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Recruiter Contact Information
US Army and Army Reserve Charles F. Gammons, Staff Sergeant U.S. Army Recruiter 77-6425 Kuakini Highway, Suite B 102 Kailua- Kona, HI 96740 Office: (808) 331-2436 Cell: (503) 490-6614 charles.f.gammons.mil@mail.mil Hawaii Army National Guard SSG Gabriel F. G. Broomell Recruiting Office 81-1032 Nani Kupuna Place Kealakekua, HI 96750 Office: (808) 844-6667 Cell: (808) 351-9529 US Air Force Recruiting Office 234 Waianuenue Ave #102, Hilo, HI 96720 Office: (808) 935-9669 US Navy Recruiting Office Simon D. Holley 234 Waianueke AVe., StE. 101 Hilo, HI 96720 Office: (808) 935-5188 Cell: (808) 330-7218 Simon.D.Holley@Navy.mil |
Recruiter Contact Information
Hawaii Air National Guard Aiea Office (808) 235-8985
Coast Guard and Coast Guard Reserve YNI Mark Prijic , US Coast Guard Recruiter 98-151 Pli Momi Street, Suite 106 Aiea, HI 96701-4333 Office: (808) 486-8677 ext. 2210 Cell: (808) 347-0323 Mark.R.Prijic@uscg.mil US Marines Ssgt Claude Phillip, Recruiter 77-6425 Kuakini Hwy, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 Office: (808) 334-0168 Cell: (808) 349-6708 or (619) 653-7646 claude.phillip@marines.usmc.mil |
RecruitmentYou may have seen recruiters at air shows or the mall, or even your school. Recruiters are paid to find and enlist quality recruits into their branch of service. They will answer any questions you may have. If you ask the right questions and have the right attitude, you can make recruiters work for you to get the information you need and the options you want. Use the list of questions below to get started, and come up with some of your own.
Questions for Recruiters
The military is always changing, so you will need to get up-to-date information about the jobs you may be interested in. This list of questions to ask recruiters should at least get you started. Write down the answers your recruiter gives you, you'll want to remember this information!
What to Bring
To find out what jobs and bonuses you are eligible for, you will have to fill out some paperwork. Remember, you don't have to sign an enlistment contract when you meet with a recruiter. See what you're eligible for, and think it over. When you meet with a recruiter, bring the following:
Recruiters can be intimidating–they are often in military uniform, and may be much older than you. Don't be intimidated! If you aren't interested in the military, you do not have to talk to recruiters at all. You can also prevent your school from giving your contact information to recruiters. You will have to speak with a recruiter in order to join. Here are some tips to help you interact with recruiters:
Questions for Recruiters
The military is always changing, so you will need to get up-to-date information about the jobs you may be interested in. This list of questions to ask recruiters should at least get you started. Write down the answers your recruiter gives you, you'll want to remember this information!
- How long must I enlist for this job?
- What bonuses or incentives do I qualify for?
- Can I negotiate a higher rank, E2, E3, or even E4?
- What do I need to score on the ASVAB to qualify?
- How is this branch different from other branches?
- How is the job I'm interested in different from the same job in other branches?
- Can I get a guaranteed Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) written into my contract?
- What physical requirements do I need to meet?
- Can I request my first duty assignment?
- How much would I actually make in this job?
- What benefits, special training, or college courses will I get in this job?
- What could disqualify me from being able to enlist?
- Am I disqualified from any jobs?
- How long are combat deployments in this branch of service?
- What are the average fatality rates for my proposed job?
- What kind of training will I receive? Can I add additional training into my enlistment contract?
- Does this job exist in the Reserve or National Guard?
- What are the biggest challenges people encounter when joining the military?
What to Bring
To find out what jobs and bonuses you are eligible for, you will have to fill out some paperwork. Remember, you don't have to sign an enlistment contract when you meet with a recruiter. See what you're eligible for, and think it over. When you meet with a recruiter, bring the following:
- Driver's License
- Social Security Card
- Green Card (if applicable)
- Passport
- Birth Certificate
- Marriage License (or Divorce Papers, if applicable)
- Legal records
- Credit Report (if applicable)
- School transcripts
- School diplomas and degrees
- Resume
- Address and contact information for all the places you have lived in the past 10 years
- Dates and locations of any time you have traveled outside the U.S. over the past 10 years
- Contact information for a few people you have known 5-10 years
- Medical records for any major health issues
Recruiters can be intimidating–they are often in military uniform, and may be much older than you. Don't be intimidated! If you aren't interested in the military, you do not have to talk to recruiters at all. You can also prevent your school from giving your contact information to recruiters. You will have to speak with a recruiter in order to join. Here are some tips to help you interact with recruiters:
- Don't be timid. Talking to recruiters might be a little scary at first, but your attitude will go a long way. It's important that you pay attention to the process. Recruiters are there to get you to join–not to take care of you or get you the best job.
- Bring a friend or trusted adult. Have someone you trust come with you when you meet with a recruiter. But remember, the decision to enlist is ultimately yours to make.
- Ask recruiters to include their promises in your contract. Verbal promises don't exist in the military. If it isn't in writing, it won't happen.
- Check out your options. Don t just meet with one recruiter from one branch of the military. Get information about similar jobs that interest you from several branches. You might be surprised by what you find.
- Print the list of what to bring, and gather the documents together ahead of time.
SCHEDULING TO MEET WITH A RECRUITER
All students can attend various military service presentations throughout the school year by signing up in the Counselor's office. You may also visit military recruiters at their offices with your parents. You may also meet with recruiters on campus at Kohala High School on your own or with a school counselor. In order to meet with a recruiter at school on your own, then you must have a permission form on file. Please check in the School Counselor to see about availability before you schedule your on campus meetings. It is the students' responsibility to schedule any one to one meetings with recruiters.
Click here for the permission form.
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS TO ASK RECRUITERS
It's a good idea to prepare for your meeting with recruiters by being familiar with their websites and having questions ready to ask. Make sure you meet with more than one branch of service and ask the same questions so that you can better compare the opportunities.
Click here for suggested questions to ask recruiters.
DECIDING WHICH BRANCH OF SERVICE TO JOIN
In order to select the branch of service that is best for you, you need to do the research. Get information directly from each branch of service and consider the career opportunities each branch is offering. Deciding to join a particular branch of the military can be difficult.
Click here to get an overview of all the services and compare them.
All students can attend various military service presentations throughout the school year by signing up in the Counselor's office. You may also visit military recruiters at their offices with your parents. You may also meet with recruiters on campus at Kohala High School on your own or with a school counselor. In order to meet with a recruiter at school on your own, then you must have a permission form on file. Please check in the School Counselor to see about availability before you schedule your on campus meetings. It is the students' responsibility to schedule any one to one meetings with recruiters.
Click here for the permission form.
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS TO ASK RECRUITERS
It's a good idea to prepare for your meeting with recruiters by being familiar with their websites and having questions ready to ask. Make sure you meet with more than one branch of service and ask the same questions so that you can better compare the opportunities.
Click here for suggested questions to ask recruiters.
DECIDING WHICH BRANCH OF SERVICE TO JOIN
In order to select the branch of service that is best for you, you need to do the research. Get information directly from each branch of service and consider the career opportunities each branch is offering. Deciding to join a particular branch of the military can be difficult.
Click here to get an overview of all the services and compare them.
MILITARY WEBSITES: Here are some of the most helpful links for each branch of service.
The .com webpages are primarily for recruiting purposes to prepare you to join.
The .mil webpages are primarily for military personnel to keep up with what's going on in each branch of service.
U.S. Air ForceU.S. ArmyU.S. Coast Guard
The .com webpages are primarily for recruiting purposes to prepare you to join.
The .mil webpages are primarily for military personnel to keep up with what's going on in each branch of service.
U.S. Air ForceU.S. ArmyU.S. Coast Guard
- http://www.gocoastguard.com/active-duty-careers/enlisted-opportunities/plan-your-next-move
- https://www.uscg.mil/
- http://www.goarmy.com/about/serving-in-the-army/serve-your-way/army-reserve.html
- http://www.usar.army.mil/
Joining the MilitaryHow you enter into the service is very important. It can determine the direction of both your military and civilian career. The process is relatively simple, but there's a lot to consider!
Things to ConsiderFor many people, the benefits of serving the armed forces outweigh the negative aspects. Service members are paid well, their families are taken care of, and they are part of a large community. They also gain valuable life experience, including:
War & Combat
The military exists to defend our nation, our allies, and our interests. But Congress and the President decide when to go to war. Service members do not get to choose whether to fight or not. If you join, you will likely be sent into combat, regardless of your specialty. There are no safe jobs in modern wars.
No "Period of Adjustment"
Once you leave for basic training, there is no turning back. You are in the military for 8 years whether you like it or not. You may be able to serve a few years on active duty and then transfer into the Reserve. However, the military can call you to active service at anytime until your contract is complete. The military can also extend your contract during war. As the saying in the military goes, "the quickest way out is to finish your contract."
No Job Guarantees
The military is not a scholarship program, a travel agency, or a job training center. These are all benefits offered to service members. However, there are no job guarantees, even after you are trained. The military fills positions as they are needed, and may require you to change jobs. The military can also end your contract early, leaving you unemployed until you can find civilian work.
Fewer Constitutional Rights
Service members are subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), laws that are unique to the military. UCMJ restricts service members' freedom of speech, right to assembly or petition, and individual expression. It also requires you to follow all lawful orders given by your chain of command.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD results from traumatic experiences and affects different people in different ways. Symptoms can include hyper-alertness, depression, anger, or paranoia. About 30% of all service members suffer from PTSD. It can be the result of combat experiences, frightening accidents, sexual assault, or other traumatic experiences. Veterans Affairs and the military offer free counseling for service members, veterans, and their families. To learn more about PTSD, visit:
Although the military has come a long way in the last 30 years, sexual harassment and assault are still problems in the military. It isn't just females who experience unwanted sexual contact, either. In 2006, 6.8% of women in the military and 1.8% of men in the military reported unwanted sexual contact of some kind. That's equal to nearly 14,000 females and just over 21,000 males. The percentage is lower for males because there are significantly more males in the military. Offenses against women also tend to be worse. In 2009, women service members in combat zones were more likely to be sexually assaulted by male service members than to be killed. To learn more about the challenges women face in the military, check out Opportunities for Women. For more information on sexual harassment and assault in the military, visit DoD Sexual Assault Prevention and Response: sapr.mil.
Things to ConsiderFor many people, the benefits of serving the armed forces outweigh the negative aspects. Service members are paid well, their families are taken care of, and they are part of a large community. They also gain valuable life experience, including:
- The ability to lead
- Maturity, by facing challenges and making decisions that have consequences
- Organizational skills
- Self-management
War & Combat
The military exists to defend our nation, our allies, and our interests. But Congress and the President decide when to go to war. Service members do not get to choose whether to fight or not. If you join, you will likely be sent into combat, regardless of your specialty. There are no safe jobs in modern wars.
No "Period of Adjustment"
Once you leave for basic training, there is no turning back. You are in the military for 8 years whether you like it or not. You may be able to serve a few years on active duty and then transfer into the Reserve. However, the military can call you to active service at anytime until your contract is complete. The military can also extend your contract during war. As the saying in the military goes, "the quickest way out is to finish your contract."
No Job Guarantees
The military is not a scholarship program, a travel agency, or a job training center. These are all benefits offered to service members. However, there are no job guarantees, even after you are trained. The military fills positions as they are needed, and may require you to change jobs. The military can also end your contract early, leaving you unemployed until you can find civilian work.
Fewer Constitutional Rights
Service members are subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), laws that are unique to the military. UCMJ restricts service members' freedom of speech, right to assembly or petition, and individual expression. It also requires you to follow all lawful orders given by your chain of command.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD results from traumatic experiences and affects different people in different ways. Symptoms can include hyper-alertness, depression, anger, or paranoia. About 30% of all service members suffer from PTSD. It can be the result of combat experiences, frightening accidents, sexual assault, or other traumatic experiences. Veterans Affairs and the military offer free counseling for service members, veterans, and their families. To learn more about PTSD, visit:
- National Center for PTSD: ptsd.va.gov
- National Institute for Mental Health: nimh.nih.gov
Although the military has come a long way in the last 30 years, sexual harassment and assault are still problems in the military. It isn't just females who experience unwanted sexual contact, either. In 2006, 6.8% of women in the military and 1.8% of men in the military reported unwanted sexual contact of some kind. That's equal to nearly 14,000 females and just over 21,000 males. The percentage is lower for males because there are significantly more males in the military. Offenses against women also tend to be worse. In 2009, women service members in combat zones were more likely to be sexually assaulted by male service members than to be killed. To learn more about the challenges women face in the military, check out Opportunities for Women. For more information on sexual harassment and assault in the military, visit DoD Sexual Assault Prevention and Response: sapr.mil.
ENLISTMENT
Enlisted personnel are the workforce of the military. They are led by commissioned officers and senior enlisted personnel called non-commissioned officers (NCOs). Generally, you must have a high school diploma to enlist. To enlist in the military, you sign an enlistment contract. The military agrees to provide pay, benefits, occupational training, and a job. The military tries to place you in the job it trains you for. However, a specific type of job is not guaranteed. In return, you agree to serve at least 8 years. From 2 to 6 of those years are on active duty. The rest are in the reserves. The length of active duty depends on the service and the amount of training the military provides. For more information on what enlisted personnel do in the armed forces, visit Enlisted Personnel. Enlistment can be a long process with lots of paperwork. Consider each step carefully. Your decisions will affect the next 8 years of your life! Don't enlist if you are in a stressful situation, depressed, or pressured by friends or family. Be sure to talk to people who are or have been in the military. They can give you their view of military life, both good and bad. Ask advice from your friends and family. And be sure to check out Things to Consider before you sign anything. There are generally five steps to enlistment:
Basic training is physically and mentally demanding. The more prepared you are, the easier it will be. Your recruiter can give you materials to study and you should get in shape physically. To learn more, check out Basic Training.
Commission
Commissioned officers are the leaders and managers of the military. They are in charge of enlisted personnel, and are held to very high standards of conduct and responsibility. Generally, you must have a 4-year college degree to become an officer. To join the military as a commissioned officer, you still sign an enlistment contract. The military agrees to provide pay, benefits, occupational training, and a job. The military tries to place you in the job it trains you for. However, a specific type of job is not guaranteed. In return, you agree to serve at least 8 years. From 2 to 6 of those years are on active duty. The rest are in the reserves. The length of active duty depends on the service and the amount of training the military provides. For more information on what officers do in the armed forces, visit Commissioned Officers. There are five ways to become a commissioned officer, including programs that begin in college:
Enlisted personnel are the workforce of the military. They are led by commissioned officers and senior enlisted personnel called non-commissioned officers (NCOs). Generally, you must have a high school diploma to enlist. To enlist in the military, you sign an enlistment contract. The military agrees to provide pay, benefits, occupational training, and a job. The military tries to place you in the job it trains you for. However, a specific type of job is not guaranteed. In return, you agree to serve at least 8 years. From 2 to 6 of those years are on active duty. The rest are in the reserves. The length of active duty depends on the service and the amount of training the military provides. For more information on what enlisted personnel do in the armed forces, visit Enlisted Personnel. Enlistment can be a long process with lots of paperwork. Consider each step carefully. Your decisions will affect the next 8 years of your life! Don't enlist if you are in a stressful situation, depressed, or pressured by friends or family. Be sure to talk to people who are or have been in the military. They can give you their view of military life, both good and bad. Ask advice from your friends and family. And be sure to check out Things to Consider before you sign anything. There are generally five steps to enlistment:
- Meet with the recruiter
Military recruiters provide information about enlisting. It is their job to find quality recruits and enlist them. Bring a friend or trusted adult with you to talk with a recruiter. There is a lot of information to take in, and your friend may have questions you didn't think to ask. For more on recruitment, including how to find recruiters, check out: Recruitment. - Take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)
The ASVAB is a multiple-choice test used by every branch of the military to determine what jobs you qualify for. If you are in high school, you may be able to take the test at your school. Otherwise, you can take it at MEPS. For more on the ASVAB, check out: The ASVAB. - Visit a Military Enlistment Processing Station (MEPS)
Your recruiter will make an appointment for you to visit MEPS. MEPS will complete your in-processing paperwork, background check, and physical exam. You will need to bring your medical records, any paperwork you have completed, and the items listed in What to Bring. The military pays for travel expenses to and from MEPS. For more information about MEPS, visit: www.mepcom.army.mil/enlistment.html. - Choose a military occupation
By now, you should have some idea about what you want to do in the military. Each of your options will have an identifying code, often called a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). Your choices may be limited by your ASVAB score and your physical exam results. The military tries to offer you the job it trains you for, but your job can change once you are in the military. Learn about military occupations in Career Kokua's Military Careers module. - Sign an enlistment contract
Whatever you do, don't enlist the first time you meet with a recruiter. Get all the facts, research your options, and meet with recruiters from at least two similar branches. For instance, if you are interested in becoming an aircraft mechanic, every branch of the military offers this job. But certain branches may offer higher enlistment bonuses, more training opportunities, or civilian accreditation. If you decide to enlist, be sure to:- Get a copy of the enlistment contract before you sign. Take it home, look it over, and think about it.
- Make sure all your recruiter's promises are in your enlistment contract; otherwise they don't exist.
- Remember that the contract details are more binding on you than on the military. The military can change your terms, including pay, job, and benefits.
Basic training is physically and mentally demanding. The more prepared you are, the easier it will be. Your recruiter can give you materials to study and you should get in shape physically. To learn more, check out Basic Training.
Commission
Commissioned officers are the leaders and managers of the military. They are in charge of enlisted personnel, and are held to very high standards of conduct and responsibility. Generally, you must have a 4-year college degree to become an officer. To join the military as a commissioned officer, you still sign an enlistment contract. The military agrees to provide pay, benefits, occupational training, and a job. The military tries to place you in the job it trains you for. However, a specific type of job is not guaranteed. In return, you agree to serve at least 8 years. From 2 to 6 of those years are on active duty. The rest are in the reserves. The length of active duty depends on the service and the amount of training the military provides. For more information on what officers do in the armed forces, visit Commissioned Officers. There are five ways to become a commissioned officer, including programs that begin in college:
Military Life:
No matter what branch you choose, your way of life will be radically transformed as you serve in one of the largest, most organized military forces in history.
Basic Training
Basic training is your introduction to the military. You will learn to follow orders and work as a team. You will learn military history, customs, and the laws of warfare. You will also prepare mentally and physically for high-stress situations. Basic Combat Training, Recruit Training, Boot Camp. Each branch calls it something a little different, and each one teaches slightly different things. None are easy, but they aren't designed to make you fail. They train you to succeed, even in the most adverse conditions. There is a lot of yelling at basic training. Drill instructors have to teach you to work under stress, and yelling is an effective way to do so. You'll get few phone calls, and every minute of your day will be managed. Keep in mind that the military is not like this after basic training. Once you graduate, you will have the respect of your superiors and your peers as a member of the U.S. military. Men and women serve together, and in some branches they also train together for certain jobs. Don't expect to meet someone special during your military training, though. Having a relationship with someone in your unit is called “fraternization,” and can have serious consequences. Officers do not go through the same basic training as enlisted personnel. For officers, basic training is part of their preparation program (ROTC, OCS, OTS, Service Academies). Although they learn many of the same tasks, their training programs are often much longer and focus on leadership. Although each branch has a different basic training program, day-to-day schedules are fairly similar:
- 5:00 - 6:30 - a.m Physical conditioning, showers, first formation
- 6:30 - 7:30 - Breakfast
- 7:30 - 8:30 - Prepare for inspection
- 8:30 - 11:30 - Classroom or field instruction
- 11:30 - 12:30 p.m. - Lunch
- 12:30 - 4:30 - Classroom or field instruction
- 4:30 - 5:30 - Dinner
- 5:30 - 6:30 - Mail, briefings
- 6:30 - 9:00 - Study, personal time, evening training activities
- 9:00 - Lights out
Advanced Training
After graduating from basic training, Soldiers, Seamen, Airmen, Marines, and Guardians move on to advanced training. Each branch has a slightly different name for this period of skill instruction, but the purpose is the same for each. This is where the training for specific jobs in military career fields begins. There are dozens of schools covering the spectrum of military jobs. Like basic training, advanced training includes classroom instruction, hands-on learning, and training in the field. However, you will be treated as a full member of the military and not as a new recruit. Schools vary in length from a few weeks to more than a year. To learn more about jobs available in the military, check out the Military Careers in Career Kokua. To learn more about jobs and schools available in each branch of the military, visit:
- Army Advanced Individual Training (AIT): goarmy.com
- Navy "A" School: navy.com
- Air Force Technical Training: airforce.com
- Marine Corps Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) School: marines.com
- Coast Guard "A" School: gocoastguard.com
Day-to-day life in the active duty military can be very different for each service member. Each branch of service, job, and duty station offers a different experience. It also depends on whether the country is at peace or at war. For some service members, especially those with administrative or support roles, the military is essentially a 9-to-5 job. Even those in combat positions often work a normal schedule when not deployed or training in the field. Young, unmarried service members usually live in barracks on a military base. Married service members may live in housing on the base or private housing off base. Most service members participate in annual trainings where they practice their specialty in a simulated combat situation, whether on land or on sea. For some specialties, such as mechanics, this simply means a higher work tempo; for others, such as battleship crewmembers, it can mean a several-week voyage. There are important differences between military and civilian careers. Like any job, you must follow orders and meet performance standards. You do not have the same constitutional rights as civilians, even though you are sworn to protect those rights. You must dress and conduct yourself according to military standards. If you commit a crime off base or against a civilian, you may be subject to a civilian trial and punishment and a military trial and punishment. Although certain jobs in each branch are very similar (aircraft mechanics, for example), and each branch maintains forces at overseas bases, experiences will be different from branch to branch.
Life in the Reserve and National Guard
If you serve in the Reserve and National Guard, you can live almost anywhere in the U.S. and have a civilian job. Once a month you travel to your unit's armory for training and are paid for those few days at active duty rates. You may attend additional training voluntarily or to meet promotion requirements. At least once a year you must train for two weeks with your unit. This is done to keep your skills sharp. Many service members in the Reserve or National Guard spend much more time training than the required amount, especially in the higher ranks. Some Army National Guard soldiers have experienced deployments as frequently as active duty soldiers. There are also Active Guard/Reserve (AGR) positions. These service members work full time in the Guard or Reserve and receive active duty pay. They work mainly in administrative, command, training, and supply positions. They ensure that the force maintains a high state of readiness.
Deployment
Active duty, Reserve, and National Guard deployments can be to combat or non-combat zones. The U.S. military has operations all over the world, including peacekeeping and humanitarian missions. Military units often assist other countries during natural disasters. They also train the militaries of allied countries. From 2001 to 2010, the majority of deployments were to Iraq or Afghanistan. However, there were also units deployed within the U.S. to help prepare other units for combat. Navy units were deployed off the coast of Somalia to prevent piracy. Army units were deployed to South Korea to maintain peace with North Korea. National Guard units were deployed to Mongolia to help train soldiers from across Southeast Asia. There were even Guard and Reserve units called up for active duty to maintain bases in the U.S. until the military units normally there returned.
Combat Operations & War
The military exists to fight America's wars. This means killing enemy combatants, and often risking death to do so. All service members can be sent into combat, even those in non-combat positions. Non-combat positions exist to support combat positions, and often have to operate in combat zones to do so. Even cooks have to be ready to stand and fight. If you are not okay with this fact, the military probably isn't for you. There are also no "safe" positions in the military. Modern wars and conflicts have no front lines, and enemies often work very hard to disguise themselves as allies in order to gain access to military bases and operations. In addition, nearly any specialty may be needed in a combat zone. Even computer programmers can end up deep within a war zone in today's conflicts; Coast Guard ships have been called to duty with the Navy in the Persian Gulf. The length and frequency of combat deployments differs by branch. The Army and Navy tend to have longer deployments, up to 18 months. The Air Force and Marine Corps tend to have shorter, more frequent deployments at 4 to 6 months.
Wages
The military is very competitive with the civilian world when it comes to pay and benefits. All branches offer the same basic pay and benefits. Cost-of-living increases usually occur every year, based on inflation. The military also pays allowances for food, clothing, and housing. All these factors combined are called Regular Military Compensation (RMC). They should all be considered when comparing military pay to civilian pay. RMC may seem confusing. There are two main parts to it: basic pay and allowances. There are also additional incentives for special abilities, training, or hazardous duty. Each is explained below.
Basic Pay
Basic Pay is the largest part of a military paycheck. It is the same across all branches of the military within each rank. It also increases based on years of service. There are different pay grades for enlisted (E-1 to E-9), warrant officers (W1-W5), and commissioned officers (O-1 to O-10). National Guard and Reserve personnel are paid at the same rate for the time they work or train.
Allowances
All active duty service members receive the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) and the Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) with each paycheck. Reserve and Guard service members receive BAH and BAS while training or deployed. BAH fluctuates based on off-base rental prices in the area you are stationed if there is no government housing available. It also factors in your pay grade and whether or not you have dependents. BAS fluctuates based on the price of food as measured by the USDA food cost index. BAH and BAS are non-taxable, and your entire paycheck is non-taxable if you are in a combat zone (up to a certain amount for officers). This means you don't pay taxes on thousands of dollars each year.
Special Compensation
The military pays extra for hazardous or unusually difficult jobs. There are more than 77 different types of special compensation. Hazardous duty examples include diving, parachuting, and Explosives and Ordinance Disposal (EOD). Extra pay ranges from $150 to $240 per month. Hardship duty examples include submarine duty and poor living conditions overseas. Hardship pay can reach up to $1,500 per month.
Enlistment Bonuses
The military offers bonuses for specific jobs that are understaffed. Enlisted personnel may be eligible for bonuses when enlisting for the first time or reenlisting.
Retirement Pay
Military personnel can retire after 20 years of service. Retirees receive medical care, military store privileges, and retirement pay. Retirees receive 40% of the average pay from the 3 highest-salary years of their active duty service. Payments increase with more than 20 years of service.
Benefits
Military benefits are nearly unmatched in the civilian world. Most benefits are offered by every branch of the military, including Reserve and National Guard units. Spouses and family members are eligible for most benefits. Benefits include:
The UCMJ is the military's own unique justice system. All members of the military are subject to the code, including Reservists and National Guard. Military personnel who commit crimes off base can be tried and punished by local civilian courts (even in foreign countries) and the military. The UCMJ has many laws similar to civilian laws. For example, UCMJ covers robbery, assault, drug use, and fraud. UCMJ also grants similar legal rights, such as the right to a lawyer, witness, and appeal. Other laws in the UCMJ are unique to the military. Service members have limited freedom of speech. There are very high standards for officers because they have a lot of responsibility. Many of the laws punish actions that would weaken a military unit at war. Unique laws govern:
Whether you are already married or considering marriage, there are a few things for you and your spouse to consider before joining the military. About half of all military personnel are married. Officers are more likely to be married than enlisted military personnel. More older service members are married than younger service members.
Being married to a member of the armed forces can be very different from being married to a civilian. Military personnel move often, and spouses must adapt to unpredictable changes. Military spouses are essentially single parents when their spouses deploy. They must manage finances, home, children, and school by themselves. Military spouses who live on bases may have to accept poor housing conditions. Most importantly, they must be able to cope with the fact that the military may send their spouses to war. Being a military spouse does come with advantages:
More than half of military spouses work outside their home. If you are a newlywed and your partner is considering a long military career, you might want to consider a career field that is flexible and portable. Select a career that is in wide demand. Military spouses are more likely to work part time than civilian spouses. They are also more likely to face long periods of unemployment due to frequent moves. There are also fewer work opportunities overseas for military spouses due to language barriers or restrictions placed on foreign workers by the host country. Military spouses are more likely to earn a lower wage than civilian counterparts with the same level of education and experience. Many employers don't want to expend the energy and resources to train a military spouse who may move again without much notice.
Continuing Education Opportunities
Military spouses are eligible for the same sources of financial aid as other students. The armed forces also offer scholarships to military spouses. Service members with a certain number of years of active duty can choose to give their GI Bill education benefits to their spouse or children. The Department of Defense (DoD) works to educate, train, and find employment for military spouses through the My Career Advancement Account (MCAA) program. Many programs for service members are also open to their spouses. Programs include "Credit-by-Exam" and Servicemembers Opportunity College (SOC). Opportunities differ by branch, but are usually available online from any location. For more on these and other education benefits, check out During Your Service and After Your Service.
Resources for Spouses & Families
Official Websites:
Children and spouses of veterans who have died or are permanently and totally disabled due to their service are eligible for educational assistance. Children of personnel who are Missing in Action or Prisoners of War for more than 90 days are also eligible. For more information, visit: va.gov.
The military is very competitive with the civilian world when it comes to pay and benefits. All branches offer the same basic pay and benefits. Cost-of-living increases usually occur every year, based on inflation. The military also pays allowances for food, clothing, and housing. All these factors combined are called Regular Military Compensation (RMC). They should all be considered when comparing military pay to civilian pay. RMC may seem confusing. There are two main parts to it: basic pay and allowances. There are also additional incentives for special abilities, training, or hazardous duty. Each is explained below.
Basic Pay
Basic Pay is the largest part of a military paycheck. It is the same across all branches of the military within each rank. It also increases based on years of service. There are different pay grades for enlisted (E-1 to E-9), warrant officers (W1-W5), and commissioned officers (O-1 to O-10). National Guard and Reserve personnel are paid at the same rate for the time they work or train.
Allowances
All active duty service members receive the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) and the Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) with each paycheck. Reserve and Guard service members receive BAH and BAS while training or deployed. BAH fluctuates based on off-base rental prices in the area you are stationed if there is no government housing available. It also factors in your pay grade and whether or not you have dependents. BAS fluctuates based on the price of food as measured by the USDA food cost index. BAH and BAS are non-taxable, and your entire paycheck is non-taxable if you are in a combat zone (up to a certain amount for officers). This means you don't pay taxes on thousands of dollars each year.
Special Compensation
The military pays extra for hazardous or unusually difficult jobs. There are more than 77 different types of special compensation. Hazardous duty examples include diving, parachuting, and Explosives and Ordinance Disposal (EOD). Extra pay ranges from $150 to $240 per month. Hardship duty examples include submarine duty and poor living conditions overseas. Hardship pay can reach up to $1,500 per month.
Enlistment Bonuses
The military offers bonuses for specific jobs that are understaffed. Enlisted personnel may be eligible for bonuses when enlisting for the first time or reenlisting.
Retirement Pay
Military personnel can retire after 20 years of service. Retirees receive medical care, military store privileges, and retirement pay. Retirees receive 40% of the average pay from the 3 highest-salary years of their active duty service. Payments increase with more than 20 years of service.
Benefits
Military benefits are nearly unmatched in the civilian world. Most benefits are offered by every branch of the military, including Reserve and National Guard units. Spouses and family members are eligible for most benefits. Benefits include:
- Competitive pay and tax breaks
- 30 days paid vacation per year
- Full health care
- Legal assistance
- Recreational programs
- Military store privileges
- Tuition assistance for college education
- Free space-available travel
- Life insurance
- Retirement pay and benefits
- Veterans' benefits
- Hiring preference for veterans
- Discount programs from civilian companies
The UCMJ is the military's own unique justice system. All members of the military are subject to the code, including Reservists and National Guard. Military personnel who commit crimes off base can be tried and punished by local civilian courts (even in foreign countries) and the military. The UCMJ has many laws similar to civilian laws. For example, UCMJ covers robbery, assault, drug use, and fraud. UCMJ also grants similar legal rights, such as the right to a lawyer, witness, and appeal. Other laws in the UCMJ are unique to the military. Service members have limited freedom of speech. There are very high standards for officers because they have a lot of responsibility. Many of the laws punish actions that would weaken a military unit at war. Unique laws govern:
- Absences from duty
- Disrespecting officers
- Disobeying orders
- Not meeting military standards
- Neglecting assigned duties
Whether you are already married or considering marriage, there are a few things for you and your spouse to consider before joining the military. About half of all military personnel are married. Officers are more likely to be married than enlisted military personnel. More older service members are married than younger service members.
Being married to a member of the armed forces can be very different from being married to a civilian. Military personnel move often, and spouses must adapt to unpredictable changes. Military spouses are essentially single parents when their spouses deploy. They must manage finances, home, children, and school by themselves. Military spouses who live on bases may have to accept poor housing conditions. Most importantly, they must be able to cope with the fact that the military may send their spouses to war. Being a military spouse does come with advantages:
- Travel, including living overseas
- Pride in their spouse's service and accomplishments
- Being a part of a larger military family
- Full medical benefits
- Education opportunities
More than half of military spouses work outside their home. If you are a newlywed and your partner is considering a long military career, you might want to consider a career field that is flexible and portable. Select a career that is in wide demand. Military spouses are more likely to work part time than civilian spouses. They are also more likely to face long periods of unemployment due to frequent moves. There are also fewer work opportunities overseas for military spouses due to language barriers or restrictions placed on foreign workers by the host country. Military spouses are more likely to earn a lower wage than civilian counterparts with the same level of education and experience. Many employers don't want to expend the energy and resources to train a military spouse who may move again without much notice.
Continuing Education Opportunities
Military spouses are eligible for the same sources of financial aid as other students. The armed forces also offer scholarships to military spouses. Service members with a certain number of years of active duty can choose to give their GI Bill education benefits to their spouse or children. The Department of Defense (DoD) works to educate, train, and find employment for military spouses through the My Career Advancement Account (MCAA) program. Many programs for service members are also open to their spouses. Programs include "Credit-by-Exam" and Servicemembers Opportunity College (SOC). Opportunities differ by branch, but are usually available online from any location. For more on these and other education benefits, check out During Your Service and After Your Service.
Resources for Spouses & Families
Official Websites:
- CareerOneStop: careeronestop.org
- Military OneSource: militaryonesource.mil
- Military Homefront: militaryhomefront.dod.mil
- National Military Family Association: militaryfamily.org/get-info/spouse-education
- Military Spouse Corporate Career Network: msccn.org
- Military Spouse Career Center: military.com/spouse
- Military Spouse Magazine: milspouse.com
Children and spouses of veterans who have died or are permanently and totally disabled due to their service are eligible for educational assistance. Children of personnel who are Missing in Action or Prisoners of War for more than 90 days are also eligible. For more information, visit: va.gov.
Leaving the Military:
Re-entering the civilian world can be a huge adjustment for military personnel. The longer you are in the armed forces, the more challenging it may be. But with the right attitude, and a little help, it can be very rewarding to apply the skills you learned in the military to a civilian career.
Your Service Record
You can leave most jobs after 2 weeks. Not the military! You must serve until your contract is complete, or you could face severe consequences including jail time. The saying in the military is that "the quickest way out is to finish." How you serve in the military will have an impact on the rest of your life. It is important to keep this in mind before you enlist. Your type of discharge reflects your service in general; your DD214 is a summary of all your active duty service.
In addition to a military discharge, service members will receive a sheet of paper called a DD214 when they separate from the military. The information on it is a record of their entire history of active duty service, including training, Military Occupational Specialty, and awards. It will also denote the type of discharge received. Most employers require veterans to present their DD214 before hiring, as it shows a faithful record of their service. It is awarded after at least 90 days or more of active duty service.
Discharge from Military Service
All enlisted personnel receive a discharge of some type when their service is complete. The type of discharge determines eligibility for benefits, government hiring preferences, and even civilian hiring preference in some cases. There are several types of military discharges, listed here from the best to the worst. Administrative Discharges are given at the completion of active duty service or by a commanding authority. The discharge type usually characterizes the service member's service:
- Honorable Discharge is awarded to a service member who has performed duties to standard and behaved well. It is also awarded to service members whose service has been so meritorious that anything less would be inappropriate, such as Medal of Honor recipients. Most service members receive an honorable discharge.
- General (Under Honorable Conditions) Discharge is given to a service member who has served faithfully, but whose negative aspects outweigh the positive. It is often given to enlistees who cannot adapt to military life.
- Discharge under Other than Honorable Conditions is given to a service member who has shown a pattern of bad conduct or has committed a single act that is completely unacceptable to the military. It is not as bad as a Dishonorable Discharge, but can still have a negative effect on civilian employment and veterans' benefits.
- Bad-Conduct Discharge is given as a punishment by a court-martial, and is the equivalent of a Discharge under Other than Honorable Conditions.
- Dishonorable Discharge is given to a service member who has committed the most severe of offenses. It is usually reserved for those who commit criminal acts such as felonies or disregard military law. It can only be given by a court-martial.
Civilian Transition
The transition back to civilian life can be difficult. Military life is very structured and orderly. As a civilian, you will have to create your own structure and look for your own job. Take time to think about all the pros and cons of leaving the military, and be prepared for a variety of reactions from your friends, family, and command. Transition planning begins 1 year before you complete your service. If you plan to retire from the military, you should start the process 2 to 3 years in advance. If you are involuntarily separated, you could find yourself out of the military in 48 hours. As you prepare to leave the service, beware of scams guaranteeing jobs to separating service members, or any other programs that charge a fee for transition help. There are multiple government-sponsored and non-profit organizations that offer transition assistance for free.
Transition Assistance Program (TAP)
The TAP program is designed to help you smoothly transition back into civilian life. The first step is Pre-Separation Counseling with a transition counselor from your branch of service. You will complete a DD Form 2648, "Pre-Separation Counseling Checklist." The form will help you consider your abilities and options after you complete your service. Next you will attend a series of employment and benefits workshops offered by the Department of Labor (DOL) and the Veterans Administration (VA). The workshops teach job search skills, like resume writing, and explain the benefits of your service that continue even after you leave the military. If you are a disabled veteran, you will also enroll in the VA's Disabled Transition Assistance Program. The best place to start the transition process is with a counselor on your base.
Other Transition Resources
Once you complete your service commitment, you are eligible for Montgomery GI Bill education benefits and can continue to serve in the Reserve or National Guard. As a veteran, you receive many special benefits for your service. There are also programs to help service members transition into specific careers. For more information, check out:
- Education After Your Service
- Branches of Service
- Veterans' Benefits
- One-Stop Career Centers: careeronestop.org
- Helmets to Hardhats: helmetstohardhats.org
- Troops to Teachers:ed.gov
- Transition Assistance Online: taonline.com
Veterans' Benefits
Some of the most lasting rewards for serving in the armed forces come after you complete your service. From health care to home loans, there are several very significant benefits offered to veterans. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is responsible for making sure veterans receive the benefits and care they have earned. There are dozens of programs, many focused on specific groups. Programs are offered by the VA, other government agencies, and non-profit organizations. The main programs are listed below.
Health Care
Veterans can enroll in the VA health care system and receive care at reasonable rates. The VA also takes care of any injuries or disabilities that occurred while in the armed forces for free, for the entire life of the veteran.
Education & Training
For many veterans, the Montgomery GI Bill is the most significant benefit for their service. Depending on how many years served, veterans are eligible for up to 36 months of education payments. The GI Bill can pay for college or technical school, apprenticeship, certification, and on-the-job training. Some veterans may also be eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation, which combines education with an employment goal. For more on the GI Bill, check out: Education After Your Service Disabled veterans may also be eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation through the VA. This program helps veterans identify work they can perform despite their injuries and the education needed. It then pays for their education and helps them find employment. For more on Vocational Rehabilitation, visit: vba.va.gov.
Guaranteed Home Loan
A down payment to purchase a home can take years to save up. Veterans can purchase a home without making a down payment. This allows them to purchase a home sooner than they would otherwise be able to. To learn more, visit: homeloans.va.gov
Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI)
Veterans can choose to convert their Servicemembers Group Life Insurance (SGLI) into VGLI after they leave the service. This can be especially beneficial for veterans who have health issues, and would have to pay steep premiums on civilian life insurance. To learn more, visit: insurance.va.gov.
Veteran Centers
Veterans who serve in a combat zone are eligible for counseling and other services at their local veteran center. Services are free for combat veterans and their family members, and include:
- Individual and group counseling
- Marriage and family counseling
- Substance abuse counseling
- VA benefit application assistance
- Community outreach
Many states offer veterans scholarships, special discounts on fees, home loans, and more. To find out what individual states offer, visit: va.gov/vso.
Government Resources
There are many benefit programs available to veterans. The best place to begin for any veteran is with Veterans Affairs. From there, veterans should check out individual state programs.
- Veterans Affairs: va.gov
- U.S. Department of Labor: dol.gov/vets
- America's Veteran: fedshirevets.gov
There are many organizations dedicated to helping veterans. Some of the largest are listed below.
- Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America: iava.org
- Veterans of Foreign Wars: vfw.org
- American Legion: legion.org
- American Veterans: amvets.org
- National Veterans Foundation: nvf.org
- Hope for the Warriors: hopeforthewarriors.org
For ParentsParents play an important role in their child's decision about joining the military. As with any career choice, students need to understand what the commitment means and how it will affect their long-term options. Recruiting videos for combat positions may look exciting, but students considering the military should realize that is only one type of job available to them. The military offers many significant jobs that will provide students with lasting skills whether they continue in the military or return into the civilian work force or college. Parents can help students explore many of the different opportunities the military has to offer. To learn more about educational and job training opportunities in the military, visit Education.
Helping Your Child Decide
Parents sometimes have strong emotional reactions when their children consider joining the military. Some parents may consider it their children's patriotic duty and push them to enlist. Others may have objections to U.S. foreign policy or armed service of any kind. No matter how you feel, there are many ways to help your children think about military service. Here are a few:
Recruiting
High schools that accept federal money under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) are required by Section 9528 of the law to allow recruiters the same access to students as they give to colleges, universities, and potential employers. Schools are also required by ESEA to provide students' names, addresses, and telephone listings to military recruiters upon request. The exact requirements of this legislation were amended in 2001 under the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB). To learn more about the laws that allow recruiters to access your child's information, visit the U.S. Department of Education's policy website: ed.gov. Parents can opt out of allowing their children's information to be released by submitting a written request to their school superintendent. This only affects release of information by the school. It will not prevent recruiters from talking directly to their children at the school. To prevent your children's schools from releasing information to recruiters, ask schools for their forms. You can also use the forms at Leave My Child Alone: themmob.org. If your children decide to meet with recruiters, it's important that you accompany them. Listen, take notes, and feel free to ask questions. To learn more about the role of recruiters in the decision-making process, as well as tips on how your children can best interact with them if they are interested in the armed forces, check out Recruitment.
If your children decide to meet with recruiters, it's important that you accompany them. Listen, take notes, and feel free to ask questions. To learn more about the role of recruiters in the decision-making process, as well as tips on how your children can best interact with them if they are interested in the armed forces, check out Recruitment.
Selective Service System
Males are required by law to register with the Selective Service System (SSS) when they turn 18. The SSS is the government agency responsible for the draft if it is reinstituted. Nearly all males between the ages of 18 and 25 must register, including most non-citizens. Women do not register. For more on SSS, visit: sss.gov.
If Your Child Joins
Once the enlistment papers are signed, they have made a contract with the military and there is virtually no turning back. Review the enlistment papers with them to be sure everything promised by the recruiter is included. If your children decide to enlist, they may be required to leave for basic training in a matter of a few days. Be sure they explore deferment options that allow them to graduate high school or complete any other obligations they may have. If your children decide to earn a commission to become an officer, they will attend college or a military academy. In the summers, they will experience the officer's equivalent of basic training.
Basic Training
Depending on deferment options, most students may leave for basic training in a matter of a few days. Your children will have very little direct contact with you during basic training. They may be allowed a phone call to let you or someone else know they arrived safely. After that, they will be allowed one phone call per week for the first few weeks. Later on they may be allowed to have more contact, depending on the branch of service and job they choose. Because of this limited direct contact, mail is important to them. You probably won't be able to send care packages, but you can write to them. There may be specific guidelines about correspondence, such as how letters are addressed and writing in certain colors of ink. For many people, completing basic training is one of the proudest moments of their life. They will have a graduation ceremony at the conclusion of their training, and family members are encouraged to attend. To find out more about what enlistees learn and do at basic training, check out Basic Training.
Active Duty
Whether service members go straight into active duty service or are Reservists, they will likely spend some time on active duty. Depending on where they serve, letters or email may be the best way to keep in touch with them. You may also be able to visit them overseas. They will get regular leaves, much like any other job, although they may be limited as to when they can take leave and where they can go. Once their active duty service is complete, they may have a Reserve commitment. They will be able to live where they choose, start a civilian career, or go to school. They may have an obligation to train one weekend per month with a unit near their home. Until their reserve commitment is complete, they may be called up at any time to serve on active duty, including deployment into combat. To learn more about life in the military, check out Military Life and Military Experiences.
Deployment
The frequency and length of your children's deployments will vary depending on their branch of service, job, and reserve status. Since September 11th, 2001, most members of the armed forces have experienced at least one deployment during their period of service, if not multiple deployments. Not all deployments are to combat zones, but many are. Other deployments include peacekeeping operations in the Balkans and Middle East, training missions to foreign countries, and humanitarian relief during natural disasters. Most deployments last for at least 6 months, and may last for up to 18 months. Service members are usually able to spend at least 2 weeks on leave during each deployment. After a deployment, if your children have time remaining on their contracts, they will return to the active duty or reserve status they had before deploying. If their contract expires while they are deployed, they may be required to finish their deployment or may return to the U.S. to out-process from the military. For more information on how you can assist your child while they are deployed, visit: survivingdeployment.com.
Resources for Parents
There are many support groups for parents of service members. There also many online resources and forums, some of which are listed below. Official resources for parents:
Helping Your Child Decide
Parents sometimes have strong emotional reactions when their children consider joining the military. Some parents may consider it their children's patriotic duty and push them to enlist. Others may have objections to U.S. foreign policy or armed service of any kind. No matter how you feel, there are many ways to help your children think about military service. Here are a few:
- Ask about your children's interests and discuss how the military matches up with those interests.
- Learn about the military yourself. Talk with recruiters and see what promises can actually be put in an enlistment contract.
- Ask your children to discuss their reasons for joining and how military service will help them achieve long-term goals.
- Help your children understand that the contract will affect the next 8 years of their lives and may change them as a person.
- Support your children if they are feeling pressured by friends, recruiters, or other family members.
- Help your children understand that they can make this decision on their own timeline, and don't have to rush into it. Remind them that the recruiting office isn't going anywhere.
- Before enlisting, be sure they explore deferment options that allow them to graduate high school or complete any other obligations they may have.
Recruiting
High schools that accept federal money under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) are required by Section 9528 of the law to allow recruiters the same access to students as they give to colleges, universities, and potential employers. Schools are also required by ESEA to provide students' names, addresses, and telephone listings to military recruiters upon request. The exact requirements of this legislation were amended in 2001 under the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB). To learn more about the laws that allow recruiters to access your child's information, visit the U.S. Department of Education's policy website: ed.gov. Parents can opt out of allowing their children's information to be released by submitting a written request to their school superintendent. This only affects release of information by the school. It will not prevent recruiters from talking directly to their children at the school. To prevent your children's schools from releasing information to recruiters, ask schools for their forms. You can also use the forms at Leave My Child Alone: themmob.org. If your children decide to meet with recruiters, it's important that you accompany them. Listen, take notes, and feel free to ask questions. To learn more about the role of recruiters in the decision-making process, as well as tips on how your children can best interact with them if they are interested in the armed forces, check out Recruitment.
If your children decide to meet with recruiters, it's important that you accompany them. Listen, take notes, and feel free to ask questions. To learn more about the role of recruiters in the decision-making process, as well as tips on how your children can best interact with them if they are interested in the armed forces, check out Recruitment.
Selective Service System
Males are required by law to register with the Selective Service System (SSS) when they turn 18. The SSS is the government agency responsible for the draft if it is reinstituted. Nearly all males between the ages of 18 and 25 must register, including most non-citizens. Women do not register. For more on SSS, visit: sss.gov.
If Your Child Joins
Once the enlistment papers are signed, they have made a contract with the military and there is virtually no turning back. Review the enlistment papers with them to be sure everything promised by the recruiter is included. If your children decide to enlist, they may be required to leave for basic training in a matter of a few days. Be sure they explore deferment options that allow them to graduate high school or complete any other obligations they may have. If your children decide to earn a commission to become an officer, they will attend college or a military academy. In the summers, they will experience the officer's equivalent of basic training.
Basic Training
Depending on deferment options, most students may leave for basic training in a matter of a few days. Your children will have very little direct contact with you during basic training. They may be allowed a phone call to let you or someone else know they arrived safely. After that, they will be allowed one phone call per week for the first few weeks. Later on they may be allowed to have more contact, depending on the branch of service and job they choose. Because of this limited direct contact, mail is important to them. You probably won't be able to send care packages, but you can write to them. There may be specific guidelines about correspondence, such as how letters are addressed and writing in certain colors of ink. For many people, completing basic training is one of the proudest moments of their life. They will have a graduation ceremony at the conclusion of their training, and family members are encouraged to attend. To find out more about what enlistees learn and do at basic training, check out Basic Training.
Active Duty
Whether service members go straight into active duty service or are Reservists, they will likely spend some time on active duty. Depending on where they serve, letters or email may be the best way to keep in touch with them. You may also be able to visit them overseas. They will get regular leaves, much like any other job, although they may be limited as to when they can take leave and where they can go. Once their active duty service is complete, they may have a Reserve commitment. They will be able to live where they choose, start a civilian career, or go to school. They may have an obligation to train one weekend per month with a unit near their home. Until their reserve commitment is complete, they may be called up at any time to serve on active duty, including deployment into combat. To learn more about life in the military, check out Military Life and Military Experiences.
Deployment
The frequency and length of your children's deployments will vary depending on their branch of service, job, and reserve status. Since September 11th, 2001, most members of the armed forces have experienced at least one deployment during their period of service, if not multiple deployments. Not all deployments are to combat zones, but many are. Other deployments include peacekeeping operations in the Balkans and Middle East, training missions to foreign countries, and humanitarian relief during natural disasters. Most deployments last for at least 6 months, and may last for up to 18 months. Service members are usually able to spend at least 2 weeks on leave during each deployment. After a deployment, if your children have time remaining on their contracts, they will return to the active duty or reserve status they had before deploying. If their contract expires while they are deployed, they may be required to finish their deployment or may return to the U.S. to out-process from the military. For more information on how you can assist your child while they are deployed, visit: survivingdeployment.com.
Resources for Parents
There are many support groups for parents of service members. There also many online resources and forums, some of which are listed below. Official resources for parents:
- Army: goarmy.com
- Navy: navy.com/advisors
- Air Force: airforce.com
- Marine Corps: marineparents.com
- Coast Guard: gocoastguard.com
- National Guard: jointservicessupport.org
- Basic Combat Training information for parents: militaryonesource.com
- Deployment information for parents: militaryonesource.com
- The Military Family Network: emilitary.org
- Parents Zone: parentszone.org
