After Graduation: Military Options?

Hey guys, I'm a junior in high school and the more I think about my future, the more I'm leaning towards a career in the military. I'm just not sure what the process would look like for a high school grad. Can anyone elaborate on the various military options available out of high school?

Sure, there are several paths to consider if you're considering a career in the military after graduation.

If you're interested in being an enlisted service member, upon graduating high school you can enlist directly into one of the branches of the U.S. military - Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard. This usually involves meeting with a recruiter, taking the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), and going through physical screenings. After this, you would attend Basic Training or Boot Camp for your specific branch.

If you're looking towards being a military officer, you want to consider going through a Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program in college. Many colleges and universities across the country offer ROTC programs, which prepare college students to become Officers in the U.S. Military while completing their degree. This also provides scholarship opportunities that pay for your tuition and provide a monthly stipend.

Another option is attending a Service Academy like the U.S. Military Academy (West Point), U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis), U.S. Air Force Academy, or U.S. Coast Guard Academy. These are highly competitive programs that provide a four-year undergraduate education and train you to be an Officer. Those who attend these schools commit to a period of service upon graduation, but the education is free.

Remember, while a military career can offer many benefits such as discipline, physical fitness, leadership skills, and job security, it also poses a unique set of challenges, so it's important to really consider the commitment and lifestyle involved. Feel free to reach out to local recruiters or a school counselor to learn more about your options.