.:: K-HITS ::.

Concert Calendar
New Releases
Artist of the Week
CD Reviews
Classic Hits Links
Listen Now

Join the Workforce
Promotions
JC & the U-Man
All Around Town
Singles Connection
Air Personalities
Contact Info
Advertise With Us

Great Outdoors Clubs / Venues
St. Louis Attractions

Career Channel
Autoworld
Traffic

U.S. Military

Career Overview

Military staffing cutbacks during the 1990s led to heightened recruiting requirements in accordance with the idea that the military of the future would be "smaller but smarter." In the wake of September 11, 2001, though, that outlook has changed.

Suddenly, for the first time in more than a decade, there's a major threat to U.S. security-and a renewed interest in maintaining a large, strong military. Depending on our near-term success in fighting terrorism, in the longer term, some say, we may even have to go back to a model in which military service is no longer a career choice, but is instead a career requirement: a model that includes drafting young citizens for mandatory military service.

That scenario may not come to pass, but in the meanwhile there's a new call to arms for folks considering the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marines. Unlike in the 1990s, though, recruits can't think of military service as primarily a means to professional training, a pension, and money for education. Instead, recruits need to consider the fact that they may very well be asked to give their lives for their country.

What You'll Do
Once you are signed up, you have a wealth of options available to you. The military has a need for virtually every type of worker imaginable, from short-order cooks to aircraft auto mechanics. Moreover, training is free. Many people have realized their career goals through the armed forces.

Although vocational and technical training is most common, military personnel can receive up to 75 percent tuition reimbursement for accredited college courses taken while on active duty. Higher education is encouraged in the military, and professionals such as doctors and lawyers are needed in every command. Best of all, the military believes in promotion from within, and every branch has specialized programs to allow enlisted personnel to attend Officers Candidate School (OCS)-regardless of their formal educational levels.

Indeed, the U.S. military has been described as the most meritocratic organization in the world. Every facet of military life, from recruitment to promotion, is based on merit. Each rank has specific responsibilities and privileges, but the requirements for attaining that rank are equally specific: Anyone who meets those requirements must be recognized. Minorities such as African Americans and Latinos have traditionally excelled in the military, and more recently, women have been successful in attaining even the loftiest ranks in every branch.

All branches of the U.S. military maintain bases overseas, and there are almost 100 different bases around the world where you may end up being stationed. The Army, Navy, and Air Force maintain a presence on virtually every continent, including Antarctica.

Military Life
No matter where you are stationed, the military quickly becomes a way of life. Your days are planned, your meals prepared, and your safety assured by a benevolent but omnipotent despot. Soldiers often refer to the government and the military as their "rich uncle." The term is one of endearment. The sheltering umbrella of the U.S. military provides everything you need: housing, food, education, and the other necessities of life. All that is required of you in return is discipline, obedience, and allegiance-and, in times of war, sometimes your life.

« Return to Previous Page

On the Web:
·  Career Guide
·  Find a Job
·  Watch a Video