Army
This is the oldest branch of the US Military, and it's soldiers defend our country by always being combat ready. It has domestic and international bases. Elite and special groups within the Army train for advanced situations. Over 150 career options are available to soldiers. Enlistment commitments vary as do salary and benefits. Visit www.goarmy.com for more information.
Army Reserve
The Army Reserves allows soldiers to work part-time in the military while living a civilian life. Soldiers serve/drill one weekend a month to keep their skills sharp. They are able to maintain a career and life outside of the military. Army Reserve soldiers are called up to active duty when needed. Commitment and benefits vary. Visit www.goarmy.com/reserve for more information.
Army National Guard
Each state is equipped with their own National Guard unit. The Army National Guard is made up of Citizen-Soldiers who train part time until needed. The National Guard is primarily domestic, protecting and intervening in times of conflict or natural disaster. Soldiers may be deployed internationally if needed. Compensation and benefits vary, as do time commitments. Visit www.nationalguard.com for more information.
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Marine Corps
The Marine Corps are usually the first force on the ground in times of conflict. Different careers are offered, but they are trained primarily in warfare. Marines are stationed all over the world, so they can be prepared to respond to any situation. They serve on land, sea, or air. Commitments, compensation, and benefits vary. Visit www.marines.com for more information
Marine Corps Reserve
The Marine Corps Reserve work part time while maintaining a civilian life. They drill one weekend per month and for two weeks in the summer. Their time commitment varies, but after active drilling ends, they enter into the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR). While drilling and when in the IRR, reservists may be called to active duty in times of need. Compensation and benefits vary. Visit www.marines.com for more information.
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Navy
The Navy primarily protects the US by deterring aggression and maintain freedom of the seas. They provides support on and under the sea, while also providing support on land and in the air. Elite groups within the Navy are known as Seals and Navy Divers. Compensation, benefits, and commitments vary. Visit www.navy.com for more information.
Navy Reserve
Like other Reserve branches, the Navy Reserve allows citizens to serve in the military on a part-time basis. Reserves are able to have a full time career or education while drilling one weekend per month. Navy Reservists are called to Active Duty when needed. Commitments, compensations, and benefits vary. Visit www.navyreserve.com for more information.
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Air Force
The US Air Force focuses on technology advancement and superior force in air, space, and cyberspace. It has three core values of integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do. A wide array of careers are available to pursue in the Air Force. Time commitments vary as do compensation and benefits. For more information, visit www.airforce.com.
Air Force Reserve
The Air Force Reserve allows for a work-life balance. It's mission is to have ready airman for Fly, Fight, and Win. Reservists are ready for active duty if called up, and they stay ready by drilling on a part-time basis. This allows for a full-time career or education while serving in the Military. Commitments, compensation, and benefits vary. For more information, visit www.afreserve.com.
Air National Guard
Similar to the Army National Guard, the Air National Guard provides support to our country domestically and internationally. The Air National Guard is state run and focuses on responding to national natural disasters. If needed, airmen may be sent up for active duty in times of international need. This option offers a part-time military experience, while remaining close to home. Commitments, compensation, and benefits vary. Visit www.goang.com for more information.
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Coast Guard
The US Coast Guard operates under the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime and under the Navy during wartime. The Coast Guard protects our waterways, perform search and rescue, law enforcement, and environmental cleanup operations, among other missions. It provides a wide range of careers, especially for water lovers! Commitments, compensation, and benefits vary. Visit www.gocoastguard.com for more information
Coast Guard Reserve
Reservists in the Coast Guard have similar setups to other reservists. They drill one weekend per month and two weeks in the summer. They work part-time in the military while maintaining a citizen education, career, and life. Coast Guard Reservists may be called up to Active Duty in the Navy at any time. In the meantime, they provide similar service to the Coast Guard. Commitments, compensation, and benefits vary. Visit www.gocoastguard.com for more information.
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Additional Information
In all cases, it's important to meet with a recruiter. They will be able to give you specific details about each enlistment option. They can answer questions about compensation, benefits, and time commitments. It is important that you get all your questions answered before making a decision. Meet with your school counselor to find out when the next recruiter is visiting your school.
All information retrieved from www.todaysmilitary.com and from the military branch websites provided in text.