Hey all, I've been heavily considering joining the military after high school and was wondering if someone could shine some light on the difficulties involved with enlisting in different military branches. Curious about general admission standards, fitness requirements, academic qualifications etc. Would appreciate any first-hand experiences or insights. Thanks!
There's definitely a good bit to consider when you're looking at enlisting in the military, not only in terms of fitness and academic standards but also the overall lifestyle and the specific job opportunities available in each branch.
Firstly, all branches have an age requirement (typically 17-35, though this can vary slightly between branches), minimum education level (a high school diploma or GED is generally required), and are subject to a criminal background check. Additionally, you'll have to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test, which evaluates your abilities and helps determine what roles you can take on.
Fitness requirements will vary depending on the branch. Each branch has its own physical fitness test that recruits will need to pass during basic training. In general, you can expect a run, push-ups, sit-ups or crunches, and possibly pull-ups depending on the branch. The specific standards for these will vary. For instance, the Army has recently switched to a more comprehensive fitness test (the ACFT) which includes a strength deadlift, power throw, push-ups, sprint, drag, carry, leg tucks, and a two-mile run.
As for the lifestyle, this can also be quite different depending on the branch. The Army and the Marines have historically engaged in more ground-combat orientated missions while the Air Force and Navy are more focused on technological or nautical missions. These differences are reflected in the day-to-day lifestyles, job opportunities, locations of bases, and deployment patterns of each branch.
Each branch also offers different opportunities for furthering your education, such as tuition assistance programs, which can be significant for some people. For example, the Post-9/11 GI Bill can cover up to 36 months of education benefits, and this can all be used after separating from the military.
Remember, enlisting is a big decision that can shape the course of your life. It's definitely a good idea to speak with recruiters from each branch you're interested in and dig deeper into what life in each branch would be like and what could be expected of you. Be sure to ask plenty of questions and consider your decision carefully. It's a great step to be reaching out for information, so good luck on your research!
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