Joining the military is an excellent way for students to receive career training and financial assistance for college, as well as develop personal discipline. However, the military also requires a commitment that students should consider before signing a contract. We suggest students who are considering joining the military do the following:
- Have your parents or guardians involved in your decision-making.
- Consider each branch of the service before joining—some branches may offer opportunities that others do not.
- Ask for any promises in writing
- Keep the counseling office informed of the decisions that are being made.
There are several websites that may be helpful to students who are considering entering the military. The following website, www.asvabprogram.com, will explain the test the military uses as an entrance exam, and offers information about careers. Another website, www.todaysmilitary.com, provides information about all branches of the military. Run through the department of defense, the purpose of the website is to “educate parents, teachers, and others about the opportunities and benefits available to young people in the Military today.”
Contacts
Military Academies
A Congressional nomination is required for students wishing to enter the U.S. Military Academy at West Point; the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis; the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY. If you need a nomination, you may want to attend Academy Day (see below). Successful applicants will have a broad academic background, the ability to pass a physical aptitude test, and strong leadership potential. An applicant must be a U.S. citizen, a high school graduate between the ages of 17 and 23, unmarried, have no dependents, and be of high moral character. Acceptance to a service academy appointment requires at least a nine-year obligation, including four years at the academy and five years of active duty service. If you meet the above qualifications and are interested in being considered for a nomination, please see your counselor ASAP. Applications are due October 15th.
Academy Day
Military Academy Day is usually held the 3rd Saturday of September at the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Education Center in Oshkosh, WI from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Representatives from each of the military academies will be on hand to give presentations about their respective schools as well as answer any questions high school students may have. Procedures for seeking a congressional nomination will also be discussed. For more information, contact the Counseling Office.
ASVAB
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a great way for students to learn about their specific career skills and is used by the military to help with placement. If you have questions about the test, please stop in the counseling office. You can also learn more about the ASVAB at www.asvabprogram.com.
This year Prescott High School will be giving the ASVAB to all our juniors (and any interested seniors) on Friday, October 13, 2023. Our student’s scores will not be forwarded to any military branch. We plan to use the results of this test in our Personal Finance class, to help student examine their personal skills in reference to potential careers.
Selective Services
Hey guys listen up! Whether you’re going to college or looking for a good job, there’s one thing you must remember to do within 30 days of your 18th birthday: Register with Selective Service! If not, you’re breaking the law, and you risk losing out on good jobs with the government, money for college, and job training. Register online at www.sss.gov or pick up a registration card at the local post office.
*Federal Law requires school districts to provide military recruiters or institutions of higher learning access to secondary school students' names, addresses, and telephone listings unless the secondary student or parent restricts the release of this information. A parent or student may request that Prescott High School not release the student's name, address and telephone number to military recruiters or institutions of higher learning by submitting a written request to the Prescott High School Counseling Office.
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