Small Schools Cooperative

Transcription

1 Small Schools Cooperative Military Planning Guide

2 Points to Consider Before Signing a Military Enlistment Agreement 1. Do not make a quick decision by enlisting the first time you see a recruiter or when you are upset. Don t make this important decision when you are depressed, hard up for work, confused or unsure about your future, or pressured by your family. This decision affects many years of your life; don t make it lightly. 2. Take a witness with you when you speak with a recruiter. There is a lot of information to take in. A friend can take notes and help you ask questions. 3. Talk to veterans. Veterans can give you their view of military life, good and bad. 4. Consider your moral feelings about going to war. The mission of the military is to prepare for and wage war. If you cannot in good conscience engage in war or in killing, you should not consider enlisting. If you become opposed to war after you join, you have the right to seek a discharge, but it is a long, difficult and uncertain process. 5. Get a copy of the enlistment agreement. Read the fine print carefully, especially the part about what the military can order you to do. You do have a right to take this home, look it over and ask others about it. 6. There is no period of adjustment during which you may request and receive an immediate honorable discharge. Once you have left for basic training, you must fulfill the full number of years (usually eight, with some of these in the Reserves) on your enlistment con tract. You cannot leave of your own free will. The military, however, may decide you are unsuitable and discharge you without your consent. 7. Get all your recruiter s promises in writing but also remember that the military can change the terms (such as pay, job or benefits) of your work. Though there are no guarantees, a written statement may offer you (as a service member) some protection if promises are not met. However, the contract is more binding on you than on the military. You are ultimately resp onsible for information on the form, so be honest. 8. There are no job guarantees in the military. The military is not required to keep you in the job you trained for on a full -time or permanent basis. Placements are mostly dependent on what the military perceives it needs. 9. Military personnel cannot exercise all of the civil liberties enjoyed by civilians. You do not have the same constitutional rights. Your rights to free speech, assembly, petition and exercise of individual expression (such as clothi ng or hairstyle) are restricted. You must follow all orders given to you, whether or not you agree with them and consider them right or fair. 10. Are you physically able to meet the demands of a military lifestyle? Basic training and routine training involve often grueling physical exercise, ability to carry heavy packs and equipment, and the ability to put one s physical discomfort away in order to complete a task. If you are able to meet the physical and mental demands a military lifestyle, there are m any exciting and valuable opportunities waiting for you.

3 What the military s looking for Instead of clueless applicants, the military is looking for students with strong grades who want to attend college. The military is no longer a last -choice option, because of our stricter standards, because of our opportunity to go to college, Priest says. Great grades are just one qualification. Gunnery Sgt. James Connolly with the U.S. Marines says the military is looking for students who are also mentally a nd physically healthy. Connolly says soldiers as young as 21 and 22 are working on multimillion -dollar equipment. If you don t have the street smarts or the education to handle this stuff, it s not a good fit, he says. The military also has physical requirements. Connolly says some students have to train to pass the physical exam. They may be 50 pounds overweight, but if they show heart and determination, we can work with them, he says. Qualifying students have to show their professionalism and maturi ty to recruiters. Sgt. First Class Richard Byrd with the U.S. Army says students don t need to dress formally, but th ey must look appropriate. No tank tops, cut-offs, short shorts or halter tops. Nothing that could get anyone in trouble, Byrd says. What to expect at a meeting When first meeting a recruiter, Byrd says you should shake hands. Priest says you should expect the first meeting to last an hour, and you should come prepared with questions. Students who take the time to create a list of questions show recruiters that they re interested and serious about the military. One student, for example, came in with a list of thoughtful questions; Priest says it showed intelligence. I knew I wanted her on my team. She s still in the Navy until this day, he says. Priest recommends meeting with recruiters from all four branches. The Navy strongly encourages you to talk to all four, Priest says. There are some branches that will spend the full interview talking to you about their misconceptions of the other branches. Having a list of prepared questions can get recruiters back to talking about their branch, not the others. Ask about the commitment, benefits and boot camp, or basic training. Ask about the mental and physical requirements required. If you re out of shape, you may have plenty of time to begin a training program. Connolly says a Marine recruiter will give a student a sample program to follow. Not for you? After meeting with a recruiter, you may feel like the military is not a good fit for you. If that s the case, Byrd says to be up front with the recruiter so no time is wasted. Just be honest and say, At this present time, I choose not to go further with this option, Byrd says. Unfortunately, kids will not answer the phone, or set up meetings and not come. The military will ask you to reveal any past drug problems or criminal history. And you re expected to answer honestly. We will find out if you are lying, Priest says. Retention is extremely high and articulation is really low. We can be selective.

4 You can continue meeting with recruiters until you ve made a decision. Recruiters will also meet with parents and answer their questions or concerns. The more questions you ask, the better informed you will become, Priest says. Recruiters can t: Force a student to sign any document. Promise a student they ll get the military job they want. Promise where a student will be stationed. Waive any enlistment requirements. Joining the military is a big decision, and recruiters say it s not the best choice fo r everyone. Learn more about the lifestyle and career from the contacts below. Air Force: The Air Force calls its recruiters advisers. At AirForce.com, you can do a quick search to find the nearest recruitment center. You can also chat online with an adviser or fill out a form to request more information. The Web site also answers questions about commitment, benefits and life in the Air Force. Or, call (800) 423-USAF ( ). Army: The Army s Web site, GoArmy.com, answers questions about service options, commitment and benefits. It also has a live chat option through which you can asks recruiters questions. No computer? Call (800) USA-ARMY ( ) and ask to speak with a recruiter in your area. Coast Guard: The U.S. Coast Guard Web site, GoCoastGuard.com, has a local recruiter search and information about the Coast Guard s responsibiliti es. The site also answers questions about benefits and entry requirements. Call the Coast Guard at (800) 438 -USCG ( ) Marines: The Marine Corps Web site, Marines.com, has a parent guide, information about life in the Corps and an interactive history of the Corps. Fill out an online form to request more information, or call (800) MARINES ( ). Navy: Visit Navy.com to read more about life in the Navy. The Web site has an interactive quiz, the Life Accelerator, to help students focus their career interests. Students can also do a quick search to find local recruiting centers or do an online chat with a recruiter. Call the Navy at (800) USA-NAVY ( ). National Guard: Visit 1800GoGuard.com. Unlike the other Armed Forces branches, the Guard has a dual mission, meaning they answer to both state and federal governments. So Guard Soldiers can be deployed by either the governor of their residen t state, or the president of the United States, depending on where they are needed most. Because of the National Guard s dual state-federal mission, Guard members can be mobilized to protect and defend America in battle domestically or overseas. From article posted at :

5 Notes For Meeting With Military Recruiter (Take with you to your appointment) 1. What is the minimum tour of duty (time commitment)? 2. What kind of training will they giv e me in my interest area(s)? How can I apply it to civilian life? 3. How will my learning disability affect my ability to fulfill expectations in the military? Will there be ways to accommodate problem areas? 4. Is the military consistent with my career interests, aptitudes, and values? 5. How do military and work opportunities compare with civilian training and work opportunities I might have?