Military
Where do I start?
There are many branches to the military – some have more specialized options than the others, like becoming a military pilot in the U.S. Air Force. Whether you’re interested in a career or looking for an option to provide structure and support for your life, the military hosts many life-long benefits.
Sounds complicated... How does it work?
How can I join the military?
Joining the military has become a streamlined process in this modern age. After you pass some basic requirements, you’ll need to take an exam to determine what jobs you can qualify for. If you want a specific job and don’t qualify for it after taking the exam you can take the test again 30 days afterwards. When you’re satisfied with your score, you will need to take a medical exam to see if you can be put into active duty. Depending on all the information received by the prior steps you can then choose your job and branch before you take your oath and sign your enlistment contract.
How can I prepare for the ASVAB?
There are many free online resources you can use to prepare for the ASVAB – see the resources below.
What jobs can I have in the Military?
Depending on your branch you can have a wide variety of careers; anywhere from music in the Marine Corps. to an astronautical engineer with the Space Force. Some branches also offer part-time reserve employment if you don’t want to make a full-time commitment. Look at your options below with the different branches to see what suites you best.
Are there other options for joining the military? - Yes
What is ROTC?
ROTC stands for the Reserve Officers Training Corps. and can be a great way to prepare for a career in the military while getting an education. ROTC focuses on the path of school first, military after.
Benefits for starting with ROTC include:
- Full or partial scholarship
- Ability to get a degree with little to no debt
- Housing allowance
- Monthly stipend
- Book allowance
- Join military as a Second Lieutenant instead of a Cadet
Understand what an ROTC scholarship contract is
What kind of pay and benefits do you receive in the military?
Benefits while in military
- 30 days annual paid vacation
- A guaranteed paycheck
- Cash Bonuses
- Low Cost Life Insurance
- Health and Dental Care
- Can Retire with 20 years of Service
- Thrift Savings Plan
- Education and Credentialing Benefits
- Tax-free room, board, and allowances
- Use of commissary and Military Exchange stores
- Special home loans, discounts, and mortgage help
- Conveniently located Child Care
- Military Discounts at local and online services and products
- Free Tax Preparation
- Advanced and Specialty Training
Benefits after the military
- Transition Assistance
- Disability compensation
- Veteran’s pension programs
- VA Benefits
- Free or low-cost medical care through VA hospitals and medical facilities
- GI Bill
- VA Loans
- Veteran Hiring Benefits
- Federal government
- State government
- Online shopping at the Exchange