OPPORTUNITIES IN THE MILITARY

The Armed Forces offers many training programs which prepare young men and women for civilian jobs. The military may be a good first job choice for you and/or a way to put aside money for college. Your options in the Armed Forces are regular enlistment, reserve enlistment, or college programs (ROTC and military academies). To enlist in the military students must take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). It is available annually at no cost. See your college/ career specialist for more information.

The regular enlistment program offers qualified young men and women a wide choice of assignments and guaranteed training, free room and board, and an opportunity for travel. Salaries start at approximately $930 a month; benefits include 30 days paid vacation, complete medical and dental coverage. The criteria to qualify are becoming more selective. High school graduation is particularly important. Contact a local recruiter for more information.

The reserve enlistment program requires active duty time, recruit training, and technical schooling in a military specialty or occupation. The active duty period varies among the different branches (Air Force, Army, Navy and Marines). All programs are open to enlistees 17 years of age. Enlistment offices are listed in the telephone directory under United State Government.

The ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) program enables college students to earn an academic degree in the field of their choice and an officer’s commission at the same time. Nursing scholarships are available in ROTC programs. When the obligatory active service is completed, you can select a military career or a civilian career in your chosen field. Those who elect to remain in active service may qualify to pursue graduate studies at government expense. ROTC programs are available at selected colleges and universities.

The ROTC four year program consists of a two year Basic Course (two hours per week) and a two year Advanced Course (four hours per week). Advanced students receive $100 per month during the school year. A six-week Advanced Training camp is held in the summer between the junior and senior years. For more information, call the nearest ROTC unit or a local recruiter.

The ROTC two year program is designed specifically for community college graduates and students at four year colleges who were unable to take ROTC during the first two years of college. Selected students must successfully complete a six-week summer program prior to their junior year.

The five military academies (U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, and Merchant Marine Academy) are good choices for a college education for some. Students must secure a Congressional nomination except those interested in the United State Coast Guard Academy. Candidates for admission to the military academies must be citizens of the United States; must have reached their 17th, but not their 22nd, birthday; and must meet rigid scholastic and medical qualifications. See your counselor for application procedures.

For information about the Armed Forces call one of these 800 numbers:

U.S. Army	1-800-USA-ARMY
U.S. Navy	1-800-USA-NAVY
U.S. Air Force	1-800-423-USAF
U.S. Marines	1-800-MARINES
U.S. Army Reserve	1-800-USA-ARMY
U.S. Navy Reserve	1-800-USA-USNR
U.S. Air Force Reserve	1-800-257-1212
U.S. Army National Guard	1-800-GO GUARD
U.S. Coast Guard	1-800-424-8883
U.S. Air National Guard	1-800-TO GO ANG
ROTC - Army, Navy, Air Force	1-800-USA-ROTC

Visit one of these websites:
http://www.todaysmilitary.com/
http://www.militarycareers.com/
http://www.myfuture.com