There are two halves to high school. The first, freshman and sophomore years, are spent trying different things and having fun while discovering your passions. However, for most students, junior and senior year has an undertone of anxiety about the future.

A word of advice: 

     You do not have to have your entire life figured out for the next 10 years.

     It is important to find out what path feels right for you. If the military is one of the options you’re considering, you’re in the right place.

     Students often hear that college is not their only option, but a common misconception is that joining the military means that you will obtain no college education whatsoever. No matter what branch you enter, the U.S. military will work with you to achieve your educational aspirations.

     Although there are six branches of the United States Armed Forces to choose from, the four that you will usually see at the table in the corner of the cafeteria include the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps.

      Each branch is unique in its own way, if one does not seem like a fit for you, it is always a good idea to explore the others.

     Established in 1775, the U.S. Army was the first armed force of the budding nation. The Army has grown and developed exponentially since then.

     Staff Sergeant Cordan Kennedy of the United States Army is a familiar face to some, as he often can be found as a recruiter manning the Army table which is set up every Tuesday during 5th period. He is one of the best people to go to if you have questions about enlisting in the Army.

     “It really depends on what [a student] wants to do. The Army can help you with one of two options, active duty or reserves,” Kennedy said. “If someone is not quite sure what they want to do, we can put them right into a career field active duty.”

     For many career fields, recruits get on-the-job training from the Army. 

     The Army provides both job and leadership experience which will be beneficial to put on a resume, as well as the opportunity to get assistance with college tuition both during service, as well as afterward.

     Anyone who has an interest in the Army is encouraged to talk to a recruiter. There are no specific requirements or type of person you have to be to discuss your interest.

     “Our job is to spread awareness and educate people on [the Army] and show them the benefits that we have,” Kennedy said. 

     The first step to enlistment in the Army is taking the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery.) This is the first step to enlisting for all branches, and no matter how prepared you feel you are, you are always encouraged to study for it beforehand. There are numerous resources, both free and paid, that a student can utilize to prepare themselves.

     As for physical fitness, you do not have to be a heavyweight champion to enlist in the Army. Although it is a good idea to get up and move once in a while throughout your day-to-day life, the Army will get you to the level of fitness that is required to succeed in active duty enlistment. 

     “We are going to take you and turn you into a soldier, and build your foundation for you,” Kennedy said.

      Kennedy says that what sets the Army apart from other branches is that you are guaranteed the job that you pick once you decide to enlist.

     Once you pass the ASVAB, your recruiter will sit down with you to discuss your scores and what jobs may be the best fit. If there is more training required, the Army will get you there, and they will discuss all the benefits and incentives of your options.

     The Army is a great way to develop unique skills that you may not have access to outside of enlisting. These talents and skills will benefit you both during and after your service. You will start off learning your job, and soon enough you will be able to teach it to new recruits, gaining leadership and supervisory experience. 

     If the Army does not seem like the branch for you, feel free to keep scrolling to explore your other options. If your interest is piqued, reach out to Staff Sergeant Kennedy:

[email protected]

330-314-4664

4933 Whipple Ave NW, Canton, OH 44718

     Do not be scared off by the name if you are not the strongest swimmer, the Navy is not all submarines and ships. Naval Petty Officer Katt Tosh grew up in landlocked Illinois, and the Navy allowed her to expand her horizons more than ever before.

     She describes the Navy as a way to make the transition into adulthood a little easier, gaining unique skills and experiences along the way. 

     The Navy looks for people who are willing to take a bet on themselves; willing to take a chance to better themselves by enlisting in the Navy. 

     As is the case for all of the branches of the Armed Forces, if you plan on enlisting in the Navy, you will have to take the ASVAB. A large part of your score will come from the math and English portion of the test, so it is important to go back to the basics and freshen up all of your skills in those fields, especially if you feel that they are not your strongest skill set. 

     Physically, boot camp will prepare you properly for most jobs within the Navy. However, it is good to get up and exercise throughout your week so that you are not shocking your system. Some jobs, such as special warfare positions, require a bit more endurance and physical strength, so it is important to discuss with your recruiter what you should be doing to prepare for those jobs as well if you are interested. 

     Just going to talk with a Navy recruiter (or a recruiter of any branch for that matter) is not a commitment to the military. Think of it as just dipping your toes in the water (no pun intended) to get a little more information to figure out what is best for you.

     Once you decide to go through with the enlistment process, your recruiter will help you to prepare for the ASVAB with a practice test, as well as go through some medical history before your official medical exam to discuss what may come up.

     After that, you will go up to the MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station) in Cleveland, and go through the official ASVAB and medical/physical exams, and finally, your official contract signing. 

     After taking the ASVAB, your recruiter will sit down with you and compare both your physical and ASVAB scores, and discuss what jobs you qualify for.

     After signing your contract, you will be placed into a delayed entry program where you will gain a community of fellow students entering the Navy to work out, hang out and study together, as well as get physically and emotionally ready for boot camp.

     If you want to go to college, but are concerned about tuition, the Navy will give you the assistance you need in order to succeed. If you want to obtain your degree while on active duty, the Navy will have your back and support you the whole way. 

     If you want to make a good impression on your recruiter and get the most out of your conversations, make sure you have your questions prepared ahead of time. Ask questions that are important to you, not just what you think your recruiter wants to hear. Overall, your recruiter wants to make you feel as confident as possible in whatever decision you make.

     The community in the Navy is close-knit and connected.

      “It is a big family situation and it is a small Navy. There is a good chance you will meet somebody, who knows somebody, who knows somebody who is on your ship,” Tosh said. “If I ever needed something, I could ask and I would have people I have never met before [in the Navy] reach out and help.” 

     Tosh emphasizes the importance of not being scared to take the first step. If you are curious about life in the Navy, you can find Petty Officer Tosh with the information below:

[email protected]

309-212-0756

4933 Whipple Ave NW

Canton, OH  44718

     The most common misconception that people have about the Air Force is that everyone is a pilot. However, Staff Sergeant Avery Hale has been in the Air Force for 10 years, and although she has never piloted a plane in her life, she describes the Air Force as one of the most fulfilling things she has ever been a part of.

     Hale encourages every student to explore their options in the military, as she did not have much exposure to it until after she graduated. 

     There are two categories of people who usually enlist in the Air Force. One half is already very polished and structured, they have the principles of discipline and they know how to be coachable. 

     “When I talk to athletes, it usually comes easier to them,” Hale said. “Because they are used to being pushed, they are used to being challenged.”

     On the other hand, there is always a group of people who join because they are struggling to find passion or stability in their life. You do not have to be the most structured person in the world to enlist, as long as you are willing to grow into a soldier. 

     “Open your mind and think about the different possibilities. Four years of high school probably flew by, so for most people, one term of enlistment is going to fly by. Think of how much growth you can get in that short amount of time,” Hale said. 

     The difference that you will find in the Air Force compared to other branches, is that it is big on education, professional development and leadership.

     The Air Force is the only branch with its own accredited community college, and your training and service during your enlistment will directly translate into college credits toward an associate’s degree. If you plan on pursuing a four-year degree, those credits are fully transferable as well. 

     Hale describes the quality of life in the Air Force as one of the greatest benefits as well. The Air Force may be a relatively small branch of the military, but this only means that the resources get spread a lot better to its members. 

     Any and all students with an interest in the Air Force are encouraged to meet with Hale. With a bachelor’s degree in sports management, a job as a mechanic, 10 years in service and as a member of the All-Air Force Basketball team, she can give you a wide variety of perspectives and experiences for you to try and picture yourself in as a member of the Air Force and figure out if it seems right for you.

     Everyone plays a role in the Air Force. Like an assembly line, everyone has a common end goal and does their part to their greatest ability to achieve it. If you can see yourself as a part of that process, reach out to Staff Sergeant Hale:

[email protected]

330-603-5963

@usaf.recruiting.canton on Instagram

4329 Whipple Ave NW, Canton, OH 44718

     “The Few, The Proud.” One of the most notable slogans used by the United States Marine Corps. At the end of the day, the Marines (and even members of some of the other branches) will describe the Marine Corps as the most challenging branch of the United States military. It is up to you if you are up for that challenge.

      “I like to say we are the most challenging, not the hardest,” Sergeant Tyler Butler said. “You can always overcome challenges, but when you say something is hard, it sounds like you put up a brick wall.”

     The Marines are built for people who are not afraid to get in shape and stay in shape. Recruiters will work with you to build up your physical strength and endurance, but you have to be the one willing to grow and put in the work. Additionally, you must be willing to have and develop discipline and self-control.

     Butler encourages anyone interested in the military to utilize JROTC (Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps) programs if they are available to you. If you specifically enroll in a Marines or Navy JROTC program, you will be promoted to a PFC (Private First Class) right out of boot camp. 

     Additionally, the Marines recruiting office for Stark County offers physical training sessions every Tuesday and Thursday of the week for any high school juniors and seniors who are interested to see what the physical aspects of enlisting the Marines may look like.

     Once you finalize your decision to enlist in the Marines, Butler says the first step is to get your supporters on board. Make sure you have a strong support network, and that your family understands the decision that you have made and get them involved in the process.

     The first step of enlistment is your interview with a recruiter, which depending on your preference and situation can take place at school, at the recruiting office, or at your home. 

     Similar to what was mentioned above, you will then be sent up to MEPS to undergo your medical and physical examinations, as well as take your ASVAB. 

     After you are deemed qualified, you will sign a contract and be entered into the delayed entry program. If you have graduated, you will receive your ship date for boot camp as soon as possible. However, if you are still in high school, you will have to wait until after your graduation.

     The best thing you can do to make a good impression on a Marines recruiter is starting a conversation and approaching them, even if you recognize them outside of your school. 

     “If I see someone that is not scared to have a conversation with me, I know that they are capable of a lot more than what they think they are,” Butler said.

     Countless benefits come with enlisting in the Marines. A Marine develops leadership skills, principles, and capabilities beyond those of the average civilian. 

     Of the tangible benefits, the educational ones are usually what draw students in. Once you get older, you start to appreciate the free medical and dental insurance a little more as well.

     If you think that you have what it takes to rise to the challenge and become a Marine, contact Sergeant Butler:

[email protected]

419-490-3156

4933 Whipple Ave NW, Canton, OH 44718

     Everyone enlists in the military for a different reason. Whether it be to carry on a family legacy, achieve educational goals, or for a sense of purpose and accomplishment, it is important to explore all of your options and see where you find yourself fitting in.

     The first step to enlistment is starting a conversation with a recruiter. The military can give you a chance to not only meet your own goals, but check off boxes in your life that you never thought you would along the way.

     “Every post is honorable in which a man can serve his country,” -George Washington