Military Careers and Colleges
Sometimes students want career training that’s different from the normal college routine. The U.S. Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, National Guard and Navy are good examples. They offer more than 4,000 different jobs, training programs and college options to get you ready for a military career.
Before you decide on this type of career, you should know some basic facts about military life. First, military jobs can be full-time (active duty) or part-time (reserve duty), and you don’t have to enlist right after high school. You can join after college or during college. You can even go to a four-year military academy to become an officer. Officers are supervisors and leaders.
Even in the military, a college degree or higher education helps you get ahead. Going to college shows that you are committed to being the best service member you can be. And if you know more and can do more than others, you are more likely to be promoted or advanced.
In addition to physical fitness, good grades in math, science and language classes can boost your odds of working in elite fields. Many military jobs use high-tech equipment or require advanced training.
You can also explore military life without making a long-term commitment. Some high schools have Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps programs (JROTC) that let you see what military life is like while you’re still in high school. These programs may include summer camps, study help and leadership training. Check with your school counselor for more information.
Finally, it’s important to remember that your first job in the military is to defend the country, wherever that takes you in the world. If you’re thinking about a military career, explore your options, talk to service members or recruiters, and ask a lot of questions. Military life is not for everyone, so make sure you get all the facts.