What options do high schools offer for military preparation?

Hi there! I've been considering pursuing a military career post-HS and I'm just not certain what paths are available for me in high school to get prepared. We've got ROTC and some sort of military club at our school, but I don't know if that's enough. Are there any other programs or resources I should look into?

Sure, there are definitely options available for high school students interested in a military career.

To start off, JROTC is a phenomenal program that some high schools offer, and I'd highly suggest capitalizing on this if available. It's primarily designed to teach leadership and citizenship, instilling discipline and a sense of duty, amongst other things.

Several states also have military academies which are public high schools focused on military preparation. These schools often offer JROTC or similar programs, along with academic coursework. Attending a military academy isn't necessary — regular high schools often offer numerous resources as well — but it's definitely a viable option if you're truly dedicated.

Your school's military club could be another beneficial avenue. Often, clubs like this will offer community service opportunities, drills, and guest speakers from different branches of the military. They also let you connect with others who share your interest, and sometimes organize visitations to nearby military bases or academies.

If you're already fairly certain about pursuing the military right after high school, you might consider the U.S. service academies — U.S. Military Academy (Army, West Point), U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. These institutions offer full 4-year scholarships to students in return for a service commitment after graduation. Do note, though, that the admission process for these academies is extremely competitive.

'Reach Out For Schools' offers a Military Explorers Program, where high school students can learn skills like map reading, mountaineering, and survival tactics. Explorers is a co-ed program sponsored by Learning for Life (a Boy Scouts of America affiliate) for young adults ages 14 (and have completed 8th grade) through 20 years old.

Lastly, talk to your school's counselors or, if available, a career counselor. They can provide information on any resources your school or district might offer and help you chart your journey. Remember, it's also crucial to focus on your educational foundation, so continue pursuing rigorous course work and maintaining strong grades. This will not only help you in the admissions process (should you choose to attend a service academy or ROTC program), but also provide a solid base for any military training you undertake.