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Military

The U.S. Military offers a unique career path filled with challenge, purpose, and valuable training. Whether students are interested in full-time active duty, part-time service through the Reserves or National Guard, or leadership opportunities through ROTC and service academies, the military provides a wide range of options tailored to different interests and goals.

 

Explore Military Branches

The United States Armed Forces is made up of six distinct military branches, each with its own mission, structure, and career opportunities. In addition to full-time active duty service, each branch offers reserve components for part-time service, allowing individuals to serve while pursuing civilian careers or education.

*The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) Test is required to enlist in all military branches (see more information below).

Military Benefits

Military careers also offer numerous benefits including:

  • Job skill development
  • Leadership training
  • Travel opportunities
  • Financial support for college (through various education programs like the GI Bill and tuition assistance)

About the ASVAB Test

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a series of tests developed by the Department of Defense to determine student's strengths and potential for success in military training and related careers. It is required for anyone who wants to enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Learn more about the ASVAB Test Areas

Additional Requirements

  • Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident
  • Age: Can enlist at 17 with parental consent, or 18 or older without. Each service branch has a different enlistment age limit.
  • Education: Must have a High school diploma or GED.
  • Testing: Must take the ASVAB test
  • Health and fitness: Must pass a physical exam and meet weight limits. Each service has different standards.

Get Started

If the military is an option that interests you, consider taking these next steps:

  1. Research military branches: Learn about the five military branches, full-time and part-time options, benefits, and basic requirements and steps for joining the U.S. military as an enlisted member. 
  2. Contact a recruiter: Recruiters can answer specific questions for each military branch.
  3. Understand options for the Delayed Entry Program (DEP): The DEP program allows individuals who have committed to enlist in the military to postpone their active duty start date and prepare before leaving for Basic Training.
  4. Take the ASVAB test: Students who decide to enlist in the military will spend a day at the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) to take the ASVAB test, complete a physical exam, and meet with a career counselor. If accepted, individuals will take an oath of enlistment.
  5. Examine Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) options: The U.S. Army categorizes the jobs performed by enlisted personnel under the MOS system. Every MOS is known by its code.
  6. Await orders for basic training: Recruits will receive orders for basic training within a few weeks after reporting to MEPS. Recruits who enrolled in the DEP) will receive orders within a year.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)