Step 4: Meet the recruiter
Questions for Parents
Parents
want the best for their children -- a meaningful and rewarding
career, training and preparation for the future, and fun and
adventure. Today's military offers all this and more to
America's young people.
Be able to
answer your children's questions about the U.S. armed forces
and what it has to offer them. These questions provide a starting
point for you to discuss a military career choice with your
daughter or son.
How does
the military compare with the private sector?
The military opportunities offer stable but challenging
careers with regular promotions and often accelerated responsibility.
It provides training in 4,100 specialties, many of which have
civilian counterparts. The armed forces also provide
leadership experience and training that help people excel
if they choose to leave the military following their commitment.
Other benefits that make the military a good choice include:
early retirement programs, health and dental care, 30 days
paid vacation each year, veterans benefits, competitive pay,
and a variety of ways to earn money for college and training.
Do you
have to be a U.S. citizen to join?
To enlist in the armed forces you must be a citizen or legal
resident. To become an officer, you must be U.S. citizen.
When is
the next time that I will be able to see my child after they
leave for boot camp?
In most cases you may see your child when they graduate
from boot camp. However, this depends on the service
and assignment they select.
How often
will my child be away from home?
Travel is part of military life. The amount
of travel varies greatly from service to service and assignment
to assignment. However, some services will guarantee
applicants' duty locations if they meet certain qualifications.
Will the
military prepare my child prepare for a civilian job?
Yes. The armed forces offer over 4,100 careers, most
of which have direct counterparts in the private sector.
Additionally, service in the military builds leadership skills
and personal responsibility traits that many employers look
for in employees.
Can the
military help my child pay for college?
Yes. The military offers a variety of ways
to pay for school. Check
out our money for college topic. Or Check out Military.com's
GI
Bill Express for detailed information on the GI Bill programs.
What is
the difference between enlisting and commissioning?
Enlisting and commissioning (becoming and officer)
offer different career paths. Not all jobs are available
in both career paths so you should help your children make
sure that their interests and abilities are reflected in their
choices. Becoming an officer is generally available
only to college graduates commissioned through ROTC, one of
the service academies or another commissioning program.
How much
will they get paid?
A person may decide to go active duty, reserve or guard.
Here are the pay scales for each:
How long
is my child's commitment?
This depends on what service they choose, what career
field they pick, and the training they accept. Some
enlistment terms are as short as two years.
Could
my child get hurt?
Like any job, possibility for accidents exists and
some careers are more physically demanding than others.
However, the military makes every effort to ensure that all
of its members are safe.
Are there
medical benefits?
Members of the military and their families receive
outpatient care at military hospitals and clinics at no charge.
There is a nominal charge for inpatient care of family members.
For families not located near military health facilities,
the military medical insurance program (TRICARE) pays 80-100
percent of the costs at civilian hospitals and clinics. Dental
care is free to service members. There is a minimal cost for
family members.
How much
vacation time will they earn?
30 days of vacation with pay each year and federal
holidays.
How old
does my child have to be to enlist?
People must be at least 17 years old to enlist with
parental consent. Without parental consent people must be
18.
What if
my child wants out?
Commitment to the military is based on a contract,
which means that people are legally bound to serve their term.
However in some cases, if during basic training they are found
to be grossly incompatible with the military they may receive
an administrative discharge for the convenience of the service.
What sort
of training will they receive?
The training that your student receives depends on
the service and career path that they select. Training
will include both job specific proficiency and general military
training like team building and leadership.
How can
I help?
Be sure that you help your children think through
the process completely. You may want to help them find
ways to prepare for the ASVAB (a standardized test used to
determine applicants talents) and to evaluate their choices.
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