Joining the military is a significant decision that offers unique opportunities for personal growth, career development and service to your country. This page provides an overview of the different paths to a fulfilling military career, including enlisting or becoming a commissioned officer, and the potential benefits of military service.

Understanding your Options

It’s important to understand the processes involved in joining as either an enlisted member or a commissioned officer. Explore the different branches of the military, speak with recruiters, and consider talking to current and former service members in your family and community. Their insights can help determine whether military service is right for you.

Enlisting

Enlisting in the military involves committing to a specific period of service. During this time you’ll receive comprehensive training, develop valuable skills and contribute to the defense and security of your nation. The military offers a wide range of career paths and specialties, allowing you to pursue your interests and passions while serving a greater purpose.

Becoming a Commissioned Officer

Commissioned officers are trained to hold leadership and management positions within the military. To be eligible, officers must have a bachelor’s degree or higher and participate in an officer training program. There are several ways to achieve this:

• Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC): ROTC is an education and scholarship program hosted at colleges and universities across that US that prepares students to become officers in the military. Each service branch has a unique ROTC program with different requirements and benefits. It’s important to explore what each branch offers to find the fit that’s right for you.
• Military Service Academies: There are five military service academies, one for each branch. These prestigious academies provide full scholarships to students and a direct pathway to commission as an officer after graduation. Virginia also has the Virginia Military Institute, a public liberal arts college, that hosts ROTC programs for all service branches and requires students to participate in four years of ROTC.

Benefits of Joining the Military

In addition to rewarding career opportunities, benefits of military service include:

Taking the Next Step

Ready to explore your options for a career in the military? Start by:

• Visiting the official websites of each military branch for detailed information.
• Connecting with a recruiter near you to discuss your options and ask questions.
• Attending career fairs and events to learn more about specific jobs and specialties.
• Taking the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) to assess your skills and explore potential career paths.

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