Quick FactsThe purpose of the military is to protect our country, our interests, and our allies. The oaths of enlisted and commissioned service members state the military's highest mission: to defend the Constitution of the United States from all enemies. Nearly half of all military jobs are combat positions, such as infantry. When not engaged in conflict, combat personnel spend their time learning to operate and maintain military equipment. They also practice combat skills. Personnel in non-combat positions provide management, supplies, and services. There are five active services. Some of these also have Guard and Reserve components. The Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force are under the Department of Defense. The Coast Guard is under the Department of Homeland Security, but can be called to serve under the Navy during wartime. To learn more, check out Branches of Service. Here are a few more quick facts:
- The President is the Commander in Chief, and holds the final power in all military decisions.
- Reserve and National Guard units have more service members than all the active services combined, and help active forces during war.
- The Army, Navy, and Air Force each employ more people than most of our country's largest businesses.
- The Department of Defense is the largest employer in our country, with over 2 million military and civilian employees.
- The military maintains bases across the U.S. and around the world and has naval fleets in every ocean.
Branches of Service
The Army
The Army is the largest land-based force of the U.S. military. Its mission is to protect U.S. interests at home and around the world. The Army focuses on helping our allies with training and equipment. It also stands ready to defend our allies from bases across the globe. With a strong emphasis on the strength of individual soldiers–mentally, physically, and emotionally–the Army provides numerous training opportunities. Jobs in the Army range from administration to combat to maintenance. Most jobs have a similar civilian equivalent. The Army uses a variety of weapons and resources, but every soldier is trained for combat, regardless of specialty. Every soldier must be physically fit and be able to fire the M-16 rifle. Like all branches of the military, the Army reflects our nation's diversity. Soldiers have the same opportunities. Most jobs are open to women, except a few combat positions. Non-citizens have various options depending on their immigrant status. Check out Military Life to learn more about the Army and Joining the Military to learn about the recruiting process. For even more info, visit: army.mil.
Army Reserve
Army Reserve units are on call to help in times of natural disaster, emergency, or war. They may serve with active duty forces or separately, but only as service and support. There are no Army Reserve combat units. Army Reserve soldiers go through the same training as active duty soldiers. After they finish, they continue to train for one weekend per month and two weeks in the summer to keep their skills sharp. They are free to attend school and pursue a civilian career while still serving in the Reserve. Federal law guarantees that Reservists can return to their civilian jobs after a deployment or training. Some enlistment contracts allow soldiers to serve for two years or more on active duty, and then transfer into the Inactive Ready Reserve (IRR). IRR soldiers can still be called up in times of war or national emergency, but do not have to continue to train. For more on the Army Reserve, visit: usar.army.mil
Army National Guard
Each state and territory in the U.S. maintains a National Guard. Their main mission is to provide security and emergency relief. The state governor is the commander in chief of these forces, but the Guard also stands ready to be called to active service with the Army. The National Guard has both combat and support units. Like the Army Reserve, Guard soldiers go through the same training as active duty soldiers. After they finish, they continue to train for one weekend per month and two weeks in the summer to keep their skills sharp. They are free to attend school and pursue a civilian career while still serving in the National Guard. Federal law guarantees that Guardsmen can return to their civilian jobs after a deployment or training. They may also be eligible to transfer into the IRR before their service is complete. For even more information, visit: army.mil/nationalguard.
The NavyThe U.S. Navy is the largest maritime force in the world. Its mission is to protect the freedom of the world's oceans for trade and travel. The Navy maintains a combat-ready fleet of ships, submarines, and aircraft to defend the U.S. and its allies in every ocean around the globe. Honor, courage, and commitment are the core values of sailors in the Navy. With over 100 bases and ports-of-call, sailors get to experience the world firsthand, and are often at sea for months at a time. Jobs in the Navy range from administration to combat to maintenance. Most jobs have a similar civilian equivalent. Every sailor is trained on the basics of seamanship: navigation, first aid, ship damage control, teamwork, and weaponry. Sailors may also serve on land. The Navy maintains ports and inland bases around the world. They provide medics for the Marine Corps, and Navy SEALS often fight on land. The Marine Corps and Coast Guard are under the command of the Navy, although they are separate branches of the military. Like all branches of the military, the Navy reflects our nation's diversity. All sailors have the same opportunities. All jobs are open to women except a few combat positions. Non-citizens have various options depending on their immigrant status. Check out Military Life to learn more about the Navy and Joining the Military to learn about the recruiting process. For more information, visit: navy.mil.
Navy Reserve
Navy Reserve units are on call to help in times of natural disaster, emergency, or war. They may serve with active duty forces or separately. There are Navy Reserve combat units, but most are service and support. Navy Reserve sailors go through the same training as active duty sailors. After they finish, they continue to train for one weekend per month and two weeks in the summer to keep their skills sharp. They are free to attend school and pursue a civilian career while still serving in the Reserve. Federal law guarantees that Reservists can return to their civilian jobs after a deployment or training. Some enlistment contracts allow sailors to serve for two years or more on active duty, and then transfer into the Inactive Ready Reserve (IRR). IRR sailors can still be called up in times of war or national emergency, but do not have to continue to train. For more on the Navy Reserve, visit:public.navy.mil.
The Air ForceThe Air Force defends the U.S. and its allies in air, space, and cyberspace. It focuses on developing airmen, applying technology, and supporting the other military services. The Air Force doesn't just fly jets. It uses a wide range of aircraft in support of missions around the world, including cargo planes and unmanned aerial vehicles. It also operates satellites and other advanced technologies, and provides support on the ground for other branches of the military. With a strong emphasis on education, the Air Force provides numerous training opportunities, especially in technology. Airmen are automatically enrolled in the Community College of the Air Force. Nearly all jobs in the Air Force have a civilian equivalent. Like all branches of the military, the Air Force reflects our nation's diversity. Airmen have the same opportunities. Nearly all jobs are open to women. Non-citizens have various options depending on their immigrant status. Check out Military Life to learn more about the Air Force and Joining the Military to learn about the recruiting process. For more information, visit: af.mil.
Air Force Reserve
Air Force Reserve units are on call to help in times of natural disaster, emergency, or war. They may serve with active duty forces or separately. There are Air Force Reserve combat units, but most are service and support. Air Force Reserve airmen go through the same training as active duty airmen. After they finish, they continue to train for one weekend per month and two weeks in the summer to keep their skills sharp. They are free to attend school and pursue a civilian career while still serving in the Reserve. Federal law guarantees that Reservists can return to their civilian jobs after a deployment or training. Some enlistment contracts allow airmen to serve for two years or more on active duty, and then transfer into the Inactive Ready Reserve (IRR). IRR airmen can still be called up in times of war or national emergency, but do not have to continue to train. For more on the Air Force Reserve, visit: afrc.af.mil.
Air National Guard
Each state and territory in the U.S. maintains a National Guard to provide security and emergency relief. The state governor is the commander in chief of these forces, but the Guard also stands ready to be called to active service with the Air Force. The National Guard has both combat and support units. Like the Air Force Reserve, Guard airmen go through the same training as active duty airmen. After they finish, they continue to train for one weekend per month and two weeks in the summer to keep their skills sharp. They are free to attend school and pursue a civilian career while still serving in the Guard. Federal law guarantees that Guardsmen can return to their civilian jobs after a deployment or training. They may also be eligible to transfer into the IRR before their service is complete. For even more information, visit: ang.af.mil.
The Marine Corps
The Marine Corps is the rapid deployment force of the U.S. military. It maintains ready-to-go supply depots on U.S. Navy ships around the world, and is often the first force to be sent into conflicts. It is the smallest ground combat force of the U.S. military, but Marines are renowned as fierce warriors. Its mission is to protect the U.S. and its interests at home and around the world. The Marine Corps emphasizes high ethical and moral standards. Honor, courage, and commitment are emphasized at all levels of training. Most jobs in the Corps are combat-related because the Navy provides logistical support and medics. They are also the main amphibious force of the military. All Marines undergo the same intense combat training, and learn several different weapons systems. Every Marine has to qualify with the M-16 rifle, and be mentally and physically prepared for combat. Like all branches of the military, the Marine Corps reflects our nation's diversity. Marines have the same opportunities. Most jobs are open to women except a few combat positions. Non-citizens have various options depending on their immigrant status. Check out Military Life to learn more about the Marine Corps and Joining the Military to learn about the recruiting process. For more information, visit: marines.mil.
Marine Corps Reserve
Marine Corps Reserve units are on call to help in times of natural disaster, emergency, or war. They may serve with active duty forces or separately. There are Marine Reserve combat units, but most are service and support. Reserve Marines go through the same training as active duty Marines. After they finish, they continue to train for one weekend per month and two weeks in the summer to keep their skills sharp. They are free to attend school and pursue a civilian career while still serving in the Reserve. Federal law guarantees that Reservists can return to their civilian jobs after a deployment or training. Some enlistment contracts allow Marines to serve for two years or more on active duty, and then transfer into the Inactive Ready Reserve (IRR). IRR Marines can still be called up in times of war or national emergency, but do not have to continue to train. For more on the Marine Corps Reserve, visit: marforres.usmc.mil.
The Coast Guard
The U.S. Coast Guard operates along our nation's coastlines, inland waterways, and anywhere else U.S. interests may be at risk. The Coast Guard's mission includes disaster and emergency response, enforcement of federal laws, national defense, and protection of natural resources. The Coast Guard is officially a part of the Department of Homeland Security, but units also serve under the Navy during times of war. The Coast Guard combines civilian law enforcement, military roles, and humanitarian missions in a unique way. The Coast Guard is the smallest of the armed services and highly selective as a result. Jobs in the Coast Guard range from administration to combat to maintenance. Most jobs have a similar civilian equivalent. Every Guardian is trained on the basics of seamanship: navigation, first aid, ship damage control, teamwork, and weaponry. You must become a competent swimmer to pass basic training in the Coast Guard. Like all branches of the military, the Coast Guard reflects our nation's diversity. Guardians have the same opportunities. All jobs are open to women, including all combat positions. Non-citizens have various options depending on their immigrant status. Check out Military Life to learn more about the Coast Guard and Joining the Military to learn about the recruiting process. For more information, visit:uscg.mil.
Coast Guard Reserve
Coast Guard Reserve units are on call to help in times of natural disaster, emergency, or war. They may serve with active duty forces or separately. All Coast Guard jobs have a Reserve equivalent, including law enforcement positions. Coast Guard Reserve sailors go through the same training as active duty Guardians. After they finish, they continue to train for one weekend per month and two weeks in the summer to keep their skills sharp. They are free to attend school and pursue a civilian career while still serving in the Reserve. Federal law guarantees that Reservists can return to their civilian jobs after a deployment or training. Some enlistment contracts allow sailors to serve for two years or more on active duty, and then transfer into the Inactive Ready Reserve (IRR). IRR sailors can still be called up in times of war or national emergency, but do not have to continue to train. For more on the Coast Guard Reserve, visit: uscg.mil/reserve.
Enlisted Personnel
Enlisted personnel are the main workforce of the military. They work in office, mechanical, transportation, and combat positions. They include service members in pay grades E-1 through E-9. Most service members are in grades E-3, E-4, and E-5. You will be promoted on a regular basis if you meet the requirements to advance. In higher grades, promotions are more competitive and may require additional training to take on greater responsibility. Promotions are not automatic in the military. You must earn them. Grades E-5 and above are noncommissioned officers (NCOs). They are still enlisted, but have greater responsibility for the welfare and tasks of the men and women under their leadership. NCOs are often called the “backbone” of the military for their proficiency and leadership abilities. First enlistment contracts last 8 years. You may serve on active duty for 2 to 4 years, and then in the Reserves for the remainder of your contract. About 38% of enlistees choose to remain in the military until retirement. The military will teach you everything you need to know to do your job after you enlist. But you must earn a high school diploma first. A GED may be accepted for certain jobs. To learn what else it takes to enlist, check out the Tab "Enlisting".
Enlisted personnel are the main workforce of the military. They work in office, mechanical, transportation, and combat positions. They include service members in pay grades E-1 through E-9. Most service members are in grades E-3, E-4, and E-5. You will be promoted on a regular basis if you meet the requirements to advance. In higher grades, promotions are more competitive and may require additional training to take on greater responsibility. Promotions are not automatic in the military. You must earn them. Grades E-5 and above are noncommissioned officers (NCOs). They are still enlisted, but have greater responsibility for the welfare and tasks of the men and women under their leadership. NCOs are often called the “backbone” of the military for their proficiency and leadership abilities. First enlistment contracts last 8 years. You may serve on active duty for 2 to 4 years, and then in the Reserves for the remainder of your contract. About 38% of enlistees choose to remain in the military until retirement. The military will teach you everything you need to know to do your job after you enlist. But you must earn a high school diploma first. A GED may be accepted for certain jobs. To learn what else it takes to enlist, check out the Tab "Enlisting".
Commissioned Officers
Commissioned Officers manage and lead the armed services. They may lead infantry units into battle, command ships, fly aircraft, or even command their entire branch of service at the highest level. Officers also serve in specialized positions such as doctors, lawyers, and chaplains. Pay grades start at O-1 and go up to O-10. Each grade comes with greater responsibility. All services look for strong leaders to fill officer positions. In most services, a selection board evaluates officers and selects the best for promotion. In the Coast Guard, officers who aren't promoted during their first three years are released from service. As you can imagine, promotion for officers is very competitive! There are several ways to be commissioned as an officer in the military, but all require at least a 4-year college degree. Some officers attend special service academies to earn a degree and a commission. Most officers attend special training programs during or after college. It is possible to become an officer after enlisting, but you still have to earn a college degree. Medical professionals, ordained religious leaders, and technicians can become officers without attending extensive military training first. Ordained religious officers are called chaplains, and those with technical expertise are warrant officers (WO).
Commissioned Officers manage and lead the armed services. They may lead infantry units into battle, command ships, fly aircraft, or even command their entire branch of service at the highest level. Officers also serve in specialized positions such as doctors, lawyers, and chaplains. Pay grades start at O-1 and go up to O-10. Each grade comes with greater responsibility. All services look for strong leaders to fill officer positions. In most services, a selection board evaluates officers and selects the best for promotion. In the Coast Guard, officers who aren't promoted during their first three years are released from service. As you can imagine, promotion for officers is very competitive! There are several ways to be commissioned as an officer in the military, but all require at least a 4-year college degree. Some officers attend special service academies to earn a degree and a commission. Most officers attend special training programs during or after college. It is possible to become an officer after enlisting, but you still have to earn a college degree. Medical professionals, ordained religious leaders, and technicians can become officers without attending extensive military training first. Ordained religious officers are called chaplains, and those with technical expertise are warrant officers (WO).
Key Websites:
Academy Admissions
http://www.academyadmissions.com
Air Force
http://www.af.mil
Air Force Recruiting
http://www.airforce.com
Air Force Reserve
https://afreserve.com
Air National Guard
http://ang.af.mil
Air National Guard Recruiting
http://www.goang.com
America's Veteran
http://www.fedshirevets.gov
American Council on Education
http://www.acenet.edu
American Legion
http://www.legion.org
American Veterans
http://www.amvets.org
Army
http://www.army.mil
Army National Guard
https://www.nationalguard.com
Army Recruiting
http://www.goarmy.com
Army Reserve
http://usar.army.mil/
Army Times
http://www.armytimes.com
ASVAB Career Exploration Program
http://www.asvabprogram.com
CareerOneStop
http://www.careeronestop.org
Citizenship and Immigration Services
http://www.uscis.gov
Coast Guard
http://www.uscg.mil
Coast Guard Academy
http://www.uscga.edu
Coast Guard Recruiting
http://www.gocoastguard.com
Coast Guard Reserve
http://www.uscg.mil/reserve
Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES)
http://dantes.doded.mil
Defense Department Advisory Committee on Women in the Services
http://dacowits.defense.gov
Defense Financing and Accounting Service
http://www.dfas.mil
Defense Personal Security Research Center
http://www.dhra.mil/perserec
Department of Defense (DoD)
http://www.defense.gov
Department of Education
http://www.ed.gov
Department of Labor
http://www.dol.gov
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
http://www.va.gov
Helmets to Hardhats
http://www.helmetstohardhats.org
Hope for the Warriors
http://www.hopeforthewarriors.org
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America
http://www.iava.org
Leave my Child Alone
http://www.themmob.org/lmca/optout.html
Marine Corps
http://www.marines.mil
Marine Corps Community Services
http://www.usmc-mccs.org
Marine Corps Recruiting
http://www.marines.com
Marine Corps Reserve
http://www.marforres.marines.mil/
Marine Parents
http://www.usmcparents.com
Mayo Clinic
http://www.mayoclinic.com
Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA)
http://www.usmma.edu
Military Academy (West Point)
http://www.usma.edu
Military Chaplains Association
http://mca-usa.org
Military Family Network
http://www.emilitary.org
Military Homefront
http://www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil
Military OneSource
http://www.militaryonesource.com
Military Spouse Corporate Career Network (MSCCN)
http://www.msccn.org
Military.com
http://www.military.com
MilSpouse.com
http://www.milspouse.com
National Guard Joint Services Support
http://www.jointservicessupport.org
National Institute of Mental Health
http://www.nimh.nih.gov
National Military Family Association
http://www.militaryfamily.org
National Veterans Foundation
http://www.nvf.org
Naval Academy
http://www.usna.edu
Navy
http://www.navy.mil
Navy Fleet and Family Support Center
http://www.nffsp.org
Navy Moms On-Line
http://www.navymomsonline.net
Navy Recruiting
http://www.navy.com
Navy Reserve
http://www.navyreserve.com
NavyDads.com
http://www.navydads.com
NavyForMoms.com
http://www.navyformoms.com
Office of the Law Revision Counsel
http://uscode.house.gov
Parents Zone
http://www.parentszone.org
Recruit Parents
http://www.recruitparents.com
Selective Service System
https://www.sss.gov/
Servicemembers Legal Defense Network
http://www.sldn.org
Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC)
http://soc.aascu.org
Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office, DoD
http://www.sapr.mil
Surviving Deployment
http://www.survivingdeployment.com
Today's Military
http://www.todaysmilitary.com
Transition Assistance Online
http://www.taonline.com
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU)
http://www.usuhs.mil
Veterans of Foreign Wars
http://www.vfw.org
