There’s nothing that compares to serving in the U.S. military. It’s a rewarding, memorable experience that allows you to express your patriotism in the most honorable way possible. Whether you choose the Army, Navy, Marines or Air Force, however, there are a few questions you should ask yourself before meeting with a recruiter.
Do I Have Enough Education?
In the past, a General Educational Development (GED) was often enough to enter the U.S. military, but the times have changed. Today, recruiters pay close attention to applicants’ education to determine whether or not they are fit for recruitment. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll get denied if you lack a high school diploma, rather you should obtain at least a semester of college credits before applying to increase your chances of approval.
What do I Want to do After the Military?
One of the perks of serving in the U.S. military is the near-limitless freedom it offers regarding career choices. Even if you don’t want to pursue a life-long career in the military, you can always use the skills developed here in other jobs and roles. If you work as a telecommunications expert in the military, for instance, you can find a similar job in a civilian telecommunications company. The bottom line, however, is that you need to think about your life-long career before enlisting so you can choose the right job role.
Am I Fully Committed?
I know this probably sounds like common sense, but you should only enlist in the military if you are fully and 100% committed to serving. If you have doubts about your commitment, postpone enlistment until you have a clearer picture of where you stand. Because once you’ve enlisted, there’s no turning back.
What Skills Do I Have
Ask yourself, what skills do I currently have that could prove useful to the military? Whether it’s computer networking, electrical, logistics, etc., the military can further hone these skills by assigning you to the appropriate job role. In other to match you with the right job, however, you’ll need to reveal the skills to the recruitment officer.
How Long Do I Plan to Serve?
This question is simple enough: for how long do you plan on serving in the military? According to Military.com, first-term enlistments typically serve for four years of active duty and two years of inactive duty. However, there are also special programs in place for two, three and six-year active duty enlistments.
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About the author
Barry Mason is a proud third-generation American whose grandfather served in World War II. Born and raised in small-town Tennessee, Barry developed a deep appreciation for American history and traditions from an early age, learning about the sacrifices made by previous generations. Barry has spent over a decade writing about flag etiquette, patriotic traditions, military history, and the stories behind America's most cherished symbols. When he's not researching the fascinating history of Old Glory, you can find Barry volunteering at veterans' events, coaching youth baseball, or exploring America's national parks with his family. A firm believer in supporting American manufacturing and small businesses, Barry is passionate about celebrating the craftspeople who keep American traditions alive. He lives with his wife and two children in a home where the American flag flies proudly every day. Favorite quote: "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction." - Ronald Reagan
