Exploring your
military options

Explore

Find out about the branches of the military, and the career opportunities available to see if the military is right for you!

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Plan

Learn about pathways in the military and the steps you need to take to be prepared.

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Join

Meet with a recruiter to determine enlistment options and complete the commitment to join the military.

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Xello

Xello can help you learn about the benefits of service and search for military careers.

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Explore

It can be a great honor to serve our country in one of the five branches of the military, and almost any career that is available in civilian life also is available in the military. It’s important to know about enlistment options part-time or full-time, financial support for college education and other factors to consider about this career option.

Websites to visit

Careers in the military

Today’s military

Explore the military branches

What you need to know and do

Explore each branch of the military, their purpose and function and the multiple military bases that could provide opportunities to travel the world.
Explore the thousands of careers available in each branch of the military.

Plan

There are physical, academic and citizenship requirements specific to each branch of the military, and there are steps that you can take in high school to ensure you are meeting these requirements.

Websites to visit

Preparing for the ASVAB

ASVAB dates in VPS

Downloadable resources

Military pathways

What you need to know and do

The ASVAB is a challenging assessment, and it is recommended to maintain strong academics and practice before taking the assessment. The cut score of this assessment determines the military career and officer options available to students.
Students will have the opportunity to meet professionals from each military branch through the Career Center. Be sure to take advantage of these opportunities!
The ASVAB is offered at each high school at least one time per year, so pay attention to these opportunities.

Join

Once you have determined a commitment to join the military, you will meet with a recruiter and follow the steps to enlistment, which are different for each branch and can include a direct entry, delayed entry or an officer training path through Reserve Officer Training Corps, or ROTC.

Websites to visit

Portland Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS)

Boot Camp

Reserve Officer Training Corps Programs (ROTC)

What you need to know and do

ROTC is offered at more than 1,700 colleges across the United States. It prepares young adults to become officers in the U.S. military and provided paid college education in exchange for a commitment to serve in the military after college graduation.
Schedule a one-on-one visit with a recruiter and your parent or guardian to determine enlistment options and next steps. This can be arranged at your school through your career center.
After meeting with a recruiter, you will set a date to visit a military entrance processing station (MEPS) to finish the enlistment process.
Boot camp or basic training is required for all military branches. You can prepare by doing cardio, sit-ups and push-ups every day and creating a strict schedule for yourself.