• EXPLORING BRANCHES & TYPES OF SERVICE

    The Military is comprised of 12 branches: five Active Duty and seven part-time duty. Active-duty service members are full-time members of the Military. They are employed either domestically or overseas.

    Part-time service options fall under two types: Reserve and National Guard. These service members have civilian careers and train one weekend out of each month at a unit located nearby. Part-time service members participate in an annual two-week program that allows them to utilize all of the training they received throughout the year.

     

    ACTIVE DUTY (FULL TIME)

    As the most time-intensive service commitment, Active Duty is similar to working in a full-time civilian job. Active-duty service members are full-time members of the Military, living on base or in military housing and immersed in military culture. After attending boot camp, they are stationed at a base either domestically or overseas. Active-duty terms typically last two to six years. The length of deployment varies depending on a unit's specific mission.

     

    RESERVE (PART TIME)

    As the newest type of service, the Reserve was created in the twentieth century to provide and maintain trained units at home while active-duty service members are deployed. Each active-duty branch of the Military has a Reserve component under their command, which is available for active-duty deployment in times of war or national emergency.Reservists are part-time service members, allowing them time to pursue a civilian career or college education while simultaneously serving their country. Members of the Reserve attend boot camp and are required to participate in training drills one weekend a month as well as a two-week program each year. Some active-duty service members switch to the Reserve to finish out their service commitment.

     

    NATIONAL GUARD (PART TIME)

    The National Guard consists of the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard. The Guard’s main focus is on homeland security and humanitarian relief. In addition to training drills one weekend a month and two full weeks per year, National Guard units assist communities in their state during emergencies like storms, floods, fires and other natural disasters.The two Guard branches are unique in that they are primarily controlled at a state level, comprised of 54 separate organizations: one for each of the 50 states, U.S.-owned territories and the District of Columbia. Each group goes by its state name (for example, the Arizona National Guard) and reports to that state’s governor. This organization goes back to the founding of the Guard, which began as a militia created by each state during the Revolutionary era.

     

    LEARNING ABOUT ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

    First things first: Before choosing a Service branch, a potential recruit has to meet the Military's basic entrance requirements. (Each Service has different requirements, but some apply to the Military as a whole.) They include factors such as age, education level, physical condition and U.S. citizenship status. Need additional information contact a recruiter.

     

    AGE REQUIREMENTS

    Each branch of the Service has different requirements. Minimum entrance-age requirements are 17 with parental consent or 18 without parental consent.

    Review a chart of age requirements

    Keep in mind almost all male U.S. citizens, and male aliens living in the U.S., who are 18 through 25, are required to register with the Selective Service.

     

    PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

    Because of the varying physical demands of service members in each branch, physical requirements vary greatly. These differences can vary even within each branch of the Service. Generally speaking, potential service members should be in good physical condition, of appropriate weight and able to pass a standard physical screening prior to entry. For more specific information, please contact a recruiter.

     

    EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

    Success in any branch of the military depends on a good education, and a high school diploma is most desirable. Candidates with a GED (General Education Development certificate) can enlist, but some services may limit opportunities. It is very difficult to be considered a serious candidate without either a high school diploma or an accepted alternative credential. In any case, staying in school is important for entering the Military.

     

    CITIZENSHIP REQUIREMENTS

    U.S. citizens or Permanent Resident Aliens (people who have an INS I-151/I-551 "Green Card") may join the U.S. Military. For more information about citizenship, visit the U.S. Immigration and Nationalization (INS) website. Properly documented non-citizens may enlist. However, opportunities may be limited  Contact a recruiter for more advice on a specific situation.

    For enlistment purposes, the United States includes Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands and Palau.

     

    GUIDANCE FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS

    You've always wanted the best opportunities for your son or daughter. Now your child is considering military service as they enter the beginning of their life as an adult. You may not be sure how you feel about this option. Proud and anxious all at once? Don't worry. It's called being a good parent.Joining the Military is a big decision that affects both the lives of the young men and women who choose to serve, and their families as well. We want to help you learn as much as possible about what new recruits experience and the many paths they can take through service. Because you never stop being a parent.