Empowering your future through enlisting in the U.S. military directly from high school is a major step. There are six branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force. Across all branches, applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal residents, hold a high school diploma, and pass medical, physical, and background checks. In order for you find out what possible choices you have based on your skills, you may take the Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). The ASVAB is available yearly at many high schools for 10th, 11th and 12th graders. Talk to your school counselor if you are interested. Generally, to enlist you must be at least 17 years of age, be a U.S. citizen or legally reside in the U.S. and be a high school graduate. In addition to regular enlistment programs, you may elect to join the California National Guard or Reserves. There are also two- and four-year Reserve Officer Training (ROTC) Programs in colleges leading to a commission as an officer. Interested students should go to their Career Center, speak with a recruiter, or click here for more information. 

The U.S. Military Academies may also be options for you. 

Military universities include the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Each offer many fields of study and require a service obligation upon graduation. Tuition, room and board, and medical and dental care are free of charge, and students also receive a small monthly salary. The U.S. Naval Academy, West Point, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy also require a nomination for appointment (which requires academic excellence) from a U.S. Representative, U.S. Senator or Vice President of the United States depending upon the academy. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy has an annual nationwide competition. The service academies are very selective and have many requirements for admission. Interested students click here for more information.