Armed Forces

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) helps the military determine whether you are a good fit to join the service, which service branch you might be best for and even what military jobs you can hold after you finish basic training or boot camp. 

The higher your score, the more options you have in your military career. A very high score can give you a wide array of job options, some of which might come with special pay and bonuses. That means it’s a good idea to study for the ASVAB and do your best to score well.

Learn more about the ASVAB

Joining the military looks different for different people. Some people choose to enlist as a full-time, active duty service member, while others decide to enlist as a part-time, reserve duty service member. What is the difference between active duty and reserves? Active duty is comparable to working at a full-time job. Reserve duty is similar to a part-time job -- you keep your civilian job while receiving military training near where you live, and only serve part-time. 

There are several ways to become an officer in the US military:

• Join an ROTC program while in college. 
• Attend a US service academy (Air Force Academy, Military Academy, Naval Academy, Coast Guard Academy or Merchant Marine Academy).
• Attend officer training school after earning a college or postgraduate degree.
• Enlist and work towards becoming an officer.

The Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) is a college program offered at more than 1,700 colleges and universities across the US that prepares young adults to become officers.

In exchange for a paid college education and a guaranteed post-college career, participants, or cadets, commit to serve in the military after graduation. 

Find Colleges with ROTC programs