Before serving in the Military, there are a few things a young adult can do to prepare. The ASVAB Career Exploration Program can help young adults discover suitable jobs. Likewise, they must meet certain requirements to serve, including age, educational and physical prerequisites. Once committed to service, training begins in the form of boot camp (officially called Initial Entry Training). College students interested in entering the Service as officers may elect to enroll in their school’s Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program or other service-oriented commissioning programs. Military academies and colleges provide another route to a college degree and officer status.
Today's Military:
- Main
- Parents
- Videos & Pictures
Before Serving in the Military
- You don't need to finish high school to join the Military.
- You must have a high school diploma or equivalent to enlist.
Select a topic for more information.
- ASVAB Test
Explore career options through a series of questions designed to discover skills and interests. - Entrance Requirements
Learn about general military prerequisites such as health, education and citizenship. - Boot Camp
Learn about Basic Combat Training, including length and locations, in each branch of the Military. - OCS
Find out how servicemembers are prepared for leadership roles at Officer Candidate School (also called Officer Training School in the Air Force). - ROTC
Discover how college students train to be officers while still in school. - Service Academies and Military Colleges
Learn the benefits of combining a college education with military training.
Share your comments.
closeSubmission Guidelines