraduate education and train future commissioned officers for service in the United States Armed Forces. Applying to a Military Service Academy is a rigorous, highly competitive, and lengthy process only for the most determined and qualified candidates. Generally, students and families must begin the application process very early, even before a student is a Senior. Students pay no tuition while at a military academy but are required to serve in the military upon graduation. Please see your counselor for more information if you are interested in applying for a service academy.
Listed below are the five federal United States service academies:
The United States Military Academy (USMA) in West Point, NY
The United States Naval Academy (USNA) in Annapolis, MD
The United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) in New London, CT
The United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) in Kings Point, NY
The United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) in Colorado Springs, CO
In order to be eligible to apply to the Academies, you must first receive a nomination from a State Senator. Click on the senators' names below for information on their programs.
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