Inside Today's Military

My Story

Brandon Cizek

Big-Time Potential

Part-time service. Full-time momentum. The National Guard helps Brandon build his future with technical skills he uses every day.

Define What’s Next

Syriah Harris

Benefits That Go Further

Service members receive more than paychecks. They gain the support and stability they need on and off duty.

Featured in this post

Quiz

The ASVAB is a test that helps you figure out which military jobs are the best fit for your strengths. What’s it mainly used for?

To test physical strength

To gauge leadership style

To measure your strengths for success

To test your military knowledge

It’s not a history quiz or a fitness test. The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) helps uncover where your knowledge and strengths match to the military roles for which you’d be best qualified.

Jay Gutches

Jay Gutches

Brandon Cizek

Brandon Cizek

Jay Gutches

Brandon Cizek

Snapshots

Jay Gutches

Brandon Cizek

How Service Became a Career Cheat Code

Service builds strengths employers notice. Jay and Brandon show how those skills helped them grow in their civilian careers.

Featured in this post

Jay Gutches

Brandon Cizek

May Oberlin

Off Duty Life

May Oberlin

Me Time

Gaming started as a hobby. Then it became a spark to something more. Through the Military, May is building a tech career with a team that geeks out just like she does.

Explore Roles Like May's

Featured in this post

May Oberlin

Reece Williams

On the Job

Reece Williams

Flight Prep

For Reece, rescue missions don’t start when he hits the water. Planning and prepping are big parts of being an aviation survival technician.

See What It Takes

Did You Know

Serving Together — Even the Pets

Furry friends are part of military life too. Tilly, Mila and Elise are along for the ride with their service members.

Learn About Military Life

Syriah Harris

My Story

Syriah Harris

School and Service? Absolutely.

Meet Syriah. She’s studying math + space science at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University while serving as an electromagnetic warfare operator. Her education is paid for by military tuition programs so she can focus on learning, not debt.

See How It Works

Featured in this post

Syriah Harris

MYTH VS. REALITY

The Myth

Military jobs don’t translate to the civilian world.

MYTH VS. REALITY

The Reality

“Most jobs in the Military have a civilian counterpart. In my job as a radio operator, there are contractors on base that basically do the same exact thing as me, just as civilians. While you are in service, the skills and knowledge that you gain from your time can definitely translate.”

Michell Ruiz

Francesca Lograsso

Snapshots

Francesca Lograsso

Her Favorite Kind of Break

At the end of the workday, getting lost in a good book is one of Fran’s fave things to do.

Find Your Fulfillment

Christian Sutton

Balanced Life

Christian Sutton

Finding Balance Through Service

What does running a bone marrow donor registry have in common with teaching jiujitsu? Christian’s dedication to others.

Find Your Center

Milestones

Your Military Journey: Enlisting

Take a peek at what the path might look like — from meeting with a recruiter to taking the oath and then to your first assignment.

Walk Through It

Petty Officer Third Class in the coast guard, Anthony Pappaly sets up his camera for a shoot

Anthony Pappaly

On the Job

Behind the Lens With the Coast Guard

Anthony helps bridge the gap between the Coast Guard and the public by documenting and sharing the Service’s vital work on his branch’s social channels.

Explore This Path

On the Job

Advice About Service

Considering service? Talk to people who’ve been there. Here’s what service members say to keep in mind.

See What It Takes

Did You Know

Boot Camp = Your Starting Line

7–13 weeks of learning, training and leveling up — mentally and physically. Every branch does it differently, but the goal’s the same: a stronger, sharper you. Future you will thank you.

Get Ready

Quiz

What’s one way military pay is different from most civilian salaries?

It can change based on time of year

It includes tax-friendly allowances

It is distributed in cash

It is daily

Military pay is structured to go further. In addition to base pay, service members receive tax-advantaged allowances, such as Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), that aren’t taxed like regular income. These payments can also help cover food and other needs, and some roles may earn bonuses or special pay for extra skills or duties.

Syriah Harris

Off Duty Life

Syriah Harris

Downtime, Service Member Style

Off duty doesn’t always mean slowing down. Syriah takes advantage of outdoor adventures near where she’s stationed.

Find Fun Off Duty

On the Job

Military Word of the Day: Reserve

Part-time service, typically closer to home. Training one weekend per month (and a two-week period once a year) while continuing a civilian job or education. Plus, access to steady pay, tuition assistance and health care.

See What It Means

Second Lieutenant Hope working at her desk in the Air Force finance department

Hope Barboza

Did You Know

The Military Runs on Every Kind of Talent

Hope reminds us that the Military isn’t just pilots and paratroopers. There are doctors, financial pros, engineers, photographers, social workers and more. Have a dream? There’s a place for it.

Find Your Match

My Story

Moments That Make It Worth It

Here’s to the highlights of service: time on the water with the crew, the people they meet, connections they make, and the pride of putting on the uniform.

Daily Life in the Military

FUTURES Magazine

FUTURES magazine is an annual publication that gives an in-depth look at life in the military. From jobs and education benefits to how service members spend their downtime, FUTURES provides a 360-degree view of military life.

Order complimentary print copies

MYTH VS. REALITY

The Myth

The physical requirements are too difficult.

MYTH VS. REALITY

The Reality

“I think the physical aspect is entirely manageable. We do a bunch of different types of workouts as a team for physical training; we’ll work out in the gym together, we’ll do yoga, we’ll go swimming or take a spin class. It’s not just pushups and situps 4,000 times a day.”

Christian Sutton

Rebekah Hardacre

Balanced Life

Rebekah Hardacre

Her Day, Her Way

Rebekah’s day may include studying, scrubs, or skills training with the National Guard. Whatever comes her way, she’s building momentum toward her future.

Find Your Balance

Ryan Bodden

My Story

Ryan Bodden

A Team and a Dream

The Military wasn’t initially on Ryan’s radar, but once he weighed the benefits and spoke with a recruiter, he soon found an inspiring team that pushes him to grow every day.

Featured in this post

Ryan Bodden

Private First Class
Army National Guard

Hunter Winegarner

Captain
Army

On the Job

Hunter Winegarner

Captain
Army

The Daredevil Doctor

Can you name a doctor who jumps out of helicopters as part of their job? We can.

Noor Habr

Did You Know

School Paid, Perks Slayed

With the Military’s tuition perks, paying for classes without piling on debt became a reality for Noor.

Powered by Perks

Jay Gutches

On the Job

Jay Gutches

Built to Move

Military logistics is fast-paced and takes a team effort. One crate, kit or passenger at a time, Jay always keeps the mission moving.

Make Your Move

MYTH VS. REALITY

The Myth

The Military has no work-life balance

MYTH VS. REALITY

The Reality

“The Military gives you plenty of opportunities to have a normal life — to balance your family life and take vacations each year.”

Daniel Tuzolana

May Oberlin

Balanced Life

May Oberlin

Always In Step

After work, May hops offline to jump in line on the dance floor.

Get Down

Kendyl Smith

Mackenzie Musilli

My Story

Kendyl Smith

Mackenzie Musilli

Instant Friendship, Just Add 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.

Meaningful Connections

Quiz

How many different roles are there in the Military?

<5

250+

73

1000s

There are 250+ unique and rewarding roles in the Military.

Reece Williams

On the Job

Reece Williams

Stitch Master

Ready, set ... sew. 🧵 Between rescue missions, Reece makes sure his gear is prepped and ready for when the next call comes in.

See What It Takes

Michell Ruiz

Balanced Life

Michell Ruiz

Serving, Growing, Thriving

For Sgt. Ruiz, service is only part of the story. She’s found a routine that supports her goals, her growth and the people she cares about.

Get Centered

Taylor DeHoratiis

Snapshots

Taylor DeHoratiis

Bakers Gonna Bake

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.

Balance in Every Bite

Ofori Barnaby Jr. ("Barnaby")

Milestones

Ofori Barnaby Jr. ("Barnaby")

Changing Lanes

Going from enlisted to officer is one of many paths in the Military. Barnaby breaks down the roles and shows what it takes to make moves.

Know the Difference

Did You Know

Grounded. And Galactic.

The Space Force is the newest Service branch. They may be connected to the galaxy, but a lot of their work happens here on Earth.

It's Space Time

Jon Novak

Julian Bedford

Ethan Rubenbauer

On the Job

Jon Novak

Julian Bedford

Ethan Rubenbauer

Sharp Minds Work Here

Space, IT, Cyber and AI? Yeah, it’s all here. This is big brain-stuff.

Featured in this post

Jon Novak

Julian Bedford

Ethan Rubenbauer

Quiz

Tuition Assistance for service members covers up to _____ of expenses for courses taken at accredited institutions.

25%

100%

50%

95%

If you’re looking for a quality education that is both affordable and accessible, the Military’s got you covered.

Captain Shaelyn Layton jumps and poses in snow

Shaelyn Layton

Captain
Army Reserve

Balanced Life

Break That Mold

Shaelyn knows showing up and being true to yourself is what makes the team stronger.

See the Options

Military Structure

Squad Goals

At its heart, the Military runs on tight-knit teams working together seamlessly. Here’s a glance at one such team in the Army.

Squad

Think of this as the tightest group: around 10 Soldiers and a leader, built to move fast — together!

Elijah Hill

On the Job

Elijah Hill

On the Go

Behind every move, big or small, is someone making sure the wheels keep turning. For Elijah, that’s the job.

Find What Moves You

Did You Know

M Is for ‘Mike’

The NATO phonetic alphabet helps avoid mix-ups over radios and ensures crystal-clear communication with others. Each letter has a code word, so messages come through loud and clear.

Learn More

Ofori Barnaby Jr. ("Barnaby")

My Story

Ofori Barnaby Jr. ("Barnaby")

Off the Beaten Path

Finding beauty in new places is Barnaby’s way of turning challenges into opportunities.

Explore New Paths

Nick O’Sullivan

On the Job

High-Speed Commute

Think ride-sharing on water, but with bigger energy. Special warfare combat crewmen handle insertion and extraction missions featuring dynamic, multi-service teams.

Explore More

On the Job

Yeah, You Can Be This

You don’t have to change who you are to serve. With hundreds of roles in fields that include medicine, culinary arts, A/V and even dog handling, you can love what you do and grow while doing it.

Careers in Action

Christian Sutton

My Story

Christian Sutton

One Match at a Time

Bone marrow donor? Yes. Soldier? Also yes. Christian found a way to make a difference far beyond the mission.

Featured in this post

Christian Sutton

Master Sergeant
Air Force Reserve

Shakeyna Smith

Snapshots

Shakeyna Smith

Master Sergeant
Air Force Reserve

Groove Therapy

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!

Follow Her Lead

Poll Poll: Which aspect of military service appeals to you the most?

Hope Barboza

Milestones

Hope Barboza

Moments With Meaning

Hope’s got more than a few of these special “challenge coins” in her collection, but they all carry meaning. Each one reflects a personal moment of achievement and recognition.

Earning Your Edge

Quiz

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.

Rebekah Hardacre

Milestones

Rebekah Hardacre

Beauty in Beast Mode

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.

Confidence Boost

Featured in this post

Rebekah Hardacre

Luis Villegas

On the Job

Luis Villegas

Can You Guess My Job?

Luis helps train the Army’s eyes in the sky, but his students never leave the ground. Swipe through the clues and take your best guess.

Featured in this post

Luis Villegas

Logan Balvik

Logan Balvik

Thomas Schwab

Thomas Schwab

Logan Balvik

Thomas Schwab

Balanced Life

Logan Balvik

Thomas Schwab

Educational Opportunities

POV: You’re a service member and you can focus on your studies instead of how you’re going to pay your bills.

Featured in this post

Logan Balvik

Thomas Schwab

Isaac Esene

Balanced Life

The Best of Both Worlds

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.

Learn More

Francesca Lograsso

On the Job

Francesca Lograsso

Service With a Smile

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.

Floss Boss

Ethan Rubenbauer

Balanced Life

Ethan Rubenbauer

California Coded

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.

Featured in this post

Ethan Rubenbauer

Ofori Barnaby Jr. ("Barnaby")

My Story

Ofori Barnaby Jr. ("Barnaby")

Where in the World Is Barnaby?

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.

Find Your Path

Juan Canas

Juan Canas

Milestones

Juan Canas

Thriving in Paradise

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 😎☀️📚

Featured in this post

Juan Canas

Philip Jeffries

Milestones

Philip Jeffries

Flexibility Flex

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.

Featured in this post

Philip Jeffries

David Perez

Captain
Marine Corps

My Story

David Perez

Captain
Marine Corps

Healthy Competition

Competitive by nature, Capt. Perez found his path in the Marine Corps. His experiences focused his drive to succeed and gave him skills that will carry into the future.

Find Your Way

Snapshots

A Day at MEPS

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.

The First Step

MYTH VS. REALITY

The Myth

You won’t make it through Basic Training

MYTH VS. REALITY

The Reality

“People think it’s so hard and that they couldn’t make it through Basic Training. Anybody can make it through Basic if they want to do it.”

Corbin Farrar

Jon Novak

Balanced Life

Jon Novak

No-Cost Education Boss

Jon’s completed his master’s degree in engineering while serving, all at no cost. What’ll he do next? It really feels like the sky’s the limit.

Featured in this post

Jon Novak

Poll Poll Military Education Benefits interest

Hope Barboza

My Story

Hope Barboza

ROTC Rundown

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.

ROTC 4 Me

MYTH VS. REALITY

The Myth

Everyone in the Military is superhuman

MYTH VS. REALITY

The Reality

“The Military is made up of everyday people who are going out there and just want to do something bigger than themselves.”

Austin Dickey

Captain
Marine Corps

Earn, Learn & Live

DYK?

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!

Marcus Di Bernardo

On the Job

Marcus Di Bernardo

Making a ‘Word’ of Difference

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. 🗣

Speaking Up

Francesca Lograsso

Balanced Life

Francesca Lograsso

Barracks and Buddies

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.

Meaningful Connections

Kyla Bruno

My Story

Kyla Bruno

Head in the Cloud

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.

Life Upgrade Ready

Daviyd “Rex” Hearn

Daviyd “Rex” Hearn

Daviyd “Rex” Hearn

Daviyd “Rex” Hearn

Daviyd “Rex” Hearn

Snapshots

Daviyd “Rex” Hearn

Keeping Things Running

From aircraft ✈️ maintenance to working on his personal wheels, 🏎️ Rex enjoys the flexibility to do what he loves, on duty or off.

Featured in this post

Daviyd “Rex” Hearn

MYTH VS. REALITY

The Myth

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.”

Daviyd “Rex” Hearn

Julian Bedford

On the Job

Julian Bedford

How COOL Is This?

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.

Featured in this post

Julian Bedford

First Lieutenant
Air Force

Phillip Lane

On the Job

Phillip Lane

First Lieutenant
Air Force

Cutting Edge

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.

Featured in this post

Phillip Lane

First Lieutenant
Air Force

Quiz

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.

Ofori Barnaby Jr. ("Barnaby")

On the Job

Ofori Barnaby Jr. ("Barnaby")

CEO in Training

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. 🏥

Pursuing Dreams & Passions

Arianne Gunn

Why does Arianne always break into a jig after making shrimp and grits?

‘Cause she just cannot resist a little “shell-ebration”!

Justin Ciecierski

Milestones

Justin Ciecierski

Skill Set Fast Track

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!

2 Degrees Cooler

Brittany Hume-Dawson

My Story

Brittany Hume-Dawson

The Officer’s Path

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.

Featured in this post

Brittany Hume-Dawson

Emily Dowdell

Sergeant
Army Reserve

What did the acorn say when it grew up? Geometry (“Gee-I’m-a-tree”)!

As a full-time teacher and math tutor, Emily loves a good math joke.

Hope Barboza

Balanced Life

Hope Barboza

Making Time for Downtime

Hope knows that you perform your best when you feel your best. That’s why she leads by example by prioritizing a work-life balance.

A Balanced Life

Alexis Suarez

Did You Know

Alexis Suarez

The Perks Keep Coming

Picture this: Many of the things you like to do in your free time at little to no cost! This is the case on base.

Featured in this post

Alexis Suarez

Tyra Newton

Sourav Choudhury

Joshua Vaccianna

Milestones

Tyra Newton

Sourav Choudhury

Joshua Vaccianna

Skills for Every Occasion

In the Military, developing impressive new skills is the norm. The opportunity to collaborate with creative thinkers is what makes the experience exceptional.

Level Up Together

Mike Perez

Balanced Life

Opportunities Abound

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.

Paying for College

Chanel Robbs

On the Job

Chanel Robbs

Anything Is Possible

“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.”

Toward the Greater Good

Did You Know

Packed With Perks

You might be surprised by all the Military has to offer!

Learn More

Quiz

True or false: There are photographers, musicians and chefs working in the Military.

TRUE

FALSE

Fact: Each Service offers a surprising range of professional opportunities. Yes, that includes being a chef!

Jada Madson

DYK you can be a multiple launch rocket system crewmember and still have time to pursue a degree in exercise science, just like Jada?

Taylor DeHoratiis

Off Duty Life

Taylor DeHoratiis

Charcuterie and Camaraderie

Who says you can’t have a social life while serving? Taylor prides herself on throwing parties for friends and other service members she works with. 🎉

A Balanced Life

Chanel Robbs

Chanel may love space, but caring for all her house plants keeps her grounded.

Did You Know

Strength in Teamwork

Not FOMO energy, YOLO energy — and everyone’s in it together. That’s life in the Military, where teamwork and different backgrounds are essential.

Teamwork, Dreamwork

Isaac Esene taking a service members blood pressure

Isaac Esene

My Story

Fast-Track to the Future

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.

A Role for Everyone

Taylor DeHoratiis

On the Job

Taylor DeHoratiis

From Whitecaps to the White House

Nothing says fast track like becoming the youngest service member ever assigned to the White House Situation Room. 🛥️→ 🏛️

A Balanced Life

Quiz

Which of these Services are a part of the Military?

Army

Marine Corps

Navy

Air Force

Space Force

Coast Guard

All of the above

No matter what your personal or professional ambitions are, there’s a Service branch for you.

Milestones

Cutting-Edge Careers

If you're looking to be at the forefront of tech, the Military's cyberdefense teams are using tomorrow's technologies today!

Digital Defenders

MYTH VS. REALITY

The Myth

There’s no independent thinking in the Military

MYTH VS. REALITY

The Reality

“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.”

Thomas Schwab

Anthony Pappaly

DYK? Creating IRL comedy videos in New York City made Anthony into a bit of a social media star.

Chyna Gibbs

Chyna Gibbs

Alex Nguy

Alex Nguy

Chyna Gibbs

Alex Nguy

Balanced Life

Chyna Gibbs

Alex Nguy

A Second Family

These service members may not be related by blood, but they are united by a friendship that can feel just as strong.

Featured in this post

Chyna Gibbs

Alex Nguy

Corporal
Army National Guard

Amayah Littlewolf

Milestones

Amayah Littlewolf

Corporal
Army National Guard

Big Moments, Big Conversations

Amayah’s biggest moments in the Army National Guard were made possible thanks to important conversations she and her mother had about the future.

Quiz

True or false: Military training can count for credits at many colleges and universities.

True

False

It's true! Get yourself a head start on those college credits with training and credentialing offered in the Military.

Sidney Wilson

Milestones

Sidney Wilson

Safety on the High Seas

Even when a ship is surrounded by water, firefighters need to be at the ready, all the time.

Featured in this post

Sidney Wilson

Dejanai Camacho

On the Job

Dejanai Camacho

Presenting With Confidence

Presenting the colors at official events has been a confidence builder like no other for Dejanai, a yeoman in the Coast Guard.

Featured in this post

Dejanai Camacho

Technical Sergeant
Air Force Reserve

Juntranek Powell

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).

Did You Know

Military Word of the Day: ASVAB

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.

Learn More

Alex Burtness

My Story

Alex Burtness

Private First Class
Army National Guard

Find Your Full Potential

Alex learned more than underwater rescue in Navy dive school. Goggles aside, his eyes were opened to a new passion for engineering.

Noor Habr

Balanced Life

Noor Habr

Private First Class
Army National Guard

Triple Threat

Get a glimpse of what part-time service is all about with a day in the life of Pfc. Noor Habr. 👇🏼

Jada Madson

Milestones

Jada Madson

Growing in Confidence

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.

Featured in this post

Jada Madson

Trenton Ching

Balanced Life

Trenton Ching

Sky-High Potential

Just look at that balance! No, not Trenton on that satellite dish — we’re talking about the work-life balance service members experience every day.

Chris Mendell

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!)

Education On Your Terms

DYK?

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.

MYTH VS. REALITY

The Myth

The Military is a last resort

MYTH VS. REALITY

The Reality

“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.”

Jon Novak

Airman First Class
Air National Guard

Quiz

The federal government provides $____ in grant money to college students in Active Duty, Guard and Reserve service each year.

$500 million

$10 billion

$150 billion

The federal government provides these grants as a benefit of service. In addition, this amount also covers work-study programs and federal loans.

Marissa Airoldi performing a safety check

Marissa Airoldi

On the Job

Strength in Numbers

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.

Learn & Grow

Snapshots

Military Word of the Day: Day Zero

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.

What’s Boot Camp?

Arianne Gunn

Arianne Gunn

Snapshots

Arianne Gunn

The Ultimate Comfort Food

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.

Featured in this post

Arianne Gunn

Brooke Deiters

On the Job

Brooke Deiters

The Right Path

Cpl. Dieters is a long-boarding, picture-taking pro who just so happens to be a tough-as-nails Marine too.

Careers

Quiz

Which special unit did the Military create to focus on technology that identifies national security threats?

Antivirus software

The IT department

Defense Innovation Unit

None of the above

Is your passion tinkering with tech? Defending the digital frontier is the Military’s jam.

MYTH VS. REALITY

The Myth

There’s no room for creativity

MYTH VS. REALITY

The Reality

“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.’’

Joshua Vaccianna

Airman First Class
Air National Guard

Marissa Airoldi

Marissa’s sky-high aspirations include her education. In addition to serving, she’s also a full-time pre-med student studying to be a dentist one day!

Arianne Gunn

On the Job

Arianne Gunn

This Coastie Is Cookin’ 🚢

Arianne’s homemade shrimp and grits recipe is the perfect go-to dish for hosting dignitaries, VIPs and special guests.

Similar Careers

Milestones

Paths of Potential

Surprised at what you see? We’ve got news for you: This is only scratching the surface of what’s possible in the Military today.

Learn More

Quiz

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).

Alejandro Cervantes-Castro

As a budding chef, Senior Airman Alejandro also knows his way around a kitchen!

MYTH VS. REALITY

The Myth

The Military is like the movies

MYTH VS. REALITY

The Reality

“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.”

Mike Perez

Isaac Esene

Miranda Delamorena

Did You Know

Isaac Esene

Miranda Delamorena

Here to Help

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.

There When Needed

Balanced Life

Finding Fulfillment

Smiling faces and visiting new places — just two of the many reasons the Military is a fulfilling choice.

Find Your Fit

Chanel Robbs

Joshua Vaccianna

Tyra Newton

My Story

Chanel Robbs

Joshua Vaccianna

Tyra Newton

Realizing a Dream

Personal growth stories often start with goals — ones that military service can often help fast-track.

Find Your Track

MYTH VS. REALITY

The Myth

You can’t continue your education in the Military

MYTH VS. REALITY

The Reality

“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.”

Trenton Ching

Nick O’Sullivan

Off Duty Life

Nick O’Sullivan

Enjoying a Balanced Life

An off-duty passion for crafting wooden displays had him open a craft shop online. Today, Nick’s hobby has blossomed into a bustling business.

Featured in this post

Nick O’Sullivan

Aeint Lin

Lin loves playing video games, with a passion for anything involving the challenge of a race.

Quiz

What’s so cool about the Department of War 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 DoW 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.

MYTH VS. REALITY

The Myth

Opportunities are limited in the Military

MYTH VS. REALITY

The Reality

“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.’’

Emily Dowdell

Sergeant
Army Reserve

Unlock Your Potential

ICYMI

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.

Dominique Velazquez

Dominique is a hip-hop dancer who’s performed in front of thousands across the globe.

Off Duty Life

Fun-Filled Days

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.

Busy on Base

Mike Perez

Living and working on base has one big perk for Sgt. Perez: He can use his two-hour lunch breaks to go home and have lunch with his family.

MYTH VS. REALITY

The Myth

There’s no flexibility in the Military

MYTH VS. REALITY

The Reality

“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.”

Alejandro Cervantes-Castro

Chyna Gibbs

Alex Nguy

Chris Mendell

Did You Know

Chyna Gibbs

Alex Nguy

Chris Mendell

Fulfillment That Flexes

Curious about how flexible a commitment the Military might be? Look no further.

Learn More

Alexis Suarez

Isaac Esene

Joanalicia Ramirez

Nick O’Sullivan

Off Duty Life

Alexis Suarez

Isaac Esene

Joanalicia Ramirez

Nick O’Sullivan

Find Your Fun

DYK? Service members still have plenty of time to unplug for DIY projects — or whatever else helps them unwind!

Off Duty, On to the Fun

Isaac Mayard

On the Job

Isaac Mayard

A Day in the Life – Isaac Mayard

Cyberdefense is where it’s at! Just ask Space Force Sgt. Isaac Mayard.

Joshua Vaccianna

With Joshua's aspiration to become a neurosurgeon, self-improvement is always on the brain!

MYTH VS. REALITY

The Myth

Women can’t work in combat roles

MYTH VS. REALITY

The Reality

“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.”

Jada Madson

Quiz

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.

Tyra Newton

As if the Navy doesn’t provide enough adventure already, Tyra also draws her own adventures in graphic novels.

On the Job

Building Blocks

Looking to build your personal and professional skills? The Military offers the tools to help you grow before, during and after service.

Success Speaks

MYTH VS. REALITY

The Myth

There's no individuality in the Military

MYTH VS. REALITY

The Reality

“There is room for all types of people, and every individual has strengths to bring to the Service.”

Adrian Vasquez

Adam Krauland

Adam loves taking advantage of “military days” at a local ski resort (which for him means the ski rentals and lift passes don't cost a thing).

Des Fournier

Lieutenant
Navy

Balanced Life

Des Fournier

Lieutenant
Navy

Striking the Right Balance

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. ✈️❤️

Achieving Balance

Travis Stephan

Travis Stephan

On the Job

Travis Stephan

Sky-High Dreamin’

As one of 14 pilots in his immediate family, Travis was born to have his head in the clouds. The Air National Guard made his ascent an easy one.

Featured in this post

Travis Stephan

Snapshots

Challenge Accepted

Think you have what it takes to help the Military defend the nation from cyberthreats? Test your cyber skills and find out.

Play the Game

Miranda Delamorena

Yes, you CAN have a pet in the Military! And Miranda's new German shepherd loves to accompany her on walks.

Brittany Hume-Dawson

Brittany Hume-Dawson

Alex Nguy

Alex Nguy

Brittany Hume-Dawson

Alex Nguy

Milestones

Brittany Hume-Dawson

Alex Nguy

A Foot in the Door

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.

Featured in this post

Brittany Hume-Dawson

Alex Nguy

Balanced Life

Community Means Everything

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.

Good Vibes Crew

MYTH VS. REALITY

The Myth

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.”

The Sky Is Not the Limit

Sourav’s passion for flight took off with paper planes as a child, but his dreams have always soared far beyond Earth.

Featured in this post

Sourav Choudhury