1. Why should I join the military?
(Ans. The military provides the direction, training, and experience that will make you a more valuable person. More valuable to your community, more valuable to future employers, and more valuable to yourself.)
2. Is your service branch a good fit for me?
(Ans. It depends upon your interests and abilities as well as our staffing needs and
evaluation of you as a prospect.)
3. How long am I required to serve? (Ans. Everyone who enlists in the United States Military, whether its for active duty (full time) or Reserves/National Guard (part time) incurs an eight-year service obligation. The most common enlistment contract consists of four years active duty and four years in a Reserve (part-time) component. Whatever amount of time is not spent on active duty (which is full-time duty) or spent in the Drilling Guard/Reserves (those who drill one weekend per month, and two weeks per year, and are subject to be called to active duty), is spent in the IRR (Individual Ready Reserves).
4. How much pay would I receive?
(Ans. Basic pay is determined by both rank and length of service, and all services utilize the same scales (See http://www.dfas.mil/militarypay/militarypaytables.html).
Be aware that there are also other allowances or special pays for specific qualifications or events including housing, and dangerous or hardship duties unique to individual assignments. Also, Reservists follow the Drill Pay scale within the same location.)
5. What job would I do and where would I serve?
(Ans. Each service has a range of service functions, and your job is a combined determination based on your aptitudes, as determined by your ASVAB test results, any prior experience, and the current needs of the service. Your service location is also based on existing openings and the needs of the service. For Reserve openings, assigned units generally must be within 100 miles of your residence although training areas can be more distant.)
6. What are the educational benefits?
(Ans. Honorable service in the military entitles you to educational benefits including Montgomery GI Bill and Reserve GI Bill, College Funds, College Loan Repayment Program, Student Loan Deferment, and Tuition Assistance Programs. Services also offer various scholarship programs.
For incoming student/recruits, there are both the service academies which have competitive enrollments but provide a quality education, and ROTC programs at selected colleges.
Aid amounts vary by service, and recruiters can clarify their service package.)
7. What is boot camp; how long is it; and how do I prepare?
(Ans. Boot camp or basic training is an introductory training session to prepare you for life in the service. Each service has their own basic training facilities, and procedures and the length varies by service…Air Force (6 weeks), Army (9 weeks), Marines (13 weeks), Navy (8 weeks), Coast Guard (8 weeks). Training takes place in both classroom and field settings. The classroom provides valuable skills and general knowledge, and in the field, you will improve your physical fitness and learn to function as a team in realistic situations. At graduation, you will be in the best shape of your life and ready to serve.)
Bonus Question: Am I qualified to join?
(Ans. General characteristics across the services are¦
• You must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien.
• You must be at least 17 years old (17-year old applicants require parental consent) [For active duty, the age ceiling ranges from 27 (Air Force, Coast Guard) to 29 (Marines) to 34 (Navy) to 42 (Army, National Guard)].
• You must (with very few exceptions) have a high school diploma.
• You must pass a physical medical exam.
• You must also pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude test (ASVAB). Minimum score requirements vary from 31 to 36 depending upon the service.
• Most services also require no more than two dependents
• Some services limit selected occupational fields for females
