For Educators: Military Resources
Military Journey Timelines
Enlisted Service Member Timeline
The biggest step in your military journey is the day you decide to join. And, while no two paths to service are alike, they can share key themes, like fast-tracking accomplishments, becoming part of a cohesive team, and gaining experiences that set you apart.
Freshman and Sophomore Year
Early Preparation
Focus On School
Keep your grades up, not just to graduate, but to expand your options within the Military afterward.
Start Working Out
Prioritizing physical fitness now can help you meet Military Enrollment Processing Station (MEPS) standards and excel beyond, too.
Join Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC), if Available
JROTC is a great way to start or further develop skills like leadership and time management.
More About JROTCDid You Know?
Completing JROTC can help you qualify for school-specific scholarships as early as ninth grade!
Give Back
Whenever possible, make time for volunteer work. It’s a great way to build new skills and gain a deeper connection to your community
Chat With a Recruiter
Contact your local recruiter to learn about enlistment options, benefits and pay (including how military pay compares to the civilian sector). You might also consider asking about civilian support roles — an opportunity to gain experience while still maintaining your connection with the Military.
Contact a Military RecruiterFocus On School
Keep your grades up, not just to graduate, but to expand your options within the Military afterward.
Join Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC), if Available
JROTC is a great way to start or further develop skills like leadership and time management.
More About JROTCGive Back
Whenever possible, make time for volunteer work. It’s a great way to build new skills and gain a deeper connection to your community
Start Working Out
Prioritizing physical fitness now can help you meet Military Enrollment Processing Station (MEPS) standards and excel beyond, too.
Did You Know?
Completing JROTC can help you qualify for school-specific scholarships as early as ninth grade!
Chat With a Recruiter
Contact your local recruiter to learn about enlistment options, benefits and pay (including how military pay compares to the civilian sector). You might also consider asking about civilian support roles — an opportunity to gain experience while still maintaining your connection with the Military.
Contact a Military RecruiterJunior and Senior Years of High School
Research and Initial Steps
Research Service Branches
Read up on every branch of the Military to find out which one best fits your goals and values best.
The Military Service BranchesDid You Know?
Some branches offer bonuses for certain jobs or skills, giving you a financial boost from day one.
Contact your local recruiter to learn about enlistment options, benefits and pay (including how military pay compares to the civilian sector). You might also consider asking about civilian support roles — an opportunity to gain experience while still maintaining your connection with the Military.
Contact a Military RecruiterTake the ASVAB
The ASVAB is an aptitude test that measures skills in areas like math, science, and mechanics to predict potential academic and career success. It helps match your strengths to roles in both military and civilian careers.
ASVAB Test and PreparationDid You Know?
A high ASVAB score (typically a 60 or higher) can open the door to more technical or specialized roles.
Attend Military Career Fairs
Career fairs and information sessions are great ways to learn more about specific opportunities as well as what military service entails.
Did You Know?
From cybersecurity and finance to hospitality, law and many more, the Military offers over 200 career roles in various fields.
Speak With Current or Retired Military Personnel
What is the best way to learn more about serving in the Military? Talking to a service member or veteran is an excellent next step.
Research Service Branches
Read up on every branch of the Military to find out which one best fits your goals and values best.
The Military Service BranchesContact your local recruiter to learn about enlistment options, benefits and pay (including how military pay compares to the civilian sector). You might also consider asking about civilian support roles — an opportunity to gain experience while still maintaining your connection with the Military.
Contact a Military RecruiterDid You Know?
A high ASVAB score (typically a 60 or higher) can open the door to more technical or specialized roles.
Did You Know?
From cybersecurity and finance to hospitality, law and many more, the Military offers over 200 career roles in various fields.
Did You Know?
Some branches offer bonuses for certain jobs or skills, giving you a financial boost from day one.
Take the ASVAB
The ASVAB is an aptitude test that measures skills in areas like math, science, and mechanics to predict potential academic and career success. It helps match your strengths to roles in both military and civilian careers.
ASVAB Test and PreparationAttend Military Career Fairs
Career fairs and information sessions are great ways to learn more about specific opportunities as well as what military service entails.
Speak With Current or Retired Military Personnel
What is the best way to learn more about serving in the Military? Talking to a service member or veteran is an excellent next step.
Junior and Senior Years of High School
Decision to Enlist
Starting the Enlistment Process
Once you’ve discussed your decision to join the Military with your family, it’s time to contact a recruiter and schedule a visit to a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) near you.
What Is MEPS?Pass the ASVAB
If you haven’t already, take the ASVAB at the MEPS. You’ll need a qualifying score of at least 31 to continue your enlistment journey.
ASVAB Test and PreparationClear Health and Security Checks
MEPS processing includes health, background and security checks. You must clear all three to enlist.
What Happens at MEPSChoose a Branch and Specialty
After your ASVAB and medical results are calculated, meet with a service liaison to formally select your branch and Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) and to officially sign your contract. The MOS will heavily depend on your ASVAB score and branch needs.
Finally, you’re ready for the Oath of Enlistment — a vow to defend the Constitution and obey the President and the officers above you, according to regulations in the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
Fun Fact!
The Oath of Enlistment is a tradition that dates back to 1775, making it older than America itself!
Did You Know?
From the day you enlist, you’ll earn educational benefits that can be used during and after your service.
How the Military Can Support Your EducationReceive Your Ship Date
After completing formalities and signing your contract, your recruiter will give transport instructions to Basic Training and explain the Delayed Entry Program, which lets you delay training for up to a year to finish school or otherwise prepare for this pivotal journey.
Starting the Enlistment Process
Once you’ve discussed your decision to join the Military with your family, it’s time to contact a recruiter and schedule a visit to a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) near you.
What Is MEPS?Clear Health and Security Checks
MEPS processing includes health, background and security checks. You must clear all three to enlist.
What Happens at MEPSFinally, you’re ready for the Oath of Enlistment — a vow to defend the Constitution and obey the President and the officers above you, according to regulations in the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
Did You Know?
From the day you enlist, you’ll earn educational benefits that can be used during and after your service.
How the Military Can Support Your EducationPass the ASVAB
If you haven’t already, take the ASVAB at the MEPS. You’ll need a qualifying score of at least 31 to continue your enlistment journey.
ASVAB Test and PreparationChoose a Branch and Specialty
After your ASVAB and medical results are calculated, meet with a service liaison to formally select your branch and Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) and to officially sign your contract. The MOS will heavily depend on your ASVAB score and branch needs.
Fun Fact!
The Oath of Enlistment is a tradition that dates back to 1775, making it older than America itself!
Receive Your Ship Date
After completing formalities and signing your contract, your recruiter will give transport instructions to Basic Training and explain the Delayed Entry Program, which lets you delay training for up to a year to finish school or otherwise prepare for this pivotal journey.