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Is your son or daughter thinking about joining the U.S. Army?
It's a big decision—one your family should make together. Under your guidance, your child has grown into a young adult. The Army can build on that foundation and give him or her the opportunity to reach even greater heights, with the strength that comes from the character, discipline and job training the U.S. Army provides. |
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Take a few moments to see how, then contact your local recruiter for more information.
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The strongest force in the world
The U.S. Army, a key component of the U.S. Armed Forces, is made up of the best-trained, most dedicated, most respected Soldiers in the world — protecting America's freedoms at home and abroad, securing our homeland, and defending democracy worldwide.
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A Soldier in the U.S. Army is the embodiment of physical strength, emotional strength and strength of purpose. As a Soldier, you will be prepared to serve our country whenever and wherever you are needed, combat-ready at all times, trained to counter any threat, anywhere.
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Over 150 ways to be a soldier
There
is no limit to the opportunities in the Army — so there's no limit to what you can learn and achieve. The Army strengthens you, and your future, with expert training in one of over 150 different jobs for Soldiers on Active Duty and over 120 in the Army Reserve.
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From working with computers to assisting physicians to fixing helicopters, there's an Army job right for you — providing the experience that will give you an edge over those in the civilian world. The Army also offers you money for college and the chance to interview with America 's top corporations.
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Benefits that last a lifetime
The training and salary you get as a Soldier are only some of the ways the Army strengthens you for tomorrow. The Army also offers money for education, comprehensive health care, generous vacation time, family services and support groups, special pay for special duties, and cash allowances to cover the cost of living. |
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A soldier's future: strength for life
As a Soldier in the U.S. Army, you'll be given every opportunity to grow and mature—especially when it comes to your career. So wherever you see yourself in the future, your Army experience will help get you there. In the Army, Soldiers gain the physical and mental strength, job skills and leadership capabilities that will benefit their career whether they continue to serve their nation in the Army or choose a job in the civilian world. |
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If you're interested in making a career of the Army, there are plenty of training and learning opportunities to help you rise in rank. In an Army career, your life is never on hold—you're constantly meeting new challenges and gaining new skills and responsibility.
Many Soldiers use their experience in the Army as a foundation for a career in the civilian world. Depending on your MOS, your training and leadership skills can be easily transferable to many careers like computer technology, communications or law enforcement.
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Frequently Asked Questions |
*Local recruitment office information is located at the bottom of this page |
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What
are the enlistment options for my son or daughter? |
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Your son or daughter has several options when enlisting to become a Soldier. Yet no matter which option he or she chooses, your young adult will be an important part of the world's most powerful Army.
Active duty or army reserve:
Active Duty is similar to working at a full-time, civilian job. There are hours when Soldiers must be training or performing their jobs and then there are off-hours when Soldiers can do what they like. In Active Duty, terms of service range from two to six years.
Army Reserve enables your son or daughter to keep a civilian career while continuing to train near home. Service ranges from one to six years–depending on the job and Army Reserve Center location. Many professionals and college students are also Army Reserve Soldiers.
During times of need, Army Reserve Soldiers may be called up to Active Duty.
Enlisted soldier or officer:
Enlisted Soldiers put plans into action. Much like employees at a company, they perform specific job functions and have the training and knowledge that ensures the success of their unit's current mission within the Army.
Warrant Officers are highly specialized experts and trainers. They remain single-specialty Officers whose career track is oriented toward progressing within their field rather than focusing on increased levels of command and staff duty positions.
Commissioned Officers are the managers, problem-solvers, key influencers and planners of the Army. They have the leadership skills, training and character needed to inspire and encourage others. One of the best ways for your son or daughter to become an Army Officer is to join Army ROTC as a college student |
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What kind of training will my son or daughter receive? |
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Training is what makes your son or daughter into a Soldier. It prepares your young adult for the solid career you've always hoped he or she would achieve. It also helps protect their safety. After all, success depends on preparedness. That's why no Soldier is ever put into a situation before he or she has been trained to handle it. Army training is comprehensive-and ongoing. From the nine weeks of Basic Combat Training to learning valuable job skills at Advanced Individual Training to developing character and confidence, training is a constant.
Basic combat training
Basic Combat Training (BCT) is a nine-week program designed to introduce discipline, develop mental and physical strength, improve endurance, teach a variety of skills and build camaraderie and self-confidence. In other words, BCT turns civilians into Soldiers in the U.S. Army—the best fighting force in the world.
Advanced indivual training
After your son or daughter completes Basic Combat Training, he or she is ready for the next step. Advanced Individual Training (AIT) is where a Soldier learns the skills to perform an Army job.
At one of the many diverse AIT schools, hands-on training and field instruction makes your young adult an expert in his or her specific career field. He or she will gain the discipline and work ethic necessary for whatever path lies ahead. Many AIT schools even offer certifications for civilian jobs.
Specialized schools
For Soldiers who want to advance even further, Specialized Schools are available to those who meet the right criteria. These schools will develop your son or daughter personally and professionally, providing the skills to help in an Army career and beyond. From language and management training to advanced leadership and survival skills, the knowledge received at these schools will help prepare Soldiers for nearly any mission in life.
Leadership training
Leadership is crucial to the success of the U.S. Army. The most effective leaders "lead from the front"–they lead by example in thought, word and deed. Soldiers who choose Leadership Training are making it clear that they wish to take on more responsibility and thus rise in rank. The Army provides many opportunities for Soldiers to learn how to improve their leadership and teamwork skills.
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What
kinds of jobs are available? |
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No matter what your son or daughter's career aspirations, chances are we offer a job and the training that will help them realize their potential. And if they don't have any career aspirations yet, we can help guide them in a positive direction.
Choosing an army job
The strength of the U.S. Army comes from creating a team of talented, dedicated and well-trained Soldiers performing over 100 equally important and very specialized jobs. The Army must always have these roles filled. Once that's achieved, the Army looks at each individual's career goals and interests to assist in placement.
You and your young adult get a say in what Army job he or she has. But several factors are considered when assigning a job or Military Occupational Specialty (MOS):
Current and anticipated needs of the Army
Career aspirations
Skills and qualifications
The final factor is the Soldier's score on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), which tests your son or daughter's skills and how they apply to jobs in the Army.
Army job specialties
The Army offers a broad range of opportunities in these categories:
Administrative Support
Financial Management Technician
Human Resources Specialist
Administrative Specialist
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Arts & Media
Broadcast Journalist
Multimedia Illustrator
Band Officer
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Combat
Special Forces Medical Sergeant
Fire Support Specialist
Air Defense Artillery Officer
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Computers & Technology
Information Technology Specialist
Intelligence Analyst
Signal Support Systems Specialist
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Construction & Engineering
Technical Engineer
Carpentry and Masonry Specialist
Bridge Crewmember
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Intelligence & Combat Support
Chemical Operations Specialist
Psychological Operations Officer
Cryptologic Linguist
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Legal & Law Enforcement
JAG Corps Attorney
Paralegal Specialist
Criminal Investigations Special Agent
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Mechanics
Light-Wheel Vehicle Mechanic
Watercraft Engineer
CH-47 Helicopter Repairer
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Medical & Emergency
Dental Specialist
Firefighter
Animal Care Specialist
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Transportation & Aviation
Aviation Officer
Bradley Fighting Vehicle System Maintainer
More...
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What kinds of benefits does the Army provide? |
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There are many benefits to joining the Army. Like earning money for college, earning college credits and learning critical job skills. Your son or daughter will also receive full medical coverage, 30 days paid vacation and, if he or she lives on Post, free housing–all while building a better future and developing solid career opportunities.
Education benefits
If your son or daughter is planning to go to college, the Army offers several ways to help you afford it.
Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) & Army College Fund (ACF)
Depending on how long your son or daughter enlists in the Army, he or she can earn up to $71,424 to help pay for college.
Choose Army Reserve and give your MGIB a “kicker”
The Army Reserve always needs to fill positions at certain locations. If your son or daughter qualifies and takes one of these jobs, he or she can earn up to $23,292 for college.
Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) Scholarship
Is your young adult college bound or already attending a university? Army ROTC teaches leadership skills for future Army Officers and offers competitive, merit-based scholarships to cover tuition and an allowance for books and fees.
College Loan Repayment Program
Student loans are easier to pay off with the Army's College Loan Repayment Program. To take advantage of this program, your son or daughter must enlist full time in the Army for three years or in the Army Reserve for six years.
More Benefits
There is a wide range of other benefits for a Soldier in the Army. These include medical coverage, recreation, travel, retirement benefits/savings plans, and expert training in multiple disciplines that can translate into a rewarding career.
Earn a salary while learning a skill
High-quality medical and dental coverage
Free or discounted meals and housing
Earn college credits
Specialized job training
Vacation (30 days paid leave each year)
Retirement benefits
Thrift Savings Plan—the military version of a 401(k)
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Is Army ROTC a good option for my college student? |
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Army ROTC is one of the most demanding and successful leadership programs in the country. For years, Army ROTC has been creating leaders who go on to rewarding careers in the military and civilian worlds. Here are just a few benefits a student can gain by enrolling in Army ROTC:
High-level leadership, management and communications training
Problem-solving and strategic skills development
Scholarships
Monthly living allowances
Enter the U.S. Army as an Officer either on Active Duty or in the Army Reserve or Army National Guard. |
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Is the Army a good option for my young adult? |
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You've already developed your young adult into the solid individual he or she is today. The Army can help build on that.
Above all, Soldiers get things done. Protecting freedom. Building a better world. And building a brighter future for themselves by learning leadership skills and developing the kind of self-confidence and self-respect that comes from serving your country.
Your son or daughter will gain valuable interpersonal skills like teamwork, time management, problem-solving skills and professionalism. He or she will be challenged to accept a new sense of discipline and responsibility.
Army training can turn your young adult into a Soldier. Fueled by honor, pride, ability and strength, he or she can achieve great things.
Living the Army values
Your son or daughter will also learn the Seven Core Army Values: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity and Personal Courage. Taught in Basic Combat Training and reinforced throughout an Army career, a Soldier lives these values in everything he or she does. Whether on the job or off, your young adult will forever live up to this higher standard.
In the end, your son or daughter will become someone you've always pictured–an honorable citizen with a successful career. Someone who will truly make you proud.
The Army provides a remarkable environment for personal growth and should be viewed as an exceptional starting point, a stepping-stone in one's life or as a rewarding career in itself. |
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What happens during deployment? |
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Deployment is when an Active Duty or Army Reserve unit is sent to a specific area of operations, usually on foreign soil–most recently in Afghanistan , Kuwait and Iraq . Yet a common misperception is that a deployed unit is automatically sent to a war zone. Oftentimes, units are deployed to non-combat regions, including Hawaii , Italy , Germany and South Korea . Or they are utilized for humanitarian efforts, such as helping civilians rebuild their lives after a natural disaster.
Once activated and deployed, Army Reserve Soldiers receive the same pay as Soldiers of the same rank on Active Duty. Additional types of pay, including Incentive, Special Pays and a Family Separation Allowance, are available to those who qualify. Federal law also protects the civilian jobs of deployed Army Reserve Soldiers serving their country.
A greater commitment
The U.S. Army has taken a lead role in the fight against terrorism–a threat that affects each and every one of us. The global war on terror is part of an international, long-term action to secure peace for all nations. This mission relies on the great strength and commitment of American Soldiers.
A Soldier's job comes with a certain level of risk. Because of this, safety is a major priority within the Army–during training, on the job and on a mission. Recent technological advances have also improved safety and preparedness.
Some Soldiers are asked to serve in dangerous situations. However, Soldiers are always fully prepared before deployment. Every Soldier in every unit goes through extensive training exercises that closely resemble what they will experience in the field. Depending on the reason and the needs of the Army, deployment can last up to two years.
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What is a typical day on Post like? |
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When stationed in the U.S. , your son or daughter can live on or off Post, depending on marital status. Single Soldiers must live on Post; married Soldiers have more options. Either way, he or she will have access to Post facilities like gyms, stores and restaurants.
On any given day, the life of a Soldier is a lot like someone working at a full-time job. When your son or daughter is done with the day's work or training, the rest of the day is theirs to do whatever they like: work out, shop, do laundry, go to a movie or hang out with friends, just to name a few.
Post housing
The housing on an Army Post varies by rank and family situation. For those single Soldiers starting out, it's similar to a clean, modern and comfortable apartment complex. For Soldiers with spouses, housing options on Post vary from location to location.
Post facilities
Army Posts are a lot like small towns that have everything your son or daughter will need. Since it's an Army installation, there is tight security, but Soldiers are free to come and go as they please. Post facilities may include:
Satellite college campuses
Grocery stores
Libraries
Auto shops
Parks and pools
Riding stables
Computer labs
Retail shops
Recreation centers
Restaurants
Movie theaters
Places of worship
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How will I communicate with my son or daughter? |
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It may take time for an individual and his or her family to adjust to Army life . To make the transition a smooth one, Soldiers have several ways to communicate with and see their families.
Telephone
Every Soldier has access to telephones on their Army Post and can use cell phones to make personal calls during free time, except during Basic Combat Training.
Internet
Most Army Posts offer free access to computers and the Internet to check email and do research online. Soldiers living on Post also have the same opportunity as you to sign up to receive Internet service.
Mail
Every Post has regular postal service with daily deliveries.
Personal visits
Soldiers get 30 paid days leave a year and discounted travel rates, as well as a Family Day after Basic Combat Training.
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For more information, contact the Army recruiter in your school, or contact your
local recruitment office:
U.S. Army Recruiting Station
2404 N. State Rd. 7
Margate, FL 33063
954-975-6477
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