Military Resources for Parents, Educators and Students

Everyday young men and women make the honorable choice to serve their country by joining the military. Military service provides a wealth of opportunities beyond defending our country and protecting freedom. Service men and women have an opportunity to travel the world while learning valuable career skills, not to mention experiencing personal growth and development no other job can offer. These skills and experiences make service veterans a top commodity in terms of future civilian employment.

The financial rewards of service can be a strong motivating factor in terms of both monthly compensation and extensive benefits. One primary financial benefit is the GI Bill, which covers college tuition expenses as well as providing stipends for housing and books to eligible enlisted personnel. Additionally, the military offers sign on and promotion-based bonus programs. Military personnel who wish to save additional funds for college or to start a nest egg find the bonus program very appealing.

Service in the armed forces however, is not without its drawbacks. Before making a rash decision, these drawbacks warrant careful consideration. The life of a soldier is both physically and emotionally demanding. Grueling physical demands begin almost immediately with boot camp training. Ongoing physical conditioning and separation from friends and family are an everyday fact of life soldiers must endure. The rigid structure of military life takes adjustment and commitment. That commitment carries over into potentially dangerous assignments. While most service men and women never see combat conditions, the potential for dangerous deployments is a reality that bears serious consideration.

Joining the military is not a decision to be made lightly nor impulsively. Many opportunities exist while allow military personnel to take their experiences and training back to their civilian life with exponential benefits. Companies seek out military veterans for their leadership capabilities as well as their extensive knowledge and training. However, these benefits do not come without sacrifice. To help in the decision making process, many government agencies, military offices, and support organizations offer a wealth of information online for students, teachers, and parents concerning military enlistment.

Information for Parents

• Military Youth on the Move. Tips and suggested questions to help parents in the military discuss options with children who also want a career in the military.

• A Parent?s Guide to the Marine Corp. Information geared towards parents whose child is interested in joining the Marines.

• Navy Guide for Parents and Advisors. Information on the benefits of joining the Navy, as well as what to expect for your son or daughter.

• Today?s Military A Guide for Parents. When your child wants to serve, there are things you should discuss to make sure it?s the right choice.

• Parent Guide for Career Planning. Published by the Danville Area Community College in Illinois, this PDF helps parents walk their kids through the decision process in terms of careers with specific information for each branch of the military. A good primer for military career choices.

• Armed Forces Education Programs. Government publication for parents helping children plan for college. Specific section illustrates the benefits of military service in terms of funding a college education. (Scroll up from chart to review more information.)

• Military Entrance Processing Command. Information for parents on the process, requirements, and ceremonies involved in enlistment to the military.

Information for Educators

• Military Information from Guidance Counselors. Useful links and information from Catlin, IL high school to assist guidance counselors in helping students find the information they need regarding military service.

• US Army High School Program Guide. Guide for students, parents, and educators on military options for high school students.

• Advising on a Career in the Navy. Information and resources for educators who advise students on career choices.

• Army Information for Parents and Educators. From ROTC to active duty in the Army, offers resources, a case study, and FAQ section for parents and advisors.

Information for Students

• Military.com Help for Students. Information for students considering military enlistment, including help to determine if you are ready, if military life is right for you, what jobs interest you, etc.

• USMilitary.com Your Military. Exhaustive resources and links for students considering military service. Includes links to online assessments and forums.

• Department of Veteran Affairs GI Bill Information. The VA provides extensive information on the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post 9/11 GI Bill, one of the primary motivating factors for some military enlistments.

• Navy Pay and Benefits. Links to the Naval Pay and Benefits Guide, as well as other information on compensation for those enlisting in the Navy.

• Military Compensation and Benefits. Information for all branches of service concerning pay, benefits, retirement, and other information from the Under Secretary of Defense.

• Army COOL Translate Experience to Civilian Jobs. The military offers extensive information and assistance for service personnel to transition their experience to the civilian job market.

• Active or Reserve? Help for students in determining if they should go active duty military, or opt for reserve duty.

Find a Recruiter

• Army Recruiters. Army recruitment site to help locate an Army recruiter or to chat with one online.

• Navy Recruiters. Find a Navy recruiter via zip code search, or chat with a recruiter online.

• Air Force Recruiters. Information on contacting an Air Force Recruiter, including the capability to chat online for initial information.

• Join the Marine Corp. Information for joining the Marine Corp and for becoming an officer.

• United States Coast Guard. How to find a Coast Guard recruiter.

• The Army National Guard. Fill out the online form to get information and speak to an Army National Guard recruiter.

• The Air National Guard. Information and contact specifics for joining the Air Guard, a part time reserve.

Military Real Estate