Military Career

There are many compelling reasons to consider joining the military, including valuable health benefits, a pension, and the honor of serving your country. For students who want to attend college but don't have a lot saved, money is another reason why a career in the military might be an excellent choice. Those enrolled in the reserves may qualify for $9,000 or more in funding, and other military members can receive more than $20,000 towards their college education.

Of course, before you decide that getting an education through the Armed Forces is the way to go, there are some serious questions you must ask yourself. You might also want to do some soul searching with the help of a trusted guidance counselor, family member, teacher, or your parents. Specifically, you have to decide:

Whether you are comfortable with the idea that you may be called upon to go to war for your country.
If you are comfortable with the time commitment required. The military will require you to commit to years of service in exchange for receiving a free college education. Do you feel the exchange is fair?
If the pay offered is acceptable. When making this decision, consider any enlistment bonuses offered as well.
Whether joining the military will have a positive impact on your overall career goals, and whether joining the branch you are considering will allow you to reach your specific career goals.
Whether you are satisfied with the benefits and retirement package offered.
If you feel the time off you will get will be sufficient, both during war and peacetime.
How you feel about the training. Do you meet all of the physical requirements? Consider where you will have to go for basic training, when you would be required to report for training, and the length of time you will have to be away.
How you feel about where you will be required to serve.

If you think that joining the military might be a good career option for you, start looking into this option early. For those with the right qualifications and disposition, attending one of the military service academies is a great option. They do have very strict standards with respect to academics and physical fitness, but they offer students a superior education free of charge. Keep in mind, also, that the military service academies like West Point, the Naval Academy at Annapolis, or the Air Force Academy have their own special requirements. You must research the specific requirements of each academy-most require a congressional referral. Success at one of the military academies is a great advantage even for those who choose to return to civilian life. Graduates are well-prepared for a wide range of positions, and these schools are looked upon highly by most potential employers.

Regardless of which type of military career you are thinking about following, many people will have to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, or ASVAB. Taking about three hours to complete, the test will ask questions related to the areas of mathematics, critical reasoning, language comprehension and usage, and coding. Although there is no official passing grade for the ASVAB, getting the highest score possible is obviously the goal. Obtaining a great score can help you get into the military, and it can also tell you more about your specific strengths and weaknesses, which may help you formulate more concrete career plans and goals.