The military or Armed Forces is the branch of the U.S. Government. The different branches have different missions and goals, but all provide paid training and money for further post-secondary education. The U.S. Military has five active-duty service branches and their respective Guard and Reserve units. These offer full time and part time employment immediately after high school or after going through initial training, potentially at a college or university. The military doesn't accept everyone; in order to enlist, you must qualify. There are age, citizenship, physical, education, height/weight, criminal record, medical, and drug history standards.

You may consider the military if you are interested in learning skills in service to the U.S. and don’t mind having your time structured for you. Additionally, you might want to explore the world or to get money to pay for college. No matter what, you’ll need to be willing to commit to a significant amount of time as military commitments tend to last 4-8 years.

Check out the government's website on how to enlist in the military and reasons why you may consider it as an option.

Today's military gives an overview of the different branches and different ways to serve.