Armed Forces

Maintaining a strong national defense encompasses such diverse activities as running a hospital, commanding a tank, programming computers, operating a nuclear reactor, or repairing and maintaining a helicopter.

Joining one of the branches of the United States Armed Forces is not as easy as you might think. There are many levels and branches to consider. Check out the different options available to you.

Army

The Army is the main land forces division of the Armed Forces. There are several ways to become a soldier in the Army.

Enlisted soldier

These people make up the heart of the Army. Soldiers typically work in grueling conditions while serving their country. A soldier’s responsibilities depend on their specific job.

http://www.goarmy.com/about/enlisted_soldier.jsp

Requirements:

A U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien
17-41 years old
Healthy and in good physical condition
In good moral standing
Have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED)

Warrant Officer

This is a position for those already serving in the Army who wish to move up the ranks. Warrant Officers are highly specialized experts in their career path and learn valuable leadership skills once accepted into Warrant Officers Training.
http://www.goarmy.com/about/warrant_officer.jsp

Requirements:

Have a high school diploma.
Be at least 18 years of age at the time of Regular Army enlistment and not have passed your 33rd birthday when the board convenes. High school seniors may also apply.
Be a citizen of the United States. Score 90 or higher on the revised Flight Aptitude Selection Test (FAST).
Earn a minimum of 110 General Technical (GT) score on the Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB).
Meet the Active Duty Army's screening height and weight standards.
Take a complete physical exam at a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS).

Commissioned Officer:

Commissioned Officers are the Army leaders, exciting qualities such as leadership and physical and mental strength. There are four ways to join as a Commissioned Officer: ROTC, Officer Training School, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and Direct Commission Officer. For details about each, see
http://www.goarmy.com/about/officer.jsp.

Army Reserve

The Army describes Reserve officers as having part-time jobs. Reserve soldiers provide focused manpower and skills to help bolster Army missions. There are several areas of Reserve specialization that allow you to hone in on your skill set.
http://www.goarmy.com/reserve/nps/how_to_join.jsp

Requirements:

Be at least 17 years old
High school diploma
Have no more than two dependents
Passing score on ASVAB test

National Guard

The National Guard is a group of dedicated countries who serve their country by serving their state. There are different Guard opportunities for those in high school and planning to attend college, including financial assistance.
http://www.1800goguard.com/101/index.php

Requirements: Different for each position

Navy and Navy Reserve

This is the aquatic component of the Armed Forces, best known for its SEALS. The Navy Reserve program works the same way as the Army Reserve, in that people serve in a part-time capacity.
http://www.navy.com/

Requirements:

Be at least 17 years of age
Be a U.S. citizen or legal alien
Have a high school diploma or meet a Navy performance standard
Pass AFQT test
Have no more than one dependent
Pass a physical exam

U.S. Naval Academy

This is a specialized school in Maryland that prepares those admitted for careers in the Navy or Marines. College courses are taken, and students receive a Bachelor of Science degree upon completion.
www.usna.edu

Requirements:

Be at least 17 years old
U.S. citizen
Of good moral character
Unmarried, not pregnant or no parental obligations

U.S. Air Force

There are different opportunities for those with a high school diploma and those who earn a college degree. Those joining the Air Force with a college degree enlist as officers.
www.airforce.comU.S.

Air Force Reserve

Similar to other reserve branches in the military.

Requirements:

No high school diploma or GED required
Be at least 17 years old Acceptable score on ASVAB test

U.S. Coast Guard

The Coast Guard patrols bodies of water at home and abroad. Commonly, you associate Coast Guard members with those daring marine rescues, people dangling from helicopters and ropes.

Requirements:

U.S. citizen or resident alien
Be between the ages of 17 and 27 for active duty;17 and 39 for Reserve
Have a high school diploma
Pass the ASVAB test
Have no more than 2 dependents

U.S. Marines

The few, the proud, the Marines are an elite fighting force within the U.S. Military. The Marines also offer enlisted and officer programs, with those having or working toward a college degree entering as officers. Additionally, the Marines have a place for those with musical talent in the Drum and Bugle Corps.
www.marines.com

Requirements:

17 years of age or older
U.S. citizen or resident alien
Passing ASVAB score