How to choose a military branch to join

If you are in the process of considering the military for the long-term, you have many choices to make. I'll break down some of the main decisions you will need to make and give you a few pointers along the way.

Things You'll Need

• A physically fit body
• At least a high school diploma or GED
• A sense of adventure

Instructions

1. First you have to determine the education level for the branch and sect of service you want to join. If you want to come in as an enlisted member, all you need is a high school diploma, or in some cases, a high school GED. If you want to join as an officer, you will need a college degree.

2. Next you have to choose the branch. You can choose between the Air Force, the Navy, the Marine Corps, or the Army. Or, you can choose to go with the Department of Homeland Security and join the Coast Guard. The Army is probably the easiest branch to join at this point, while the Air Force is probably the hardest as they are cutting troops at this time. That doesn't mean you can't join, but it will be more challenging.

3. The Marine Corps is considered the most physically demanding branch, while the Air Force is considered the least challenging. It's not a reflection on the services, but simply a matter of what the members of each branch are required to endure, physically, upon entering their permanent position. Of course, each service has elite forces that undergo the most intense physical training. You have to decide what's right for you.

4. If you decide to go in as an officer, you have several choices. You can go through ROTC at your college (and possibly earn an ROTC scholarship in the process), you can apply to attend one of the branch military academies (and get a full-ride paid for college education and a great job upon graduation) or you can go through one of the branch officer training schools, depending on your desired position and branch.

5. Before you can enlist, you have to take a test called the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery). Your score will determine the jobs and branches you qualify for.

6. Next you can try to secure a guaranteed job or field. For example, in the Air Force, you can choose to go into a guaranteed field, such as medical or you can choose a more specific job, such as Aerospace Ground Equipment Technician or Dental Assistant. Not all people can or do secure guaranteed jobs, but it can be done if you are willing to wait for a slot to come open.

7. Get in mental and physical shape for boot camp, go through MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station) to make sure you are medically and mentally fit for service. Sign on the dotted line, swear in, and you're off to a great future!

Tips & Warnings

• Know what you are signing up for. Talk to military members and research the different jobs that are available.

• Get in shape -- this will make your time at boot camp so much easier