Whether you’ve already decided to enlist in the military or this is one of the first times you’ve thought about it, joining should not be a spur-of-the-moment decision. Higher-education opportunities, high-demand careers, the differences between each branch and so much more — here is everything you need to know when considering the military path:

First things first…
Enlisting for an Education

Most of the time, you can use the different education packages to pay for your college without emptying your own pocket. Through the National Guard, you attend college like a normal student, and you serve your commitment on weekends, during the summer and after graduation. When you join the Navy, you can take online classes at night, or if you’re deployed, you can sometimes attend classes on the ship. Depending on what career field and school you choose, you can earn college credit through your job training with the Marine Corps.

You may not be able to finish your degree all at once, and your commitment to your branch will come first, but you can always finish your degree when you complete your obligation.

While some in the military believe you should join out of patriotism alone, plenty of others realize there are several motivations for enlisting in the service. Petty Officer Christopher Del Rio of the Navy said there’s nothing wrong with signing up purely for the educational benefits.

“Everybody has a different reason,” Del Rio said.

And then…
Using that Education

Many jobs in the six branches of the military easily translate into civilian careers when you finish your service. After boot camp, you go through job training to prepare for your career in the military, and sometimes you can earn a few college credits through this avenue.

Sgt. David Hoisington of the Army said students typically ask about the types of jobs available to them.

“We have everything from medicine and law to mechanics and military intelligence,” Hoisington said.

No matter what you choose, you still have those skills when you return to the civilian workforce. Job experience goes a long way when you start searching for your second career.

HOW TO JOIN

Do your research.

There are a total of seven branches of the military: Navy, Air Force, Army, Marine Corps., National Guard, Air National Guard and Coast Guard. Although requirements to enlist in each individual branch are similar, there are differences that you must pay attention to. These differences include age, physical test requirements and test scores.

Talk to a recruiter.

Each branch has its own website with contact information listed for its recruiter. Don’t be afraid to reach out through a phone call or email. A college you are considering applying to might also have an ROTC program, and you can reach out to their recruiter for contact information and ask about the program.

Study hard and score high.

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery is offered at the Military Entrance Processing Station, your high school, or through the recruiter you reached out to. Each branch requires a different score, so make sure you study hard and score high!

Let’s get physical!

Expect nothing less than timed miles, intense pullup, pushup, and crunches routines for the physical exam at the branch of your choice. Each branch has its own specific score for the physical requirements, so make sure you train and feel prepared to ace this test!

Visit the Military Entrance Processing Station.

Go visit the Military Entrance Processing Station to take care of any final requirements, report on any medical history you feel is necessary and sign those papers!

Lace up! It’s boot camp!

Get ready to be pushed to your limit at boot camp. You’ll be pushed past your breaking point while bonding with your fellow recruits and celebrating after graduation, which is a huge accomplishment!