What does it mean to enlist in the military?

I'm a high school junior considering military options after graduation. Can someone explain what enlisting in the military entails? What are the commitments, and how does it impact my life and career?

Enlisting in the military means that you make a commitment to serve in a branch of the military: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard. Enlisting also includes the sixth branch, the Space Force. Following your enlistment, you'll go through basic training and then be assigned to a specific job, also known as your Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). The job you're assigned to will depend on your interests, aptitude, physical capabilities, and the needs of the service branch.

The standard commitment when you enlist is usually four years of active duty and four years of inactive ready reserve, but this can vary depending on the needs of the military and the specific enlistment option you choose. During your active duty time, you will be working for the military full time. Once you're in the inactive ready reserve, you're not actively serving but could be called back if needed.

Joining the military can have a significant impact on your life and future career. It offers a range of benefits including job training, tuition assistance for higher education, and potentially valuable leadership experience. However, this path also comes with challenges. Deployments and relocations can be frequent depending on world events, your job assignment, and the branch you join. This lifestyle can be demanding and requires adaptability.

It's also crucial to mention that your military commitment is legally binding, and leaving before your commitment ends can result in legal repercussions or a dishonorable discharge. Therefore, it's crucial to consider this decision carefully.

If you're interested in a specific field, you may want to research that particular job in the military. Knowing more about the daily responsibilities, necessary training, and potential career paths post-service can be helpful. Speaking with a military recruiter can also provide valuable insights into the enlistment process and the opportunities each branch can offer.

Finally, remember that there are also other ways of joining the military such as ROTC programs or attending a service academy if you're also interested in pursuing higher education. Each path has its own set of requirements, commitments, and benefits, so it's essential to consider all possibilities.