Some students decide to join the military directly after high school. Before you do, first research the job you would like to get when you do join. Some branches "guarantee" you a job, while others simply place you in a field in which there is an opening. It is wise to consider these key facts about the military:
1. Once you have signed up for it, you cannot "quit."
2. Unless you are guaranteed a job in writing, you may not end up doing what you dreamed of. For example, you may hope to be a S.E.A.L. or a Ranger, but you may end up being a mechanic. There is no way to guarantee certain jobs, because no one will know if you will "make it" until the training is over.
3. If you have more education before you join, you will make more money! If you have a college degree, you can join the military as an officer (instead of "enlisted"). Compare the salaries! Even if you have a year of college, you will start with a higher rank.
4. Some jobs do not exist in the military, while others exist exclusively in the military. To research them, follow the steps below:
IF YOU ALREADY HAVE A CHOICES PORTFOLIO, GO TO www.bridges.com, LOG IN, AND SKIP TO STEP 6.
1. Get an ID number and password for the CHOICES program from your NAVIANCE welcome page . After you get your ID/password, go to step 2.
2. If you do NOT have a portfolio created yet, go to www.bridges.com, click on the "Portfolio Name" tab in the upper right-hand corner, and then click on "Create a New Portfolio" (once you create an account, you can also log on from any computer). If you DO have a portfolio created, as soon as you get to the "Portfolio Name" tab simply type in your ID and password...and skip to step 6.
3. Login using the ID number and password you received.
4. Read the instructions, fill out the spaces, and be sure to use your real name and real Student ID number!
5. When you are finished, click on the "go" button at the bottom of the page.
6. From the "Planner" page, click on "Career Finder " under "Work."
7. On the left side of the page, under "Characteristics," select "Military." Select either box, and research!
8. Save whatever you want to your portfolio.
Additional links:
The Armed Forces Website!