For thousands of young American men and women, serving in the military has long been a path to both social and economic mobility. Military service is a great way to see the world while learning valuable skills that can be transferred to civilian life. It’s just one of many reasons young adults decide to join the military after high school. Representatives from all the services are available to give you information about career training and/or educational opportunities. If you are concerned about the information that you are receiving or contacts that are being made by your recruiter, contact your guidance counselor.

There are many benefits to military service. In fact, many individuals would not have otherwise had the opportunity to get a college degree, home, or life insurance without their decision to join the military. Veterans who opt not to go to college are more likely to earn more than civilians who do the same.

There’s no denying that the discipline, focus, responsibility, and camaraderie that you develop when serving in the military can benefit you for the rest of your life. Before you enlist, it’s important that you have a thorough understanding of both the risks and benefits of military life and understand exactly what a commitment to a career in the armed forces involves.

Like with any post-grad career path, it’s important to understand if joining the military after receiving your high school diploma is the right choice for you. Not sure whether to choose college or military after high school? Read on to learn more about the military options after high school and tips for how to join the military high school if you decide it’s the right fit for your goals.

Recruiting officers of all branches of the Armed Services visit the high schools regularly. If you are interested, speak with your counselor to set up an appointment. You can also seek additional information by visiting the recruiting offices in your area or by visiting their online websites.

Seniors should consider learning about their specific abilities by taking the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). This test is administered by appointment during the school year by military personnel in each high school. There is no cost to either the student or school district, nor does taking the test obligate the student to enlist.

Special opportunities for job training are offered to enlisted personnel who meet the testing requirements for specific jobs that may be useful in later civilian life as well. Additional courses are paid for when needed and the credits earned are an asset in future planning.

All branches of the service offer educational assistance programs.

ASVAB

• ASVAB Career Exploration Program

  The ASVAB Career Exploration Program includes a validated aptitude test and interest assessment. The results are used to guide career exploration using our career planning tools.

   

• Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)

  The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a multiple-aptitude battery that measures developed abilities and helps predict future academic and occupational success in the military. It is administered annually to more than one million military applicants, high school, and post-secondary students.

  Although the ASVAB is "timed, it is not a "pass" or "fail" test. Your scores will only show how well you did in comparison to a representative sample of other students in the United States who took the same tests.

   

• ASVAB Fact Sheet

   

   

• ASVAB Checklist

• Ongoing Resource Updates