The military is a common option for students that are seeking an alternative to college or a way to pay for college. In return for your commitment to serve the different branches of the military can provide a variety or training opportunities, income, and tuition assistance.
The military is composed of five branches: Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard. Each of these branches involve the armed defense of our country and requires a specific period of commitment. On this page you’ll be able to learn more about your different military options and benefits you may be able to receive.
- Steady Income: You are paid twice a month, on the 1st and 15th of every month, based on your pay grade and service requirements.
- Advancement: You are promoted based on job knowledge, your performance, time in pay grade and service requirements.
- Paid vacation: You earn 2.5 days of paid vacation per month for a total of 30 days each year up to 60 days.
- Training: You choose your career path based on your aptitude, physical abilities, security clearance, motivation and determination.
- Health Care: While on active duty, you will receive complete medical and dental care at no cost.
- Life Insurance: While serving on active duty (for instance during boot camp and annual training), members can select inexpensive term life insurance.
- Allowances: While serving on active duty, you will receive additional tax-free money for Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS), if government food facilities are not available in the area you are stationed; and a uniform allowance (for enlisted personnel only) to help maintain your uniform.
- Tax Advantage: Only your basic monthly pay is subject to Federal or State Income Tax
- GI BIll: The Montgomery GI Bill will help pay for college education or vocational training.
- Tuition Assistance: While in the Reserves or National Guard, you may continue your education and may be helped in defraying the cost of college-accredited courses. Additionally, if you are in the National Guard, some states offer substantial benefits such as free tuition to state colleges or universities. To find out more about this, talk to your recruiter or local office.
In order to join you must…
- Air Force: (800) 423-USAF
- Be between the ages of 17-27
- Have no more than two dependents
- Pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test with a minimum AFQT score of 36
- Army: (800) USA-ARMY
- Be between the ages of 17-35
- Have no more than two dependents
- Pass the ASVAB test with a minimum AFQT score of 31
- Air National Guard (800) TO-GO-ANG or Army National Guard (800) GO-GUARD:
- Be between the ages of 17-35
- Have no more than two dependents
- Pass the ASVAB test with a minumum AFQT score of 31
- Coast Guard (877) NOW-USCG:
- Be between the ages of 17-27
- Have no more than two dependents
- Pass the ASVAB test with a minimum AFQT score of 36
- Have a willingness to serve on or around water
- Marines (800) MARINES:
- Meet exacting physical, mental and moral standards
- Be between the ages of 17-29
- Pass the ASVAB test with a minimum AFQT score of 31
- Women are eligible to enlist in all occupations with the exception of combat arms specialties: infantry, tank and amphibian tractor crew members
- Navy (800) USA-NAVY:
- Be between the ages of 17-34
- Pass the ASVAB test with a minimum AFQT score of 35
- Women are eligible to enlist in all occupational fields, with the exception of serving in the Navy SEALS or on submarines