What’s Your E?
Enlistment
What’s Your E?—Enlistment
Begin your pathway to serve. Students looking at the Enlistment pathway are interested in learning more about the military.
With so many options for military careers, students can explore a wide variety of occupations within the 5 branches of the military. Students should understand the requirements for each branch, maintain good grades, speak with a counselor and recruiter, and review the expectations.
Branches of the Armed Forces
Getting Started
Visit the official page of the United States Government to read more about the basic requirements and process for joining the military.
U.S. Military & College Options
Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED (not all branches accept the GED) to be accepted into the military. The better you perform on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test and in school, the more job opportunities and choices you will have in the services. Students who enter the military are also eligible to apply for military scholarships. These scholarships are offered to allow service members, veterans, and their families opportunities to pursue a college degree.
Recruited
Before becoming military personnel, recruits must decide the service in which they want to enlist (i.e., Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marines).
Basic Training
Each service’s basic training spans different lengths of time, 7 to 12 weeks. Additional training is required for each service.
More Training
As full-fledged members of the U.S. military, individuals receive additional training to develop skills they need for specific jobs.
College Options
- Air Force Academy
- Coast Guard Academy
- The Citadel
- Virginia Military Institute
- West Point
Looking for help paying for college?
Check out Today’s Military for scholarship opportunities.