Military Careers
Explore a World of Opportunities with a Military Career! At Foothill High, we understand that not every student follows the same path after graduation. For those considering a military career, this page is your gateway to a world of diverse opportunities, leadership development, and service to our nation.
Discover the various branches of the military, learn about enlistment processes, and explore the unique career paths each offers. Whether you're interested in becoming a soldier, sailor, airman, or marine, the military provides a structured and rewarding journey for those ready to embrace the challenge.
Our goal is to provide you with the information and resources you need to make informed decisions about your future. From ROTC programs to scholarships and veterans' benefits, we're here to guide you every step of the way.
Remember, a military career is a significant commitment, and it's not for everyone. It requires dedication, discipline, and a strong sense of duty. We encourage you to explore this path thoroughly and speak with our dedicated counselors for personalized guidance.
If you're considering the military as your next adventure, we're here to support you in making that choice and preparing for the exciting opportunities ahead. Your journey to a military career starts here.
https://www.march2success.com/
March2Success is a FREE website providing users access to online study materials to help improve their scores on standardized tests such as state exit exams, college entrance exams, the military entrance exam (ASVAB) and others. Our content includes self-paced study programs in Math, English and Science, with a focus of materials on grades 8-12. In addition to online courses and practice tests, March2Success includes resources to help students navigate the college application process. This includes admissions, financial aid and scholarship guides and overall planning guides.
ASVAB Explained:
https://www.military.com/join-armed-forces/asvab/asvab-test-explained.html
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery is the most widely used multiple-aptitude test battery in the world. The ASVAB measures your strengths, weaknesses and potential for future success in four domains: verbal, math, science and technical, and spatial.
The ASVAB includes tests in 10 areas: general science (GS), arithmetic reasoning (AR), word knowledge (WK), paragraph comprehension (PC), mathematics knowledge (MK), electronics information (EI), auto information (AI), shop information (SI), mechanical comprehension (MC) and assembling objects (AO). It provides career information for various civilian and military occupations and is an indicator for success in future endeavors, such as college, vocational school or a military career.
Check out the following AFQT qualifying scores for each branch of service.
Service Branch Required AFQT Score*
Army 31
Navy 31
Marines 31
Air Force 31
Coast Guard 36
* These scores are subject to change without notice. Scores posted as of August 28, 2023
Minimum ASVAB Score Waivers
Unique and desirable skill sets, such as fluency in a foreign language, may exempt applicants from AFQT minimums. A waiver may also be issued for high composite scores that correlate to an in-demand job. For example, if there is a shortage of Army Electricians and the applicant scores very high on the Electronics Information section, a waiver may be obtained if they agree to take a job as an electrician.
If you are looking into joining the military or are facing the ASVAB, it is a good idea to talk to a recruiter to get the most accurate and up-to-date information for your situation.
What is the AFQT score?
The AFQT (Armed Forces Qualification Test) score determines whether you’re eligible to enlist in the US military. The AFQT score is made up of your scores on the 4 subtests: Arithmetic Reasoning (AR), Mathematics Knowledge (MK), Paragraph Comprehension (PC), and Word Knowledge (WK).
Your AFQT score varies from 0 – 100. The AFQT score is calculated through a very particular process:
Calculate the total value of your Word Knowledge score and Paragraph Comprehension score. This score is called your Verbal Expression or VE score.
Double your VE score and then add it to your Arithmetic Reasoning (AR) score and your Mathematics Knowledge (MK) to get your AFQT Score.
Now the general equation will look like this:
Raw AFQT Score = 2 × (WK + PC) + AR + MK
What is the Post 9/11 GI Bill and how do you get it?
The Post-9/11 GI Bill is a transformative opportunity designed to support veterans in their pursuit of higher education. This comprehensive benefit provides financial assistance to eligible individuals, empowering them to achieve their academic goals.
Eligibility: To receive 100% of the full Post-9/11 GI Bill benefit, you must meet one of the following criteria:
You served on active duty for a total of at least 1,095 days (equivalent to at least 36 months).
You served on active duty and received a Purple Heart on or after September 11, 2001.
You served on active duty for at least 30 continuous days, and your discharge was due to a service-connected disability.
If your service period was less than 36 months, your eligibility is calculated based on the total time served, which determines your 'eligibility tier.' Here's the breakdown:
910 to 1,094 days (30 to 35 months): 90% of the full benefit
730 to 909 days (24 to 29 months): 80% of the full benefit
545 to 729 days (18 to 23 months): 70% of the full benefit
180 to 544 days (6 to 17 months): 60% of the full benefit
90 to 179 days (3 to 5 months): 50% of the full benefit
Please note that these percentages apply to the full benefit rates, and your actual payment will be based on your eligibility tier.
Full Rates for School and Training Programs (Effective August 1, 2023, to July 31, 2024):
Tuition and Fees: These will be paid directly to your school or training program. The amounts listed here are the maximums for each type of institution. If you qualify for a percentage of the full benefit, multiply these amounts by your percentage to determine your maximum yearly payment.
Public institution of higher learning
Private institution of higher learning (up to $27,120.05)
Foreign institution of higher learning (up to $27,120.05 in U.S. dollars)
Non-college degree programs (up to $27,120.05)
Flight training (up to $15,497.15)
Correspondence school (up to $13,172.57)
Housing Allowance: You may be eligible for a monthly housing allowance based on the cost of living in your area. The exact amount is determined by Defense Travel Management and it is at the equivalent payment of an E-5 with dependents in your local area. To determine your stipend, check this website and enter information for an E-5 with dependents. https://www.travel.dod.mil/allowances/basic-allowance-for-housing/bah-rate-lookup/ An example for the Sacramento Area would be 2,844 a month if your post 9/11 GI Bill payment is for the full 100%. This amount is subject to be pro-rated based on your eligibility. Your VA benefits counselor will have additional information if you choose a military career.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill is a remarkable opportunity, and at Foothill High School, we're here to assist you in understanding and accessing its benefits. Our dedicated counselors are ready to provide guidance, answer questions, and help you make the most of this valuable resource. Start your educational journey with confidence today!
For Online Students: The VA bases your monthly housing allowance on the national average.
They’ll pay you up to $1,054.50 (equal to half the national average for MHA). This is the maximum amount they’ll pay you each month.
Note: If you take at least one class in person while taking other online learning classes, you may be eligible for the higher resident MHA. This is dependent on school and may include internships.
For additional information or to schedule taking the ASVAB please contact Colin Baxter at (916) 566-3445, ext. 26041 or