ASVAB 

ASVAB stands for the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, which is a multiple-choice test that helps you identify which military jobs would be best for you. While primarily used for placement of military recruits, anyone can take the ASVAB as a career aptitude test.

The ASVAB tests cover general science, arithmetic reasoning, word knowledge, paragraph comprehension, numerical operations, coding speed, auto and shop information, mathematics knowledge, mechanical comprehension and electronics information. Practice ASVAB Test

The ASVAB is offered at all of our high schools, usually in the spring. See your Career Center for more information about testing at your school. 

The United States Army

The United States Army defends U.S. and allied interests on both land and sky operations throughout the world. A United States Army Soldier chooses an MOS or career, such as behind the scenes admin and technical jobs, engineering, weapons maintenance, or general infantry. Soldiers work with the finest military technology, ranging from M1 Abrams tanks to the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter. The United States Army currently offers up to $90,000 in signing bonuses that are subject to change. 

The Army National Guard assists with natural disasters or statewide emergencies. They are also used to filling vacancies in the active duty service or reserves. Those interested in the Army National Guard will select an MOS or career that the Army offers. The United States Army National Guard currently offers up to $20,000 in signing bonuses that are subject to change.  

To find a recruiter:

United States Army
United States Army National Guard

The United States Navy

A sailor in the United States Navy will choose an MOS or career such as aircraft maintenance, construction, nuclear engineering, or combat positions such as the Navy SEALS. Those in the Navy serve on any terrain, be that land, sea, or sky, including opportunities to work on the USS Gerald R. Ford or an F-35C fighter jet. The United States Navy currently offers up to $115,000 in signing bonuses that are subject to change.

To find a recruiter:

United States Navy

The United States Marine Corps

A United States Marine will choose an MOS or career such as engineering, aviation ordinance, infantry, or special forces positions such as a Marine Sniper. Marines serve on a ship in the sea, jet in the sky, or with their boots on the ground. Marines have opportunities to work on combat-ready ships such as the USS Makin Island or fighter jets such as the F-18E/F Super Hornet. 

To find a recruiter:

United States Marine Corps

The United States Air Force

A  United States Air Force Airman will choose an MOS or career such as aerospace engineering, pararescue, medical services, or combat positions such as TACP Specialists. In the Air Force, Airmen will work on advanced aircrafts, such as the 5th Generation F-22 Raptor fighter jet or the 6th Generation B-21 Raider. The United States Air Force offers up to $40,000 in signing bonuses that are subject to change. 

The Air National Guard serves as an emergency airman who can be called to duty at a moment's notice to assist with a natural disaster or statewide emergency. They also fill in vacancies in the active duty service or reserves. Similar to the United States Air Force, those who enter the Air National Guard will select an MOS or career that the Air Force offers. The United States Air National Guard currently offers up to $20,000 in signing bonuses that are subject to change. 

To find a recruiter:

United States Air Force
United States Air National Guard

The United States Coast Guard

Those who enlist as a United States Coast Guardsman will choose an MOS or career such as avionics electrical technician, gunners mate, intelligence specialist, or defending America's waterways as a Maritime Enforcement Specialist. Coast Guardsman are charged with defending the nation from drug smuggling and terrorism while also doing routine maintenance at ports and on ships. The United States Coast Guard offers variable bonuses that can be discussed with a recruiter. 

To find a recruiter:

United States Coast Guard

The United States Space Force

Those who enlist as a United States Space Force Guardian will choose an MOS or career such as cyber operations, intelligence analysis, targeting analysis, or developing the rockets that propel the United States to the forefront of space as an astronautical engineer. Guardians will get the opportunity to work on the most advanced GPS, rocket, and missile detection systems, such as the X-37B Space Plane and other classified spacecrafts. The United States Space Force offers variable bonuses that can be discussed with a recruiter.

To find a recruiter:

United States Space Force

Interested in enlisting in the military? 

Each service of the military has different enlistment programs and offers training and employment in more than 2,000 enlisted specialties or jobs. Each branch offers competitive signing bonuses that are constantly increasing and are subject to change. On top of a paycheck, an individual's rent and food will be paid for by the military with separate, non-taxable, BAH (Basic Assisted Housing) and BAS (Basic Assistance Substance) checks.

General Eligibility

Training/Schooling

Recruits go to basic training (also known a recruit training or bootcamp) to be physically and mentally conditioned as well as learn essential knowledge and skills. Recruits are trained by senior enlisted personnel in groups of 35 to 80. Daily routines are rigorous. Most days start at 5 a.m. and last until 9 p.m. and include classes, meals, athletics, and field training. Little free time is available and travel is limited while at basic training. Vacation time is authorized after the recruit has completed basic training and enters advanced training. As a soldier, sailor, airman, etc., individuals are given 30 days of paid-time-off per year that can be earned back or cashed in at the year's conclusion.

Advancement

Enlisted personnel can progress through nine pay grades during their careers. Each service sets minimum standards for the length of service and time required in a pay grade before being eligible for a promotion to the next higher one. A recruit in the DEP (Delayed Entry Program) is able to make rank E-3 before they leave for basic training following efforts that vary by branch. Factors for promotion include:

• Length of service
• Time in present pay grade
• Job performance
• Leadership ability
• Awards or commendations
• Job specialty

Enlisted personnel in the Army, Navy, and Marines can apply to become warrant officers, who are the technical experts in the military. They are generally selected from active-duty enlisted personnel in a competitive selection process and receive specialized training in their technical area. Each service also has programs that allow selected enlisted personnel to become commissioned officers. 

Leadership Opportunities

Officers are the leaders of the military, similar to corporate executives or managers. They work closely with more senior officers and enlisted personnel to supervise groups of enlisted personnel. As officers advance in responsibility and rank, they direct more enlisted personnel, begin to lead other officers, and may eventually become the senior leaders and managers of the military. 

General Eligibility

The minimum age varies by service. To become an officer, one must have a college degree or go through OCS. For service academies, like the U.S. Naval Academy, enrollees must be between the ages of 17 and 22. Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) enrollees must be between the ages of 17 and 21. Officer Candidate School (OCS) enrollees are between the ages of 19 and 29. The National Guard may choose to enroll soldiers in the OCS program up to age 35.

Training/Schooling

Officers usually begin their careers by gaining experience in a chosen occupational field. They are generally college graduates. They also complete basic physical training while completing their education or afterward (varies by service).

Advancement

Officers can progress through 10 pay grades. Individual performance is compared with the performance of all other officers in similar pay grades. A selection board reviews every aspect of each officer's career performance to select those best qualified for promotion. Factors for promotion include:

• Career-long performance of job duties, leadership, and management
• The pursuit of, and success in, positions of increasing responsibility
• Successful completion of required qualifications and professional military education
• Appearance and behavior