8 answers
Shuntez
Student
3
Questions
Asked
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what class should i currently take for my career?
I'm deciding to go to the army force I might possibly do the Air Force or National Guard, but I'm wondering what classes or what things could I possibly do right now to prepare me for that future.
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8 answers
Demiracle Williams
Dental Assistant
1
Answer
Bowman, South Carolina
Updated
Demiracle’s Answer
If you’re thinking about joining the military, start with a few key steps:
1. Decide whether you’re leaning toward the National Guard, Air Force, or another branch.
2. Think about what you’re passionate about—what do you enjoy doing?
3. Ask yourself how much time you’re willing to invest in training before you actually start the job.
4. Look into classes that line up with your interests. It helps to have at least 10 options, narrow them down to 5 strong ones, and choose your top 3. That way, if one path isn’t available, you’ve still got a solid plan.
5. From there you should be set. It won’t be easy as pie but Good luck!
1. Decide whether you’re leaning toward the National Guard, Air Force, or another branch.
2. Think about what you’re passionate about—what do you enjoy doing?
3. Ask yourself how much time you’re willing to invest in training before you actually start the job.
4. Look into classes that line up with your interests. It helps to have at least 10 options, narrow them down to 5 strong ones, and choose your top 3. That way, if one path isn’t available, you’ve still got a solid plan.
5. From there you should be set. It won’t be easy as pie but Good luck!
Clifton Rains
2
Answers
Updated
Clifton’s Answer
Hi Shuntez,
Great to hear you're interested in joining the military! I served for four years (enlisted) in the US Navy, and it was by far one of the best decisions I made in my life.
First question you might want to ask is if you're interested in either enlisting or becoming an officer?
If you're interested in becoming an officer, have you considered applying to one of the military academies? If you're still in high school, I believe you can start the application process around your junior or senior year. You can also enlist in the military and apply for the academy while you're still serving (I believe the age range for admission is 18 - 23 years old). You'd get a top-notch education (Bachelor's degree) and serve as an officer in one of the military branches for a certain number of years (depending on what kind of officer you'd become).
If this path doesn't interest you, I'd then focus on either enlisting in the military right out of high school or applying for ROTC at a university (where you'd obtain your Bachelor's degree paid for by the military in exchange for your service as a military officer after graduation for a certain number of years). You can also earn your Bachelor's degree then apply to OCS (Officer Candidate School) after graduation, but there's no guarantee you'll be accepted (really depends on the job market and the current needs of the military at the time you apply).
Then, decide which job interests you the most within the military, and then, which branch you'd like to join (I'd focus on the job that interests you first since each branch has certain jobs that are only available within that branch). Also, deciding on which job you'd like to pursue in the military will help you decide which classes you should focus on to prepare for this career.
Hope that helps and best of luck to you Shuntez!
Great to hear you're interested in joining the military! I served for four years (enlisted) in the US Navy, and it was by far one of the best decisions I made in my life.
First question you might want to ask is if you're interested in either enlisting or becoming an officer?
If you're interested in becoming an officer, have you considered applying to one of the military academies? If you're still in high school, I believe you can start the application process around your junior or senior year. You can also enlist in the military and apply for the academy while you're still serving (I believe the age range for admission is 18 - 23 years old). You'd get a top-notch education (Bachelor's degree) and serve as an officer in one of the military branches for a certain number of years (depending on what kind of officer you'd become).
If this path doesn't interest you, I'd then focus on either enlisting in the military right out of high school or applying for ROTC at a university (where you'd obtain your Bachelor's degree paid for by the military in exchange for your service as a military officer after graduation for a certain number of years). You can also earn your Bachelor's degree then apply to OCS (Officer Candidate School) after graduation, but there's no guarantee you'll be accepted (really depends on the job market and the current needs of the military at the time you apply).
Then, decide which job interests you the most within the military, and then, which branch you'd like to join (I'd focus on the job that interests you first since each branch has certain jobs that are only available within that branch). Also, deciding on which job you'd like to pursue in the military will help you decide which classes you should focus on to prepare for this career.
Hope that helps and best of luck to you Shuntez!
Philip Gauthier
Nuclear Plant Work Week Manager
19
Answers
Prairieville, Louisiana
Updated
Philip’s Answer
Hi, Navy Veteran here! If you are interested in things you can do in High School, that will help you when you join the armed forces, I have a couple suggestions:
1) All of the armed forces find good grades and ASVAB Scores important. So, keep up your studies in High School and get good grades (the Academies are especially looking at these).
2) MORE importantly all the branches (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, etc...) value extracurricular activities. Some examples of this are;
JROTC, Civil Air Patrol, Navy Sea Cadets, Young Marines, and Boy/Girl Scouts. Your participation in these groups can even get you advanced paygrade/rank straight out of bootcamp if you go enlisted (I believe the Army, Navy, and Airforce will promote you to E-3 right out of bootcamp). The Service Academies (West Point / Annapolis) also require a minimum amount of Community Service or engagement in a program like this.
*Even if you don't end up going into the military, joining one of the groups above will expose you to different fields and teach you a lot of different things!
I was a Navy Sea Cadet while I was in High School and it helped me a lot when I joined the Navy. I became a Navy Nuke (Nuclear Operator) and with my background in military culture soundly in place, I was able to focus on my technical studies and complete Navy Nuclear Power School.
Also, before you settle on one branch or another, think about what you want you want to get out of the military or if there's a job in the military that suits you. Talk to a recruiter from each branch and let them tell you what's best about their organization and what they can offer you.
Lastly, keep an open mind and always be willing to learn something new.
1) All of the armed forces find good grades and ASVAB Scores important. So, keep up your studies in High School and get good grades (the Academies are especially looking at these).
2) MORE importantly all the branches (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, etc...) value extracurricular activities. Some examples of this are;
JROTC, Civil Air Patrol, Navy Sea Cadets, Young Marines, and Boy/Girl Scouts. Your participation in these groups can even get you advanced paygrade/rank straight out of bootcamp if you go enlisted (I believe the Army, Navy, and Airforce will promote you to E-3 right out of bootcamp). The Service Academies (West Point / Annapolis) also require a minimum amount of Community Service or engagement in a program like this.
*Even if you don't end up going into the military, joining one of the groups above will expose you to different fields and teach you a lot of different things!
I was a Navy Sea Cadet while I was in High School and it helped me a lot when I joined the Navy. I became a Navy Nuke (Nuclear Operator) and with my background in military culture soundly in place, I was able to focus on my technical studies and complete Navy Nuclear Power School.
Also, before you settle on one branch or another, think about what you want you want to get out of the military or if there's a job in the military that suits you. Talk to a recruiter from each branch and let them tell you what's best about their organization and what they can offer you.
Lastly, keep an open mind and always be willing to learn something new.
Stefan Knaack
Consultant
6
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Stefan’s Answer
Shuntez,
To move forward in your career, consider these steps based on your job interests and aspired education level:
1. Academic Preparation
Focus on STEM: Prioritize math, physics, and computer science, especially for technical or aviation roles.
Take Leadership Courses: Enroll in Junior ROTC or leadership classes if available to learn about military structure and values.
Improve Communication Skills: Take classes in English, writing, and public speaking to excel in exams and leadership roles.
2. Physical Fitness
Start a Fitness Routine: Train regularly to pass the physical fitness test, which includes push-ups, sit-ups, and running.
Know USAF Fitness Standards: Research physical requirements for the USAF and other branches and aim to exceed them, not just meet them.
3. Character and Leadership Development
Join Team Activities: Engage in sports, scouting, or student government to build teamwork and leadership skills.
Volunteer: Get involved in community service to show commitment and responsibility.
4. Research and Explore Career Paths
Learn About Roles: Explore careers in aviation, intelligence, cybersecurity, logistics, and medical fields in the Air Force and National Guard.
Contact a Recruiter: Speak with a recruiter (with all of the branches) to understand qualifications, training, and career options.
When I was in your shoes, I talked to USAF and the Marines based off of jobs. I ended up joining the Marine Corps based off of job guarantee and duty station options.
5. Technical and Practical Skills
Enhance Computer Skills: Gain familiarity with computers and technology, which are crucial in military roles (specifically Microsoft Office tools).
Get First Aid/CPR Certified: This is beneficial for both military and civilian life and can get American Red Cross certification by getting a summer job as a lifeguard!
Good luck!
-Stefan
To move forward in your career, consider these steps based on your job interests and aspired education level:
1. Academic Preparation
Focus on STEM: Prioritize math, physics, and computer science, especially for technical or aviation roles.
Take Leadership Courses: Enroll in Junior ROTC or leadership classes if available to learn about military structure and values.
Improve Communication Skills: Take classes in English, writing, and public speaking to excel in exams and leadership roles.
2. Physical Fitness
Start a Fitness Routine: Train regularly to pass the physical fitness test, which includes push-ups, sit-ups, and running.
Know USAF Fitness Standards: Research physical requirements for the USAF and other branches and aim to exceed them, not just meet them.
3. Character and Leadership Development
Join Team Activities: Engage in sports, scouting, or student government to build teamwork and leadership skills.
Volunteer: Get involved in community service to show commitment and responsibility.
4. Research and Explore Career Paths
Learn About Roles: Explore careers in aviation, intelligence, cybersecurity, logistics, and medical fields in the Air Force and National Guard.
Contact a Recruiter: Speak with a recruiter (with all of the branches) to understand qualifications, training, and career options.
When I was in your shoes, I talked to USAF and the Marines based off of jobs. I ended up joining the Marine Corps based off of job guarantee and duty station options.
5. Technical and Practical Skills
Enhance Computer Skills: Gain familiarity with computers and technology, which are crucial in military roles (specifically Microsoft Office tools).
Get First Aid/CPR Certified: This is beneficial for both military and civilian life and can get American Red Cross certification by getting a summer job as a lifeguard!
Good luck!
-Stefan
Maya Parry
Special Educator
4
Answers
Greenbelt, Maryland
Updated
Maya’s Answer
First, congratulations! Serving in the Army Reserves brings so much joy and purpose to my life.
Second, look through the jobs that you are interested in for the National Guard or Air Force. Then, choose classes which align with those jobs. I also recommend speaking to recruiters and taking a practice ASVAB -- the ASVAB is the test you take prior to being able to join the National Guard and the score you get determines what jobs you are eligible for. If you get a low score in a section of the ASVAB, you could take the corresponding course.
Good luck!
Second, look through the jobs that you are interested in for the National Guard or Air Force. Then, choose classes which align with those jobs. I also recommend speaking to recruiters and taking a practice ASVAB -- the ASVAB is the test you take prior to being able to join the National Guard and the score you get determines what jobs you are eligible for. If you get a low score in a section of the ASVAB, you could take the corresponding course.
Good luck!
Neil Tolentino
Engineer
4
Answers
Irving, Texas
Updated
Neil’s Answer
Take some classes in geospatial data analytics, also known as the "science of where". It answers questions about location, relationships to other data, e.g. what's within, which boundaries intersects, what's near, how far, using relative positioning of each data. It is one step higher than data analytics and very useful in any branch of the military. And if you get out of the military, most big industries like oil and gas, telecoms, construction, and banking are all into data analytics. With every other person knowing data analytics, you are one level higher and based on my experience, it would be more difficult for them to adjust than those who knew it before immersing themselves with normal data. Basic analogy is taking pictures vs taking pictures with GPS location (latitude/longitude) enabled.
My alternate suggestion is, do what excites you the most, or where you're good at. It doesn't have to be high-paying career but if you love it, you will always 'want to go to work' to have fun!
After college, get MS in Data Science - I would've been better at my job have I gone through this.
Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML)
My alternate suggestion is, do what excites you the most, or where you're good at. It doesn't have to be high-paying career but if you love it, you will always 'want to go to work' to have fun!
Neil recommends the following next steps:
Alyissa Mills, SPHR
Consulting; Human Capital
2
Answers
Laurel, Maryland
Updated
Alyissa’s Answer
Hi there!
I recommend preparing for the ASVAB, as there are plenty of excellent resources available—many of which are free or low-cost. You can also find helpful study guides at your local Barnes & Noble. If JROTC is an option for you, I highly encourage you to take advantage of that opportunity!
Once you’ve completed the paperwork but before you begin training, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with military ranks and the Air Force’s procedures. This preparation will help you feel more confident as you start your journey.
I was in the Army for over six years, and it truly set me up for success in life. Be sure to take full advantage of all the benefits available to you, such as education, certifications, and healthcare.
Best of luck on your path ahead!
I recommend preparing for the ASVAB, as there are plenty of excellent resources available—many of which are free or low-cost. You can also find helpful study guides at your local Barnes & Noble. If JROTC is an option for you, I highly encourage you to take advantage of that opportunity!
Once you’ve completed the paperwork but before you begin training, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with military ranks and the Air Force’s procedures. This preparation will help you feel more confident as you start your journey.
I was in the Army for over six years, and it truly set me up for success in life. Be sure to take full advantage of all the benefits available to you, such as education, certifications, and healthcare.
Best of luck on your path ahead!
Danielle Johnson
Veterans Employment Program Manager
6
Answers
Baltimore, Maryland
Updated
Danielle’s Answer
I suggest you take sometime and write down your interest and then research employment opportunities in that area. If that is related to IT start some classes now. I say that because it will help or assist with your progression.
Bachelor's degree along with experience helps as well as a Masters degree and experience. Sometimes experience is more valuable depending on the field.
Find your niche what you enjoy...
Bachelor's degree along with experience helps as well as a Masters degree and experience. Sometimes experience is more valuable depending on the field.
Danielle recommends the following next steps: