Military Careers

Enlisted Personnel

Enlisted personnel are the main workforce of the military. You can work your way up to a noncommissioned officer (NCO). They are still enlisted, but have greater responsibility for the welfare and tasks of the men and women under their leadership. A high school diploma is required to enlist. First enlistment contracts last eight years and the military will provide job training after you enlist. Contact Sandpoint area Recruiting Officers for more information about enlisting after high school.

Commissioned Officer

You generally must have a 4-year degree to become a commissioned officer in the military. There a couple general ways to become an officer: Academy and ROTC.

Military Academies

These undergraduate military colleges provide a Bachelor’s degree education in return for five years of active service as a commissioned officer after graduation. Competition is extremely high for admission into an academy.

US Military Academy

US Naval Academy

US Air Force Academy

US Coast Guard Academy

Many colleges and universities offer ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) programs for different branches of the military. The ROTC program is an elective curriculum you take along with your required college classes that trains and prepares you for a career as an officer in the U.S. Military. ROTC programs often pay part or all of your tuition and when you graduate, you have the opportunity to serve as a leader in the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps. You must be admitted to both the college and also the ROTC program. Each college’s ROTC program is different, so make sure you check with your school about theirs.

ASVAB Test Required

Car Fork High School offers ASVAB testing once a year at the high school. ASVAB testing is also conducted at MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Stations).

• • In order to enlist in the Military, you must take the ASVAB. The ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) is a multiple-aptitude test. The scores are used to determine if you are qualified to enlist in the military and to assign you an appropriate job. The test is designed to measure verbal, math, science, technical and spacial domains. It has 10 sections. Word knowledge

  • Paragraph comprehension

  • Arithmetic reasoning

  • Mathematics knowledge

  • General science

  • Electronics information

  • Auto information

  • Shop information

  • Mechanical comprehension

  • Assembling objects

The scores are combined and referred to as the AFQT (Armed Forces Qualification Test).

ASVAB testing is conducted at MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Stations).There are 65 MEPS across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. If you don't live near a MEPS, the test can be administered via a satellite location called a MET(Military Entrance Test site). These are often located in federal buildings, National Guard armories or Reserve centers.

The test can be administered by either computer or pen and paper. The computer version adapts to your ability level as you answer the questions. The test usually takes about 1.5 hours to complete.

• ASVAB Website

• ASVAB FACT SHEET

• ASVAB FAQ

• Preparing for the ASVAB

• Sample Questions