Military Enlisted

Military Benefits: Citizenship, Free College, Tuition Assistance, Scholarship, Worldwide Travel, & Many More!

Enlisted personnel carry out the fundamental operations of the military. Their roles are like those of company employees and supervisors. Each service of the military has different enlistment programs and offers training and employment in more than 2,000 enlisted specialties or jobs. Each branch offers competitive signing bonuses that are constantly increasing and subject to change. On top of your paycheck your rent and food will be paid for by the military with separate, non-taxable, BAH(Basic Assisted Housing) and BAS(Basic Assisted Substance) checks.

General Eligibility

Basic Requirements

Documents Needed

U.S Citizen or Permanent Resident (With Exceptions)Birth Certificate
Between the ages of 17-42Social Security Card
High School Diploma/GEDState ID/Driver's License
Minimum score of 31 on the ASVABHigh School Diploma/GED
Pass the medical exam at MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station)High school transcripts showing at least 70% completion
Meet the physical, mental, and moral standards of the military(Note not all documents listed are necessary depending on the situation)

Training/Schooling

Recruits go to basic training (also known as recruit training or bootcamp) to be physically and mentally conditioned as well as learn essential knowledge and skills. Recruits are trained by senior enlisted personnel in groups of 35 to 80. Daily routines are rigorous. Most days start at 5 a.m. and last until 9 p.m. and include classes, meals, athletics, and field training. Little free time is available and travel is limited while at basic training. Vacation time is authorized after the recruit has completed basic training and enters advanced training. As a soldier, sailor, airman, etc, you are given 30 days of paid-time-off per year that can be earned back or cashed in at the year's conclusion. 

Advancement

Enlisted personnel can progress through nine pay grades during their careers. Each service sets minimum standards for the length of service and time required in a pay grade before being eligible for a promotion to the next higher one. A recruit in the DEP(Delayed Entry Program) is able to make rank E-3 before they leave for basic training following efforts that vary by branch. Factors for promotion include: 

  • Length of service
  • Time in present pay grade
  • Job performance
  • Leadership ability
  • Awards or commendations
  • Job specialty

Enlisted personnel in the Army, Navy, and Marines can apply to become warrant officers, who are the technical experts in the military. They are generally selected from active-duty enlisted personnel in a competitive selection process and receive specialized advanced training in their technical area. Each service also has programs that allow selected enlisted personnel to become commissioned officers.

Interested in finding a recruiter?

The United States Military is composed of 6 active duty branches: Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, as well as 2 reserve branches: Army National Guard and Air National Guard. Click below to find a recruiter.
 

Military Career Home

Looking to become a leader amongst the ranks?

Officers are the leaders of the military, similar to corporate executives or managers. They work closely with more senior officers and enlisted personnel to supervise groups of enlisted personnel.
 

Officer Requirements