Military personnel may retire after 20 years of service and must retire after 30 years of service in most cases. While total length of service commitment varies based on Service branch need and occupational specialty, a first term is generally four years of active duty followed by four years in a Reserve unit or Individual Ready Reserve IRR.
IRR members do not drill, but muster once per year. IRR members are also not paid but may be recalled to Active Duty in times of need until their eight-year total commitment has expired. Though technically not a "shorter" commitment, the two-year enlistment program is available for some Services. A recruiter can tell you more about this option.
The six service branches of the U. The enlisted and officer paths each have a unique hierarchy of various ranks. As the Commander in Chief, the President of the United States is responsible for all command decisions.
The president is advised by the Secretary of Defense, who oversees the Department of Defense and works closely with chiefs of staff from every service branch. Although the Coast Guard ultimately reports to the commander-in-chief as well, it operates within the Department of Homeland Security. The Selective Service System is a government agency that requires the registration of almost all male US citizens and male immigrants who are 18 through Should a national emergency require a military conscription draft , these individuals may be called upon to serve.
Military Entrance Processing Station MEPS is a joint Service organization with locations all over the country, that determines an applicant's physical qualifications, aptitude and moral standards as set by each branch of military service. Visiting MEPS is an important step in becoming an enlisted service member.
There are two versions of the test:. The Reserve Officers' Training Corps ROTC is an officer commissioning path associated with 4-year colleges and universities that prepares young adults to become leaders in the Military.
In exchange for scholarship money, ROTC cadets commit to serving for a set period of time upon graduation. Basic training, which is commonly known as boot camp, is a 8-to week training program that prepares recruits for all elements of service: physical, mental and emotional. It also instills service members with discipline, confidence, and reinforces the importance of teamwork. Possession of a high school diploma is desirable, although not mandatory, for enlistment in any component of the Military Services.
Depending on Service needs, candidates with a GED General Education Development certificate may be able to join, however; these opportunities may be limited.
For details, see Eligibility Requirements. Recruiters are the very best source of information about what the Military is like, what young people can get from the Service and all the steps in the process of recruiting. It matters that people get accurate and current information, and recruiters are the best resource for answers to even the most difficult questions regarding the Service.
To get started, visit Questions to Ask a Recruiter. As part of the entrance process for any Service branch, but prior to boot camp , new recruits will receive a physical exam, which includes a complete medical history. During that exam, they will be asked about their overall health.
A recruit's input and the result of the exam will determine his or her ability to meet the health and physical fitness standards for military service. Some of the most common reasons for disqualification include permanent medical conditions such as sight or hearing deficiencies, or temporary conditions that can be remediated, such as excess body weight.
Applicants who are disqualified because of a temporary condition may be granted a medical waiver, with the approval rate depending on the condition being considered and the different needs of each Service. For a full list of conditions and waiver considerations, we recommend that you speak with a recruiter.
Properly documented noncitizens may enlist. However, opportunities may be limited. Contact a recruiter for more advice on a specific situation. All jobs, including combat, are open to women.
The percentage of women serving on active duty in the Military has more than doubled since Clearly, women play an important role in today's Military. Each Service and many occupations have specific physical requirements that must be met regardless of gender. Each Service takes a different approach to evaluating the severity and number of offenses on a candidate's record.
The results of this evaluation may — or may not — disqualify candidates. DoD generally prohibits the enlistment of any applicant who has more than two dependents under the age of While the Services are allowed to waive this policy, they often will not. In fact, most of the Services are even stricter in their policies:. Once serving, all service members are free to marry and have children as they wish. The purpose of basic training, or "boot camp,'' is to turn recruits into soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines.
This training is rooted in education, tradition and, yes, physical strength and stamina. All services have specific minimum requirements, but they represent only a tough starting point for recruits. Get into shape as many weeks before joining as possible. Research important things about your future profession. Learn about current events around the world, because they affect your potential assignment.
Talk to veterans. Read stories about missions involving all services. Consider what you want to be when you enlist. Call to make an appointment to meet face to face.
Be persistent. Prepare questions ahead of time. Know what you need to bring and what you want to do in the military before visiting. Anticipate what you will need, such as a Social Security card, birth certificate, other IDs, and high school and college transcripts. The military will screen you medically, but you may get a waiver if you have had any previous surgeries, broken bones or major illnesses. Know which ailments are disqualifying -- check here for more info.
Make copies of your records before submitting them. Learn how to take this test. Your score on this test can determine where you will live and what you will do in the military. You will undergo a background investigation to ensure there are no disqualifying events in your past. Hobbies like BMX, motocross, skiing, snowboarding, skateboarding and others are now full-time sports for many young athletes.
But hurry. Get the scoop on discounts and latest award-winning military content. Right in your inbox. View more newsletters on our Subscriptions page. The Naval Sea Cadet Corps was established in and looks "to build leaders of character" through military instruction and In-flight refuelers, also known as boom operators, can pump more than tens of thousands of pounds of gas at a time.
The Judge Advocate General's Corps handles matters of military justice and military law, and acceptance requires a four-year Summer is not a restful period at West Point. Every class there is involved in some exercises during Cadet Summer Training. Admissions liaison officers act as a mentor, sounding board and guiding light rolled into one, and every service academy The U.
The demonstration, which took place in That might be joining the military for you. Whether you want to get in better shape, build your self esteem, or just change your environment, you can create a new life for yourself at any time. If one of the reasons above resonates with you, talk to a recruiter to find out what skills are in high-demand.
Then, do research on your own to find out what fields interest you the most. You can always visit multiple recruiting offices to see which branch seems like the best fit for you. When you join, do it for you. The long-term benefits will be far more rewarding when you make the choice to serve independently and to improve your own life.
Why do you want to join the military? Let us know in the comments below!
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