There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure
- Colin Powell, former U.S. General, Secretary of State, and National Security AdvisorMilitary
The U.S. armed forces are made up of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps, which are all under the direction of the Department of Defense. The Coast Guard receives commands from the Department of Homeland Security, and the National Guard usually receives its directives from state leaders. The President of the United States is the Commander-in Chief over all branches through the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Secretary of Defense.
Enlisting in the military is great option for those who want to immediately work after high school, need financial aid for college or enter the military as an officer. The options available to you are :
- Enlisting straight into the service of your choice.
- Joining the ROTC
- Attending a military academy.
Enlisted Service
To enlist in the military you need to meet with a recruiter from the armed forces branch you would like to join. There is an entrance exam called the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (AVSCAB) which you have to pass to be accepted. Based on your test scores - and your interests - a family of jobs will be selected for you.
As an enlisted service person you will receive a salary, housing and health benefits. There are opportunities to become an officer with recommendations from a commanding officer and training in Officer Candidate School (OCS) or enrollment into an ROTC program. Additionally, you can continue your education with tuition assistance programs from the U.S. Department of Defense.
All enlisted recruits most go through basic training.
Service Branches
This the land service branch of the United States Armed Forces. It is the largest military branch with over one million soldiers
ROTC
The Reserve Office Training Corps (ROTC) is a college program that prepares you to become an officer in the military. Each service branch has its own ROTC. Your college education is paid for and you must commit to serving in the military after you graduate. The program is offered at more than 1700 colleges and universities across the country.
Federal Service Academies
If you think you would like a military career after you graduate from college, you can pursue both if you attend one of the federal service academies:
- Army - US Military Academy (also known as West Point)
- Navy - US Naval Academy
- Air Force - US Air Force Academy
- Coast Guard - US Coast Guard Academy
- Merchant Marine - US Merchant Marine Academy.
As a student at one of these schools your tuition is fully paid and includes your room and board, books, medical and dental care. You will also get a monthly allowance to cover living expenses and other things you may need. Graduates of the service academies receive a Bachelor of Science degree. They enter their branch of service as a commissioned officer and have to serve at least five years after graduation.
The service academies are very selective and competitive schools. To compete for one of these scholarships you need to excel in the following areas:
- High school academic performance
- Standardized test scores (SAT or ACT)
- Athletics and extracurricular activities
- Leadership experience and commitment to your community
You will also need a congressional letter of recommendation (not required by the Coast Guard Academy) Applicants must be 17 to 23 years old, unmarried, with no children, and of good character.
Lighting the way
Military professionals who have paved the way.
Hazel Johnson-Brown
First African American Woman General in the US Army
Lloyd J. Austin III
Secretary of Defense, Retired Four Star General and West Point Graduate
