Hey, this is a junior from Texas who's looking into the military after high school. Anyone know if there's a certain branch that's more dominant here in Texas? And what particular advantages would enlisting in that branch offer me?
Texas has an extensive military presence and hosts installations from all branches of the U.S. military. However, the Army is traditionally seen as having a significant presence in Texas because of the large bases such as Fort Hood and Fort Bliss, which are among the largest military installations in the U.S.
For a high school student who's considering enlisting, the Army could provide several advantages. Firstly, being close to large bases like Fort Hood or Fort Bliss can offer easy access to base resources and amenities, and the chance to stay relatively close to home. Furthermore, the Army is known for providing a broad range of career fields (or MOS—Military Occupational Specialties), from infantry and combat roles to healthcare, logistics, and technical roles. This wide variety of roles allows you to choose a specialty that aligns with your eventual career goals.
Another advantage to enlisting in the Army is the GI Bill, which provides extensive benefits for education after your service. The Army's College Loan Repayment Program can also help with student loans.
Finally, specific to Texas, there are state programs such as the Hazlewood Act that provide significant educational benefits for Texas veterans, including potentially up to 150 hours of tuition exemption at state-funded schools.
However, while these factors may make the Army appear 'dominant' in Texas, it's essential to consider all factors, including your interests, aptitudes, and long-term career goals, when choosing a military branch. Each branch of the service has unique advantages and distinct missions, and what's most critical is finding the right fit for you.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.