Military Careers

Service in the United States military is rewarded with a variety of benefits, many of which may be of interest to you.

Here are just a few:

  • earn money toward your college education
  • opportunity for travel
  • free medical and dental care
  • income while you serve
  • scholarship and fellowship opportunities
  • vocational certification in your career field
  • pay bonuses
  • certain housing, medical, and educational services to families
  • lifetime retirement benefits after twenty years of service

Are You Eligible to Join the Military?

Eligibility rules can be a little confusing. There are different rules for enlisting and for officer programs.
Enlisting: Enlisted members do the hands-on work of the military. They need at least a high school degree (a GED may or may not suffice).
Officer: Officers are the managers of the military. Most officer programs require a college degree at minimum, and are very competitive. Many officers have master’s or higher degrees.
Before you visit your local recruiter, be sure you meet the minimum qualifications for serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Some qualifications are required by all five services:

  • You must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien.
  • You must be at least 17 years old (17-year old applicants require parental consent).
  • You must (with very few exceptions) have a high school diploma.
  • You must pass a physical medical exam.

For each branch, there are slightly different enlistment requirements:

To join the… You must:
Air Force
  • Be between the ages of 17-27. *
  • Have no more than two dependents.
  • Pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude test. (Minimum AFQT Score: 50)
Army
  • Be between the ages of 17-34. *
  • Have no more than two dependents.
  • Pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude test. (Minimum AFQT Score: 31)
Coast Guard
  • Be between the ages of 17- 39*
  • Have no more than two dependents.
  • Pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test. (Minimum AFQT Score: 45)
  • Have a willingness to serve on or around the water.
Marines
  • Meet exacting physical, mental, and moral standards.
  • Be between the ages of 17-29. *
  • Pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test. (Minimum AFQT Score: 32)
  • Women are eligible to enlist in all occupational exception of combat arms specialties: infantry, tank and amphibian tractor crew members.
Navy
  • Be between the ages of 17-34. *
  • Pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test. (Minimum AFQT Score: 50)
  • Women are eligible to enlist in all occupational fields, with the exception of serving in the Navy Seals or on submarines.

* Age limits vary based on active-duty, prior service or reserve. In addition, 17-year old applicants require parental consent.

To find out more about the possibilities available through the US military, come into the College & Career Center and pick up some literature, make an appointment to talk with a recruiter, or check out the links below.

Air Force

Army

Army National Guard

Coast Guard

Marines

Navy

ASVAB Test The ASVAB Test (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) measures basic skills and vocational aptitude. Administered by the military, but without obligation.  There is no charge to take the ASVAB Test. It can be a great career exploration tool for all students, regardless of post high school plans.  If you are considering joining the military, your score on the ASVAB determines which options may be open to you.  Practice is essential to do your best.