Career Center

Careers in the Military

Explore jobs and Careers in the Military. The U.S. Military consists of six active-duty Service branches and their respective Guard and Reserve components. Together, they offer a broad variety of ways to serve.

The Army is part of the Department of Defense (DOD) and is the largest of the five military branches. It handles major ground combat missions, especially operations that are ongoing. The Army Special Forces unit is known as the Green Berets for its headgear. The reserve components are Army Reserve and Army National Guard.

• Army
• Army Reserve
• Michigan Army National Guard

The Marine Corps is part of the DOD. It provides land combat, sea-based, and air-ground operations support for the other branches during a mission. This branch also guards U.S. embassies around the world and the classified documents in those buildings. Marine Corps Special Operations Command (MARSOC) members are known as Raiders.  The reserve component is Marine Corps Reserve.

• Marines
• Marine Corps Reserves

The Navy is part of the DOD. It protects waterways (sea and ocean) outside of the Coast Guard’s jurisdiction. Navy warships provide the runways for aircraft to land and take off when at sea. Navy SEALs (sea, air, and land) are the special operations force for this branch.  The reserve component is Navy Reserve. 

• Navy
• Navy Reserve

The Air Force is part of the DOD. It’s responsible for aerial military operations, defending U.S. air bases, and building landing strips. The reserve components are Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve.

• Air Force
• Air Force Reserve
• Air National Guard

The Space Force is a new service, created in December 2019 from the former Air Force Space Command. The Space Force falls within the Department of the Air Force. It organizes, trains, and equips space forces to protect U.S. and allied interests in space and to provide space capabilities to the joint force.

• Space Force
   

The US Coast Guard is part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It’s responsible for maritime law enforcement, including drug smuggling. It manages maritime search and rescue and marine environmental protection. It also secures ports, waterways, and the coasts. Service members are known as Coast Guardsmen, nicknamed Coasties. The reserve component is Coast Guard Reserve.

• Coast Guard
• Coast Guard Reserve

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Military Service Academies

For students who want to experience a military environment while getting a first-class education, the five service academies offer a fully-funded tuition that includes books, board and medical and dental care. The competition to get in is fierce and students should start the application process early during their junior year.

Admissions criteria include:

• High school academic performance
• Standardized test scores (SAT or ACT)
• Athletics and extracurricular activities
• Leadership experience and community involvement
• A congressional letter of recommendation (not required by the Coast Guard Academy)

Five Military Service Academies:

1. United States Military Academy in West Point, NY
2. United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD *Graduates serve in the U.S. Navy or the U.S. Marine Corps
3. United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO
4. United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT 
5. United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY *The Merchant Marine Academy has a close relationship with the U.S. Armed Forces, as noted on its website, but is not part of the Department of Defense.

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Enlisted members versus Officers

Enlisted members make up most of the military workforce. They receive training in a job specialty and do most of the hands-on work. Usually, you’ll sign up for four years of active duty and four years inactive. After you’ve completed your active duty time, you can either extend your contract or re-enlist if you want to continue serving.

Officers make up a much smaller part of the workforce. To join as an officer, you typically must have a four-year college degree and complete an officer program. You compete for promotion to continue your career. Most officers are managers who plan and direct operations. Others are professionals like doctors and lawyers. Officers get paid more than enlisted members and enjoy certain other benefits.

You don’t have to join as an officer to become one though. You can join as an enlisted member and attend officer training later on.  You can find out more information with the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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Military Eligibility Requirements

The first factor the military considers is age. To be eligible for regular enlistment in any branch, you must be 18 years old, or 17 with parental consent. The maximum age limit to join the military varies by branch.

Visit the ASVAB information flyer for more details

CITIZENSHIP REQUIREMENTS

You must be a U.S. citizen or Legal Permanent Resident (with anI-551 Green Card) to be eligible to join the U.S. Military. In some cases, properly documented non-citizens may enlist. 

Contact a recruiter for more advice on a specific situation.

MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

Many people are precluded from military service because they fall into one or more medically disqualifying categories. The Military’s Standards of Medical Fitness are structured to identify any medical complication, including mental health, that disqualifies a military service applicant. This very long list of medical conditions also includes common ailments such as asthma, depression, food allergies, and eczema. 

Additionally, there is a list of “red flag” disqualifying medical conditions standards that may not permanently exclude you from military service. If you have had any of these medical conditions at any time in your life, you must tell your recruiter so that you can be considered for a medical waiver. Questions regarding medical standards or procedures should be directed to the Commander, U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command (USMEPCOM).

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Though not mandatory, a high school diploma is preferred to enlist in the military. Those holding alternative credentials (a G.E.D. or certificate of attendance) and non-graduates may be assigned lower enlistment priority and may be limited in their service opportunities. The services accept only a small number of people with GEDs each year. You can increase your chances of qualifying with a GED by earning some college credits and/or scoring well on the Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT)

A 4-year university or baccalaureate degree is required to become an officer. Certain special occupations, like doctors, lawyers, and clergy, can join the military through direct commissioning. But they may require additional credentials or training to become commissioned officers. 

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APTITUDE REQUIREMENTS

The military uses an applicant’s AFQT score, derived from the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB test), to determine their eligibility to serve. Qualifying AFQT scores can change based on each service branch’s evolving needs, so it is always best to contact a recruiter to discuss your score and their current criterion. Learn more about ASVAB and AFQT scores and what they mean. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Each service branch has a different set of physical requirements (such as timed runs, push-ups, sit-ups) that applicants must meet to enlist. This includes height and weight standards, as well as fitness screening requirements at boot camp. Learn about the physical fitness requirements for each military service branch.

CHARACTER & CONDUCT REQUIREMENTS

The underlying purpose of character and conduct standards is to minimize the acceptance of applicants who are likely to become disciplinary cases, security risks or disrupt the morale and good order.The U.S. Military is responsible for the defense of our nation and is not a rehabilitation program. At a minimum, an applicant is ineligible if they:

• Are under any form of judicial restraint, including bond, probation, imprisonment, or parole.
• Have a significant criminal record, including a felony conviction.
• Have a state or federal conviction or a finding of guilt in a juvenile adjudication for any sexual offense.
• Have exhibited antisocial behavior or other character traits that render the applicant unfit.

DRUGS & ALCOHOL

Applicants must participate in a substance screening process. Current or past alcohol and drug dependence or abuse are considered incompatible with military life. Therefore, those who test positive for illegal drugs are disqualified from enlisting. However, in some instances, these individuals may request a waiver. As with medical and health conditions, it is best to discuss individual circumstances with a recruiter.

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Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test 

• The ASVAB test is required for all applicants

• Your scores on four subsets of the test make up your Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) score. This score determines which branch(es) you may join. Each branch has its own lowest score for joining.

• Your scores on all 10 subtests determine which job specialties you qualify for.

• You can prepare for the ASVAB by taking sample questions.

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Steps for Joining the Military

1) Start by doing some research about your options for joining the military. Learn about the five active-duty branches and their part-time counterparts. Know the main differences between officers and enlisted members.

2) Once you know which branch you’re considering, contact a recruiter. A recruiter will give you an overview and answer your questions about that service. If you’re interested in more than one branch, contact a recruiter for each. If you’re interested in joining as an officer, the recruiter will explain any options you may be eligible for.

3) If you decide to enlist, you will report to a military entrance processing station (MEPS). You’ll spend a day or two completing pre-enlistment steps.

• These include taking the ASVAB, having a physical exam, meeting with a career counselor, and if you’re accepted,taking the oath of enlistment.
• From there you’ll receive orders for basic training, usually to start within a few weeks. (If you enrolled in a delayed entry program, you’ll go home and get orders for basic training within a year.)

Contact a Recruiter or Apply Online

Air Force

• Air Force Active Duty: 1-800-423-USAF (1-800-423-8723)
• Air Force Reserve: 1-800-257-1212
• Air Force National Guard: 1-800-TO-GO-ANG (1-800-864-6264)

Army

• Army Active Duty & Army Reserve: 1-888-550-ARMY (1-888-550-2769)
• Army National Guard: 1-800-GO-GUARD (1-800-464-8273)

Navy

• Navy Active Duty and Reserve: 1-800-USA-NAVY (1-800-872-6289)

Marine Corps

• Marine Corps Active Duty and Reserve: 1-800-MARINES (1-800-627-4637)

Coast Guard

• Coast Guard Active Duty and Reserve

Space Force

• Contact an Air Force recruiter: 1-800-423-USAF (1-800-423-8723)

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Youth Programs

Young Marines

The Young Marines strengthens the lives of America's youth by teaching the importance of self-confidence, academic achievement, honoring our veterans, good citizenship, community service, and living a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. The Young Marines promotes the mental, moral and physical development of its members. The program focuses on character building and leadership and promotes a lifestyle that is conducive to being productive members of society. The Young Marines is the premier youth organization in its Drug Demand Reduction efforts.

The Young Marines is open to all youth ages 8 through the completion of high school. The only membership requirement is that the youth must be in good standing at school.  Upon joining a local Young Marine unit, youth undergo a 26-hour orientation program, generally spread out over several weekly meetings. This orientation is called Recruit Training. The youth learn general subjects such as history, customs and courtesies, close order drill, physical fitness, and military rank structure. After graduating from Young Marine Recruit Training, the youth have the opportunity to learn even more new skills, earn rank, wear the Young Marine uniform and work toward ribbon awards. Young Marines earn ribbons for achievement in areas such as leadership, community service, swimming, academic excellence, first aid and drug resistance education.

US Naval Sea Cadet Corps

The Sea Cadet Program exposes its cadets to the full rigors of a military training program. Cadets are required to attend a mandatory two-week recruit training camp. After this requirement is met, cadets are eligible to participate in a variety of advanced training sessions. These sessions serve to expose cadets to seamanship and seagoing subjects. They also focus on developing an appreciation for our country's rich naval history, customs and traditions. 

The curriculum of this training is approved by the U.S. Navy and standardized at all training sites. Cadets receive 106 hours of instruction, with a focus on the Navy’s core values of honor, courage and commitment. Both tone and tenor of instruction are modeled after the Navy’s recruit training.

US Air Force Auxiliary, Civil Air Patrol Cadet

Do you want to prepare for your future while making new friends?  Would you like to conquer new Challenges while having some fun?  Then rise to the challenge of cadet membership in the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary, Civil Air Patrol.

The CAP Cadet Program is a year-round program where Cadets fly, learn to lead, hike, camp, get in shape, and push themselves to new limits. If you’re dreaming about a career in aviation, space, or the military, CAP’s Cadet Program is for you.

To become a cadet, you must be be at least 12 years old and not yet 19 years old. Cadets meet 2 hours per week and one Saturday per month, on average, and also have opportunities to attend leadership encampments, career academies, and other activities during the summer.

US Coast Guard, Auxiliary Youth Sea Scouts

The Coast Guard Auxiliary has adopted the Boy Scouts of America’s Sea Scout program as its official youth program. The Sea Scouts are a program for young men and women ages 14 (or 13 years of age and completed eighth grade) through 20. Sea Scouts provide a program for religious, fraternal, educational, and other community organizations to use for effective character, citizenship, and mental and personal fitness training for youth. As part of this training, Sea Scouts are expected to develop personal religious values, learn the principles of American heritage and government, and acquire skills that will prepare them to become successful adults.

All Sea Scouts and Sea Scout leaders are automatically Associate Members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary Association. Any Sea Scout who is at least 14 years old or Sea Scout leader may also choose to become full members of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary by following the normal application process.