From making an impact in the lives of others to meaningful connections and skills that last a lifetime — discover how young adults find fulfillment in the Military.
When these motor transport Marines met during training, they immediately clicked and became instant BFFs. Thanks to social media, their bond has no boundaries — even when they’re half a world apart.
The crossover we didn't know we needed: the Military and beauty pageants. Surprised? Rebekah wasn’t. The public speaking skills she developed in the Guard helped her crush interview questions when she took the pageant stage.
As a former self-described “beach bum,” Cpl. Rubenbauer quickly realized being stationed close to shore was all he needed to give his love for surfing a second shot.
The answer is “a lot of places!” Barnaby wanted an opportunity to see the world and open himself up to new experiences—and he found just that in the Military.
True or False: “Tattoo” is a term that may be used to describe a type of military music performance.
True
False
While “getting inked” may be what more people think of when hearing about a tattoo, this term also refers to a ceremonial music performance by military bands.
People have been shakin’ it off at military base fitness centers for years. After work, Shakeyna and her peers love to break a sweat, shake off stress and dance like nobody’s watching!
If you ask Fran about her hands-on dental assistant experience in the Navy, she’ll tell you she doesn’t know many 21-year-olds that can do what she does.
Juan’s idea of paradise includes being able to help others achieve great things. But also the ocean. That’s paradise too. He found a way to have both on his base in Key West 😎☀️📚
Not only did ROTC jump-start Hope’s career as an officer, it also paid for her entire college education so she could focus 100% on learning how to lead.
Taylor doesn’t just have her cake and eat it...she bakes it, too. While she no longer competes in baking contests like she did as a kid, she’s still the go-to cake maker for her friends’ birthdays and special occasions.
Thanks to his military training, Marcus found his voice, became a more confident speaker and now makes an impact teaching basic life support to his peers. 🗣
The Post-9/11 GI Bill can cover the full cost of in-state public school tuition and fees as well as provide a location-based living stipend for housing.
DYK?
But wait – there’s more: It also offers up to a $1,000 allowance for books and supplies each academic year.
DYK?
Post-9/11 GI Bill eligibility and coverage is commensurate with service commitment. BONUS: It can be shared with family!
Does your boss have your back? Kyla’s does. They’ve made it their professional mission to encourage and support her pursuit of skills that upgrade her prospects for the future.
You Can’t Seek Mental Health Support in the Military
MYTH VS. REALITY
The Reality
“Many people think that if you ask for help, you’ll get kicked out of the Military. That’s not true at all — I’m proof of that. I’ve used available resources to talk to someone about mental health, and now I advocate for others to do the same.”
Not all of us are naturally tech savvy. Luckily for Justin, in the Army he gained the training to develop lifelong skills and the tuition assistance 💰to help him earn multiple degrees in tech. 🎓 Talk about growth!
The tech certification Julian acquired thanks to Navy Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL) is a big-time flex. It was also a faster path to earn the exact same certification he’d get by working in an IT role in the civilian world.
Which of these is something you can expect to see while living on a military base?
Tax-free grocery stores
Schools and playgrounds
Fitness centers
All of the above
The fact is a military base is very much like a town (they’re even referred to as “garrison towns”). Many even have their own post offices, banks and entertainment venues, including movie theaters.
A Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) is where applicants go to finish the enlistment process. And this 👆is just a glance at what you’ll do during a visit.
When Isaac's Guard unit was called upon to help his community during the coronavirus, he appreciated making a meaningful impact in a role that gives him training and certifications that also benefit him in his civilian life.
Flexibility in the Military meant Barnaby could switch roles and discover his passion of caring for others. Using education benefits, 📚 he hopes to someday become the big boss of a hospital. 🏥
Philip knew there were opportunities in the Guard, but didn’t realize they’d extend beyond his career to something he’s always enjoyed — competing in biathlons.
You think VR and AI are the top in tech? From robots to drones to next-gen spacecrafts, you should see the amazing innovations service members experience every day.
In the Military, developing impressive new skills is the norm. The opportunity to collaborate with creative thinkers is what makes the experience exceptional.
For Fran, the barracks isn’t just a place to lay her head 🛏️ and unwind with a book 📕, it’s where she likes to hang out with close friends she’s made on base.
“When I take a step back and look at my job, I think, ‘Wow, I’m doing important stuff.’ Knowing I’m making a difference makes me really enjoy what I do.”
When Isaac was in boot camp, he encountered people in a role he didn't know existed: physician's assistant (PA). The experience motivated him to explore the PA path when he returned to school.
FUTURES magazine is an annual publication that gives an in-depth look at life in the military. From careers and education benefits to how service members spend their downtime, FUTURES provides a 360-degree view of military life.
“I would say the greatest misconception people have about the Military is that there’s no intellectual stimulation ... and that’s patently false. I have never faced a greater mental challenge. I’ve never faced more growth, mentally, than I have now.”
Juntranek has always been someone who aims high (she graduated high school a year early). Eager to stay on the fast track to success, she joined the Air Force Reserve (where things go fast, literally).
Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a test that measures your strengths and potential military success. Sure, it's "just" a test, but it's also so much more. It's a big step toward discovering the right fit for YOU in the Military.
Learning new things about herself — like how to be confident in who she is and helping others to be the same, is one of the many reasons Jada is glad she joined the Military.
Serving part time in the Guard gives Chris the flexibility to enjoy college while also keeping his DJ skills sharp. (Before joining, Chris was known to perform with some very well-known artists!)
Tuition Assistance can cover up to 100% of your expenses.
$150 Billion
What the federal government provides per year in grants, work-study programs and federal loans to college students in Active Duty, Reserve or Guard service.
LRP
Or Loan Repayment Programs, may be offered to newly enlisted members to pay off college loans accrued prior to joining the Military.
“People think if I can’t get a job, I’ll join the Military, but the people I’ve met [are] engineers, D1 athletes — people that could have probably had any job that they wanted.”
For Marissa, boot camp was one of the most challenging and rewarding things she's ever done — and a big reason for that was the incredible team she completed it with.
Shrimp and grits may be breakfast for most, supper for some, but it’s comfort food for all. Arianne is one of the Coast Guard’s culinary specialists and she's sharing her secret and most loved recipe.
“You can always find ways to express the creative aspects of yourself in the Military. I love photography and art, so if there is an upcoming retirement or promotion ceremony, I’ll get to draw a storyboard of what the event will look like and photograph members of my unit celebrating.’’
Day Zero is all about firsts. It marks the beginning of a recruit's journey through Basic Training (boot camp) and the start of new skills and friendships to last a lifetime.
Brittany’s Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) experience in high school left such an impression, she couldn’t wait to continue the path in college with ROTC.
What is an example of a recreational activity you might find on a military base?
HVAC maintenance
Comedy shows
Street cleaning
Weather forecasts
The Military knows downtime is important. You have the time to enjoy hobbies, be with family, see a show or unwind on the golf course (if that’s your thing).
“People imagine that we’re always being yelled at or going to war, but it’s so much more calm than it’s portrayed in movies. We spend the majority of our time training and building connections with one another.”
Want to help but don’t know how? Ask someone in the Guard why they do what they do and you'll hear how they love helping their community when it needs it most.
“I’d say the biggest misconception is not being able to progress your education or to pursue your degree while being in the Service. If anything, the Military gives you those opportunities to pursue your education, your bachelor’s degree or your master’s degree.”
What’s so cool about the Department of Defense COOL skills program?
Studies air circulation
Follows fashion trends
Ensures ice stays cold for deliveries
Helps transfer military skills to the civilian world
COOL, aka Credentialing Opportunities On-line, is a DoD program that helps service members take all the cool skills they develop while in the Military and see how they relate to civilian jobs, as well as other government and military ones.
Sgt. Perez is able to fast track his education at the University of Maryland global campus thanks to a generous tuition assistance program provided by the Military.
“It isn't one size fits all … there are so many different paths that you can take. Whatever you're interested in. There are a lot of opportunities to learn new skills.’’
You value a strong education. So does the Military.
Military Colleges & Academies
You can pursue an education while serving at a public or private university, or enroll at a senior military college, Service academy, or military medical school.
ROTC Program
1,700+ colleges and universities offer the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program, which helps pay for college.
Live, laugh … love to get away from all that screen time? On base, there’s plenty to do IRL with golf, horseback riding, fishing, hiking and tons more.
“If something comes up that needs my attention … my co-workers are always really understanding. Everyone has families, whether close-by or far away, so it’s a no-brainer to give people the space to handle situations like that, emergency or nonemergency.”
“It feels good knowing that I'm a female in a combat role that’s still dominated by males. I think it’s super rewarding and I don't think of it as a sex divide at this point. It’s more common that females are here now, and we all work together.”
True or false: Many colleges and universities accept credits based on military training.
TRUE
FALSE
Surprised by the answer? Then be sure to check out all the other education benefits the Military can provide. There could be a few more pleasant surprises you find along the way.
From the cockpit to back at home, Navy pilot Des Fournier is proving every day that you can soar high in your career and still land time with family. ✈️❤️
The new new can apply to you too. That’s how it was for these service members, who quickly discovered they are capable of accomplishing goals they never thought possible.
Finding your fit in a new community is about finding the right vibes. Whether you're interested in rec leagues, horseback riding, or catching the latest concerts or movies, military communities offer many opportunities to find your people.
People join the Military because they have no options
MYTH VS. REALITY
The Reality
“People join for different reasons. Some join because they want to go to college. Some join just for the adventure. People come from all sorts of backgrounds. You can't really label any service member a certain way.”
