Military and ROTC Options
Are you interested in serving your country? Whether you choose to enlist or hope to be a commissioned officer by participating in ROTC at college or attending a military academy, research is key. The US Military has five branches of service and the requirements to join are similar for all five. The following resources will help you understand your various options.
Learn more about the Military Branches:
Enlistment
Students who enlist in the military will be required to take the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) to determine skill and ability to train for a job within the military. The ASVAB assesses a student’s ability to learn new skills and is a predictor of success in training and education programs. It includes an interest inventory and other activities and resources designed to help students explore the world of work and gain confidence in making career decisions. Although this test can be taken by anyone, it is a requirement for military enlistment. Students can check in the LHS career center about potential dates or contact your recruiter for opportunities to take the test. Military Recruiters Guidelines
ROTC
The reserve officer training corps is a college program offered at more than 1,700 colleges and universities across the United States that prepares young adults to become officers in the U.S. Military. In exchange for a paid college education and a guaranteed post-college career, participants, or cadets, commit to serve in the military after graduation. Learn more about the programs below
United States Service Academies
The service academies affiliated with the U.S. military train young people to serve as commissioned officers in the various branches of the armed forces. They combine rigorous academic coursework with training that prepares students for the physical and mental demands of military service and leadership. Upon graduation, students at the service academies receive bachelor’s degrees and are also commissioned as military officers. Learn more about the requirements below.
Military Academy at West Point
* Except for the United States Coast Guard Academy, all of the service academies require a nomination for admissions in addition to the application, and physical examination. This nomination can come from one of your Congressional Representatives, senator, or, in unique circumstances, Vice President of the United States.