Ways to Enlist in the Military After High School

I'm exploring options for after high school and considering the military. What are the different ways to enlist in the U.S. military? Are there specific programs or branches I should consider looking into?

If you're considering the military as a path after high school, it's great that you're seeking information about your options. Joining the military involves many important choices: You'll need to decide not just which branch of the military to join, but also whether you want to go full-time or part-time, and what job you want to do.

There are six branches of the U.S. military: the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard. When you're thinking about enlisting, you'll want to carefully compare what each branch has to offer in terms of training, duty stations, and job choices.

The usual way to enlist after high school involves meeting with a recruiter, who can explain what the enlistment process involves and help you understand the different job roles that are available. After meeting with the recruiter, you'll take a test called the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) to determine which military jobs you may qualify for. Once you decide on an area of interest and sign the enlistment agreement, there may be a period of time when you wait in what is known as the Delayed Entry Program. After that, you'll ship out to Basic Combat Training.

However, full-time enlisting as active duty is not the only path. For a part-time commitment, you could consider the Army National Guard or Air National Guard, which are reserve components of their services, operating in part under state authority. Reserves and National Guard train part-time while maintaining civilian jobs or attending school.

Another option is to consider the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) programs in college, which offer scholarships in exchange for a period of military service after graduation.

Finally, there are Military Service Academies: These prestigious programs combine a rigorous college curriculum with military training, and attending one of these can set you up for a career as an officer. The federal service academies include the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Coast Guard Academy and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

Each path has its own unique benefits and challenges, so it's essential to gather as much information as possible before deciding which one would be the best fit for you.