BRANCHES OF SERVICE
The U.S. Military consists of five active-duty Services and their respective Reserve and National Guard units. All branches are equal parts of the United States Uniformed Services, headed by the President as Commander-in-Chief.
The Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of Defense (DoD). The Coast Guard reports to the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime and to the DoD (by way of the Navy) during wartime. Reserve and National Guard units perform as active-duty service members on a part-time basis. These troops train close to home, deploying when needed to aid in international conflict or domestic disaster relief.
Before serving in the Military, there are a few things a young adult can do to prepare. The ASVAB Career Exploration Program can help young adults discover suitable jobs. Likewise, they must meet certain requirements to serve, including age, educational and physical prerequisites. Once committed to service, training begins in the form of boot camp (officially called Initial Entry Training).
ARMY
As the oldest branch of the U.S. Military, the Army protects the security of the United States and its resources.
Army Reserve
The Army Reserve trains part-time near home until needed, and members deploy alongside the Army.
Army National Guard
Army National Guard members deploy with the Army on a part-time basis, with a special focus on homeland security and relief programs.
MARINE CORPS
The Marine Corps is often first on the ground in combat situations.
Marine Corps Reserve
Marine Corps reservists train domestically part-time until needed, then deploy with the rest of the Corps.
LOCAL RECRUITER
Sgt. Cody Moore
601 Southeast Wyoming Boulevard
Suite 1338
Casper, WY 82609Office: (307) 237-4332
Cell: (307) 286-2549
Email: cody.moore@marines.usmc.mil
NAVY
The Navy defends the right to travel and trade freely on the world’s oceans and protects national interests overseas.
LOCAL RECRUITER
Thomas Gregory
CAPT, USN (ret)
US Naval Academy BGO
Chair, BGO Area Coordinator Steering Committee
Wyoming Area 410 Area CoordinatorEmail: thomas.gregory@bgo.usna.com
Email: thegregorys_6@msn.com
Cell: 719-238-3115
Navy Reserve
The Navy Reserve trains service members part-time close to home until they are needed in action.
AIR FORCE
The U.S. Air Force protects American interests at home and abroad with a focus on air power.
Air Force Reserve
The Air Force Reserve gives service members the opportunity to train and serve on a part-time basis, as needed.
Air National Guard
The Air National Guard trains part-time to assist in domestic disasters and international conflicts.
LOCAL RECRUITERS
Sgt. Brian Foster – United States Air Force
601 Southeast Wyoming Boulevard
Casper, WY 82609Office: (307) 266-3821
Cell: (307) 262-1738
Email: brian.foster.10@us.af.mil
Sgt. Jonathan I. Vallot – Wyoming Air National Guard
5905 CY Avenue
Casper, Wyoming 82604Cell: (307) 757-0400
Email: jonathan.vallot@us.af.mil
COAST GUARD
The Coast Guard protects America’s waterways and deploys with the Navy during wartime.
Coast Guard Reserve
The Coast Guard Reserve offers a part-time service opportunity for service members to train near home.
PAYING FOR COLLEGE
Military members receive multiple educational benefits. These include tuition assistance, post-9/11 GI Bill, college fund, and loan repayment programs.
ROTC (RESERVE OFFICER TRAINING CORPS) PROGRAMS
Each Service branch has its own ROTC program. It’s a college program offered at more than 1,700 colleges and universities across the United States that prepares young adults to become officers in the U.S. Military. In exchange for a paid college education and a guaranteed post-college career, cadets commit to serve in the Military after graduation.
SERVICE ACADEMIES
There are five service academies and entrance to these schools is highly competitive. Criteria includes academic performance, ACT scores, athletics, extra-curricular activities, community involvement, and congressional letter of recommendation. Students accepted into one of these academies will receive full tuition, books, room and board, and medical/dental care. Students will receive a bachelor’s degree and be a commissioned officer in their service branch. After graduation, you are expected to serve for a minimum of five years.
- U.S. Military Academy (Army) in West Point, New York.
- U.S. Naval Academy (Navy/Marine Corps) in Annapolis, Maryland.
- U.S. Air Force Academy (Air Force) in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
- U.S. Coast Guard Academy (Coast Guard) in New London, Connecticut.
- U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y.
SENIOR MILITARY COLLEGES
Senior military colleges are civilian schools that combine higher education with military instruction. Students participate in the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program and can go on to become commissioned officers following graduation. Every cadet must participate in the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program, but only those cadets who receive an ROTC scholarship are required to enter military service following graduation.
- The Citadel
- Norwich University
- Texas A&M University
- University of North Georgia
- Virginia Military Institute
- Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets
- Virginia Women’s Institute of Leadership
