Can a student use JROTC participation to demonstrate military enlistment?

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No, JROTC participation cannot be used to demonstrate military enlistment. To demonstrate competency through military enlistment, a student must provide proof of enlistment upon graduation. Students can however use JROTC participation to earn the military enlistment seal.

 

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What is the process for enlistment? When should schools start having conversations with students about military options and when does the student need to begin the process to qualify? Does this look the same for each branch of the armed services?

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The process for enlistment can vary by branch of service and greatly from person to person. Factors such as medical history, moral history, dependent status and education status can lengthen the process considerably or disqualify a student from completing the enlistment process.

 

Prior to students’ senior year is the best time to start the enlistment process. The longer students wait, job availability can dwindle. Job selection identifies what the applicant is qualified to do and the positions that are available. The average time to process an applicant given typical medical, moral or ASVAB (or AFQT if applicable) qualifications is no fewer than 14-21 days. Additionally, seasonality can have a significant impact on the length of the enlistment process.

 

Discussions concerning military service are advisable no later than the sophomore year of high school.**

 

The outline of the process below shows an example of the steps that Army applicants must complete:

 

a. Interview with recruiting service;

b. Complete application and qualification requirements;

c. Complete testing; ASVAB and physical;

d. Enlist into Delayed Entry Program;

e. Ship to training upon completion of all high school requirements and graduation.

 

More information about the enlistment process for each branch can be found in the resources below.

 

**In Ohio, students with disabilities ages 14 or younger, if appropriate, formally enter into the secondary transition planning process. A truly successful transition process is the result of comprehensive planning that is driven by the student’s preferences, interests, needs and strengths. This comprehensive planning should be considered early for students interested in the military in order to fully understand and prepare to meet the enlistment qualifications and requirements and future outcomes in competitive, integrated employment, education and independent living.

 

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Are there resources available to help students learn more about military options?

 

Representatives from each branch of the military are ready to support students in learning more about the options available to them in military enlistment. Schools can partner with military representatives to ensure that students have as much information as possible about this potential career path. For more information visit Supporting Military Career Pathways and Military Recruiters. To access recruiter information for each branch of the military, review Additional Resources.

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What are the requirements for enlistment? Are these requirements the same for each branch of the armed forces?

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Each branch of service operates under the Department of Defense, which governs enlistment requirements for all branches and internal regulations specific to each branch. The information below includes links to the specific enlistment requirements for each branch of the armed forces and relevant information for early enlistment for high school students.

 

Air Force Enlistment Requirements

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Space Force Requirements  

 

Army Enlistment Requirements

 

Coast Guard Enlistment Requirements

 

Marine Corps Enlistment Requirements

 

Navy Enlistment Requirements

 

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What is the ASVAB test and how can students take the test?

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The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a heavily researched and well-respected aptitude test developed by the Department of Defense. It measures a young adult’s strengths and potential for success in military training. There are two versions of the test:

 

• The enlistment version of the ASVAB is given at a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) and is used for recruiting purposes only. To take the ASVAB at a Military Entrance Processing Station for enlistment purposes, an individual will need to speak with a recruiter and schedule a time to take the test. ASVAB testing at a Military Entrance Processing Station is a self-paced test on a computer, and it may be retaken after a one-month waiting period. Those who do not live near a Military Entrance Processing Station may take the test at a satellite location called a Military Entrance Test site.

• The student testing program, also known as the ASVAB Career Exploration Program, is used for career exploration and given in high schools and community colleges, job corps centers and correctional facilities. The ASVAB Career Exploration Program is a complete career planning program. Students are given the opportunity to take the ASVAB at no cost and with no commitment to military service. The ASVAB Career Exploration Program also provides an interest assessment and planning tools to help young adults explore career field entry requirements and various career paths, both military and civilian.

 

High school students in grades 10, 11 and 12 and those enrolled at postsecondary institutions can participate in the ASVAB Career Exploration Program. Students in grade 11 and beyond receive valid scores for enlistment. The ASVAB may be given in paper and pencil or computer adaptive forms. ASVAB Career Exploration Program test results are sent to schools, so participants can explore career options with counselors. The scores report how the student performed on each subtest area and how their scores compare with others who took the test.

 

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What does the ASVAB test include and how is it scored?

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Students must take each of 10 subtests of the ASVAB test. 

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• The scores on four of the subtests make up the Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) score. This score determines which branches students may join. Each branch has its own required score for joining.

• The scores on all 10 subtests determine the best jobs for which students are qualified.

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The ASVAB subtests are designed to measure aptitudes in four domains: Verbal, Math, Science and Technical, and Spatial.

 

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Can students take the ASVAB assessments multiple times?

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Yes. Students may attempt the ASVAB multiple times.

 

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Are ASVAB and AFQT practice tests available?

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Yes. Students can prepare for the ASVAB by reviewing and completing sample questions.

 

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