Military Opportunities

Students may seek a career in the military either by enlisting in one of the armed services, by joining the ROTC program in a college/university, or by being accepted at one of the competitive military academies. The advantages of military service include:

Immediate Benefits

Educational and career training (technical and professional)
- college degrees - associate, bachelor's, graduate
- vocational or technical certificates
- certificates of completion of civilian apprenticeship programs
- high school diplomas or equivalency documents
Opportunity to become a commissioned officer through ROTC or military academies
Travel
Specific guaranteed training
A community with a variety of attractions
Free medical and dental care
Lower cost commissary and post exchange services
Guaranteed pay
Promotion opportunities
A cadre of trained consultants and counselors, wide resources, and references

Long Term Benefits

G. I. Bill benefits
Scholarships and fellowships
Pay bonuses
30-day paid vacation every year
Development of leisure time skills
Certain housing, medical, and educational services for families
Low cost life insurance
FHA In-Service Insured Loan for buying a home
Lifetime retirement benefits after 20 years service
In career civil service, the veteran has absolute job retention rights over all non-veteran Federal workers.

Scholarship and Student Aid Programs

If you are willing to serve for a period of time in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps (U.S. Coast Guard), you will find very generous scholarships and student aid programs are available. In some cases, you can receive an education first, and serve an equivalent amount of time in the military after you graduate. Some programs permit you to enter the service first, and save money for an education while you complete your enlistment period.

For more information, contact your local recruiting office.

U.S. Air Force 239 E. Katella Orange, CA 92667 (714) 744-9144	U.S. Coast Guard 11149 183rd Street Cerritos, CA 90701 (310) 402-6244	U.S. Army 1525 Mesa Verde Drive, Suite 213 Costa Mesa, CA 92626 (714) 540-1026
U.S. Marine Corps 1525 Mesa Verde Drive Costa Mesa, CA 92626 (714) 662-1041	Calif. Army National Guard 612 E. Warner Avenue Santa Ana, CA 92707 (714) 957-9250	U.S. Navy 1525 Mesa Verde Drive, Suite 125 Costa Mesa, CA 92626 (714) 540-3591

Military Academy Application Guidelines

The United States Military Academies are among the most competitive schools in the country. Those who are accepted are awarded a full scholarship for four years. In order to compete for this honor, you must begin preparation early.

Academic Program

Your academic program in high school should be rigorous. You will be competing with students throughout the United States and the State of California for acceptance. It is recommended that the following program be taken:

Four years college preparatory English.
Four years college preparatory mathematics (Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Trigonometry, Pre Calculus and Calculus recommended).
Three to four years’ college preparatory science (Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy/Physiology, Physics).
Participation in school/community extra-curricular activities.
Maintain a high grade point average and class rank in the top 20%. Honors or Advanced Placement courses are recommended.

ROTC Scholarships

As a back-up, you should apply for a ROTC scholarship if you are applying to an academy. (See the section on ROTC scholarships). You must apply to and be accepted by the college of your choice offering ROTC.

Contact an academy liaison officer (9th grade is NOT too early) to develop appropriate plans to meet all academy requirements and timelines for admission. The names of local liaison officers may be obtained from the Career Center. Academy liaison officers will also be available at College Night.