Military Enlistment in 2025: What Should I Know?

I'll graduate in 2025 and am thinking about enlisting in the military. Are there any upcoming changes or important things to be aware of for enlisting in that year? Any advice would be appreciated!

First off, kudos to you for considering military service after high school. The military can be a rewarding way to serve your country and gain professional skills that will help you in the future.

At the moment, the biggest upcoming change in the U.S. military for 2025 is the integration of the Space Force as the sixth independent branch alongside the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, and Coast Guard. Space Force is responsible for orbiter traffic, satellite access, and tracking space debris, and plays an essential role in protecting U.S. and allied interests in space. If you have a particular interest in technology, this could be an avenue to explore.

Do keep in mind that the military also offers a range of roles beyond the typical combat positions that people often associate with. These can range from intelligence to engineering, medical, communications, logistics, and legal roles, among others. When making your decision, I would suggest considering the kind of careers you would be interested in and the skills you would like to acquire.

Lastly, the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) remains a requirement for enlistment. It's designed to highlight your strengths and point you toward roles that might be a good fit for you. Taking practice tests can be beneficial to assess your strengths and weaknesses and work on any areas that need improvement.

Always remember to talk to a recruiter in depth about all of these factors – they can provide insight into training demands, deployment likelihood, available roles, and how different branches handle these aspects. Overall, keep an open mind, do your research, and weigh your decision carefully.