Post-High School: Military Route

Hey, so I'm a junior in high school and I'm seriously considering joining the military after I graduate. I want to get a sense of how many students like me choose this path. Can anyone tell me how many high schoolers join the military? Thanks!

It's a great question and the choice to pursue a military path after high school is indeed a significant one. The specific number of high school students who join the military each year depends on the specific branch and other factors, including the national security climate.

However, based on statistics from the Department of Defense, it's estimated that each year about 150,000 young people enlist for active duty service in the U.S. military, which comes from the larger pool of the approximately 2 million high school students who graduate annually. This means that roughly 7.5% of all high school graduates enlist in the military.

Keep in mind that this number varies by region and other factors, such as the state of the economy or if there is a war taking place. Additionally, these numbers only tell part of the story, as potential recruits must meet various physical, mental, and moral standards to join the military, and not every high school graduate is eligible to enlist.

Ultimately, the decision to join the military is a personal and important one. It comes with many benefits - financial assistance for college, discipline and structure, job and technical skills training, a chance to serve and protect our country, and more. But it also comes with sacrifices and commitments. It's important to thoroughly research and understand the obligations and requirements of military service before making your decision.

You can speak with a recruitment officer or your school counselor to get more detailed information based on your specific circumstances and intentions. They'll be able to offer advice and clarity on your prospective path.