If you’re thinking about joining the Army, you have some exciting options ahead of you, but there are also plenty of things to consider before deciding whether or not it’s the right choice for you.
A brief history of military ranks
Military ranks have their roots in medieval times when soldiers would carry shields with symbols on them to identify each soldier’s station. In time, these symbols came to be associated with specific ranks. The oldest rank structure was used by Napoleon Bonaparte, who ordered that units be divided into officers (which had metal insignia), corporals (to whom were given stripes of color), and ordinary soldiers (with no distinguishing marks). Today, military ranks vary from country to country, but all stem from similar origins.
Do I Have to Pass a Test?
Each branch of service is different, so you’ll need to check with your specific branch. To be considered for initial appointment, applicants must generally: (1) be between 17 and 35 years old; (2) possess a high school diploma or equivalency certificate; (3) meet legal, moral, and physical standards; and (4) pass appropriate tests. The wide range of military jobs available means that each branch will have different testing procedures. What’s more, many require advanced degrees or additional skills training. Speak with an Army recruiter for details on what they're looking for as well as tips on testing requirements.
Can I Start at an Entry Level Position?
While you certainly can start at an entry-level position and advance quickly, you should know that these positions are competitive. You may be best served by starting off as an enlisted soldier rather than a commissioned officer if you want to get your feet wet and see how things work before making major commitments. Each branch of service has different enlistment options for its soldiers. When deciding what type of military career is right for you, it’s important to carefully weigh all your options before signing on any dotted lines. There’s nothing wrong with starting at an entry-level position; indeed, many high-ranking officers got their start as enlisted soldiers.
Where Can I Find Available Jobs Online?
The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) maintains an online jobs database that contains positions for both active-duty and civilian personnel; however, it does not include temporary positions or internships. In order to access civilian job openings at DoD facilities, you’ll need your own copy of JOBs (the Joint Online Bureau), which is freely available through DTICnet. Once you have JOBs installed on your computer, head over to Jobs at Federal Facilities where you can search by category or use one of several tools (e.g., keyword search, zip code) to find available positions. If you’re interested in enlisting with an Army recruiter, they will help make sure your application matches up with current hiring needs.
How Do I Apply for a Job In the Military Online?
First, determine what type of job you want. While there are several different areas of service—Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines—that you can choose from when applying for military jobs online, it's important to know that each branch has its own set of requirements. The application process is similar across branches, but there are differences that require you to dig deeper into certain pages on each website. To help you get started, take some time and visit these websites: United States Military, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Marine Corps. Choose one as your starting point; follow their instructions so that you can be sure you're ready with all required documentation before proceeding with your application.
Should I Enlist or Appy For Officer Candidate School (OCS)?
Applying for officer candidate schools is not as common as applying for enlisted positions. As of 2013, more than 25 percent of newly commissioned officers attended ROTC programs during college. The rest come from recruiting efforts and OCS applications. If you’re thinking about enlisting or applying for OCS, make sure you know what you’re getting into before committing. Here are some questions you should ask: Will I be able to complete my education? Will I be eligible for financial aid if I join now? What jobs will there be when I get out (and how can I prepare)? Will there be benefits once I finish training and become an officer?
Does My Age Matter?
A common question people ask when it comes to joining any branch of service is Can I still get in? The answer isn't so simple, though. While age does affect your chances of being accepted, there are many other factors that must be taken into consideration. In general, those with fewer years under their belt have an easier time getting enlisted. For example, you may be able to enlist if you're as young as 17 if you're physically fit and don't have any legal issues like child support or previous criminal activity. While height/weight requirements are not always strict for military jobs, meeting them will increase your chances of acceptance and help you perform well during training.
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