These military officers are among the top leaders of the world. Each of them endured a grueling training process that amplified their leadership abilities and honed their technical skills. These men and women are cabable of collectively responding to the highly dynamic combat environment presented to United States soldiers today.

There are several paths you can take to becoming an officer in the US military:

ROTC
The Reserve Officer’s Training Corps is a training program designed for 4-year college students. While attending a university to earn their degree, these student leaders participate in leadership training that gets them ready to enter the military upon graduation. This training regimen involves a variety of exercises including weekly afternoon labs, semesterly field training exercises located at a nearly military installation, and regular physical training (PT) drills. Although rigorous, this program is worth the sacrifice; cadets are eligible for scholarships, living stipends, and other benefits. Visit ROTC.com for more info.

OFFICER CANDIDATE SCHOOL
If you enlisted in the military but are now eligible to become an officer (such as by earning a college degree) then you can apply for your branch’s officer selection course. These programs include the Army’s Officer Candidate School at Ft. Benning, Georgia, the Navy’s OCS in Newport, Rhode Island, and the Air Force’s Officer Training School. These courses last around 12 weeks and test each candidate’s physical and mental limits, preparing them for the stress of leading others in combat.

Whether you participate on ROTC or attend an officer training course, once you receive your officer rank you will be among the best of the best.

Learn more about officer careers in the US military! ]]> http://www.soldier.net/83/join-as-an-officer-and-become-a-leader/feed/ 0 http://www.soldier.net/73/benefits-of-serving-your-country-in-the-us-military/ http://www.soldier.net/73/benefits-of-serving-your-country-in-the-us-military/#comments Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:11:17 +0000 ArinF http://www.soldier.net/?p=73 As a member of the United States Armed Forces, you will carry with you an unmistakeable pride that can only be shared with those who have served alongside you. Although this is arguably the most fulfilling and worthwhile benefit from your service, there is also a variety of tangible benefits that are at your disposal during and after your term of service.

Although the specific numbers and details differ for each respective branch, each offers similar benefits to all of it members. Below is a brief outline of the major benefits you can earn.

HEALTHCARE
This is one of the most important benefits when considering any profession in today’s job market. Every branch of the US military offers a competitive healthcare program for its servicemembers. Members of each service are eligible for low-cost life insurance up to $400,000, and servicemembers and their families are automatically granted health and dental coverage.

EDUCATION
According to the Montgomery GI Bill, members of the United States military are eligible for full tuition coverage to attend undergraduate, graduate, or specialty degree programs. If you are not able to afford schooling, then the military is a great option for you to complete your education.

VACATION AND TRAVEL
Servicemembers earn 30 days of paid vacation every year! If you plan to use these vacation periods to travel, then you can travel to many different destinations at a highly discounted rate. Additionally, when not deployed, soldiers do not typically work weekends unless required for certain training exercises.

RETIREMENT
Each military branch offers a uniquely competitive retirement plan for you after you have completed your service. Whether you establish a lifelong career with the military or return to the civilian world, the military will be behind you with support. Keep in mind that many of the military’s educational benefits are still available after you leave the service.

Learn more about how serving in the US military can help you! ]]> http://www.soldier.net/73/benefits-of-serving-your-country-in-the-us-military/feed/ 0 http://www.soldier.net/53/what-it-means-to-be-a-us-soldier/ http://www.soldier.net/53/what-it-means-to-be-a-us-soldier/#comments Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:29:34 +0000 ArinF http://www.soldier.net/?p=53 Depending on which branch of the United States Military in which you choose to serve, you will be taught a certain set of core values that you will carry with you during your service. These values are introduced and emphasized during your initial training, and you will be required to know them by heart and apply them to your everyday life. These values are more than just empty mottos for each branch, they are the foundation for each and every soldier.

Army Core Values

Loyalty – Bear true faith and allegiance to the U.S. constitution, the Army, and other soldiers.
Be loyal to the nation and its heritage.

Duty – Fulfill your obligations.

Respect – Treat others respectfully as they should be treated.

Selfless Service – Put the welfare of the nation, the Army, and your subordinates before your own.

Honor – Live up to the Army values.

Integrity – Do what is right, legally and morally.

Personal Courage – Our ability to face fear, danger, or adversity, both physical and moral courage.

Navy and Marine Core Values

Honor – “I will bear true faith and allegiance …”

Courage – “I will support and defend …”

Commitment – “I will obey the orders …”

Air Force Core Values

Integrity First – courage, honesty, responsibility, accountability, justice, openness, self-respect, humility

Service Before Self – rule following, respect for others, discipline and self-control

Excellence in All We Do – service, personal, and community excellence

Discover what you can do with your life in the US military!

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