Joining the Military
A Guide to Assist Youth in Foster Care
and Their Caregivers in Navigating the Military
Enlistment Process
The guide is for informational purposes only. To receive the most up to date
information you are highly encouraged to talk with an ofcial Military Recruiter.
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This guide was developed through a collab
orative committee of many young people
and professionals, including individuals
from:
Children’s Bureau, U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services
Administration for Children and Families,
U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services
National Resource Center for Youth
Development
Independent Living Coordinators
FosterClub
The contents of this publication do not
necessarily reect the views, opinions, or
policies of these agencies.
The committee acknowledges the work of
the National Resource Center for Youth
Development, a service of the Children’s
Bureau, for the design and editing of the
guide. The committee also thanks the
many young people and professionals who
provided feedback and insight; your assis
tance has been invaluable.
A Guide to Assist Youth in Foster Care and Their Caregivers in Navigating the Military Enlistment Process
PURPOSE OF THIS GUIDE
While much of the information here applies to anyone interested in the
military, this guide was written with youth in foster care in mind. Experi-
encing out-of-home care, struggling with past loss and going through lots
of changes may generate difcult questions about joining the military.
Finding information on the military can be hard. There are many web-
sites about the military and most of us know someone who is in or has
been in the military. However, many of these resources use words that can
be confusing or unclear to someone outside the military. This guide will
help you understand what “joining the military” really means. This guide
will provide basic information and resources. You should not make a deci-
sion about joining the military based only on this guide. This guide should
be your starting point to get the information you need to make such an
important life decision.
The military is not for everyone. The purpose of this guide is not to
recommend joining the military over other opportunities you might have.
This guide will help you to make the best decision for YOU!
Joining the Military
INFORMATION FOUND IN THIS GUIDE
CONSIDERING THE MILITARY ................................................... .1
PROCESS................................................................................. .2
Branches of the Military.......................................................................... 2
Commitment ............................................................................................ 4
Exploring Your Options........................................................................... 4
REQUIREMENTS....................................................................... .5
Age ............................................................................................................5
Education .................................................................................................6
Health....................................................................................................... 7
Physical Health........................................................................................ 7
Mental Health .......................................................................................... 7
Drug/Criminal History ............................................................................ 7
Waivers.....................................................................................................8
MILITARY LIFE ......................................................................... .8
Basic Training.......................................................................................... 8
After Boot Camp ...................................................................................... 9
Boot Camp Links .....................................................................................9
Housing................................................................................................... 10
Children.................................................................................................. 10
Military Pay ........................................................................................... 11
Hardships ............................................................................................... 11
AFTER THE MILITARY............................................................. .12
Jobs ......................................................................................................... 12
College .................................................................................................... 12
Housing................................................................................................... 12
SUMMARY ............................................................................. .13
FAQ’S..................................................................................... .13
RESOURCES .......................................................................... .15
A Guide to Assist Youth in Foster Care and Their Caregivers in Navigating the Military Enlistment Process
CONSIDERING THE MILITARY
Why do people join the military? The reasons to join the military vary and
range from a desire to defend the country to job benets.
The decision
whether or not to join the military is a personal decision
and differs for everyone.
Joining the military is an important decision that can affect the rest of
your life. There are many benets to joining, but there are also hardships
and challenges that come with it too.
The military can provide career training, housing, pay, health care, educa-
tion benets, and the pride that you are helping to defend your country. You
will also face long hours, difcult challenges, and ultimately may be placed
in harm’s way.
This guide will present general information about eligibility for military
service.
Only you will know whether the benefits of joining
the military outweigh what you might see as the negative
aspects.
As with any major life decision you should consult many differ-
ent resources and talk with caring adults such as guardians, school coun-
selors, and even talking with friends. It is important that you have all the
information you need before deciding what is best for you.
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Joining the Military
PROCESS
Finding answers to your questions about the military can be hard.
Looking through websites online can take a long time and can leave you
with more questions. The overview below gives a basic description of the
process (what you should do and when) and some places to look if you
have questions.
Department
of Defense
United
States
Army
United
States
Airforce
United States
Marine Corps
United States
Coast Guard
United States
Navy
Branches of the Military
You should begin by familiarizing yourself with the various ‘branches.’
The United States military is divided into five branches.
Each branch and their ofcial recruitment websites are:
• United States Army (http://www.goarmy.com)
The Army is mainly responsible for land-based military activities.
• United States Marine Corp (USMC) (http://www.marines.com)
The Marine Corp is mainly responsible for military activites
launched on land from the sea.
• United States Navy (http://www.navy.com)
The Navy is mainly responsible for sea-based military activities.
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A Guide to Assist Youth in Foster Care and Their Caregivers in Navigating the Military Enlistment Process
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• Unites States Air Force (http://www.airforce.com)
The Air Force is mainly responsible for air-based military activities.
• United States Coast Guard (http://www.gocoastguard.com)
The Coast Guard is mainly responsible for sea-based safety and
enforcement activities.
Although
each branch has a main responsibility
, there can be
overlap; with airplane pilots in the Army, land-based activities being per-
formed by the Marines, and many other examples of the branches operat-
ing outside of their main responsibility.
These websites will give you information about what each branch does.
They will also explain the jobs available to you in each branch and general
information about enlisting. It is recommended that you start with these
websites as a rst step in learning about the military.
There are a few different paths to enter the military.
People usually
enter either through enlistment or as an officer.
This guide
focuses on the enlistment pathway. When someone enters the military as
an ofcer, they typically have attended college and have a bachelor’s de
gree.
If you would like to enter the military as an ofcer, you should talk with a
recruiter about the requirements to do so.
Note: This guide provides information on what is called the ‘active duty’
military. Active duty means that the military is your full time job, 24/7,
for the length of time you sign up to serve. Each branch also has other
ways of joining such as the Air Force Reserves or Army National Guard.
These alternatives have different time commitments than ‘active duty.’
For example, in the Army Reserves you may serve as little as one week
end per month and two weeks per year, although the Army could switch
you to active duty at any time. An active duty recruiter can provide
more information and resources if you are interested in exploring the
military reserves or National Guard
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Joining the Military
Commitment
Joining the military is a big commitment that you should not make
without understanding what will be required of you. If you join the mili-
tary, you will have to sign a contract that says how many years you must
stay in the military. This contract is legally binding.
In general, a new enlistee will be required to serve four
years of active duty.
The length of service can vary (for instance
certain jobs have higher bonuses but you must stay in the military
longer). The military is not like a normal job where you work 40 hours
a week. When you join the military you are on duty at all times. Some
weeks you may only work 40 hours (plus extra time for training) but
other times you may be working 15 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you are
deployed, you may not have any set working schedule at all.
Exploring Your Options
Once you have a basic idea of what each branch is, you can do some
more exploration. You should start your research as soon as you think
the military might interest you.
The choices you make in life can
affect your eligibility for military service
(see the requirements
and FAQ sections of this guide).
After reading the ofcial military websites, you should contact a recruit-
er. A recruiter is someone who serves in the military. A recruiter’s job is
to nd qualied candidates to join the military. Some schools may bring in
recruiters and you can always contact a recruiter directly.
Scheduling a meeting with a recruiter is easy. Each military branch
has a website that provides the phone number and address of your local
recruiting station:
• Army: http://www.goarmy.com/locate-a-recruiter.html
• USMC: http://www.marines.com/contact-a-recruiter
• Navy: http://www.navy.com/locator.html
• Air Force: http://www.airforce.com/contact-us/recruiter-locator/
• Coast Guard: http://www.gocoastguard.com/about-us/nd-recruiter
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A Guide to Assist Youth in Foster Care and Their Caregivers in Navigating the Military Enlistment Process
Remember, a recruiter’s job is to nd people best suited for the mili-
tary. Recruiters are willing and able to answer your questions. Do not be
embarrassed to ask a question. Entering the military is a huge decision
and you should not have any questions unanswered before making your
decision. Also, feel free to
bring someone like your guardian,
caregiver, foster parent, or other trusted adult with you
when you meet with a recruiter.
This may help address any ques-
tions your guardian may have that you had not considered.
In order to maximize your interactions with a recruiter, you should be
prepared to discuss your interests. You should ask about jobs you are
interested in or have questions about.
The military has an incredible variety of career elds. The military has
medics, mechanics, paralegals, intelligence specialists, and air trafc con-
trollers in addition to combat soldiers and many more.
It is important
to know that not everyone who joins the military will be
a fighter pilot, or a combat operative.
It is a good idea to think
about what job you might be interested in as early as possible.
It is in your interest to be honest with a recruiter. Remember, the pur-
pose of the discussion is to gure out if the military is
a good fit
for both
the military and you.
The Army has a website with examples of questions that you should ask
a recruiter. These questions may be helpful when talking to any branch of
the military. http://www.goarmy.com/learn/talking-to-a-recruiter.html
REQUIREMENTS
Before you get too far into the process, you should learn what the
minimum requirements are. Below are some of the key eligibility require-
ments. These
requirements can change
, so you should ask specic
questions to a recruiter.
Age
In general you can enlist at age 17 with parental or legal guardian
consent and at age 18 without consent. In some states, if you are in foster
care, the court can give
consent at age 17. If someone is in the foster care
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Joining the Military
system after age 18, they can still enlist without parental/legal guardian
consent. The following are the age requirements for enlisting in the various
military branches:
• Air Force: 17 to 27 years old
• Marines: 17 to 28 years old
• Navy: 17 to 34 years old
• Army: 17 to 35 years old
• Coast Guard: 17 to 27 years old
Education
A General Education Development (GED) certicate can satisfy the
education requirement for enlistment in some branches. The requirements
do change though so it is best to have a high school diploma.
The jobs
available to an individual with a GED may be fewer than
those available to someone with a high school diploma.
The following are minimum education requirements by branch. Educa-
tional requirements can and do change. You should talk with a recruiter
to nd out the current requirements.
• Air Force: High school diploma or GED with at least 15 college
credits
• Marines: High school diploma
• Navy: High school diploma, GED, or equivalent
• Army: High school diploma or equivalent
• Coast Guard: You must have a high school diploma. GEDs are
accepted in rare circumstances.
A recruiter will also have you take the Armed Forces
Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB).
The ASVAB tests your
reasoning, vocabulary, reading, and math knowledge. The test is used to
help determine whether or not you can join the military. The ASVAB is
also used to determine which jobs you qualify for (the higher you score the
more choices you will have). More information can be found at:
http://ofcial-asvab.com/applicants.htm
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A Guide to Assist Youth in Foster Care and Their Caregivers in Navigating the Military Enlistment Process
Health
In order to join the military,
you must be in good mental and
physical health.
The recruiter will ask you questions about your
health. If you are not sure about your medical records, you should ask your
guardian, caregiver, foster parent, or caseworker about getting a copy.
Physical Health
The physical requirements for entry into military service vary by
branch. Everyone enrolling in any branch must pass a physical health
examination. In general, you must be in good physical health.
For example, the Marines require recruits to pass an
Initial Strength
Test (IST)
to begin training. This includes the following:
• For males: 2 pull-ups, 44 crunches in 2 minutes, 1.5 mile run in
13 minutes and 30 seconds
• For females: exed arm hang for 12 seconds, 44 crunches in 2
minutes, 1.5 mile run in 15 minutes
Mental Health
Individuals seeking to enroll in military service must meet mental
health requirements to enlist. Individuals with a history of mental health
issues may encounter difculties. For example, the Army requires an in-
dividual with prior mental health issues to be
off any medication for
at least 12 months
, have clearance from their doctor, and proof there
has been no decline in your academic performance.
Drug/Criminal History
All individuals will be required to pass a drug test to enlist in the military.
Additionally, each branch makes a determination of acceptability on the
potential enlistee’s record of drug and/or criminal history. It is essential
that someone seeking to enlist should answer any question about their
drug or criminal history honestly throughout the enlistment process.
An individual could be disqualied from enlisting in the military if he or
she has prior charges for illegal drug use.
If a potential recruit fails
the required drug test, they will be disqualified from serving
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Joining the Military
in any branch of military service in the future.
Once enrolled
in the military, an individual will continue to be subject to random drug
testing. Illegal drug use is prohibited in every branch of military service.
Individuals seeking to enlist in the military will be subject to a police
background check. Felony convictions are grounds for disqualication. De-
pending on the number and circumstances, misdemeanor convictions can
be grounds for disqualication. If an individual was arrested for posses-
sion of drugs or drug paraphernalia, he or she will likely be disqualied
from military service unless they were found to be not guilty.
Waivers
An individual who doesn’t meet every requirement is not
automatically disqualified from enlisting in military service.
If you have questions about your eligibility, contact a recruiter to determine if
you are eligible for a waiver.
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MILITARY LIFE
If you decide to join the military, what can you
expect? What is boot camp really like? Where will
you live? The following information walks you
through an outline of some of the main aspects of
military life.
Basic Training
Enlisted service members attend Basic Training (commonly referred to
as
“Boot Camp”
), which lasts between 7 to 12 weeks depending on the
service branch. Basic Training will put you through a tough physical t-
ness program, and also teach you the basics of military history and tactics.
Each branch of the service has its own training program and the training
is tailored to each branches’ mission.
During this training you are
generally not allowed to contact your family, guardians,
or friends.
It can be a very difcult time, and an individual may feel
isolated and wonder if they made the right decision.
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A Guide to Assist Youth in Foster Care and Their Caregivers in Navigating the Military Enlistment Process
Basic Training is very demanding. As soon as you decide that joining
the military is right for you,
think about starting daily cardio
work outs, weight training, push-ups, and sit-ups.
You should
also take time to consider who will handle your personal affairs so that
you can focus on your training once you start Basic Training.
No matter which branch of the Service you choose,
Basic Training is
an intense experience.
The purpose of this training is not to “break”
recruits. In fact, the combination of
physical training, field exer-
cises, and classroom time
will make you stronger and more capa-
ble. To be clear, it is a tough process, but after completion many recruits
report a sense of achievement and pride in all they have accomplished.
After Boot Camp
After successful completion of Basic Training, you will continue on
to
Advanced Individual Training (commonly referred to as
AIT).
AIT varies in length depending upon the specic career you chose
upon enlistment. Your recruiter will be able to tell you how long each
specic Advanced Training last.
Boot Camp Links
• Army Basic Combat Training
http://goarmy.com/soldier-life/becoming-a-soldier/basic-com-
bat-training.html
• Marine Corps Basic Military Training
http://www.marines.com/todaysmilitaryENLTRNG
• Navy Boot Camp
http://www.navy.com/joining/getting-started
• Air Force Basic Military Training
http://airforce.com/joining-the-air-force/basic-military-training/
• Coast Guard Basic Military Training
http://www.gocoastguard.com/active-duty-careers/enlisted-opportu-
nities/advance-through-training
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Joining the Military
Housing
Everyone in the military is provided with housing. The type of housing
the military provides will be determined by your marital/dependency
status and rank.
If you are married and living with your spouse and/or minor depend-
ents, you will either live in
on-base housing, or be given
a monetary
allowance called BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing)
to
assist with costs of living off-base. The amount of BAH is dependent upon
your rank, your location, and whether or not you have dependents. Some
locations offer
on-base housing,
but there is typically a long waiting
list for this type of housing.
If you are single, you will most likely be required to live in barracks,
where you typically share a room with at least one other person and
with a communal bathroom. If you are single, you can expect to spend at
least the rst few years of your military service residing on-base in the
dormitory, or “barracks.”
There is no charge to live in the barracks
or dormitory and you are not entitled to BAH.
Children
If you have children, you will receive the housing allowance, even when
staying in the barracks at basic training and/or AIT School. This is because
the military makes it mandatory for you to provide adequate housing for your
children. This will be included as part of your military monthly base pay.
If you are not married and have a dependent that you are responsible
for paying child support for, you will still receive BAH even while living in
the barracks, however it will be at a reduced rate.
Unmarried parents
cannot join the military and maintain their custodial rights.
Prior to joining the military, you will be required to transfer your custodial
rights for your entire rst enlistment period (usually rst four years). If
you are willing and able to legally waive your physical custodial rights,
then you will be eligible to enlist.
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A Guide to Assist Youth in Foster Care and Their Caregivers in Navigating the Military Enlistment Process
Military Pay
Military members receive a monthly base pay which is based on their
rank and time in service.
Active duty members receive full-time
pay. Guard and reserve members (who are not on active duty) receive
part-time pay, or drill pay, depending on much they work each month.
Military pay is subject to income taxes unless it is earned in a designated
combat zone.
Here are some links to help describe the difference in pay based on duty
status:
• Active Duty Enlisted Base Pay
http://usmilitary.about.com/od/2014militarypaycharts/a/2014en-
listedpay.htm
• Reserve Enlisted Drill Pay
http://usmilitary.about.com/od/2014militarypaycharts/a/2014Re-
serveDrillPayenl.htm
Each military service has its own names for the various enlisted ranks.
Most enlisted members enter the military at the lowest pay level and
move up the pay scale to higher positions with greater pay.
Hardships
While the military has many benets in the way of pay, housing, educa-
tion, and travel, it is not all fun and adventure. There are many hardships
that you will have to endure and should think about before deciding if the
military is right for you.
While in training, you will be away from family and friends for
up to six months. This can be a very stressful time for you. You will face
tough physical and mental demands. You will be constantly
training and expected to meet strict rules and guidelines for both
physical tness and career advancement. Military life means a lot of travel
and you will likely not be stationed in one place for more than a few years
at a time. This means picking up and moving yourself and/or your family
many times over your career. Repeatedly adjusting to new envi-
ronments, schools, and jobs can be very stressful for your family. Some
of the duty assignments you receive may be unaccompanied tours, meaning
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Joining the Military
your family will not be allowed to come with you. You will be leaving your
family for extended periods of time and they will have to deal with day-to-
day issues without you.
Many families have adapted to military life and for some it is a great
experience. You should consider what the military might mean for your
family or future family.
AFTER THE MILITARY
Many benets of serving in the military come after one leaves the ser-
vice. The military can provide assistance in making the transition from
uniformed service to civilian life.
Jobs
Depending on your career in the military, you may be able to nd a
similar job after leaving the military.
Veterans receive hiring preference for federal jobs if they
meet certain qualifications.
College
The military offers educational benets and
financial incentives
that help
with pursuing and paying for a college education.
Housing
While you will no longer receive a housing allowance, there are
loans
(mortgages) that are
specifically for veterans.
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A Guide to Assist Youth in Foster Care and Their Caregivers in Navigating the Military Enlistment Process
SUMMARY
Anytime you face a decision this important you should get as much
information as possible. Asking questions and getting many opinions
(caregiver, school counselor, talking it over with friends) is important.
You have the right to get the facts and information you
need to make the best decision for you.
Hopefully, this guide
has provided you with basic information about joining the military. If you
are interested in nding out more, you should contact a recruiter who can
provide the most up-to-date information.
FAQ’S
Do I have to disclose every detail of my past history?
Yes. There will be questionnaires that you will need to complete as part
of your enrollment process. You will also have conversations with your
recruiter. In all of these you should be truthful. If you are later found to
have misrepresented the facts, it can lead to your discharge.
I use recreational drugs, am I eligible?
No. Habitual drug use, or any criminal charge related to drug use is
likely to disqualify you from joining the military. Isolated drug use in the
past may or may not affect your eligibility - you should talk with a recruiter.
You should expect to have to pass a drug screening at multiple points in
the enlistment process and throughout your military career.
I have a criminal record, am I eligible?
Any felony conviction will make you ineligible. If you have misdemea-
nors, it will depend on the number and circumstances, but may lead to
disqualication. You should talk with a recruiter about your specic history.
I do not have a High School diploma, am I eligible?
It is recommended that you have a High School diploma. In some cases,
a GED may be accepted.
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Joining the Military
I take or have taken psychotropic medication, am I eligible
to enroll in the military?
Generally, and in consultation with your doctor, you should be off of any
psychotropic medications for 12 months. Your military recruiter will check
that you have not had any behavioral issues while not taking medication
and that your academic performance has not declined. You will also need
to have a letter from your doctor stating that you do not need to take any
psychotropic mediation.
I sometimes see a counselor, am I eligible?
Yes. You should talk with a recruiter, but generally receiving counseling
alone will not affect your eligibility.
I have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder, am I eligible?
No. In order to join the military, you will need a letter from your doctor
stating that you are free of any mental health conditions.
I am a single parent with sole custody, am I eligible?
No. Unmarried parents cannot maintain their physical custodial rights
when joining the military. Prior to joining, you will need to transfer your
custodial rights for your rst enlistment period. You may be able to estab-
lish a family care plan for subsequent enlistment periods (if you want to
serve longer than say your rst four years), but for your rst enlistment
period you cannot have physical custodial rights.
Is there anything I should know as a woman considering
the military?
There are slightly different physical requirements for men and women
entering the military. You should talk with a recruiter to learn more
about these requirements. Most jobs in the military are open to both men
and women. There are also active military and veteran women’s groups
that provide support to women in the military.
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A Guide to Assist Youth in Foster Care and Their Caregivers in Navigating the Military Enlistment Process
RESOURCES
Army
http://www.goarmy.com/
Recruiter: http://www.goarmy.com/locate-a-recruiter.html
Marine Corps
http://www.marines.com/home
Recruiter: https://www.marines.com/request-information
Navy
http://www.navy.com/
Recruiter: http://www.navy.com/locator.html
Air Force
http://www.airforce.com/
Recruiter: http://www.airforce.com/contact-us/recruiter-locator/
National Guard
http://www.nationalguard.com/
Recruiter: https://www.nationalguard.com/get-started/
Coast Guard
http://www.gocoastguard.com/
Recruiter: http://www.gocoastguard.com/about-us/nd-recruiter
Things to Consider Before Joining the US Military, About.com
http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/a/consider.htm
US Miliatry.com
http://www.usmilitary.com/
The American Legion
http://www.legion.org/
Social Media Sites (Facebook, Flickr, Twitter, Youtube)
http://www.defense.gov/RegisteredSites/SocialMediaSites.aspx
Guide on Psychotropic Medications for Youth in Foster Care
http://www.nrcyd.ou.edu/publication-db/documents/psychmedyouth-
guide.pdf
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