Guiding Students Toward Service
Understanding Military Pathways—Enlistment, ROTC, and Service Academies
by Lauren Rosenfeld
I’ve been an educator for the past 23 years and have had the privilege of working with a wide range of students, each with their own unique post–high school aspirations. While many of my students considered the traditional path to college, not all were best suited for a continuation of the conventional classroom experience. Some students thrived when given the opportunity to learn in more hands-on, experiential ways that broke away from traditional academic models. These students were often driven by a desire to find meaningful, purpose-filled paths that aligned with their strengths, interests, and values. And for many, including one particular student we will call Patrick, that desire led them to inquiring about military service. Patrick was a student who struggled with traditional classroom learning. He preferred hands-on work and gravitated toward learning practical skills he could apply immediately, rather than focusing on theory or subjects he viewed as 'irrelevant.' I helped Patrick through his last two years of high school, and with his preparation for the military placement tests he needed in order to enlist upon receiving his diploma(which was, at times, a struggle for sure!). This experience helped me to see that there are so many other opportunities for our students outside of the traditional college pathway. With the correct information, so many more of our students can find the success they desire.
As a school counselor, you play a pivotal role in helping students explore their futures. Regardless of which path your students are interested in, Contigo Ed has resources to help you support your students on that journey. Our relevant resources are linked on the bottom of this page. For example, our Transition Success Steps, can be found in the Transition & Summer Melt microcourse.
When working with students that may opt for a less traditional approach-a future which may include a commitment to military service—it is important to understand the options that are available. The U.S. military offers several distinct entry points, and understanding the differences between Enlistment, ROTC, and Service Academies can help you guide students toward the path that best fits their goals.
Let’s break down each of these options—including how students enroll—so you can confidently support those who are considering a life of service.
Enlistment: A Direct Path After High School
For students who are eager to begin their journey right after high school, enlistment offers a direct and structured entry into the military. Enlisted service members receive technical training, valuable career skills, and a chance to serve immediately.
How to Enroll:
The first step is to meet with a recruiter, which students can do as early as age 17 with parental consent.
They’ll then take the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) to determine which military careers they qualify for.
Next, they’ll complete a physical examination at a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS).
Once qualified, students can choose a job field and sign an enlistment contract, which outlines their service commitment and training schedule.
Finally, they’ll attend Basic Training, usually shortly after graduation.
When to Start:
It’s ideal to begin these conversations during junior year. By senior year, students can take the ASVAB, visit MEPS, and meet with recruiters.
Resources for Counselors:
Counselor Tip: Encourage students to research all branches of the military, including:
Each branch offers different opportunities, cultures, and benefits.
ROTC: College + Military Leadership Development
For students who want a traditional college experience while preparing for a future as a military officer, the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) is an excellent option. ROTC programs are available at more than 1,700 colleges and universities across the U.S., blending academic coursework with military training and leadership development.
How to Enroll
There are two main ways students can join ROTC:
National High School Scholarship Program
This scholarship is open to high school seniors.
Applications usually open in the summer and are due between October and February of senior year.
Requirements include transcripts, a physical fitness assessment, an interview, and sometimes SAT/ACT scores.
The scholarship can cover full or partial tuition, books, and includes a monthly stipend.
Campus-Based Enrollment
Students who don’t receive a scholarship out of high school can still join ROTC during their first or second year of college.
Many of these students later earn scholarships and commit to military service.
When to Start
Encourage students to start scholarship applications in the early fall of senior year. For those undecided, introduce ROTC as a college planning topic during junior year.
Resources for Counselors:
Counselor Tip: Help students identify ROTC programs at the colleges they’re considering. Remind them that the first year of ROTC (in most programs) does not require a military commitment, which can be a great way to explore the option without pressure.
Service Academies: A Prestigious, Purpose-Driven Education
For high-achieving students with a passion for leadership and public service, the U.S. Service Academies offer a world-class education—completely tuition-free. Graduates of these four-year academies earn a bachelor’s degree and a commission as a military officer.
Academy options include:
How to Enroll:
Students should begin preparing in sophomore or junior year.
Most academies require a nomination from a U.S. Representative or Senator, or other eligible nominating source. (Note: the Coast Guard Academy does not require a nomination.)
The application includes:
Academic records and transcripts
Letters of recommendation
Medical exam via DoDMERB
A Candidate Fitness Assessment
Important Deadlines:
Service academy applications are typically due by January 31 of senior year.
Nomination requests often close earlier—in the fall—so students must plan ahead.
Resources for Counselors:
Counselor Tip: Keep a tracking checklist for students interested in the academies. Because the process is highly competitive, your support with deadlines, recommendations, and fitness preparation can make a huge difference.
General Resources to Bookmark
Contigo Ed Microcourse: Transition & Summer Melt
Contigo Ed Microcourse: Postsecondary Pathways
Contigo Ed Microcourse: Future Plans
Contigo Ed Resource: Military Pathways Counselor Checklist
Choosing the Right Path: A Quick Comparison
Here’s a summary chart to help guide student conversations:
How Counselors Can Support Students
Your guidance matters more than ever when students are navigating the complexities of military pathways. Here are some ways you can help:
Provide accurate, up-to-date information about each military option
Track and share scholarship and academy deadlines with students and families
Connect students with local recruiters or ROTC campus representatives
Offer strong letters of recommendation and help organize academic records
Facilitate conversations between students and parents about service commitment
Final Thoughts
For the right student—like Patrick—military service can offer unmatched leadership development, educational benefits, and a strong sense of belonging. I was fortunate to catch up with him recently, about five years after graduation, and he is thriving as a U.S. Marine. He shared that enlisting was absolutely the right decision for him—so much so that he’s encouraged his younger brother to follow the same path. When a student finds the journey that truly fits and returns to share their success, there’s no greater reward for the work we do as educators. I hope you, too, will have the opportunity to guide your own ‘Patrick’ toward a meaningful and fulfilling post–high school path.
