Hey guys, I'm a junior from California and seriously considering military service after graduating. I know each military branch has its own strengths and focuses, but I'm wondering which ones have a strong presence here in California? Also, I've heard a lot of good things about the benefits each branch provides like tuition assistance, but what are some unique programs that I can take advantage of if I enlist here in Cali?
The military branch you choose can depend on a number of factors including your personal preferences, career goals, and the kind of experience you're looking for.
All five branches of the US military (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard) have a presence in California due to its strategic coastal location and expansive geographical area. Facilities like Camp Pendleton and Twentynine Palms for Marines, Naval Base San Diego and Naval Air Station North Island for Navy, Travis Air Force Base and Edwards Air Force Base for Air Force, and Fort Irwin and Presidio of Monterey for Army are all located in California.
As far as benefits and unique programs, there are some that are California-specific. For instance, the California Army National Guard offers a state tuition assistance program which supplements federal benefits. The California National Guard Education Assistance Award Program (CNG EAAP) offers to pay for tuition and fees at most California colleges, universities, and technical schools, and is in addition to the federal benefits available to soldiers.
The Coast Guard has the advantage of the College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative (CSPI), a scholarship program for students who are currently enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a bachelor's degree program at a minority-serving university or institution. CSPI-funded students who successfully graduate from Officer Candidate School are guaranteed a position in the Coast Guard as an officer.
So, although all branches have highly beneficial programs (GI Bill, tuition assistance, etc.), if you are focused on taking advantage of state-specific educational benefits, considering the California National Guard might be an approach worth considering.
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