| Branch | Scope | Sample Careers |
|---|---|---|
| Air Force | Defend the U.S. and its global interests—to fly, fight and win in air, space and cyberspace | Aircraft maintenance, special investigations officer, pilot or flight nurse |
| Air National Guard | Supports the Air Force with combat-ready reserve air forces, while protecting their states | Pilot, weather officer or airfield management |
| Army | Protect vital national interests, and to fulfill national military responsibilities on land | Infantryman, linguist or medical careers |
| Army National Guard | Supports active duty military in responding to domestic emergencies and threats abroad | Mechanics and maintenance, logistics specialists or cybersecurity careers |
| Coast Guard | Conducts search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, navigation assistance, ice breaking, environmental protection, port security and military readiness on waterways | Survival technician, public affairs specialist or maritime enforcement specialist |
| Marines | Conducts expeditionary and amphibious operations with the Navy, Army and Air Force | Combat infantry, cybersecurity technician or military working dog handler |
| Navy | Maintains, trains and equips combat-ready naval forces capable of winning wars, deterring aggression and maintaining the freedom of the seas | Intelligence specialist, pilot, flight officer, or attorney and legal support |
| Space Force | Prepares for and conducts military operations in space | Space, nuclear and missile operations officers; missile and space systems maintenance or missile and space facilities specialist |
Your Classes and Grades
- Meet with your counselor to create your 4-year plan.
- Work hard in gym class and try new activities to stay healthy. Physical fitness is incredibly important in all branches of the military.
- Begin taking dual credit courses. Learning how to study and to take tests are valuable skills you’ll use no matter what your plan is after college.
- Take your Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test. This test will help you figure out what jobs you may be good at and in which branch. These scores could even determine enlistment bonuses!
- Don’t let the senior slide happen!
- Keep on top of your behavior, both in and out of school. You don’t want a rash decision to negatively impact your plans for the future.
Outside-of-school Activities
- Expose yourself to new experiences and community issues by volunteering outside of your school.
- Enhance your teamwork and leadership skills by participating in extracurricular activities like sports, youth group activities, music or the arts.
- Review the Quality Citizenship Guidelines for students hoping to enlist in the military. Your behavior throughout high school is very important and you may not have any suspensions or expulsions to be considered a quality citizen.
- Visit with an adult who has military experience. Discuss the branch they were in, their job and daily life in the military.
- Work with a recruiter to educate yourself on the enlistment procedures and requirements of the branch you’re going to enter. If you’re old enough and think you’re ready, you may be able to enlist in the military. If so, you may be able to go to basic training between your junior and senior years.
- Ask your parents or another trusted adult about money management and begin taking control of your finances, so you’re well practiced by the time you’re financially on your own. Start saving early because you will be financially independent earlier than some of your classmates.
- Prepare for basic training and advanced individual training (AIT).
- Talk to your family about who will be taking care of your personal affairs: getting your mail, paying your bills and handling any other personal matters.
- Spend time with your closest friends and family and share contact information.