Military - Active Duty

Army/Navy/Air Force/Marine Corp

Your decision to join one branch over another is determined by

• Patriotism
• Family tradition
• Travel
• Educational benefits
• Length of enlistment and a host of other points

Whatever your reason for joining your decision should be made with the following in mind.

• What are your goals in life and how can the military help you in reaching those goals?
• You will serve from two to six years in return for job training, work experience, money, and benefits
• Most skills taught are used in civilian life.
• Military personnel (active, National Guard, reserve) may be called upon to risk their lives in times of conflict while serving their country.

In the active duty segments, applicants must have a high school diploma, be in good physical condition, and have no record of moral turpitude.

Additionally, applicants must qualify on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) if they have not previously qualified when the test was offered at their high school.

Advancement or promotion is dependent upon length of service and time in cur­rent rank/pay grade. You may start out at a higher pay status, depending on your advanced civilian training or education and the type of job selected.

The type and length of job training depends on the job selected. Each enlis­tee must take basic training at a designated military installation. Usually lasting from eight to ten weeks, this training is comprised of physical conditioning and military edu­cation.

Travel is offered in almost any job area in the Armed Forces. Assignments are available in all 50 states and in countries all over the world. Following job training, an enlistee is assigned to a duty station. Many branches of the Armed Forces have pro­grams that allow enlistees to select their duty locations after completing an overseas assignment.

In addition to educational benefits, the military services provide full hospitaliza­tion, dental, and eye care as well as most health care needs for family members. Housing may be provided at some duty stations. After 20 years of service, an enlistee can qualify for retirement benefits and receive a monthly pension. Veteran's benefits, including home loans, hospitalization, survivor benefits, and disability benefits.

Selective Service
All males, ages 18-25, must be registered with the Selective Service System. To register online, go to www.sss.gov.