Step 4: Meet the recruiter
Questions for Teachers, Counselors, and Coaches
Teachers have a responsibility
to prepare young people for the adult and professional future. Military
service is an opportunity to most students and can provide enriching experiences
on the way to another career or in a lifetime of service to their country.
These questions help teachers
give honest answers to students interested in a military career or guidance
to students who teachers think may excel in the armed forces.
How does the military
compare with the private sector?
The military offers 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.
Will my student be qualified
for a civilian job if they get out?
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.
Will my student get money
for college?
Yes, if your student enlists and completes their term of service
they will qualify for a number of educational benefits, including the Montgomery
GI Bill. Benefits vary by service. For more on the GI Bill see the GI
Bill Overview.
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 students 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.
What provisions does the
military make to ensure that my student will not be sexually harassed?
The Department
of Defense has stringent policies against harassment of any kind. Training
is conducted in well-supervised, and generally safe environments. More
on DoD sexual harassment policies.
How much will my student
get paid?
Your student may decide to go active duty, reserve or guard.
Here are the pay scales for each:
How long does my student
have to commit for?
This depends on what service your student chooses, what career field
they pick, and the training they accept. Some enlistment terms are as
short as two years.
What medical benefits
will my student get?
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 my student get?
Your student will get 30 days of vacation with pay each year, as well
as government holidays.
How old does my student
have to be to enlist?
Your student must be at least 17 years old to enlist with parental
consent. Without parental consent your student must be 18.
Can my student be guaranteed
to do the job that they want before they enlist?
In most cases, the military offers qualified applicants guaranteed
training assignments. However, the availability of this program varies
based on service need.
What if my student wants
out?
Your student's commitment to the military is based on a contract,
which means that they 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 students think through the process completely.
You may want to help students find ways to prepare for the ASVAB (a standardized
test used to determine applicants talents) and to evaluate their choice.
Visit Military.com's
ASVAB section for more details and a practice test.
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