Joining & Eligibility

Enlisted and Officer Paths

There are two very different ways to join the Military: enlisting and commissioning as an officer. Knowing the difference will go a long way toward understanding how the Military works.

Enlisted

Enlisted roles require a high school diploma or GED. There are a variety of enlisted careers, most of which involve hands-on training for mechanical, transportation, human service or office fields that transfer well to the civilian world.

Officer

Officers are the managers of the Military, acting in roles that include planning, directing operations, and making critical decisions. Positions require a four-year college degree or an equivalent. Office positions also include careers that require advanced degrees, suchas law and medicine. An individual can become an officer by earning a commission through enlisted service, completing Office Candidate School (OCS), attending one of the highly competitive Service academies, or participating in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program at one of over 1,700 colleges and universities across the U.S.

ASVAB

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a heavily researched and well-respected aptitude test developed by the Department of Defence. It measures a young adult’s strengths and potential for success in military training. Just like any other test, you should prepare for the ASVAB. Learn more about the ASVAB and how to prepare by visiting the sites below.

For general information:

For online ASVAB test prep:

Boot Camp Preparation

Basic Training—often called boot camp—prepares recruits for all elements of service: physical, mental, and emotional. It gives service members the basic tools necessary to perform the roles that will be assigned to them for the duration of their tour. Training for each branch differs, learn more about differences and preparation tips below:

Source: todaysmilitary.com