Military Options

 

The Armed Forces offer many training programs which prepare young men and women for civilian jobs. The Service may be a good first job choice for you. Contact a local recruiting office to get further information. Your counseling office may have pamphlets listing and describing the variety of military training programs in each branch of the service.

 

The Armed Forces Test of Vocational Aptitudes and/or Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is available annually at no cost to students and is frequently administered on the high school campus.

 

Reserve Officer Training Candidate (ROTC): Army, Navy and Air Force.

 

General Information: ROTC enables college students to earn an academic degree in the field of their choice and an officer's commission at the same time. When the active service is completed, they can select a military career or a civilian career in their chosen field. Those who stay in active service may qualify to pursue graduate studies at government expense. Four‑year scholarships are available for those who qualify. Selection is based solely on student merit application. Deadlines vary by service. For information, contact your counselor early in your Junior year. Nursing scholarships are available in ROTC programs.

 

ROTC programs are available at several California colleges and universities. Students enrolled in other schools can sometimes take the ROTC program at another locale, where it is offered.

 

Four‑year Program: The four‑year program consists of a two-year basic course and a two year advanced course. The basic course (about two hours a week) provides training in leadership techniques, basic military subjects, history, and equipment. Students in the Advanced Course (about four hours a week) receive a subsistence allowance of about $100 a month during the school year. A paid six‑week Advanced Training camp is held in the summer between the Junior and Senior years. Training for each branch of the service differ. For more information, call the nearest ROTC unit or local armed forces recruiter.

 

Two‑Year Program: This program is specifically designed for community college graduates and students at four‑year colleges who were unable to take ROTC during their first two years of college. Selected students must successfully complete a paid six‑week, summer field training program prior to their Junior year of college. Two‑year ROTC students should check with their nearest ROTC unit to see if they are eligible.

 

Medical Courses: Nursing majors can earn their commission through ROTC as they pursue their BSN degree. A special nurse training program is available during the summer after their Junior year. Registered nurses with BSN degrees, dietitians, occupational therapists, and physical therapists are eligible to apply for officer status. Each service has its own requirements.

 

Military Academies: All candidates must secure a nomination except those interested in the United States Coast Guard Academy. Candidates for admission to the military academies must be citizens of the United States; must have reached their 17th but not their 22nd birthday by July 1, of the calendar year in which they are appointed cadets; and must meet rigid scholastic and medical qualifications. The academies are located as follows:

 

 

 

Merchant Marine Academy,

Kings Point, NY, 11024

 

U.S. Air Force Academy,

Colorado Springs, CO 80914

 

U.S. Coast Guard Academy,

New London, CT 06320

 

U.S. Military Academy,

West Point, NY 10996

 

U.S. Naval Academy,

Annapolis, MD 21402

 

Women in the Military: Women are fully integrated into the Armed Forces. There are a few fields that still exclude women.

 

Merchant Marine Academies:

State Governed.

 

CSU Maritime Academy,

Vallejo, CA 94590

(707) 648‑4200

 

Marine Maritime Academy,

Castine, ME 04421

 

Fort Schuyler,

Bronx, NY 01465

 

Massachusetts Maritime Academy,

Buzzards Bay, MA 02532

 

Texas Maritime Academy,

Texas A & M,

College Station, TX 77843