Military
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Joining the military offers a chance to serve our country, make a career in the service, and earn money for a college education. You'll also learn valuable skills and gain work experience in one of the hundreds of careers that you can help in civilian jobs once you get discharged or retire. Visit the Today's Military website for a great overview of the military and to explore the branches if you are not sure which one will be the best fit for you.
You will need to take the ASVAB, a battery of tests in many subjects, as part of the entry process. River Ridge typically offers the test on campus twice a year at no cost. Seniors and juniors have priority, but sophomores may take it as well.
Pick which mode of studying works best for you:
- On paper - check out ASVAB for Dummies from the library or a book store
- On your computer
- On your phone - the US Army ASVAB Challenge app for iPhone and android
More resources
Military Branches
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Air Force
Enlist in the Air Force: The actual process of joining the Air Force is fairly simple, but there are some requirements and evaluations, such as an aptitude test and a physical, that you must pass before joining. You must be between 17 and 27 years of age, a U.S. citizen or legal, permanent resident, and have a high school diploma. www.airforce.com
Air Force Reserve: The Air Force Reserve is an exciting, vibrant part of the nation's defense. It offers similar benefits afforded to those on active duty, with one major addition: the benefit of time. http://afreserve.com
Air National Guard: The Air National Guard trains part-time to assist in domestic disasters and international conflicts. http://www.goang.com
Air Force Academy: The Air Force Academy is both a military organization and a university. Much of the Academy is set up like most other Air Force bases. http://www.usafa.af.mil
ROTC: Take the classes you want at the college you want to attend. Air Force ROTC classes complement your academic major. https://www.afrotc.com
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Space Force
Overview: https://www.spaceforce.mil
Enlist in the Space Force: https://usaf.sites.crmforce.mil/spaceforce
Space Force Careers: https://www.spaceforce.com/careers
ROTC: Air Force ROTC is a direct pathway into the Space Force if you are a cadet who is classified as a Space Operations Officer upon graduation. Other career fields in the Space Force include Intelligence, Cyber Operations, Developmental Engineer, and Acquisitions. https://www.afrotc.com
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Army
Enlist in the Army: As the oldest branch of the U.S. Military, the Army protects the security of the United States and its resources. To enlist in the U.S. Army, you must be between 18 and 35 years old (17 with parental consent). You must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien. A high school diploma is preferred, but a high school equivalent such as the GED may be accepted. You must also pass the ASVAB test and a physical fitness exam. Some jobs may have additional requirements. http://www.goarmy.com
Army Reserve: The Army Reserve trains part-time near home until needed, and members deploy alongside the Army. https://www.usar.army.mil
Army National Guard: Army National Guard members deploy with the Army on a part-time basis, with a special focus on homeland security and relief programs. https://www.nationalguard.com
Westpoint: The United States Military Academy's mission is to educate for four years, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character committed to the values of duty, honor, country and prepared for a career of professional excellence and service to the nation as an officer in the US Army. https://westpoint.edu
ROTC: Army ROTC Provides tools to become an officer and money for tuition while enhancing your college experience. https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/find-your-path/army-officers/rotc.html
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Coast Guard
Enlist in the Coast Guard: In order to join the Coast Guard, you must meet the qualifications and a "whole person" evaluation. You must sincerely desire to serve your country and develop your leadership and professional potential. http://www.gocoastguard.com
Coast Guard Reserve: As a Coast Guard Reservist, you will be working side by side with full-time Coast Guardsmen. No matter what mission, you'll typically serve two days a month and two weeks a year at a base near your home. https://www.gocoastguard.com/careers/reserve
Coast Guard Academy: The U.S. Coast Guard Academy is proud to educate leaders of a multi-mission, maritime military force. Following graduation, newly commissioned ensigns report for duty aboard cutters and at sector offices in ports nationwide. https://www.uscga.edu
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Marine Corps
Overview: including links to Enlisted and Officer Candidate School (OCS). https://www.marines.com/become-a-marine/requirements/general.html
Enlist in the Marines: Enlisted Marines make up the majority of the Marine Corps and include ranks from private to sergeant major of the Marine Corps. You must be between 17 and 29 years old to enlist. You will need to receive your high school diploma before beginning recruit training; however, you can talk to a recruiter or sign your enlistment contract before graduating from high school. http://www.marines.com
Marine Corps Reserve: Marine Corps reservists train domestically until needed, then deploy with the rest of the Corps. http://www.marforres.marines.mil
U.S. Naval Academy: Every day, as the undergraduate college of naval service, the United States Naval Academy strives to accomplish its mission to develop midshipmen "morally, mentally, and physically." The goal is a broad-based education to qualify you for practically any career field in the Navy or Marine Corps. https://www.usna.edu/
ROTC: The Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps program is designed to educate and train qualified young men and women for service as commissioned officers in the Navy's unrestricted line, the Navy Nurse Corps, and the Marine Corps. Upon graduation, midshipmen are commissioned as officers. http://www.nrotc.navy.mil
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Navy
Enlist in the Navy: Currently comprised of more than 328,648 personnel, today's Navy is equipped to handle operations both on and under the sea, in the air, and on the ground. A Navy Sailor generally serves a term of four years aboard one of the Navy's 285 deployable ships, though options for shorter time commitments exist. To join the U.S. Navy, you must be between 18 and 34 years old (or 17 years old with parental consent). http://www.navy.mil
Navy Reserve: The Navy Reserve trains service members close to home until they are needed in action. http://www.navyreserve.com
U.S. Naval Academy: Every day, as the undergraduate college of the naval service, the United States Naval Academy strives to accomplish its mission to develop midshipmen "morally, mentally, and physically." The goal is a broad-based education to qualify you for practically any career field in the Navy or Marine Corps. https://www.usna.edu/
ROTC: The NROTC Program is designed to educate and train qualified young men and women for service as commissioned officers in the Navy's unrestricted line, the Navy Nurse Corps, and the Marine Corps. Upon graduation, midshipmen are commissioned as officers. http://www.nrotc.navy.mil