Steps to become a military instructor after high school

I aspire to become a military instructor eventually. What should I focus on in high school to move toward this goal, and what the path generally looks like, considering starting with enlistment out of high school?

Looking at your aspirations to become a military instructor, it's impressive that you've got such a specific goal laid out. Here's a rough path you might consider:

1. High School Preparation: In high school, focus on maintaining good grades, as this can sometimes affect enlistment eligibility. You may want to participate in extracurriculars related to team-building or leadership, which are vital skills in the military. If you're intrigued by physical activity, playing a sport could be beneficial. If your school offers it, joining the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) program can also give you a head start in understanding military structure and discipline.

2. Physical Fitness: Consider starting a regular fitness regimen. Military training is physically rigorous, and the better shape you're in at the outset, the more at ease you'll be.

3. Enlistment Exam: After high school, you will need to pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), a test that determines if you're eligible for enlistment. It also assists in determining which Military Occupational Specialities (MOS) you're suited for.

4. Enlistment and Training: Once enlisted, you typically go through Basic Combat Training (BCT), or "boot camp." Subsequent to boot camp, you would attend Advanced Individual Training (AIT) for the specialty you've chosen or been assigned.

5. Experience and Further Education: After AIT, you start your active military service. To be a military instructor, you would typically need a few years of experience, as well as demonstrated expertise in a specific area. During this time, growing and demonstrating your leadership skills would also be vital. Furthermore, pursuing higher education, whether it's certification programs or degree programs, can enhance your qualifications.

6. Instructor Selection: When you're ready and have sufficient experience, you can apply to be a military instructor. This is usually an intensive selection process, which may need another round of schooling or training.

Of course, paths can be variable, as the military is a vast organization with many avenues for service and advancement. Keep in mind that you will likely need clean legal and medical records to become enlisted. The steps outlined above should provide you with a basic framework and a place to start. Make sure to reach out to a local recruiter or do further research to have all your questions answered as they pertain to your individual situation and goals. Good luck!