Explore the different types of career opportunities available to service members, learn about expected compensation, and how to transfer careers to the civilian sector. The Today’s Military website is produced by the United States Department of Defense as a resource for young adults, parents and educators curious about military service. The U.S. Armed Forces allow young people to enlist after graduation, anytime after turning 18.
Military ROTC Programs
The Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) is a college program offered at more than 1,700 colleges and universities across the United States. It prepares young adults to become officers in the U.S. Military; each Military Service branch has its own take on ROTC. Graduates can go on to Army or civilian careers. Cadets committed to serving in the military after college are eligible for scholarships covering tuition, fees, and textbooks, plus a monthly stipend for personal expenses. Students can compete for scholarships at different monetary levels, which are awarded based on leadership potential, grades, participation in sports and other organizations, and SAT/ACT scores. Note: you do not need a scholarship to be in ROTC. https://www.todaysmilitary.com/education-training/rotc-programs
Military Schools
The Military offers unique educational opportunities for students who plan to pursue a college degree. These options — service academies, senior military colleges and maritime academies — offer world-class education and a deeper understanding of military culture. In addition, most of these schools grant scholarship money in exchange for a period of service. Here is a link to more information about the schools. https://www.todaysmilitary.com/education-training/military-schools
Military Service Branches
The U.S. Military consists of five active-duty Service branches and their respective Guard and Reserve components. All attend basic military training.
- Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard – https://www.af.mil/
- Army, Army Reserve, Army National Guard – http://www.army.mil/
- Coast Guard, Coast Guard Reserve – https://www.uscg.mil/
- Marine Corps, Marine Corps Reserve – http://www.marines.mil/
- Navy, Navy Reserve – http://www.navy.mil/
National Guard
Soldiers in the Army or Air Force National Guard train one weekend each month, with one two-week training period each year. They’re typically called into action by a state governor, who can send them to the site of any officially declared emergency in the state. In addition, the U.S. President can activate the National Guard and place it under federal control; they may be called up for any declared emergency domestically or to active service in military operations overseas.
Reserve
All of the military services branches have Reserves, which are available to fight when additional forces are required. The Reserve offers the flexibility to train near home and maintain a civilian career until needed. Members of the Reserve spend one weekend a month and two weeks per year training to keep their skills sharp.