Enlisted: Preparing for Military Service
Enlisted
Enlisted: Preparing for Military Service
The Enlisted pathway can help students and families explore military service as one possible option after graduation. Preparation may include learning about different branches and service options, understanding eligibility requirements, exploring military careers, and considering the education, training, and career opportunities available through military service.
The information below provides suggested actions students and families may consider as they explore this pathway. Students are encouraged to learn about multiple branches and service options before making a decision. Schools can provide information, resources, and support to help students and families make informed decisions as plans develop.
Preparing for the Enlisted Pathway
| Stage | Focus & Key Actions |
|---|---|
| Middle School (Grades 6–8) |
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| 9th Grade |
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| 10th Grade |
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| 11th Grade |
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| 12th Grade |
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| Post-Graduation |
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Area Student May: Parent/Guardian May: School/District May: Military
Options- Explore the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force
- Learn about Active Duty, National Guard, and Reserve options
- Compare multiple service options before making a decision
- Discuss the student's interests and reasons for considering military service
- Explore different branches and service options together
- Encourage questions and comparison of multiple options
- Provide access to information about military service options
- Share military career and pathway resources
- Support students in exploring military service as one of several post-graduation pathways
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Area Student May: Parent/Guardian May: School/District May: Academics &
Graduation- Work toward graduation requirements
- Maintain strong academic, attendance, and conduct habits
- Consider courses that support career and technical interests
- Monitor academic progress toward graduation
- Encourage strong attendance and academic habits
- Discuss course choices and future career interests
- Provide graduation and academic advising
- Share career and technical course opportunities
- Provide information about JROTC and other leadership opportunities when available
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Area Student May: Parent/Guardian May: School/District May: ASVAB &
Eligibility- Learn about the ASVAB and how scores may relate to military career opportunities
- Consider taking the ASVAB and preparing for areas that may need improvement
- Learn about general enlistment eligibility requirements
- Discuss ASVAB results and possible career options with the student
- Help the student understand that requirements can vary by branch
- Encourage verification of current eligibility requirements with the appropriate military branch
- Provide information about available ASVAB testing opportunities
- Provide academic support and preparation resources when available
- Direct students to appropriate military sources for branch-specific eligibility requirements
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Area Student May: Parent/Guardian May: School/District May: Physical
Readiness- Develop healthy fitness and wellness habits
- Learn that physical requirements may vary by branch and service option
- Seek accurate information about applicable physical standards when considering enlistment
- Encourage healthy and sustainable fitness habits
- Support appropriate physical activity and wellness
- Encourage students to obtain current requirements from the appropriate military branch
- Provide general physical education and wellness opportunities
- Promote healthy habits and personal wellness
- Leave military medical qualification and enlistment fitness determinations to the appropriate military authorities
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Area Student May: Parent/Guardian May: School/District May: Military
Careers- Explore military careers that align with interests, abilities, and goals
- Compare training and career opportunities among branches
- Consider how military training and experience may connect to future civilian careers
- Discuss the student's long-term career interests
- Help compare career and training opportunities
- Encourage consideration of how military experience may support future goals
- Provide career exploration resources
- Help students connect interests and skills with career fields
- Share information about military and civilian career pathways
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Area Student May: Parent/Guardian May: School/District May: Recruiters &
Enlistment Decisions- Consider speaking with representatives from multiple branches and service options
- Ask questions about commitments, career fields, training, benefits, and expectations
- Carefully review enlistment terms before making a commitment
- Participate in conversations and ask questions when appropriate
- Help compare information from multiple service options
- Review commitments, training, career field, benefits, and other enlistment terms with the student
- Provide students access to appropriate career and military information
- Encourage students to gather information and ask questions
- Support informed decision-making without recommending a particular branch or service option
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Area Student May: Parent/Guardian May: School/District May: Education &
Future Opportunities- Explore education and training opportunities available through military service
- Learn about potential education benefits, certifications, credentials, and college-credit opportunities
- Consider how military training and experience may support long-term education and career goals
- Discuss education and long-term career goals with the student
- Help compare education and training opportunities among service options
- Encourage verification of current benefits and eligibility requirements
- Share information about postsecondary education and career pathways
- Help students understand how education, training, and credentials can support future goals
- Direct students to official sources for current military education-benefit information
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Area Student May: Parent/Guardian May: School/District May: Transition to
Military Service- Complete applicable enlistment and transition steps
- Prepare for basic training and the expectations of military life
- Develop a plan for communication, finances, personal responsibilities, and the transition from home
- Support the student's transition and increasing independence
- Discuss communication, finances, responsibilities, and expectations
- Help prepare for changes associated with training, relocation, or military life
- Provide transition and graduation support
- Assist with appropriate school records or documentation
- Celebrate students' post-graduation plans and accomplishments