The end of senior year can signal a new beginning for seniors. It marks the time they finally embark out into the world and start their new lives.

Some students already have a plan when they leave high school; some have no clue. Some students choose to join the military.

The military offers many benefits for a student just coming out of high school such as tuition assistance.

However, joining the military shouldn’t be based on only that you might get paid a lot, a student considering it should think about it beforehand and make sure it’s something they really want to do.

“Look at if you want to do this on a full-time basis,” National Guard member Christy Allen said, “Full-time is when after you graduate they send you wherever they need you. It’s basically like your career. Part-time is when you’re only required to be on duty one weekend a month and two weeks in summer.”

The National Guard is only one of five military branches. There’s the National Guard, Marines, Coast Guard, Navy, and the Air Force.

Every branch offers different things, different benefits and challenges. All branches have requirements and rules that are unique to them.

“They’re the hardest branch out of all the services,” senior Lacey Elkins said. “They offer me the challenge nothing else did. I want to serve my country.”

Patriotism is a big factor for people joining the military. Making the decision to serve your country, whether it be in combat or in another role, is a choice that shouldn’t be made lightly. But there are things recruiters look for in interested students.

“We look for integrity, a willingness to serve their country, loyalty, people skills, and physical fitness,” Allen said. “We also look at piercings and tattoos, small ear piercings are fine, but large one, like gages, aren’t really what we’re looking for. We also look for eye contact, but not so much a strong handshake.”

Most of the time recruiters talk to juniors and seniors because they’re closer to graduating, and need more options. But underclassmen can still talk to them.

If someone is considering a military career, talking to a counselor is a good first step.

“If we have students interested in the military, we get them in touch with a recruiter,” school counselor Suellyn Stenger said.

The military life isn’t for everyone though. It’s a challenging mental and physical occupation with rigorous training methods and a planned out lifestyle.

Elkins isn’t worried though.

“No, not at all,” Elkins said. “I feel I’m pretty prepared for the physical parts.”

Overall, the military is a demanding job, physically and mentally, but that shouldn’t stop you if it’s something you want to do.

“Give it a try, you never know who you’ll meet,” Elkins said. “Even if you’re struggling, there’s so many people who will guide you.”

18mschmidt1@usd489.com